From September 15 through October 15, the United States observes Hispanic Heritage Month.
This month honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The celebration began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week and was later expanded in 1988 to a full month, chosen to coincide with the independence days of several Latin American countries, including Mexico, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
For Hope Ignites, this month reflects who we are as a Network. Hispanic scholars and families are a vital part of our community, helping to shape the culture and spirit that define our mission.
Across the Network, 54% of scholars, collegians, and community outreach participants are Latino, and in the U.S., 22% of our young people identify as Hispanic. We serve close to 400 scholars in Latin America, and we are proud to support a growing number of Hispanic scholars in the U.S., in both traditionally Hispanic regions like Denver, Phoenix, and Southern California, and cities like Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, and New York.
Mayra Acevedo is the Program Manager at Hope Ignites Colorado.
Lily, (center), a high school junior and scholar at Hope Ignites Colorado, attended the Hope Ignites Silicon Valley Immersion STEAM+Business Camp.
“Hispanic people are resilient and hard working. I’m proud of the blood that runs through my veins! I am Mexican American and I’m proud of the traditions and stories that I can carry and pass on to my children. I hope they pass them onto their children. ¡Que Viva México!“
Our scholars and staff share what their heritage means to them in deeply personal ways. Carolina Dolan-Dominguez, Associate Director of Wellness at Hope Ignites St. Louis, reflects on her bilingual ancestry: “When I think of being Hispanic, I think about the rhythm in which my abuela spoke to me, how her voice danced across a room… It makes me proud when I can slip back and forth from English to Spanish, connecting the two worlds I exist in.”
Francesca, a high school senior at Hope Ignites Colorado, says, “This month is a time to celebrate and appreciate our heritage and where we come from. I am proud of the sense of community and belonging when you are with other Hispanic people.” One of her favorite traditions is gathering at Thanksgiving and Christmas to play La Lotería, a colorful Mexican game that brings her family together.
Mayra Acevedo Fonseca, Program Manager at Hope Ignites Colorado, feels great pride in her background:
“Hispanic people are resilient and hard working. I’m proud of the blood that runs through my veins! I am Mexican American and I’m proud of the traditions and stories that I can carry and pass on to my children. I hope they pass them onto their children. ¡Que Viva México!”
Alfonso, a ninth grader in Phoenix, says, “When I think about my life and being Mexican, I think about the large gatherings where even if we weren’t family, we still had love for each other. God gave us so many great opportunities and we need to take advantage of them. Take Hope Ignites: they are helping me reach my goals.”
Alfonso is a ninth-grade scholar at Hope Ignites Phoenix.
Other scholars echo the themes of unity and strength. Sandra in Phoenix says, “We can randomly talk to another person and in that instant, we are best friends.” Jasmine, also a scholar in Phoenix, added, “It’s been difficult but empowering knowing that I am able to make a change in the set narrative,” when representing a culture with so much impact on American society.
Hispanic Heritage Month honors traditions, languages, and stories passed down through generations. At Hope Ignites, the celebration continues every day. We are proud to uplift the voices and dreams of Hispanic scholars across our Network, whose heritage enriches our community and strengthens our shared future and mission.
