The economic and social strength of the Latino community in the United States continues to grow, and more and more leaders are transforming their immigrant stories into networks of support and real opportunities. One of them is Amaury Abreu, a young Dominican who, in an Impact Talk, shared how his entrepreneurial vision led him to found KommunityApp, a networking platform that connects around 200 Latino professionals in the Philadelphia region.
Originally from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Amaury arrived in Pennsylvania in 2015 with the goal of pursuing a college education. He began his studies at Millersville University. and graduated with a degree in Digital Communication, although his initial interest was in Political Science. “I was always drawn to understanding how government and politics work, but I ended up finding my calling in communication,” he recalled.
From photography to local journalism
During his college years, the young entrepreneur took advantage of every experience to learn about business. He first launched a small photography service, then a family-run house-cleaning business, and finally a local newspaper, Qué Hubo News, which provided Spanish-language news to a Hispanic community with limited access to local information tailored to their needs. That project helped him better understand the challenges and strengths of Latino immigrants in Pennsylvania.
After moving to Philadelphia, he identified a recurring issue: many talented and business-savvy Latinos were working in isolation, without support networks or spaces for effective collaboration. That’s how KommunityApp was born—first as a WhatsApp group and now as a bilingual digital platform designed to organize networking events, rent spaces, hire vendors, and create collaborative opportunities among entrepreneurs and professionals.
“The idea is to build a community where instead of sharing gossip, we share opportunities that lift us up,” he explained
A network to dream big
KommunityApp brings together everyone from photographers and DJs to legal, accounting, and marketing consultants. The network spans multiple industries and promotes economic mobility within the Latino community. “We want more Latinos to go beyond traditional businesses like bodegas or restaurants and start creating technology, software, and solutions with large-scale impact,” he emphasized.
The platform not only helps those looking to grow their business, but also supports those organizing community or corporate events who need to find venues, vendors, and services with ease. Moreover, his venture promotes agreements with local businesses so that independent cafes and restaurants can rent out their spaces for events, generating additional income and greater visibility for each business.
Looking ahead to major events coming to Philadelphia—such as the six matches of the 2026 World Cup and the celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary—Amaury emphasized that the Latino community has a major opportunity to showcase itself to the world. “If we work together, we can create unforgettable experiences for tourists and clearly show the value we bring to this city and to the country,” he stressed.
He also pointed out that Philadelphia, despite sometimes receiving a negative reputation in national media, offers great opportunities for those looking to get ahead. “Anyone who spends time here discovers that there are resources, support, and a community ready to collaborate,” he said.
Unity and Collaboration as a Driving Force
For those who have not yet decided to take the leap into entrepreneurship, Amaury was clear: “It takes the same effort to open a small business as a big one, so you have to think big. There will never be a perfect moment; what matters is to take the leap and adapt,” he said.
Currently, joining KommunityApp is free: simply register to gain access to events, resources, and an invitation to join the WhatsApp group. From there, members support one another, share contacts, job opportunities, and trusted recommendations.
“Unity is our foundation. That’s why it’s highlighted in the Kommunity logo,” the visionary explained. “It’s our way of reminding ourselves that we don’t compete with each other: we join forces so we can all move further together,” he concluded.
At a time when polarization and division threaten to stall the progress of immigrant communities, stories like that of this young Dominican show that when strong networks are built and unity is cultivated, the true engine of change and progress is the community itself.
On August 21, the free workshop “Business Workshop: How to Get a Business Loan”, organized by NKCDC and Impact Loan Fund, will take place. The session will be led by Amaury Abreu and is designed to guide entrepreneurs on how to qualify for a business loan.
The event will also provide special information about a Kensington Business Assistance Program, which offers capital to local businesses to cover costs for professional services such as legal advice, accounting, marketing, and more.
Location: 3000 Kensington Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19134. Free admission
