Along the Hispanic Heritage Month, Enlace Latino NC will publish profiles and articles by members of the Latino community in order to highlight those who drive the growth of our state and country every day.
These articles aim to tell the stories of those who are not usually in the news or under the spotlight.
They are not heads of national organizations, politicians breaking ethnic barriers, or sports stars.
They are the everyday Latinos: a dog groomer, a carpenter, an office manager, a gardener, a lawyer.
Who will we meet?
Among the profiles we will publish this month, we will meet Yesenia Polanco Galdamez, an attorney and member of the board of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority Board, Ada Alvarado, a Salvadoran woman who has made a career as a dog groomer.
We will also highlight Yanina Céspedes, Uruguayan and office manager of a free dental clinic in Durham, already Dorian Gomez Tab, a young queer Mexican woman who stands out as a filmmaker and podcaster in North Carolina.
In addition, we will tell the story of Vivianette Ortiz Caraballo, originally from Patillas, Puerto Rico, a defender of the rights of people with disabilities and co-founder of Latino Adventurers in the Carolinas.
We will also meet Mariana Rocha-Goldberg, coordinator of the Path to Citizenship in The Hispanic Center, and Maria Mejia Perez, coordinator of The Future Is Ours, an organization led by farm workers.
Finally, we will share the profile of José Jandres, a gardener whose work reflects the commitment and dedication of so many Latinos.
video testimonials
During this month, and to continue highlighting those who proudly Latino forge their future in our state, from Enlace Latino NC We will also share a series of videos with testimonies from community members who tell What does it mean to be Latino? and why they are proud to be so.
These videos will be available on our social media channels.
Hispanic Heritage Month: What is it and why is it celebrated?
Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration annual event in the United States that honors the contributions and influence of the Latino community in the country.
It is celebrated from September 15 to October 15, highlighting the rich history, culture and traditions of Hispanics.
Created in 1968 as a week of recognition under the administration of President Lyndon B. Johnson, it was expanded to a month in 1988 during the presidency of Ronald Reagan. The celebration aims to highlight the contributions of the Hispanic community in areas such as art, politics, economics and science in the United States.
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Largest ethnic minority in the country
The Latino community in the United States represents approximately 19% of the population, making it the largest ethnic minority in the country, according to the most recent census.
Its influence extends to every aspect of American life, from culture and economics to politics.
In North Carolina, The Latin population has grown considerably in recent decades, surpassing one million Latino residents.
Cities like Raleigh, Charlotte, Greensboro and Asheville are examples of places where the community continues to strengthen its presence through cultural, business and educational activities that benefit the entire state.
PODCAST
After the storm
A year ago, Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina. The Latino community responded with something stronger than the storm: solidarity.
🎧 In this episode, learn how Latino organizations transformed crisis into resilience.
▶️Press play to listen!
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