¡HOLA! Shines Spotlight on National Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month is kicking off, and the Exchange’s ¡HOLA! special emphasis group will be celebrating with features and events all month long.

The group, whose name stands for Hispanic Outreach, Leadership & Awareness, is one of eight special emphasis groups at the Exchange focused on promoting a positive workplace culture and communicating diversity awareness.

National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15—the date which marked the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence—through Oct. 15. Throughout the month, ¡HOLA! will share stories of famous Hispanics as well as Exchange teammates from Latin countries.

On Oct. 6, ¡HOLA! executive champion Tony Pares will deliver a lunch and learn, sharing his path from a sales associate to current regional vice president. The monthly celebration will wrap up with a cookbook of associates’ favorite Spanish recipes.

“National Hispanic Heritage Month is a great opportunity to celebrate the contributions of Hispanics to the Exchange, as well as to our country,” said Pares, who has been with the Exchange for 28 years. “About 16% of the U.S. military identifies as Hispanic, and the Exchange is stronger when we reflect the diversity of those we serve. That’s something to celebrate!”

The ¡HOLA! special emphasis group provides associates with tools to become better leaders and develop their potential.

“¡HOLA! aims to help show Hispanic associates the path for career growth,” Pares said. “No matter your race, ethnicity or background, there’s a promising future for you here at the Exchange.”

Visit the ¡HOLA! Hub page for more information on upcoming events and to learn more about the program.

To submit a recipe for the cookbook, email Jose Hernandez at hernandezjose2@aafes.com or Dora Trillo at trillode@aafes.com.