Hispanic Heritage Month 2023 Week 4: Education

Hispanic Heritage Month 2023 Week 4: Education

NETWORK Communications Team
Oct 6, 2023

Hispanic Heritage Month 2023 is September 15 through October 15. National organizers choose a theme each year for the celebration. For 2023 it is “Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America.” Please join NETWORK as we reflect on, celebrate, and acknowledge the significant strides of Hispanics in the economic, political, and social growth of the U.S. We will spotlight Latina and Latino justice-seekers in our faith-filled community to recognize the positive impact they’ve had on our work and our country!

Week 2: Jobs and the Economy, spotlight on Ness Perry
Week 3: Climate, spotlight on Christian Soenen

Hispanic Heritage Month 2023 Week 4

How much do you know about the U.S. Latino experience? Latina and Latino contributions to art, culture, science, sports are vast, and diverse. NETWORK envisions a multi-faith, multiracial democracy where all races, genders, sexual identities, physical and mental abilities, and ages have equitable opportunities to thrive–and to be represented. Educating ourselves about each other’s histories, milestones, achievements, and challenges is one way to ensure we realize an inclusive democracy.

Here’s something that you may not have known: Hispanic Heritage Month’s timeframe of the middle of September to the middle of October was chosen to honor the Central American countries (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua) that celebrate Independence Days within these dates. There is so much more to learn! A good place to start is at the new National Museum of the American Latino, a Smithsonian Museum effort highlighting the U.S. Latino experience. Visit online to learn through bilingual education resources, virtual exhibits, and stories of Latin achievement. In Washington, D.C., you can participate in tours and events.

Hispanic Heritage Month 2023 Justice-Seeker Profile: Laura Muñoz Lopez

This week we proudly feature Laura Muñoz Lopez, who works in Member Services for the House Democratic Caucus in Washington D.C. She is also a former NETWORK Government Relations Associate.

If we can spotlight you, someone you know or love, or social justice work being carried out in your Hispanic church or community during Hispanic Heritage Month 2023, please let us know at [email protected].

Network Communications: Briefly introduce yourself and your connection to NETWORK

Laura Muñoz Lopez : My name is Laura Muñoz Lopez and I was a Government Relations Associate at NETWORK from 2016 – 2017!

What issues do you work on, and why are they important for the Latina and Latino community?

I have mostly worked on judiciary-related issues while in DC such as immigration, civil and voting rights, gun violence prevention, and intellectual property. Currently, I do Member Services for the House Democratic Caucus under the leadership of Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) and work very closely with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus amongst other ideological caucuses on Capitol Hill. Working for the highest-ranking Latino in the House of Representatives is extremely important to me and my community because it shows how critical representation is, especially in the halls of Congress. Being Latina myself and doing this work is a reminder that we are representing our communities, our culture, our experiences, and our priorities for the future. I feel very privileged to be in this role and do the work I do.

How do your faith or your personal values influence your work?

The values instilled in me by my parents, who immigrated to the US almost thirty years ago, push me every day to work hard, be humble, and to give back to my community. If it wasn’t for my parents and the example they set for me and my siblings, I am not sure I would be where I am today!

What are you most mindful about during this Hispanic Heritage Month?

The thing I am the most mindful of this Hispanic Heritage Month is to take time to reflect on all of the work I – and my community – have accomplished and to celebrate it! Too often we work, and work, and work and don’t take a moment to appreciate the struggle and pat ourselves on the back. This month I am celebrating!

Thank you, Laura!