“We want to give people throughout the directorate a taste of Hispanic culture,” said Maldonado. “It is our goal that through events like these, we can celebrate our cultural differences while at the same time learn about the many things we all have in common.”
Maldonado said the events planned for this year’s celebration include a mix of activities that will offer something for everyone. “We want everyone, young and old, to find something to enjoy and come out for and have a great time. We’re holding events both on and off base, and most are open to friends and family, so it’s a great time to join in.”
Events scheduled for the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration include:
A Hispanic Heritage Month kickoff celebration, Sept. 19, 2:30 p.m., at the Wright-Patterson Club. This event will feature a discussion with wing leadership, as well as guest speaker Tony Ortiz, diversity liaison for the Ohio Department of Administrative Services, Office of Talent Management-Human Resources Division. Wright-Patterson employee families and children are invited to attend.
AJ Zumba, Oct. 2, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Wright Field Fitness Center, Bldg. 262 in Area B. This is a free dance fitness class open to all Wright-Patterson employee families and children.
Latin Night, Oct. 11, 6 to 9 p.m., at the WPAFB USO Center, 2221 Birch St. in Kittyhawk Area. This event will be hosted by Maldonado and his wife, Maria, and will feature free salsa, merengue, and Bachata dance lessons as well as a free food tasting. This free class is open to all Wright-Patterson employee families and children.
Food tasting, Oct. 9, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Bldg. 45, Room 032/036. This event is open to the members of the Aerospace Systems Directorate and will feature a variety of regional dishes for participants to sample. Guest speaker will be entrepreneur, Hispanic issues advocate, and retired Proctor & Gamble Research and Development Director Miguel Alemañy.
Additionally, the Puerto Rican, American, and Caribbean Organization, and Five Rivers MetroParks will host the 19th annual Hispanic Heritage Festival Sept. 14 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at the RiverScape MetroPark in Dayton. This celebration will include music from a variety of performers, as well as a parade, dance lessons, karaoke, games, a cultural expo and more. Admission is free.
For information on Hispanic Heritage Month or any of the activities listed, contact Maldonado.
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