‘The culture we pass on… makes Hispanics strong’
Esperanza Duverney, a region services program specialist, performs a traditional Mexican dance.
The Exchange’s Hispanic Organization for Leadership and Advancement (¡HOLA!) kicked off the 41st annual National Hispanic Heritage Month on Tuesday with a celebration at headquarters in Dallas.
“Hispanic heritage is strong within our ranks,” said Chief Master Sgt. Luis Reyes, Exchange senior enlisted advisor and the event’s guest speaker.
Mexican sweet breads, cake and salsa were enjoyed by associates to the Hispanic Heritage Month kickoff event at HQ.
In his speech, Reyes honored the service of three exceptional Latinas and Exchange leaders: President and Chief Merchandising Officer Ana Middleton; Executive Vice President/Chief Logistics Officer Karen Stack; and Senior Vice President for Services and Food Trini Saucedo.
“These women are fantastic servant leaders,” he said. “Their stories of service are weaved into the Exchange’s nearly 125 years of service. They have helped make the Exchange what it is today.”
Reyes also recognized all Hispanics for their contributions to the Exchange.
“Every day someone in this room is coaching, mentoring and leading future generations,” Reyes said. “The culture we pass on, day in and day out is what makes Hispanics strong.”
National Hispanic Heritage Month runs through Oct. 15.
“For more than 40 years, this nation has dedicated this time to commemorate our culture, and I’m proud that the Exchange also recognizes this event,” said Ive Solazayas, program manager for ¡HOLA!.
Also at the event, Esperanza Duverney, a region services program specialist, performed a traditional Mexican dance. Latin music band the IT Caballeros also performed. The salsa entry by Mary Ann Perez, an E-commerce operations technician, won the third annual taste contest.
The speech by CMSgt. Reyes, the dance and the musical performance can be found here on our Facebook page.
Send us your photos for Flickr!
Send photos of their Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations to ExchangePost@aafes.com to be included in the associate Flickr album honoring the event.
