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The Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (NAHCC) hosted Hispanic Heritage Month with the announcement of key programs and events as part of its month-long business, arts, culture and education calendar. Hispanic Heritage Month is a nation-wide celebration of the many contributions to our nation by those who trace their roots to Spanish speaking countries. Since 2005, the NAHCC has undertaken the largest, most comprehensive recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month in our market from September 15 through October 15.
NAHCC’s month-long program included content on the most recent numbers on Hispanic population growth (now at 58.9 million), purchasing power and economic impact, Hispanic art in the community, a mentorship initiative with students from Simon Youth Academies, Diversity & Inclusion business and corporate leader roundtables, networking events and strategic partnership announcements.
A Belmont University roundtable kicked off the month’s events.
Belmont University hosted the NAHCC’s early kick-off for Hispanic Heritage Month on September 14. The program featured remarks from Nashville Mayor David Briley and Belmont University Business, Civic, Community and NAHCC leaders, followed by a business roundtable lead by members of the NAHCC board of directors.
The fourth annual Family & Community Festival featured authentic Hispanic entertainment.
On Sunday, September 23, members of the community attended the fourth annual Family & Community Festival in partnership with Rivergate Mall. The celebration featured music and dance by award-winning troupe Danza Azteca Coatlicue, and talented singers Elena la Nena del Mariachi, Yelina Valeria “La Barbie de la Cumbia”, Angel Alfaro “El Angel de la Musica Ranchera”, Angela Martinez, Ohbryan Salsa, and folkloric dancer Claudia Sánchez-Miller, as well as storytelling by Rachel Rodriguez.
Corporate leaders gathered for a panel to discuss workplace diversity and how to create an inclusive work environment.
On October 9, a panel of business, government and corporate leaders discussed growing demographics and workplace diversity at the Nashville Entrepreneur Center. Panelists included Daynise Joseph of Google Fiber, Davita Taylor of Metro Nashville Airport Authority, Ashford Hughes with the Nashville Mayor’s Office, Consuelo Chavez of Schneider Electric, and Sergio Martinez-Beltran of Nashville Public Radio. The group discussed ways to promote diversity and inclusion efforts in businesses across Middle Tennessee.
The Excellence in Business and Community Awards highlighted key leaders, closing Hispanic Heritage Month for the year.
To close the month-long festivities, on October 15, the NAHCC hosted its 14th Excellence in Business and Community Awards, an annual recognition of the Hispanic entrepreneurship spirit. The event awarded the professional, civic and business contributions of those whose involvement had a meaningful impact on the community at large throughout the year. Awardees included Kurt and Zulema Rutkowski of Zulema’s Kitchen; Loraine Segovia-Paz, Casa Segovia-Paz Empanadas; Alexis and Britt Soler, Old Glory; No. 308; Falcon Coffee Bar and Flamingo Cocktail Club; Rachel Rodriguez for “Songs for My Little Amigos”; Vanessa Lazon; Ofelia Vazquez, La Mision ConArte; Daynise Joseph, Google Fiber; Joyce Espy Searcy; David Plazas, El Boletin / The Tennessean Newspaper; Belmont University; Rivergate Mall; and Outstanding Strategic Business Partner Award, Williamson Inc.
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