Gracias once again to all those who attended our 2nd annual Congreso Celebra on October 14th - thanks to you we surpassed our fundraising goal! Felicidades to our Corporate, Community, and Staff Service  Champions! 

Tell us about your heritage. Do you have any favorite cultural traditions, foods, etc.? 

I was born in Spain. The region I am from is called Rias Baixas and is known for its remarkable fish, seafood and the well-known wine, Albarino. The food is amazing. Whether it is a traditional Caldo Gallego stew, or the delicious Paella, among other remarkable dishes! Coming together around great meals as a family and community is one of the traditions that stands out to me.

What was your journey to becoming a successful Hispanic American?   

Like many other rural villages in Spain, my town was relatively poor. There were not many options available there; education was not a priority that could be adequately addressed. So, my family journeyed to the U.S. and we settled just  north of NYC where my two older brothers and I were the first Lopez’s to graduate from high school and college, moving to Philadelphia immediately upon graduation.  

I then started my career in insurance sales in 1988, and in 1996 launched my own agency. I built a company in the Employee Benefits space, and over the last 25 years have expanded that to include Human Capital Consulting, Risk Management and Retirement Planning. Though it took hard work, and the road was bumpy along the way, it was the support from family, friends, colleagues and employees that promoted my success. 

What inspires you to support the Latino community and Congreso’s work? 

As a company - and as a family - we have always supported the community that has been an integral part of building our business and creating a successful venture. From the very beginning of the launch of our company, my goal was to give, and to make a difference. Besides my membership and participation on five nonprofit boards, we pledge donations to organizations that support the eradication of poverty in this region. Given that Congreso is able to serve almost 9,000 individuals in North Philadelphia and on average almost 80% of clients report living below the poverty line, Congreso has been a beacon of hope for providing housing, financial literacy, and family support services to this population in need. The Latino community unfortunately suffers in a disproportionately significant way, and I believe it is incumbent upon those that have the means to give, to do so generously. I’m proud of Congreso’s work to move our Latinx community towards economic self-sufficiency, and I’m honored to be able to make whatever difference I can in advancing the mission. 

Izlas Latin Cuisine and Congreso are inviting you to Plaza Americana on October 31st from 4pm-7pm for a free Halloween community event! Enjoy trick-or-treating, a corn maze, music, craft stations, raffles and community resources.  The location for Plaza Americana is 2725 N. American St. Philadelphia PA 19133. There is free parking.  

We’ll see you there! 

This year’s United Way Campaign officially kicked off on Wednesday, October 27th and runs until Wednesday, November 10th!  

Is your employer hosting a United Way fundraiser? Would you like to donate to Congreso? Use our code 4210 when completing the online donation form.   

Missed our job fair this month? Don’t worry, you can still explore our current job openings in our career center. Apply today!