Yuri Cunza is an accomplished media professional, business leader, and community advocate, deeply involved in both the Hispanic community and the broader Nashville area. Currently serving as the President and CEO of the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Yuri has played an instrumental role in supporting and promoting the interests of Hispanic businesses and individuals in Middle Tennessee. His leadership in the chamber has helped foster stronger economic connections, drive business growth, and elevate the voices of Latino entrepreneurs in the region.
Beyond his role with the Hispanic Chamber, Yuri is also a co-founder and the editor-in-chief of La Noticia, a Spanish-language newspaper that serves the Latino community in Nashville. His work with La Noticia has been pivotal in increasing access to important news and information for Spanish-speaking individuals, ensuring that they stay connected to both their cultural roots and the opportunities available in the wider community. In addition, Yuri owns Y&K Entertainment, a media consulting and support services company that specializes in promoting Latino culture through various forms of media.
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Yuri’s passion for media and community development extends into his civic involvement. In 2010, he was elected as a Council Member-at-Large for the Nashville branch of the Screen Actors Guild, where he has advocated for greater representation and inclusion of diverse voices in the entertainment industry. He is also an active board member of several organizations, including the Nashville Film Festival, Historic Nashville Inc., Sister Cities of Nashville, and Nashville Cares, a community-based AIDS service organization. His extensive board service demonstrates his commitment to improving the cultural, social, and economic fabric of his community.
Throughout his career, Yuri has been recognized for his leadership and service to the community. He has been featured in the Nashville Post “In Charge” list multiple times for his contributions to Nashville’s growth and success. His influence also extends beyond the local community, having delivered impactful speeches to a variety of audiences, including government organizations, educational institutions, and corporations. Yuri has spoken before organizations such as the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Nashville Metro Public Schools, using his platform to advocate for inclusivity, diversity, and the importance of community-driven growth.
Yuri’s academic background is impressive, with a focus on nonprofit management and leadership. He has earned certificates from the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame’s Non-Profit Executive Program and has furthered his education through executive training at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. His education has equipped him with the tools to be a strategic leader, capable of innovating in governance and fostering principled negotiation to bring about positive change.
Over the years, Yuri’s dedication to service and human rights has earned him numerous accolades. He was honored with the NFL Titans Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award and received the Outstanding Service for Human Rights Award during the Tennessee celebration of International Human Rights Day. These recognitions reflect his ongoing commitment to advocacy and his work to improve the lives of marginalized communities.
Outside of his professional life, Yuri enjoys writing, reading, acting, cooking, and exploring new technologies. His diverse interests and activities highlight his lifelong commitment to personal growth and his passion for making a difference in his community. As a proud U.S. citizen since 2006, Yuri Cunza continues to play an important role in shaping the future of Nashville through his leadership, community engagement, and advocacy for the Latino community.
