Sharing Tradition and Culture Through Food and Advocacy

When the middle of September rolls across the calendar, you may find Edgar Ramirez and his family enjoying their favorite dishes from El Salvador and Bolivia – pupusas and salteñas. He and his wife are second generation immigrants and keep their culture alive year-round, not just during Hispanic Heritage Month.

From September 15 through October 15 – as Latin nations celebrate their independence – we recognize the history, cultures, and achievements of the U.S. Hispanic and Latino/Latinx communities. With the theme Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation, it’s a call on our society to ensure all voices are represented and welcomed to help build stronger communities and a stronger nation.  

And just like Ramirez and his family, Unum celebrates the diversity and contributions of employees and community partners during the commemoration month and year-round.  

Advocacy and Community Development

Based in Georgia, GALEO reaches the Latinx community through civic engagement. They focus on voter participation rates, civic participation and developing Latino leaders. Unum field offices partner with the organization to support the Latino Community Development Fund, which provides education about the importance of voting.

Equitable Resources, Education and Wealth Building

La Paz Chattanooga promotes inclusion of the Hispanic and Latino community in Southeast Tennessee.  The partnership with Unum widens the door for:

• Advocacy to better understand changes in legislation and eliminate obstacles for Latinos to thrive in a new community.
• Community building and education through skills classes that help people find jobs and community events that introduce people to resources.
• Individual and family stabilization to provide members with immediate assistance such as housing, banking, education and legal needs.
• Support services through case management to reduce language and cultural barriers.

Ramirez says inclusivity reaches beyond nationality, skin color or sexual orientation.  “When you include those around you, it makes everyone feel part of a bigger community.”. As he continues to celebrate his culture at home and at work, Ramirez plans to share some pupusas with his colleagues to have a taste of El Salvador. “Cooking is a way we keep our Hispanic heritage alive. It also brings others into our community.”