Every year from September 15 to October 15, National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated in the United States of America. This tradition has been observed since 1988 and commemorates the cultural contributions, heritage, and impact of Hispanic and Latino communities nationwide.
In the City of Philadelphia, sharing heritage stories and celebrating communities throughout is vital for understanding and fostering a harmonious city where everyone feels valued and respected. In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, the Office of Immigrant Affairs was excited to sit down with William Garcia, the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Latino Engagement in Philadelphia, to share insights about the office’s mission, initiatives, and future plans. Let’s dive into our Q&A session!
Q: William, thank you for joining us. Can you start by explaining the mission of the Mayor’s Office of Latino Engagement?
William Garcia: Thank you for having me! Our mission at the Mayor’s Office of Latino Engagement is to be a crucial link between the Latino community and the city government. We strive to ensure that Latino residents are actively involved in the city’s development and their voices are heard. Our focus is on community support, cultural celebration, advocacy, and providing resources to improve the quality of life for Latino individuals and families.
Q: What key initiatives is the office currently working on?
William Garcia: We have several key initiatives central to our work. One major focus is community outreach. This involves connecting Latino residents with essential city services and resources, whether it’s assisting with legal issues or navigating city bureaucracy.
We also organize and support cultural events, such as Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations and various cultural festivals. These events not only celebrate Latino heritage but also foster intercultural understanding among all Philadelphia residents.
Another important area is advocacy and representation. We ensure that the Latino community’s concerns and needs are effectively communicated to city government and considered in policy development.
Additionally, we collaborate with local organizations to offer educational resources and economic development programs. These initiatives aim to enhance academic outcomes and job opportunities for the community.
Q: Can you share any recent success stories or office achievements?
William Garcia: Certainly! One recent success we’re proud of is the establishment of the Advisory Committee for the Mayor’s Office of Latino Engagement.
We celebrated its establishment with a reception in City Hall, with over 100 community leaders from across the city. The Advisory Committee has been charged with the responsibility of advising the Mayor’s Office on issues that directly impact the Latino Community of the City of Philadelphia.
Q: What are the future goals or plans for the office?
William Garcia: Looking ahead, we plan to expand our outreach efforts to reach more Latino residents and make them aware of their available resources and support. We’re also working on enhancing our programs to address emerging needs within the community.
We intend to continue celebrating Latino culture with even more inclusive events and to strengthen our partnerships with local organizations and businesses. Our ultimate goal is to create a more connected and empowered Latino community in Philadelphia.
Q: For those who are interested in getting involved or learning more about the office, what’s the best way to do so?
William Garcia: The best way to get involved is to email latino.engagement@phila.gov. We will provide updates on community events and resources until our website is up and running.
Q: William, thank you for sharing these insights with us. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
William Garcia: I just want to thank you for the opportunity to discuss our work. We’re dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of Latino residents in Philadelphia, and we’re always excited to engage with the community and collaborate on new initiatives.
