Latinx Heritage Month
‘Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together’
Join us for a live virtual event
on Friday, September 13th at 10am PST
The 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month theme, "Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together," celebrates the contributions and achievements of Latinx individuals who have been trailblazers in their communities and fields. This theme highlights the innovation, resilience, and unity that characterize the Hispanic experience, acknowledging those who have paved the way for future generations. From September 15 to October 15, Americans come together to honor the rich histories, traditions, and cultural diversity of Hispanic Americans, whose heritage is rooted in 20 Latin American countries and territories. This year's theme serves as a reminder of the collective power and influence of the Hispanic community in shaping a more inclusive and dynamic future for all. Join us as we celebrate Latinx Heritage Month in September.
“The Latina in me is an ember that blazes forever.”
- Sonia Sotomayor, Associate Justice of the US Supreme Court
This Month’s Coffee Talk
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Senior Manager, Sales & Marketing, Toyota/Lexus Financial Services Puerto Rico
Javier Moreno is Senior Manager of Sales and Marketing at Toyota Financial Services Puerto Rico. In this role, he is responsible for directing all dealer and sales operations on the island, including product development, pricing, marketing, and communications.
Since joining Toyota in 2007, Moreno has held various positions in corporate communications, marketing, market research, government affairs, social innovation, and corporate strategy at several locations including California, Kentucky, New York, Texas, and Japan. Most recently, Moreno served as Chief of Staff for the President and CEO of Toyota and Lexus Financial Services (TFS) U.S.A. and was responsible for planning and directing all administrative and operational activities for the Office of the CEO.
In December 2013, PRNews named Moreno to its annual list of 30 under 30 People to Watch. In March 2015, he was one of only 12 prominent Penn State alumni, 35 years of age and younger, to receive the university’s Alumni Achievement Award. More recently, the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility selected Moreno as a 2022 Young Hispanic Corporate Achiever.
In 2003, Moreno made history when he became the first Puerto Rican and first person with a native language other than English to be elected as national FFA president. He graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Agricultural Education, and earned a minor in International Agriculture from Moscow State Agricultural Engineering University.
Moreno currently resides in his hometown of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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Executive Director, National Hispanic Cultural Center
Zack Quintero is a native New Mexican from the town of Mesilla, New Mexico. He is a graduate of University of New Mexico School of Law and New Mexico State University. Zack has served in local, county, and state government with his most recent position being the Federal Ombudsman for New Mexico protecting seniors and veterans from abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation during the national pandemic. Zack has also served as an economic development specialist, senior advisor to Governor Luján Grisham, and statewide coordinator advocating for arts to be connected to rural high poverty areas such as colonias in southern New Mexico. Zack was first introduced to the National Hispanic Cultural Center at age 10 as a dancer with the ballet folklorico group who carried out the opening ceremonies of the center. Zack later became an active volunteer at the center and in March 2023 was appointed to the position of Executive Director by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.
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Vice President - DE&I, Constellation Brands, Inc.
Carlos is a business-minded, nationally recognized expert who understands the demands company leaders face in balancing the need to drive industry-leading financial and operational performance while working to create best-in-class, diverse teams and a winning inclusive culture that allows diversity to thrive. In his role as VP of DE&I, Carlos collaborates with and supports leaders across CBI to drive adoption and execution of its evolved DE&I strategy in alignment with the company’s vision and strategic priorities. Carlos joined Constellation Brands from McDonald’s where he led a cross-functional team responsible for the creation and development of the company’s global DE&I strategy, impacting over 2.2 million employees and franchisees, suppliers, and customers in over 135 distinct global markets.
Carlos is active in the DE&I community and serves on several industry-leading organizations. A native Spanish speaker, Carlos is originally from Puerto Rico and currently resides in the Chicago Metropolitan area.
Resources
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The Undocumented Americans by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez
The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henríquez
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Multimedia
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El Naranjo – South Lamar – Austin, TX
Casta’s Rum Bar – Washington, D.C.
Colombia Kaliente – Englewood, NJ
Casa Vega – Los Angeles, CA
Tamayo Restaurant – Denver, CO
Irazu – Chicago, IL