At Pima Foundation, we are proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and the vibrant cultures that shape not only our diverse team, but that of our community. This month, we honor the stories, traditions, and contributions of the Latino community, highlighting the richness they bring to our work, our lives, and our nation.
Zulma Tapia, Donor Relations Manager, reflects on the deep significance of this celebration, paying tribute to those who arrived in the United States with dreams carried in their suitcases, determined to create a brighter future. “Hispanos, Latinos; let’s not forget our work is important, we are essential, our voice is valuable, and our beautiful Spanish language takes us further,” she says. It is a message that resonates with the generations who strive to preserve their roots while embracing new opportunities in a country they now call home.
Savannah Franco, Marketing Specialist, embracing her father’s Mexican heritage, recalls how Hispanic foods were more than meals—they were moments that brought her family together, connecting her to a part of herself she is now learning to understand more deeply. “As I get older,” she reflects, “I find myself appreciating the heritage that seemed distant as a child. The food, the gatherings—they were reminders of a culture that continues to shape who I am.”
The same pride is echoed in the heart of Teresa Diaz, our newest Philanthropy Assistant from Mexico City, whose journey with us celebrates the vibrant cultural exchange between Mexico and the United States.
As a proud Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), Pima Community College stands as a beacon of access and opportunity for Hispanic and Latino students. At Pima Foundation, we are deeply committed to this mission, not just in words, but through meaningful partnerships, like our collaboration with the Mexican Consulate in Tucson. Through the IME Becas Scholarship, we provide financial support to students helping to pave the way for future generations of leaders and changemakers.
Puerto Rican culture, as Saby Andino, Director of Operations, describes it, is centered around unity, joy, and family, with its influence visible in the arts, music, politics, and more. “I am so proud to represent my beautiful island, Puerto Rico,” she shares—a sentiment that echoes the pride we all feel in representing our unique cultures.
Together, we celebrate the diversity of our stories and the contributions of our community. This Hispanic Heritage Month, we invite everyone to join us in honoring the past, present, and future of Hispanic and Latino culture—because together, we are stronger, more connected, and more vibrant than ever.
