HighFIVE: Mike Ferrufino
It was actually love, actually, that brought Mike Ferrufino, CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to the sport of tennis.
“Early on, it was the realization that my marriage and relationship would be much better if I participated,” Mike jokes about taking up tennis for his wife, Sarah Marks. “We even got engaged at the French Open.” Sarah, who won a state title for Manual High school, grew up in Hilltop and played at the Denver Tennis Club.
Mike wasn’t a player growing up, although he does have fond memories of his dad watching Guermo Villas. He is a father himself now to children Oscar (11), Nora (8) and Mya (2 ½) .
Now, Mike is an avid player who loves the skill, athleticism and precision that comes with evolving as a player on the court. He’s also a strong advocate of what tennis can bring to individuals, those served by the chamber, and the entire community as a whole.
Understanding that Colorado is the 8th most populated state with Hispanics, yet has the worst Hispanic Achievement gap out of the top 10 most populated states, Mike has a specific interest in the education and health of the community and has seen how tennis can be an integral part of programming.
“The barriers to entry are actually quite low in tennis,” he said of the disconnect that seems to exist of a perceived exclusive sport.
Described at the Colorado’s education paradox, Denver Public Schools are 58% Hispanic, yet only 25% of those students reading at grade level by the 3rd grade.
And because only 9% of those students will graduate from college within 6 years, Mike explains, “that we all have a vested interest in creating a healthy, educated future for everyone.”
U.S. Hispanic buying power is over 1.7 trillion dollars. There are 50,000 Hispanic owned businesses in Colorado. A large part of everyone’s future consumer, workforce and voter influencers will be Hispanic. Yet barriers exist and once doors are opened, there are still very specific challenges.
“People do understand that an equity gaps exists,” he explained, “but it’s really understanding how large this community is and how we all benefit from building a bigger tent.”
The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Denver, established in 1978, is Denver’s first minority chamber of commerce as well as the largest. The Chamber has led the way for minority business development and won local, regional and national recognition for its achievements, innovations and leadership.
With Hispanics starting businesses at sometimes 15-times the national rate, it’s even more important that resources offered at the chamber are available.
Mike is grateful of the support of USTA Colorado and how it partners with his mission of bringing in the educational pieces of health and education to the community. He is a big supporter of the Latina Lunch and Tennis Social and other programs designed to introduce the sport to the community.
“The role that tennis can play in terms of teaching universal values, reaping what you sow, being part of a team is important,” Mike said. “It’s about finding ways to get everybody engaged and part of the bigger picture.”
