Blog Post

DBP Members Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month 2015

By Jennifer London
September 29, 2015

September 15 – October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988. The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.[1]

Quick Facts:

  • The US Census Bureau estimated that the U.S. Latino population was 54 million, or 17 percent, of the total U.S. population as of July 1, 2013
  • In 2014, Latinos made up 8.7 percent of management, professional, and related occupations; 23.4 percent of service occupations, 14.9 percent of sales and office occupations, 27.6 percent of natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations; and 22.0 percent of production, transportations, and material moving occupations.[2]
  • In 2010, Latinos spent $1 trillion in the retail and CPG (consumer packaged goods) market and $1.2 trillion in 2012. That figure is expected to jump to $1.5 trillion this year (2015) and $1.7 trillion in 2017. [3]

Additional resources:

18 Major Moments In Hispanic History That All Americans Need To Know

Here is what some of our members are doing to acknowledge Hispanic Heritage Month at their organizations. We hope that reading these will help you create new ideas for your organization in the future.

Aetna

  • Hispanic Heritage Month content is regularly featured on Aetna’s homepage
  • Shared selections from HBO’s The Latino List
    • Consuelo Kickbusch, a U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel (ret.); highest ranking Hispanic woman in Combat Support
    • Eva Longoria, actor, producer, director and activist
    • Anthony Romero, American Civil Liberties Union executive director
    • Soledad O’Brien, American broadcast journalist, executive producer and philanthropist
  • Held a conversation with Aetna Board member Fernando Aguirre
  • Panel discussion with community and business leaders facilitated by EVP of Consumer Business
  • Customized leadership program to match Aetna employees with nonprofit boards seeking new members

Other local community and health initiatives across the country, such as Mammogram on Wheels, across national offices

American Airlines

On September 15 we posted a special note one Jetwire (our internal enterprise-wide communication channel). See below:

During National Hispanic Heritage Month we recognize the contributions made and the important presence of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States and celebrate their heritage and culture. Learn more on the Latin Diversity Network Employee Resource Group Jetnet page.

On our Latin Diversity Network Employee Business Resource Group page on our company intranet we posted the attached article.

On October 7 at our HDQ campus the Latin Diversity Network is hosting a Hispanic Heritage Month extravaganza/fundraiser including Mariachis, Mexico Ballet Folklorico and Brazilian Samba. Empanadas, candy and Mexican Paletas (Frozen Popsicles) will be available for a donation. 100% of the proceeds benefit “Fundacion Jonathan” in Ecuador.

At one of our key hub locations, Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, our Latin Diversity Network Employee Business Resource Group is hosting live music, dancers, latin cuisine in an area of the airport where the festivities can be enjoyed by employees and customers!

At our Phoenix location (formerly U.S Airways HDQ) the group is hosting The Fiesta Mexicana Dance Company of Arizona, vocalist Marcela Perez and treating employees to food and drink and exhibiting country displays to promote education and awareness.

BP

Chicago Western Suburbs

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration – La Feria!

For the first time ever Energía brings you “La Feria!” a celebration of Hispanic Heritage. Expand your cultural awareness by exploring the diverse music, dance and foods of Latin America, Spain and the Caribbean. Engage and participate with our Latin Vendors and their various goods and services. Please check the flyer for times for specific performance schedules.

Chicago 30 SW

Kick – Off Event

  • 300 Churros to be given out during our kick-off event
  • Distribute pamphlet with information about HHM meaning and events schedule.

Coordinate Hispanic Food for the Cafeteria

Buena Vista Social Club Film Event

BCP Lunch / D&I Moment

  • Provide desert for approximately 100 people during the BCP day.
  • Craft a small D&I activity/blurb to showcase Hispanic Heritage Month.

Film Event #2 – “No”

Contacts are Paola Montes, Stephanie Fernandez and Judy Manriquez.

Whiting Refinery

Burton Center Global Café

Event will include speakers from the Whiting Leadership Team and a quiz game with a chance to win prizes

Houston

Energía Hispanic Heritage Month: “The Voice of Leadership 2016 and Beyond – Inspire, Influence and Achieve Results” Leadership Panel with John Mingé, Aleida Rios, Orlando Alvarez, Gabe Gutierrez

Alaska

United Way: Day of Caring

  • Voluntary activity. Organize the storage basement at Clare House – BP ENERGIA & Eng. Services Team

Hispanic Culture awareness

  • Hispanic Heritage month kickoff activity
  • Share Hispanic culture information, schedule of the month and Hispanic

Brown Bag Lunch with Alaska BP President Janet Weiss

BP ENERGIA Breakfast

United Way: Annual pumpkin drop

  • This One team fun activity raise funds to support United way.

Hispanic Health Fair

  • BP ENERGIA members do volunteer work to support Hispanic community in the annual Hispanic Health Fair.

Hispanic movies nights

BP Energía supports two nights with Hispanic movies and Hispanic Culture awareness

Hispanic Heritage month closure activity

  • “Overcoming Barriers” 30 min Presentation: Guest speaker: Alaska VP Wells – Lina Serpa

Cargill

Cargill’s Latino Employee Resource Group will be hosting a “Food Trucks Around the World” bringing a mix of cuisines from many cultures to their headquarters. Live music and free ice cream round out this exciting event.

In addition, Cargill is working with the cafeteria to feature Hispanic/Latin food choices once a week during the month.

CSAA Insurance Group

  • In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Café 55 (in-house cafeteria) is collaborating with our Employee Resource Group Hispanic / Latino Employee Association (HLEA) to bring a taste of Hispanic cuisine every Tuesday (9/15 – 10/13).
  • An Afro-Brazilian martial arts live performance by the United Capoeira Association of Hayward (9/22)
  • Art Display from local Latina Artist, Jessica Sabogal in the lobby (Station Landing, From 9/21- 10/15)
  • Passport (Intranet) Article to highlight Hispanic Heritage month, Influential Hispanic/Latino Contributor and CSAA Insurance Group’s opportunity within the growing Hispanic Market

Digitas

Adelante, Digitas’s Latino ERG, has packaged their content as a weekly series entitled Adelante Viernes– a play on words to “Welcome Friday” for the fun content they have prepared for the company.

“In The Game” (a documentary on Kelly H.S. Trojans girls soccer team) – come learn what drives the coach and his team’s captain to compete and win in spite of the social and economic challenges in a predominately Hispanic and Latino community and how it inspired a documentary that’s now being shown across the country.

“Personal Journeys” – Our very own Dayana Dominguez and Daniel Navarrete are going to share their experiences and the challenges they’ve overcome growing up as immigrants to the U.S. and dispel a few myths and stereotypes along the way.

FYM: Artist Spotlight – Mark Flores is a Chicago-based Latino artist. Come see some of his latest work, learn about what inspires him as an artist, and purchase a raffle ticket to win a custom piece of art from his work. All proceeds go to the AIDS Walk campaign.

FYM: Reading between the numbers – Jose Aguero and Chris Quintero share their take on AdAge’s 12th Annual Hispanic Fact Pack on the Hispanic and Latino demographic and the ad dollars being spent in the industry to target this growing population.

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York hosted a fireside chat with Nina Vaca, Chairman & CEO Pinnacle Group, on her journey to the C-Suite. Nina founded Pinnacle in 1996 as an information technology services provider to Fortune 500 companies. Under Vaca’s leadership, Pinnacle has become one of the fastest growing firms in a $100+ billion dollar industry, with revenues approaching $250 million and over 4,000 employees working throughout the U.S. and Canada. Pinnacle is one of the most widely recognized and honored companies nationwide with over 50 national and local awards over the past decade.

On October 13th, two of the Resource Networks from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York will sponsor a dynamic Leadership Panel for FRBNY employees and invited guests: “Powering Growth and Influence, Alimentar El Crecimiento y La Influencia.” Senior Bank Leaders will share insight about their unique background and the adventurous pathways taken to reach their current positions. Specifically, we will be focusing on the following three dimensions of leadership:

  • The Pursuit of Leadership
  • Requirements for Success
  • Preparation for Leadership Roles

Fifth Third Bank

Fifth Third Bank actively promotes diversity and inclusion, with inclusion councils and business resource groups (BRGs) throughout the Bank’s footprint. The groups work to infuse engagement and inclusiveness into the work environment and culture. They are open to all Fifth Third employees as members or allies.

The Bank’s Latino groups have planned events and activities to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. Read on for a sampling of events across the footprint.

Central Ohio

Fifth Third Bank (Central Ohio) will recognize Latino professionals and business owners who have made a major impact on the Hispanic community through a feature article and full-page advertisements in La Jornada Latina Columbus, vignettes on a local radio station and content on the newspaper and radio station’s websites and social media. Additionally, Fifth Third Bank is the title sponsor of the Hispanic Chamber of Columbus’ Latina Mentoring Academy. Participants in the program learn skills and develop networks and relationships to help build a path of career success in business.

Cincinnati

The Fifth Third Bank (Cincinnati) Latino BRG will be participating at the 22nd annual Hispanic Festival that helps bring people together in acceptance, respect and understanding of diverse cultures. Members will volunteer their time to provide product knowledge, prize giveaways, and gain exposure to the growing Hispanic community. As part of the event, Fifth Third also will sponsor a photo booth where pictures taken will be printed with a Fifth Third logo.

Georgia

Several external events will commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month in Georgia, including #VivaMiNegocio, a multicultural business expo, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s annual business expo, Expo Mujer and a homebuyer workshop.

Indiana

Fifth Third Bank (Indiana) is a Bronze Sponsor of La Plaza’s FIESTA Indianapolis. This premier Latino cultural celebration in Indiana is expected to attract more than 20,000 people. In addition, the Latino BRG in Indiana will host several internal events, including having a guest speaker focusing on Indiana’s Latino heritage, challenges and opportunities.

Nashville

In addition to employee trivia contests, the region will hold a “coffee and conversation” event for employees and the community featuring a panel of well-known local Hispanic leaders. Also, the Bank will have a booth at Celebrate Nashville, a public multicultural festival.

North Carolina

North Carolina’s Latino BRG will hold a networking event with local companies and their Latino business resource groups. In addition, lunch-and-learn sessions will be held for employees to learn Spanish, with an instructor specifically focused on the banking industry.

North Florida

Fifth Third Bank (North Florida) will sponsor on-air vignettes on a local radio station, highlighting interesting facts about contributions that have been made by Hispanic Americans in music, science, industry and pop culture, along with local honorees. In addition, Fifth Third will sponsor Osceola County’s premier Latin festival featuring entertainment, food, fun and games for the whole family, Viva Osceola.

Northeast Ohio

Fifth Third is a sponsor of the Cleveland Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, a month-long series of events that highlight the contributions and presence of Hispanic Americans.

South Florida

The Bank will work with Small Business Development centers in the community to host workshops for minority and small business owners.

Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)

In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, FINRA’s Latino Affinity Network (FLAN) sponsored events with the theme “Enjoy, empower and educate.” FLAN kicked off the celebration by providing members with the background of how Hispanic Heritage month was inaugurated in the United States and a history of the ancestral roots of Latin American and Caribbean individuals.

FLAN also sponsored two sessions from their “Lunch with a Leader” speaker series. The speaker series highlights the leader’s heritage, shares their success stories and provides feedback on self-motivation and inspiration. Refreshments were provided and participants were able to network.

To close National Hispanic Heritage Month, FLAN will host an “Our Stories” event. While enjoying refreshments, members of FLAN can share a personal memento, anecdote or experience that has helped shape their meaning of cultural identity and heritage.

Health Care Services Corporation

HCSC’s Social Media team will run a campaign called “Recuerdos de Mi Patria” (Memories of My Country) on our Spanish-language Facebook and “Connect” online community sites. By sharing nostalgic images from various Latin American countries, the campaign is designed to create conversations among first- and second-generation Latinos about treasured memories of the countries.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) sponsored a float at the Chicago 26th Street Mexican Independence Parade on Sunday, Sept. 13. Members of the Latinos for Advancement (LA) Business Resource Group (BRG), an HCSC employee group, volunteered at the event’s Little Village Festival. In addition, LA members are hosting an internal Hispanic Heritage event on Monday, Oct. 19.

Blue Cross and Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) sponsored the American Diabetes Association’s Feria de Salud event in Dallas on Saturday, Sept. 19, and is sponsoring the FC Dallas Hispanic Heritage Night soccer game on Sunday, Oct. 4, in Frisco, Texas. Also, LA will host an internal Hispanic Heritage event on Oct. 7.

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey

September

Horizon BCBSNJ will run a slide presentation throughout the month of September in observance of Hispanic Heritage Month on the company’s dedicated Diversity TV screens. The presentation will encompass FAQs regarding Hispanic Heritage Month and showcase notable Hispanic Americans.

September 24th: Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Luncheon

L.A.C.O. hosted its annual Hispanic Heritage Month Luncheon on September 24th and celebrated its 10th Year Anniversary as an Affinity Group here at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ. The luncheon was a great success with affinity group members wearing traditional Spanish garb, including the group’s Executive Sponsor David Huber, SVP, CFO and Treasurer who wore a traditional Guayabera. A mariachi band kicked-off the festivities while Major Julisa Caraballo, Commander; Rear 389th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (CSSB) United States Army gave the keynote address. Major Caraballo shared the successes she achieved throughout her military career as a Latina and encouraged the audience to push forward in their career goals as well. Proceeds from the luncheon ticket sales were donated to the New Brunswick Little League Program.

October 4th: Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

The Latin American Cultural Organization (L.A.C.O.) will once again participate in theSusan G. Komen Race for the Cure Central and South Jersey, held at Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, NJ on Sunday, October 4, 2015. Horizon BCBSNJ is a local sponsor of this 5K race and run/walk event, which raises funds and awareness for the breast cancer movement, celebrates breast cancer survivorship and honors those who have lost their battle with the disease.

October 10th: Community Food Bank of New Jersey

On October 10th the Latin American Cultural Organization (L.A.C.O.) will be partnering with two other Horizon Affinity Groups (Muslim Affinity Group and Enlightenment Empowerment Enterprise Affinity Group) to volunteer at the Community Food Bank of New Jersey in Hillside, NJ to help sort food and pack boxes. The Community Food Bank distributes 40 million pounds of food a year to more than 1,000 non-profit programs, as well as more than 400 programs served by its Partner Distribution Organizations. Through their combined efforts, they feed approximately 900,000 hungry people in 18 New Jersey counties.

October: Latin Jazz Yoga

The Latin American Cultural Organization (L.A.C.O.) will be partnering with our Total BLUE Fitness center here at Horizon BCBSNJ to provide at least two sessions promoting health and fitness. Due to the success of last year’s Rip&Ride sessions, L.A.C.O. will be hosting two Yoga sessions to Latin Jazz music. This effort is in support of Horizon’s Journey to Health initiative to provide and offer the tools, resources and proactive support the company’s employees need to live healthier lives.

Interpublic Group

Interpublic Group’s MERGE organization and the company’s Hispanic Heritage Network Group (SOMOS) will celebrate National Hispanic American Heritage Month with a panel discussion on Thursday, October 15, in New York City.

IPG’s SOMOS group and sister advertising agency Identity Media are the co-sponsors of the evening-program, “Speak the Culture, Not Just the Language.” The IPG executive panel will explore how its agencies are making inroads in the multicultural space. Leading agencies across the IPG network will share actionable results from their successful culturally driven campaigns.

MERGE is IPG’s umbrella group for its five Business Resource Groups (BRGs). For more information about IPG’s MERGE organization and the BRGs, please visit http://merge.interpublic.com.

KPMG

Launched in 2005, KPMG’s Hispanic Latino Network (HLN) has grown to over 20 chapters and 1,500 members across the firm. To commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month, National Managing Partner, Sue Townsen, posted a Firmwide announcement to recognize the countless contributions of Hispanic Americans and highlight the exciting opportunities available through involvement with HLN. Additionally, senior Audit partners and HLN leaders, Manny Fernandez and Gabe de la Rosa, unveiled the new HLN banner that includes the national flags of more than 25 countries to symbolize the multiplicity of backgrounds and cultures within the Network that are united to spread the importance of inclusion. Our HLN chapters will host various events in their local offices throughout the month that celebrate the Hispanic culture and demonstrate the firm’s commitment to creating and sustaining a pipeline of diverse, high-performing talent.

Manpower Group

Hispanic Heritage Month Quotes for Monitors, Skywalk and Google

We have asked individuals to share what Hispanic Heritage month means to them. We asked them for a short quote and photo. The quotes will be posted in our company’s skywalk, on our monitors in our headquarters building, and on our MERGE Google community. We will rotate them as we receive additional quotes throughout the month.

News of the Day Articles

We sent out a News of the Day article in our company’s daily newsletter on September 15th to highlight all the activities we have coming up for Hispanic Heritage month.

We also have worked with marketing to put together a flyer template that we will use to promote our events each week. Additionally, we put flyers of all upcoming events on each employee’s desk at our headquarters building.

We also will plan to send out News of the Day articles each week to remind employees of the upcoming events for that week.

Latino Talent Documentary

On September 22, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, we will be showing the documentary The Latino List and will have a discussion following the movie.

We will also be bringing in Hispanic food from local restaurants but representing different Hispanic countries.

One of our MERGE members will be giving a presentation prior to the documentary on what Hispanic Heritage month is, how it originated and what it means to her.

Hispanic Cuisine in the Point

Aramark, our ManpowerGroup hospitality team, will be preparing Hispanic cuisine every Friday in our cafeteria until the last day of Hispanic Heritage month

Zumba and Salsa Classes Hosted by the Wisconsin Athletic Club (HUB 3)

Volunteer Activities with United Way Season of Caring

Contest for field Employees

While we’ll be encouraging our members to take part in community volunteer activities locally, we’d like to engage the field by extending a competition for them to get involved as well. We’d like for teams (or individuals) to document what they’re doing for their community during Hispanic Heritage Month by posting photos/videos to our Google+ Community. At the end of the month, we’ll ask our MERGE members to vote on the most impactful contributions (based on certain criteria), and those teams will be awarded a gift card.

October 1st MERGE Meeting

We have invited Joaquin Altoro, VP of Commercial Banking Town Bank, a Wintrust Community Bank, to speak at our meeting about key elements of the Hispanic culture and how we can support our surrounding communities.

Hispanic Heritage Trivia

On October 15th, we plan to present Hispanic Heritage trivia questions to our employees. The winners of the trivia game will be entered into a raffle and awarded a gift card.

Mondelez

  • Kick off event
  • Latin Dance Showcase
  • Roberto Marquez Opening Remarks
  • Tasting of Latin Desserts
  • Tango Dance Classes
  • Coffee tasting from Latin America
  • Pinata Worksop
  • US Latino Consumer- Educational Panel

Meet and Greet with Senior R&D Leaders

One hour session with leaders to hear about their career experiences.

New York Life

New York Life is proudly celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a series of dynamic events celebrating Latino culture, community service, and professional development. This is a joint effort between New York Life’s Latino Employee Resource Group and the company’s Latino business initiative.

The month is kicking off with a reception bringing the Latino community and senior executives together to make connections and network. Next up is the launch of the company’s sponsorship of the 4H Juntos program, which helps to empower more Hispanic youth to succeed in high school, graduate on time and pursue a college education. The program launch will feature heartfelt stories told by a Juntos program alum, 4H staffers, and New York City middle school educators to inspire company employees to get involved with the program.

There are also a number of professional development seminars throughout the month focusing on effective business writing, personal branding, and developing strengths. New York Life is also hosting the Women of ALPFA Summit on Latina leadership.

The celebration will continue with a Hispanic Heritage Expo Day, which will feature an array of Latin American food, culture, and artistic performances. The month will close out with “Nuestra Noche,” an art exhibit and panel discussion on important social, business, and educational topics impacting the Latino community. Nuestra Noche will conclude with a networking reception designed to bring the New York Life community together.

PNC

PNC will once again join the nation in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, 23 events in 10 PNC markets will honor the contributions made by members of the Latino community at home and in neighborhoods and cities where PNC employees live and work.

“No demographic is growing as fast or offers as great a business opportunity as the Hispanic community,” said Marsha Jones, PNC’s chief diversity officer. “To fully capitalize on this opportunity, we need a thorough understanding of who these consumers are, what is important to them and what moves them to do business. Hispanic Heritage Month gives us a chance to celebrate this diverse and vibrant population and deepen our relationship with them.”

Chicago

  • Festival La Villita, Sept. 11-13
  • PNC sponsored Chicago’s premier outdoor gala of Mexican heritage, entertaining more than 100,000 attendees from Sept. 11 to 13 in Little Village.
  • Defining Your Professional Success, Sept. 16
  • PNC will host a professional development panel representing several lines of business. The forum will present employment opportunities at PNC to the National Society of Hispanic MBAs and current PNC employees.
  • El Valor/Grow Up Great Kickoff, Sept. 19
  • PNC will host a media event with partner El Valor, highlighting “30 Million Words” – which marks the difference between the number of words an average middle-income child hears before age 3 and the number an average low-income child hears.
  • Latino Giving Circle and Grant Reception, Sept. 30
  • PNC will host the annual grant reception at PNC Centre for the second year in a row. Grants are made to strengthen Latino-serving non-profits.
  • Latino Heritage Celebration, Oct. 9
  • This employee-facing celebration of diversity will be hosted by the Latino Employee Business Resource Group for all Downers Grove employees on the first floor of the PNC Mortgage building.
  • Policy Breakfast on Latino Leadership, Oct. 15
  • PNC is again sponsoring this annual breakfast at the Chicago Union League Club, which will honor key leaders of the Chicago Latino community.
  • Vamos Bears Hispanic Media Day, Oct. 15
  • PNC will host a celebration in conjunction with the Chicago Bears Hispanic broadcasting program at Halas Hall training facility. This client-facing event will include key community leaders, local officials, PNC clients and prospects, and media partners.

Delaware

  • Latin American Community Center Open House, Sept. 4
  • The Open House kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month in Wilmington. More than 400 people attended and enjoyed Hispanic culture and food.
  • 2015 Latino Summit, Oct. 22
  • This year’s theme will be “Connecting through Education for a Brighter Future,” and the summit’s goal will be to develop a plan to connect businesses, schools and other organizations in Delaware’s growing Hispanic community. The summit will take place at the Chase Center on the Riverfront.

Eastern Carolina

  • Durham Latino Festival, Sept. 26
  • The Latino Festival at Rock Quarry Park will offer music and Latino and Hispanic folklore and traditions to around 5,000 attendees. Hands-on activities will be available for kids.
  • North Carolina Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Sept. 30
  • This annual luncheon will be held at the Brier Creek Country Club in Raleigh and will celebrate the contributions of Latinos in the Triangle area and across the country. [LOCATION TBD]
  • Hispanic Marketing Advantage Conference, Oct. 13-14
  • The conference for around 200 participants will delve into the Hispanic market segment as an untapped business opportunity. It will be held at the Durham Hilton on Hillsborough Road.
  • Florida West, Sept. 12
  • Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn joined more than 8,000 attendees at this year’s Celebra tu Herencia festival, a day of music, folkloric dances, cooking competitions, and arts and crafts sales at Centennial Park in Tampa. PNC sponsored the event in partnership with Ybor Saturday Market and Tampa Hispanic Heritage, Inc.

Greater Maryland

  • Hispanic Heritage Festival, Sept. 2
  • The Hispanic Heritage Festival showcased live music, Bolivian dancers, health screenings, vendors and more. The event was held at the Knights of Columbus in Annapolis.
  • Baltimore City Hispanic Heritage Month, Oct. 8
  • In partnership with the Baltimore City Hispanic Commission, PNC will sponsor the eighth Annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at the Walters Art Museum on N. Charles Street.
  • Nuestras Raices, Oct. 13
  • PNC employees are invited to gather at PNC Harborside on the 10th floor to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and a presentation by Laura Gamble, regional president, on the work of the Hispanic subcommittee.

Indianapolis

  • El Grito, Sept. 15
  • The Mexican Independence Day celebration is hosted at Garfield Park in Indianapolis and organized by the Mexican Consulate. The PNC-sponsored event will have music and food, and PNC will receive a special recognition.
  • Fiesta Indianapolis, Sept. 19
  • PNC will sponsor the oldest and biggest Hispanic celebration in Indiana at American Legion Mall, and will provide information about products and services to Spanish-speaking customers.

Lexington, Kentucky

  • PNC is sponsoring Festival Latino de Lexington at Courthouse Plaza in downtown Lexington for an estimated 7,000 attendees, celebrating Hispanic heritage and culture.

New Jersey

  • The Central New Jersey market will host a recruiting effort in conjunction with the Association of Latino Professional in Finance and Accounting chapter of William Paterson University in Wayne.

Western Carolina

  • Hola Charlotte 2015, Oct. 3
  • Hola Charlotte will welcome around 60,000 people to N. Tryon and W. 6th streets, featuring entertainment and diverse cultural experiences.
  • Latin American Festival, Oct. 10
  • The 25th anniversary of one of Charlotte’s largest cultural events will be held at Symphony Park on Sharon Road. The expected 20,000 attendees will enjoy music, food and fun.

Western Michigan

  • Fiesta Mexicana will host more than 60,000 people in Calder Plaza in downtown Grand Rapids. PNC will staff a booth and provide information from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

P&G

On September 10th, 2015 the P&G Hispanic Community celebrated Latinnovation 2015, 5th Edition. The event is designed to showcase leading-edge innovation of Hispanics at P&G, develop their skills and strengthen their sense of community.

This year the theme was Creating Value by Owning the Future. More than 610 people among Hispanics and Non-Hispanics across 25+ sites attended the event. Three world-class keynote speakers and P&G Hispanic leaders provided their perspective about creating value and owning the future: Phil Duncan – P&G Chief Design Officer, Dr. Camilo Cruz – an international best-selling author of more than 30 books, and Dr. Steve Robbins – speaker, professor, author, writer, consultant; Lourdes Albacarys (Hispanic Leadership Team Leader) and Yannis Skoufalos (Sponsor of the Hispanic Affinity Team). The speakers brought participants inspirational messages and challenged our thinking on our day–to-day behaviors.

Additionally, Latinnovation 2015 welcomed representatives of the Hispanic community from both GE Aviation and The Kroger Company. GE Hispanic Forum leaders shared their outreach community programs to those approaching their booth. Angel Colon from Kroger provided his perspective on how to develop strategies to reach and delight Hispanic consumers, the largest minority within the US, via one of the workshops.

Participants had the opportunity to attend 1 of the 3 workshops offered: 1) Reaching Multicultural Markets & Beyond, by Angel Colon – The Kroger Company, 2) Inside the Box, by Professor Drew Boyd; and StoryMYTHOS – Storytelling for Brands, Business and You, by Shane Meeker – P&G.

Latinnovation was possible thanks to the many volunteers that worked during the event, raising the bar for the next Latinnovation in 2017.

“Latinnovation is the way for us to showcase the work that Latinos do for the company, but it is also a day for professional development and networking throughout the company” – Lourdes Albacarys R&D VP and Hispanic Affinity Leader.

UPS

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month through display of artifact items, food items, dance demonstrations, pictures, videos, and speakers at various UPS locations.

INROADS Visiones Annual Hispanic Heritage Event

INROAD Inc. had its Visiones annual event to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and to thank all their sponsors including UPS. The Latino BRG (Business Resource Group) members were invited to join the UPS table to support the event and the celebration.

HCCA Annual Forum: Adelante! Powering Personal & Community Growth

This is the Hispanic Corporate Council of Atlanta’s annual celebration event. This marquee forum delivers a unique sequence of sessions that provide participants with powerful insights for professional development, financial security, entrepreneurship, social justice, and community leadership. UPS Latino BRG (Crecer) is one of the organizers and sponsors.

Latin Fever Ball by the Latin American Association

The 27th Annual Latin Fever Ball will feature the sights, sounds and flavors of Venezuela. This one-of-a kind gala is known as one of the most festive and exquisite events in Atlanta. Celebrated during Hispanic Heritage Month, the black tie event features authentic cuisine, spectacular dance performances, and lively rhythms from throughout Latin America. Funds raised support the mission to help Latino families achieve their aspirations for academic, social and economic advancement. Latin Fever draws more than 550 influential community and business leaders.

UPS is the main sponsor to this event and Latino BRG members were invited to join the UPS table.

Crecer – Hispanic Heritage Month The Power of Latina Leadership

This is the Crecer BRG Hispanic Heritage Month annual celebration event. The Power of Latina Leadership Event will provide the opportunity for successful Latina executives to share their journey to excellence and empower female minorities to recognize their strengths. Executive panelists will be expected to communicate their experiences and the influence of emotional intelligence as it relates to their success.

This is event will be transmitted via HD Video conference to other Chapters and will be open to all BRGs across UPS’s business units.

Latino Leaders Panel

The Georgia Tech Office of Hispanic Initiatives of the Institute of Diversity organized a Latino Leaders Panel to discuss topics related to success, leadership and career advancement. A Crecer BRG leader participated as one of the 4 panelists.

U.S. Bank

  • Employees can test their knowledge of Hispanic history with a fun Hispanic Diversity Challenge game.
  • All employees and branch locations are invited to display a specially-designed Hispanic Heritage Month poster.
  • The company is encouraging employees to organize activities and events for their teams or locations and to share recaps and photos in the company’s online diversity and inclusion community.
  • Employees are invited to participate in Hispanic Heritage Month events in their local communities, such as the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Sept. 15 Celebration in Chino, California, and the Latino Chamber Art Fair in Madison, Wisconsin. Employees can find these events listed on the company’s online multicultural calendar.
  • Twin Cities employees are invited to a seminar featuring Judge Bartolomeil, the first Puerto Rican to serve in the Minnesota courts.
  • U.S. Bank’s intranet news page, Inside USB, is highlighting these events all month long.

UTC

8th Annual UTC Hispanic Leadership Forum (HLF) Fundraising Dinner– a special evening of food, cocktails, entertainment, and silent/live auctions. The proceeds from this United Way event will benefit The Hartford Boys and Girls Club.

SPECIAL GUESTS:

Yvette Melendez
VP Government & Community Alliances, Hartford Hospital
Chair, Board of Director, The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving
Vice Chair, Board of Regents for Higher Education, CT

Dorothea Wong
Director, Global General Procurement
UTC Aerospace Systems

Viacom

East Coast

  • Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff- “Amo mi Cultura” Lobby Screen Takeover
  • Short Film Screening from Bronx International Film Festical
  • Every Wednesday- “Latin Beats” with live DJ plus a Taste of Latin Cuisine
  • Latin Groove Dance Class with Live DJ
  • Sneak Peek of Comedy Central’s new sketch show ‘Alternatino’ with Broard City’s actor, Arturo Castro and writing partner Brendan Fitzgibbons
  • ‘Blurring the Lines’: a conversation on the Latino Indentity in the US Today
  • Networking Event with special performance by NYC’s only Latino sketch comedy troups, ROOM 28

West Coast

  • Membership Meeting featuring Chef/Entrepreneur Mario Christerna from The Briks
  • Cross Studio Mixer and Executive Panel
  • REWIND Screening of “Up in Smoke” featuring a Q&A with Cheech Marin, Tommy Chong and Lou Adler
  • Food Truck Friday featuring Latin Cuisine and live salsa music
  • Latinos in Hollywood Speaker Series featuring Derek Arteta, SVP Legal, Paramount Pictures

Walmart

Walmart’s Hispanic Latino Associate Resource Group (HLARG) works to strengthen our Hispanic/Latino talent to lead diversity & inclusion efforts that impact business, develop associates, and build communities. Each year, during Hispanic Heritage Month, HLARG leads company’s celebration activities and collaborates with community based organizations to celebrate Hispanic/Latino culture, the contributions, important presence of Hispanic and Latino Americans that have influenced and enriched the United States.

Light Night Party at the Buckyball – September 4

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (Crystal Bridges) and HLARG hosted a turn-of-the-century urban experience inspired by the 1893 World’s Fair. This steampunk-Vaudevillian party featured live musical performances by multi-instrumentalist That 1 Guy, local group Randall Shreve & The Devilles, and Wini Rubi. The night started with Downtown Bentonville’s First Friday, where the Square was transformed into a giant block party for the entire community. Then everyone meet in Dave Peel Park for a group bike ride, where they decorated their bikes with lights or steampunk accessories. The ride ended at Buckyball, where our party began. They hosted a variety of activities, such as a photo light-drawing booth by renowned artist Chris Look, participatory carnival tents by Northwest Arkansas artist Jennifer Gilder, tinker projects by Amazeum, and demonstrations by local sculptor Eugene Sargent. Attendees explored early technological inventions from light bulbs to Ferris wheels, and enjoyed a film adaption screening of the Jules Verne’s classic 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Participants came dressed for the occasion in their favorite steampunk or Victorian outfits. This event is part of the Hispanic Heritage Month Event Series.

Pedro Fernandez with Ninel Conde Concert – September 5

Pedro Fernandez and Ninel Conde performed Sept. 5 at the Walmart AMP. Fernandez, who began performing at age 7, is known for Ranchera music and other styles and has appeared on soap operas.

Hispanic Celebration at Bentonville Square Farmers’ Market – September 5

HLARG hosted a booth at the Hispanic Celebration at Bentonville Square Farmers Market Saturday September 5th. The booth offered fun activities, games and prizes. Also at the celebration, the Blu-Bentonville Fresh Fish & Seafood Market restaurant booth offered samples of Hispanic seafood dishes, and DJ Franco provided music. This event was presented in partnership with the Global Office of Diversity, Bentonville’s Fresh Fish & Seafood Market and Downtown Bentonville, Inc. as part of the Hispanic Heritage Month Event Series.

Latin Cinema Main Lobby – September 9

Attendees were encouraged to get to know Latino and Latin culture through cinema with popular shorts screened at the San Diego Latin Short Film Festival, known as the leading Latino film festival in the country. This Crystal Bridges program was in collaboration with Walmart HLARG.

Distinguished Hispanic/Latinos Conference – September 17

HLARG hosted “Distinguished Hispanics – Investing in our associates” conference on Thursday, September 17, on our Home Office Campus.

This event provided associates the opportunity to gain the perspective of Hispanics in different disciplines and developing core competencies for success. A panel of distinguished personalities shared with Walmart associates and community leaders their experience of being Latino; their journey to success; their challenges, vision, and the contributions they have made to the American society.

The keynote speaker was María Marín, Motivational Guru, Talk Show Host of “María Marín Live” on Univision America (Mon-Fri) /Best Selling Author/ Despierta América collaborator.

Spotlight Lecture: Mari Carmen Ramirez – September 23

On Wednesday, Sept. 23, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (Crystal Bridges) and HLARG hosted a thought-provoking lecture by United States’ leading scholar on Latin American Art Mari Carmen Ramírez. Ramirez is the Wortham Curator of Latin American Art and Director of the International Center for the Arts of the Americas at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

Univision/Latin Grammy Street Party – September 27

Sunday, Sept. 27, HLARG will host a Univision/Latin Grammy Street Party at the Walmart AMP.

Kids Art Workshop – October 2

On Friday, October 2, HLARG will be hosting an evening of fun at the Kids Art Workshop “Create Your Own Mask” on the Bentonville Square during First Friday. They will have a booth with an art teacher showing kids how to make a mask with the theme of “Dia de Muertos” (Day of the Dead). Kids will have an opportunity to make colorful paper masks using markers, feathers, pipe cleaners, glitter glue and other supplies. They will also distribute flyers with information regarding this important tradition for our Hispanic culture. Part of the Hispanic Heritage Month Event Series.

Bright Light Fright Ride – Oct. 9

On Friday, Oct. 9, HLARG, the Walton Life Fitness Center and Downtown Bentonville, Inc. are hosting a fun lit up family ride through downtown Bentonville. Those who attend will decorate their bicycles with glow lights and LED lights. This free event is open to the public and open to all ages.

Art Talk: Community Conversation with Ana Pulido Rull – October 10

Crystal Bridges and HLARG invite the local community to meet University of Arkansas Assistant Professor of Latin American Art Ana Pulido Rull in discussing three of her favorite artworks in her native language of Spanish. Ana is a Native of Mexico City, holding a Ph.D. in Art History from Harvard University and a B.A. in History from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), where she began her research on indigenous painted maps and manuscripts. Her passions lie in cross-cultural communication and the social role of art. In this bilingual talk, she will examine the common threads that link three artworks from the museum’s permanent collection: Mark Rothko’s painting No. 210/211 (Orange), Janet Sobel’s, Hiroshima, and Norman Rockwell’s, Rosie the Riveter.

Salsa Night – October 17

HLARG and Crystal Bridges will be hosting a night of Salsa dancing to Latin beats by DJ Midnite, on Saturday, Oct. 17 from 8 – 11:30 p.m. on the Crystal Bridges Museum Great Hall’s spectacular dance floor.


[1] http://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/about/

[2] ““Employed persons by detailed occupation, sex, race, and Hispanic or Latino ethnicity”, Bureau of Labor Statistics, September 2012 (last accessed March 20, 2015) http://www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat11.pdf

[3] “Buying power of Hispanic consumers in the United States from 1990 to 2017 (in trillion U.S. dollars)”, Statista: The Statistics Portal, 2015

About the Author

Jennifer London
Director, Events
Seramount