Leadership Update: Welcome to Hispanic Heritage Month

As Co-Chairs of Association Forum’s Latinx Advisory Group, we are thrilled to welcome you to Association Forum’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month! Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15–October 15 and is intended to recognize and celebrate the contributions made to American society and culture by Americans tracing their roots to Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Spanish-speaking nations of the Caribbean. The 2021 Hispanic Heritage Month observance theme is “Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope.”

Association Forum’s Latinx Advisory Group enthusiastically took on the opportunity to develop a series of events and sourced resources to share with our fellow Association Forum members with the anticipation to celebrate the Hispanic diaspora in the United States. The ten members of our Advisory Group each had a role in developing the thoughtfully crafted schedule of events.

On a personal note, we are both honored to have this opportunity to serve Association Forum in our roles as Co-Chairs of the inaugural Latinx Advisory Group. We are both first-generation Latinas and moms of Gen Z babies that are getting ready to make their mark on this world. We see ourselves in the faces of the stories we will be sharing, and we see our daughters in the faces of our future. We encourage you to participate in the celebrations and make new connections with your fellow Association Forum members who identify as part of the Hispanic Latina/o/x community. 

Below is a list of our scheduled events and offerings. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Kick-Off Event: John Leguizamo’s Latin History for Morons Virtual Discussion Party

September 16, 2021—Want to learn more about those who identify as Hispanic/Latino/a/x and Latin American History? In his one-man Broadway show, John Leguizamo finds humor and heartbreak as he traces Latin history. Watch on Netflix and then join our virtual discussion party as Association Forum’s Latinx Advisory Group kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month.

Gather Voices – Hispanic Heritage Month Video Series

September 15–October 15—Keep an eye out on Association Forum social media posts as we share video snippets from fellow Latinx association management professionals sharing what it means to be Hispanic/Latino/a/x. Look for your friends and get to know new faces of our community! Record your video here.

Latinx Professionals in Association Management—presentation at National Louis University

Date TBA—In support of the Association Forum and National Louis University Internship Program, Latinx members of Association Forum, including Latinx Advisory Group members, will host a presentation on careers in association management that will include a panel discussion and breakout sessions led by Latinx members working in a variety of association management positions.

Informational Resources—Celebrate and Get to Know More about Hispanic Culture!

September 15–October 15—Ever wondered what the term Latinx means? There would be no Taco Tuesday without Latin cuisine. What other dishes are on the table in the Latin American home? These questions will be answered along with more resources shared throughout the month. Association Forum will post resources the Latinx Advisory Group has sourced to celebrate the contributions of Latinos and inform each other on facts and figures of the Latino population in the United States. 

As we honor Hispanic Heritage Month across the country, here are some resources to help you commemorate virtually:

Key facts about U.S. Latinos for National Hispanic Heritage Month
Explore Latino heritage in Chicago’s neighborhoods by Choose Chicago
Smithsonian Latino Center | Military History | Our Journeys/Our Stories
11 Hispanic and Latino Organizations Everyone Should Know
Welcoming Environment® Glossary of Terms
Books by Latinx Authors You’ll Want to Read Now
Hispanic Heritage Month Toolkit by Hispanic Star

Norma G. Castrejon, CAE

Josie M. Hernandez, IOM

For more information on Association Forum’s Latinx Advisory Group, please contact us at membership@associationforum.org.