Hispanic Heritage Month: Q&A with United Way Ambassador & Supporter, Marta Piñeiro-Núñez

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.

President Lyndon Johnson called for Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a month-long period. It was later signed into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.

The Hispanic population in Central Indiana has been growing steadily over the past two decades. As of 2019, more than 10% of residents in Central Indiana identified as Hispanic or Latino. This represents the growing diversity in our communities, and with that growth comes new perspectives and opportunities, as well as unique needs and barriers.

In Indianapolis specifically, two in five Latinos are affected by poverty. United Way of Central Indiana partners with several organizations across our 7-county service area that are dedicated to the health, education, and financial stability of Latinos.

 Marta Piñeiro-Núñez, Ph.D., Head of the Talent Development Academy for the Medicines Innovation Hub organization at Eli Lily & Company, and United Way Ambassador and Supporter, sat down with us to highlight the organizations she believes are doing great work for the Hispanic community in Central Indiana, as well as share her own personal experiences.

 Below are Marta’s personal thoughts and not in any manner affiliated with her employer.

1. Why is giving back to the community important to you?

Lilly is committed to the communities in which we work and live, and so am I! As an immigrant, it is extremely important to me to be able to call Indianapolis “home” and feeling that I am part of this community - regardless of my origin.  This is where my children were born, and I feel that it is my duty to contribute to the community’s health and prosperity.

2. What Central Indiana human services organizations are you involved with and why?

 I have also been a supporter of United Way for many years, and particularly fond of the work conducted by La Plaza. I am also particularly interested in supporting other institutions focused on education – like Christel House – and immigrant needs – like the Immigrant Welcome Center.  Additionally, I am a great fan of the scholarship program run by SADCO (Sociedad de Amigos de Colombia). I try to attend their events as much as possible!

3. Why is it important for our community to know more about our fellow neighbors with Hispanic heritage?

During my 30 years living in Indiana, I have seen the Hispanic population increase steadily, to the betterment of the community. When I first visited Indianapolis in the early 90s, I could hardly find olive oil being sold in local grocery stores! Now, I am able to use my native tongue not only at work, but around the Indianapolis area. I have now increased opportunities to run into other Hispanics, both recent immigrants working hard to get started, as well as established professionals.

 Just a few weeks ago, I attended a very nice event hosted by the Indiana Latino Institute at the Columbia Club in downtown Indy, to recognize young Latinx professionals working in local companies, and Mayor Hogsett was a speaker. It was incredibly powerful seeing the capable, promising rising stars being recognized for their contributions to the city!  The landscape of Indianapolis could not be more different than what I encountered back in the early 90s, and I think that all of those who were around at that time would agree with me on the very positive ways in which the city has evolved.

4. Why are you passionate about United Way and our mission?

 I really appreciate the way in which United Way works as an umbrella organization that brings together many other smaller ones, focused on specific types of needs.  I know that contributing to United Way is the best way for my dollars to be used right here where I live and work.  By making my community stronger, I have a better place to live for me and for my family, which is exactly the focus for United Way.

5. What advice would you share for those considering ways to get involved in the Central Indiana and/or the Hispanic community – where to start? What ways would you recommend for individuals and families to engage and learn more about Hispanic culture here in Central Indiana?

By contacting La Plaza and/or the Indianapolis Latino Institute, you get a really great way to learn more.

6. In what ways do you celebrate your culture and heritage during Hispanic Heritage Month and/or year-round?

 I like to participate in the community events, like Fiesta Indianapolis, and anything that Lilly offers courtesy of our great OLA friends (Organization of Latinos at Lilly).  In my daily life, there is actually no way to walk away from my heritage! At home, I cook, speak, breath Spanish – even my fiancé and his entire family – from South Bend, Indiana – are getting more familiar with all things Hispanic!