Cultural Connections: ACA's HOLA ERG Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

As the calendar flips to September, the ACA family is gearing up for a vibrant celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, a special time that runs from September 15th to October 15th. It's a month dedicated to recognizing and embracing the diverse cultures and contributions of the Latinx and Hispanic community. At ACA, this celebration holds a special place in our hearts, and this year, our Hispanic/Latinx Organization for Leadership and Advancement (HOLA) Employee Resource Group (ERG) has put together a series of events that promise to make this month memorable.

In the heart of ACA's Hispanic Heritage Month festivities lies a dedication to not only celebrate, but also to educate, empower, and connect. Through the HOLA ERG, ACA employees have the opportunity to come together to appreciate roots of their own or those of colleagues and learn and share enthusiasm for the Hispanic and Latinx culture.

One of the cornerstones of this celebration is a cooking and mixology class embarking on a culinary journey, guided by the expertise of chef, Yexenia E. Gomez who is originally from El Salvador and grew up in Brooklyn. She has led healthy cooking classes and demonstrating for Hospitals, Clinics, markets, and community centers throughout New York City. She believes in teaching the basics and fundamentals of cooking so that participants can feel more confident and creative in nourishing themselves. We are excited to journey through history and culture to learn about the origins of the dishes, as well as their nutritional significance.

HOLA and ACA's Book Club will have a collaborative discussion of "The House on Mango Street" by Sandra Cisneros. This beautifully woven tale follows Esperanza Cordero, a young Latina girl growing up in Chicago, as she discovers her identity and aspirations. Through a series of vignettes, we witness the joys and challenges of her journey, a narrative that resonates with the immigrant experience and the pursuit of dreams.

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we remind the industry to remember that it's not just about the events we attend but also about the stories we share, the connections we make, and the understanding we foster. ACA is proud to remain a place where diversity is celebrated, and all voices are heard. Together, we can make this Hispanic Heritage Month a memorable and meaningful experience for our entire ACA family and the industry.