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Northern Essex Community College is preparing to honor “Pioneers of Change” during Hispanic Heritage Month with several events at its Haverhill and Lawrence campuses.
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 and recognizes the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture and achievements of the United States. In 2001, Northern Essex became New England’s first federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution. Of the current college student population, 47% identify as Hispanic, many with ties to the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.
An opening celebration next Tuesday features Latin cuisine the ambiance of Jalisco, Mexico, with a live musical performance by Johanan Ruelas of Mexico. The celebration takes place Sept, 17, from 4-6 p.m., at the Dimitry Building, 45 Franklin St., Lawrence.
Fidelity Investments Vice President of Customer Inclusion Rommel Espinal talks about his leadership journey, experience as a Latino in business and how Fidelity supports its Latino employees and customers. He is a UMass Lowell alum. and a Honduran immigrant. Central American snacks will be provided during the presentation Tuesday, Sept. 24, from 11 a.m. to noon, at Northern Essex Community College’s B Building, room B218, 100 Elliott St., Haverhill.
Minds With Purpose, founded by Jeurys Santiago, a 2020 Northern Essex graduate, plans a festival celebrating education, health and wellness, entrepreneurship and innovation, community advocacy and cultural heritage. Events, featuring performances and diverse array of foods, take place starting Friday, Sept. 27, at 5 p.m., and continuing over the weekend at various Lawrence locations. There’s a schedule at mwpfest.com.
“Connect, Create, Collaborate: A Hispanic Heritage Fashion & Arts Extravagancia” takes place Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 6-9 p.m., at 429 Essex St., Lawrence.
Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close with a fiesta, featuring a lineup of dance performances, live music, a disc jockey, food, raffle and more. It takes place Wednesday, Oct. 9, from 4-7 p.m., at Northern Essex Community College’s Dimitry Building, 45 Franklin St., Lawrence.