Three leaders from various industries on Tuesday evening at the "Latin Leaders" event held in Miami celebrated their cultures and the impact of their parents and past generations on their lives.
Nelson German and the Influence of Dominican Culture
Nelson German, a chef, restaurateur, and author, spoke at the event about his experiences as a child in an immigrant family from the Dominican Republic. He noted that during his childhood, in an effort to integrate into American society, he distanced himself from his language and culture.
He said, "We wanted to fit in so much that we could achieve the American dream. But now things have changed... We now value these parts of ourselves more and embrace our culture and heritage."
German emphasized the importance of honoring culture, stating that this act means looking to the future as well as the past. He added, "It's not just about the future; we must also honor the past. Parents and grandparents who had three jobs... they gave us the opportunity to stand together in such rooms, so never forget that."
Julian Castro and the Struggle for Advancement
Julian Castro, CEO of the Latino Community Foundation, in his speech reflected on his childhood in San Antonio, Texas, and mentioned his search for successful Latin figures in cinema and literature. He honored his grandmother and mother who raised him and his brother alone.
Castro said, "I am sure that if we walk around this room tonight, this story will be familiar to many of you and each of us will feel fortunate to have reached our dreams. Our families have always been hardworking and diligent, and this reality holds true today as well."
He also pointed to the challenges that immigrant and Latin families face across the country and emphasized that Latinos are an integral part of American society.
Sofia Carson and the Message of Hope
Sofia Carson, an actress and singer, in her speech emphasized the importance of hope, saying, "Being a Latin woman means having hope." She celebrated mothers and women in families and stressed the importance of passing on culture and identity to future generations.
Carson, referencing the works of Latin artists like Frida Kahlo and Isabel Allende, stated, "Hope is in our DNA. This hope flows from our blood into everything we touch."
The event, presented by PepsiCo, witnessed a celebration of the rich culture and heritage of the Latin community and emphasized the importance of passing these values to future generations.
