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National Hispanic Heritage Month: Celebrating Culture and Impact in Charlotte

By Kristin Keen (updated by Meaghan Dunham Arena, 2025)

Every year from September 15 to October 15, the United States celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month. This 30-day observance serves as a time to recognize and celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinine Americans as we celebrate heritage in all Latin American countries. In Charlotte, this celebration not only showcases the vibrant Hispanic and Latinine culture but also highlights the need and philanthropic efforts to impact the community.

National Hispanic Heritage Month began as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson. The celebration was expanded in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan to cover a 30-day period. This period was chosen to encompass the cultural richness of multiple Latin countries celebrating anniversaries of independence throughout the month of September. Notable individuals like Mexican immigrant and US Army veteran-turned-doctor, activist, and ambassador, Dr. Hector P. Garcia advocated tirelessly for the recognition of Hispanic contributions to American society.

Latin American countries and the people that call them home are as diverse as they are numerous. It follows that Hispanic and Latinine individuals immigrating to the United States can face many difficulties finding accommodation and support. In recent years, members of these communities have also experienced heightened fears around community safety, which can create additional barriers to feeling welcomed and supported as immigrants and refugees. These realities underscore the importance of organizations and initiatives that work to provide resources, foster belonging, and strengthen community ties.

My WIF journey (Kristin) began with a multi-year stint with the Grants Committee, including two years in leadership of the Human Services Committee. Becoming more familiar with the obstacles and needs of the greater Charlotte community was a powerful experience. While it can seem overwhelming, it is reassuring to know that there are many organizations that are making positive strides in the region.

One of these organizations is the Latin American Coalition (or La Coalición). La Coalición is an immigrant rights organization that is pioneering models for 21st-century democracy-building and inclusive community engagement in North Carolina. Services include victim assistance, integration support, education, as well as direct crisis assistance, legal aid, and employment services reaching roughly 5,000 area Hispanic, Latinine, and immigrants each year. La Coalición also creates welcoming spaces for people of diverse backgrounds to gather at five annual cultural events that promote cooperation and respect among all.

WIF has awarded grants to past nonprofit partners like The Center for Community Transitions, Refugee Support Services, Latino Community Engagement Program, ourBRIDGE for Kids, the Charlotte Bilingual Preschool, and Despierta which directly impact refugee and immigrant communities with academic, vocational, and community integration support.

As Charlotte continues to grow and diversify at a rapid pace, targeted initiatives play a crucial role in fostering inclusion, supporting educational attainment, and promoting economic well-being among Charlotte’s vibrant Hispanic and Latin population. Through education, advocacy, and community support, we can all exemplify how philanthropy can make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of our Hispanic and Latinine neighbors, not just during this Hispanic Heritage Month but throughout the year.

Interested in other ways to learn more about and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Charlotte? Check out recommendations from the Charlotte Observer and Charlotte on the Cheap for activities in 2025.

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Janet LaBar

Executive Director​
jlabar@womensimpactfund.org

With more than 25 years of experience, Janet has a proven track record of leading organizations and teams in developing strategies that foster thriving communities. Her career is dedicated to the well-being of the places she serves, and the people and businesses within them, positioning her as a trusted sounding board, critical thinker, and purposeful protagonist across corporate, government, education, entrepreneurial, and civic spheres.
Janet joined Women’s Impact Fund in June 2025 to guide one of Charlotte’s most respected, women-led philanthropic organizations into its next phase of growth and impact. In partnership with the Women’s Impact Fund team, Board, Advisors, members, volunteers, and key community partners, she will continue strengthening communities by maximizing women’s leadership in philanthropy through collective giving, education, and engagement.
Inspired by her family, teams who dare greatly, and people and communities striving to be their best selves, Janet’s impactful career includes leadership roles as President and CEO of Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, President and CEO of Greater Portland Inc, and Chief Performance Officer of Greater Phoenix Economic Council. As a first-generation Filipino American, her lived experience deeply informs her professional drive to create equitable economic growth and opportunity in the metro areas she’s served.
She holds a BA in Communication Arts from the University of West Florida and an MBA in Marketing from the University of Phoenix. Janet and her husband James are proud parents to an older daughter, and a daughter and son who are twins.