Hispanic Heritage Month: Meet Victoria Petersen Elia
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating Hispanic and Latino contributions, culture, and history within the United States. The month highlights the diverse background of those with ancestors from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
In celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, we sat down with Victoria Petersen Elia, Strategic Corporate Initiatives Manager, to learn more about her story.
Why is Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) important to you?
I think it’s important because there are a lot more Hispanics around than people realize. When I first moved to the United States, there weren’t as many Hispanics, and I think it’s important now, especially with Hispanics being the largest minority in the US, that we have a month to promote inclusivity.
How do you celebrate HHM?
In all honesty, in my family we celebrate the two really big days unique to Argentina neither one of which fall during Hispanic Heritage Month (Revolución de Mayo – May 25th and Argentina Independence Day – July 9th). For September and October, I tend to focus on celebrating and supporting my fellow Hispanics and what they consider important. Even though we might be from different countries, have different skin tones, or have different dialects, this month is really about embracing and celebrating being a part of this group. With my dad being very proud of his country, our family has always made a point to celebrate all of the major holidays unique to Argentina.
Why is giving back to the community important to you?
It’s always been my mission to make sure I help others. I’m realizing as I get older that my basic core values are inclusivity and equality and making sure everyone has access to the same resources regardless of their skin tone, gender, or anything else. Giving back is a way for me to help out others who may not have the same privileges as me.
Outside of United Way, what other organizations are you involved in or passionate about?
I am now very involved at my son’s school (Willow Lake Elementary) as well as Second Presbyterian Church, but I’ve served on the board at Brookside Youth Program and have been involved in the Indiana Latino Institute. I’ve also been fortunate enough to be involved in some of the big sporting events here in Indianapolis such as the Super Bowl, the Final Four, and now the College Football Playoff.
Why is it important for our community to know more about our fellow neighbors with Hispanic heritage?
I think sometimes people assume they know who Hispanics are or what their culture is like based on what their own experiences are from one particular country, rather than multiple different countries. As I get told all the time myself, “Wow – you don’t look Hispanic!?” Then they learn more about other Hispanic counties like Argentina and learn you don’t necessarily have dark skin and dark eyes. So, it’s a matter of realizing there are multiple countries with multiple cultures and multiple different days of celebration. For Argentina, the 9th of July is our big celebration, but for Brazil or Cuba or Panama they have different days that are important to them, and that’s all part of being Hispanic and our heritage.
How can others celebrate and uplift the Hispanic community?
Partner with any of the Hispanic focused non-profits, there are several in the Indianapolis community that are direct service organizations who cater to the Hispanic population here in Central Indiana. Additionally, if you’re a company that is currently hiring bring on more Hispanics to promote an inclusive environment.
Why are you passionate about United Way and our mission?
At United Way, we do some many things in addition to fundraising to try to really help make an impact. For me, it’s being able to help on a bigger picture perspective and help companies with their strategic philanthropic initiatives and programing. With the division I’m a part of (Strategic Philanthropic Advising), we’re able to take what we’re experts in, which is community needs and impact, and match it with what companies need, which is guidance on things such as, employee engagement and advice on strategic philanthropic programing and involvement.
What advice would you share for those considering ways to get involved in the Central Indiana and/or the Hispanic community – where to start?
Just ask. There are some prominent Latino organizations that will help you to get involved. You can also ask your own leadership team if there are any Latinos within your organization that you should be connecting with. Depending on what level of interest you have, La Plaza is one of the most well known that is a direct service for Latinos.