Te Lo Cuento News, Latinos Connect founder announced as 26-27 Obama Foundation Leader

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The founder of Te Lo Cuento News, St. Joseph's bilingual, Latino-led news platform, was announced as a 2026-2027 Obama Foundation Leader.

María José Ramírez Braíz, who is also the founder of Latinos Connect, a community organization and support group for local Latino residents, is one of 50 leaders participating in the Obama Foundation Leaders USA program.

Ramírez Braíz will receive values-based leadership development designed to strengthen skills and scale her work across the public, private and nonprofit sectors.

Ramírez Braíz is a Venezuelan-American journalist and immigrant based in St. Joseph, Missouri.

According to a news release, Ramírez Braíz has built a model that connects Latino communities with information, institutions, resources and opportunities while helping immigrants integrate, continue developing professionally, and fully contribute to the communities they now call home.

Ramírez Braíz will participate in the eight-month program through virtual meetings to strengthen leadership skills, build relationships with peers and engage with leaders and members of the Obama Foundation community.

The Obama Foundation Leaders USA Program includes 50 leaders from 29 states and territories working across areas including democracy and civic engagement, public safety, artificial intelligence, public health, rural and economic opportunity and arts and culture.