Hispanic American Heritage Month takes place September 15 to October 15 each year as a time to acknowledge and celebrate the significant contributions, commitment to diversity, and Hispanic heritage of the American Latino community. The observation started in 1968 when Hispanic Heritage Week was introduced under President Lyndon Johnson. Twenty years later, President Ronald Reagan expanded it to what we now know as Hispanic Heritage Month[i].
This month-long observance has commemorated the occasion with various events such as festivals, art shows, conferences, and community activities. Hispanic Heritage Month also honors the independence celebration of several Latin American countries including Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Chile.ii National Hispanic Heritage Month highlights the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans.
There are nearly 5 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States, contributing over $800 billion annually to the American economy. Hispanic-owned businesses also employ about 1 million workers, with more than $100 billion in annual revenue, a testament to their increasing influence[iii]
The ODP Corporation, parent company of Office Depot, has endeavored to highlight the unique and important contributions of minority-owned small businesses through the Elevate Together® initiative powered by Round It Up America®, with significant representation and participation from Hispanic owned small businesses. This initiative was designed to help accelerate the creation, growth and prosperity of Hispanic and Black-owned small businesses. Through a partnership with the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (UHCC) and the National Urban League’s (NUL) Entrepreneurship Centers, the initiative helps support Hispanic and Black small businesses with five or fewer employees through education, access, and aid.iv Since The ODP Corporation launched the initiative, nearly $6 million has been raised to support minority- and Hispanic-owned small businesses.
As part of this initiative, eligible Black and Hispanic small business owners can access educational workshops, training and mentorship services, professional networks, and more. Businesses may also be eligible to receive aid through grants, products, and services.[v]
At The ODP Corporation, respect, unity, and diversity are integrated within the foundation of our corporate culture. SOMOS, the company’s Latino/Hispanic associate resource group, has a mission to bring allies together to encourage positive change through community outreach and associate professional and personal development, as well as strengthen the culture with the promotion and support of critical priorities that connect the Latino/Hispanic markets to the communities that Office Depot serves.
SOMOS, on behalf of The ODP Corporation, has received awards from Hispanic organizations for demonstrating cultural inclusivity, and community service within the Hispanic community. These awards include the “Best of the Best Top Employer” awarded by the Hispanic Network Magazine and the “Best Companies for Latinas to Work for in the U.S.” and “Top 16 Employee Resource Group” from the LATINA Style Magazine.[vi]
This National Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re proud to celebrate the rich history, heritage, cultures, and incredible contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans, past and present.
The ODP Corporation, through is operating business units, also offers customers an exceptional choice of innovative products and services through a robust supplier diversity program, which provides opportunities for small and diverse-owned businesses to grow and succeed.
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