Entergy celebrates and empowers Latinos during National Hispanic Heritage Month

Insights > Entergy celebrates and empowers Latinos during National Hispanic Heritage Month

October 15, 2024

As we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, Entergy proudly recognizes the invaluable contributions and rich experiences of Latinos who are integral to our nation's history and culture. This month, Entergy worked with key Hispanic partners and community leaders to elevate Latino voices and strengthen Hispanic communities across the country.

Here are some highlights from Entergy's month-long celebration:

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Gala

Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana were honored as Corporate Partners of the Year at the Hispanic Chamber Excelencia Gala. This award, presented by the Hispanic Chamber of Louisiana, recognizes the partnership between Entergy and the Chamber in supporting Latino business owners and strengthening the Hispanic community across the state.

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Leadership Conference

Last month, Latino leaders from diverse sectors – including business, government and nonprofits – gathered in Washington, DC, for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute's 47th Annual Leadership Conference. This event included dynamic workshops and plenary sessions that not only celebrated the countless contributions of Latinos but also addressed the challenges facing one of the fastest-growing populations in the country. Entergy sponsored a keynote session titled “Uplifting Latino Leaders in Corporate America,” where Patty Riddlebarger, Entergy’s vice president of corporate social responsibility, shared her insights on amplifying Latino voices in the business landscape.

“Latinos represent one of the fastest growing populations in the country. Their representation is critical for companies seeking to serve this growing market. Companies that recognize the importance of recruiting and developing Latin American talent will benefit from the skills, perspectives and experiences they bring. It’s part of developing a competitive advantage,” Riddlebarger said.

Entergy's invited guests included our community partners from Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas, including:

• Sal Avelar, entrepreneur
• Danny Balanos, Vice President, The First Bank
• Esperanza Massana Crane, director of small business, Arkansas Department of Economic Development
• Miguel Lopez, president of the Montgomery County Hispanic Chamber
• Angela Ramirez, Executive Director, Puentes New Orleans

“As a veteran and Latino, my Hispanic pride comes from a life story that combines heritage, service and progress, making the Hispanic population a powerful example of what it means to be a proud Hispanic in modern America,” Lopez said. “Thank you, Entergy, for inviting community partners to participate in this year’s conference. I was very lucky to be there.”

In addition to community leaders, the conference also welcomed college students who represented the next generation of Latino leaders. This event provided them with a unique opportunity to learn and network with peers from across the country on their first visit to our nation's capital.

“The conference was a powerful reminder of the significant contributions Latinos make to this country and affirmed to Latino youth that not only do they belong here, but that their intellectual potential is one of the greatest assets to the United States,” Ramirez said .

Children to College Hispanic Outreach

During Hispanic Heritage Month, Entergy employees also participated in several outreach initiatives aimed at helping Latino families establish Kids to College savings accounts. Working with Puentes, ECCO Community Center, and Esperanza Elementary and Middle Schools, our team provided families with important information and assistance in opening free my529 college savings accounts for their children.

As we continue to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, Entergy remains committed to celebrating the cultural contributions of Latinos and investing in the leaders of tomorrow. Together, we can continue to strengthen our communities and build a better future for all.

Cristina del Canto

Senior Communications Specialist