Happy Hispanic & Latine Heritage Month! At LEE, we are enthusiastic about sharing the colorful culture, history, and achievements of Hispanic and Latine people in the U.S. We strive to ensure their recognition is spotlighted, especially for those who are serving their communities today.

In recent years, Hispanic and Latine civic leadership has grown exponentially and we are proud to highlight the many efforts of trailblazers working for equity in these communities. Dive into what modern Hispanic and Latine pioneers are doing to ensure equity is here to stay.

MORE: Get your tickets now for LEE’s Hispanic and Latine Heritage Month Celebration

LEE members making a difference in the Hispanic and Latine communities

At LEE, we are honored to highlight our Hispanic and Latine members that have made pivotal moves in their communities. Explore their inspirational stories below.

Carlos Mark Vera understood there was a clear struggle for interns dealing with gaining valuable job experience and trying to survive. He endured it when he was an unpaid intern for the White House, the European Parliament, and the House of Representatives. Because of this disparity, Vera went on to co-found Pay Our Interns, an organization paving the way to ensure interns have equitable access to career opportunities and paid internships.

Cecilia Munoz has had her fair share of accomplishments in the civic sector. From being a senior team member for President Obama to her trailblazing work at UNIDOS US, she has inspired other Hispanic changemakers. Munoz’s work has made waves and her new book, “More Than Ready”, shares provoking insight on her career and the careers of many other women of color.

Marco Davis is the president and CEO of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute and to that role, he brings in a plethora of experience as a leader in civic engagement, community involvement and advocacy, and educational equity. Like Cecilia Munoz, Davis also brought his expertise to UNIDOS US and the Obama administration, rallying for issues that are at the heart of the Hispanic community.

Briana Urbina made transformative strides in her local community as the first Latine queer councilwoman of New Carrollton, Maryland, but she didn’t want to stop there. She has taken on a renter’s rights program and even pushes for recognition for other communities — under her guidance, Urbina is striving to make Juneteenth an official holiday in her town. As a queer woman of color, she is using her experiences to be a voice for everyone.

Aura Cely made indelible marks as an educator, but understanding her power in this sector, she became fully aware of how far-reaching her efforts could be for students. She joined the National Council of La Raza and wanted to bridge the gap between parents and students, giving parents the resources they need to be more present in their childrens’ school careers. Cely understood the importance of parental involvement being a factor in student success.

Ways to celebrate and support the Hispanic & Latine Communities

At LEE, we are excited to always offer resources to extend support to numerous communities around the nation. To honor National Hispanic Heritage Month, dive into these various ways to make your mark on a deserving community.

• Spark Leadership is a LEE initiative that supports diverse political leaders running for office. Donate to a Hispanic and Latine candidate today.
• Attend LEE’s Hispanic and Latine Heritage Month Celebration on October 3. This virtual event will connect you with some of the most brilliant civic leaders in the Hispanic and Latine communities around the U.S. Hear their inspiring stories of triumph and service in this 90-minute get-together. 
• Find local events to attend around your community during National Hispanic Heritage Month. Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures of the Hispanic and Latine communities with great food, energetic music, and a deep sense of unity.
• Jump into this diverse selection of Hispanic and Latine authors that have written about their unique cultural experiences and how it has shaped them today. 
• Stay informed on current issues and happenings in the Hispanic and Latine communities around the country by following news organizations on social media.
• Seek out initiatives in your local area that serve Hispanic and Latine communities. Volunteer, donate, and engage with community members and get to the heart of the issues and causes.
• Learn about the history of National Hispanic Heritage Month and immerse yourself in all of the poignant events and stories in the Hispanic and Latine communities in the U.S.
  • https://salud-america.org/how-hispanic-heritage-month-became-a-thing/ https://www.learningforjustice.org/classroom-resources/lessons/latino-civil-rights-timeline-1903-to-2006
  • https://guides.loc.gov/latinx-civil-rights/timeline