Celebrating Latin American Heritage Month: Honouring Culture, Community, and Connection

Hi folks! My name is Karina, and as a proud Mexican and graphic designer for SEF Canada, this month holds a very special place in my heart. Latin American Heritage Month is not only a celebration of our vibrant culture and heritage but also a chance to honour the spirit of resilience, collaboration, and creativity that defines us as a community.

One project that truly reflects these values is the work SEF led in Cerro de San Pedro, a small yet incredibly spirited town in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. We led a project dedicated to empowering local entrepreneurs and fostering sustainable growth. With the support of passionate volunteers, this collective effort not only helped launch new businesses but also strengthened established ones, bringing sustainable development to this remarkable town.

I had the opportunity to meet a few community members: Now entrepreneurs, and it's remarkable how this project has changed so many lives. How they discovered their passion, learned how to run a business and now, they are reaping the benefits of being their own boss, while contributing to the local economy, sustainability and community connections.

In particular I had the opportunity to meet Lupe, the owner of a bakery in Cerro de San Pedro. Her daughters and Lupe run the business, applying the Universal Management Principles once taught by SEF. He’s a fearless woman, a go-getter and It was so interesting to me to talk with her and learn that she’s proud of her business, however she is even more proud of the community that they had formed, she said that she feel important, part of something bigger, and that's the whole purpose of SEF going to any community.

I hold the story of Lupe so close to my heart, she reminds me of my own family back in Mexico, my aunts and my grandma.?It reminds me how resilient we can be and how a simple project can change the dynamic of a community and transform it into something stronger and full of life. For SEF is important to make a long-term impact to every community, to set the base for the community to build something on their own and something they can be proud of, and that's the case with CSP (how Suzette calls it). Cerro de San Pedro was transformed by the community, SEF just helped them lit the fire. We helped initiate or ignite passion and enthusiasm but the community has been making daily efforts to keep the project running.

?? A Lasting Impact: The Fundación Todos project has continued to thrive, producing three award-winning businesses and fostering a legacy of resilience and innovation. This journey serves as a testament to the power of community support and SEF Canada’s commitment to long-term growth.

Let’s celebrate the spirit of collaboration and the profound difference that volunteers make in bringing dreams to life. Together, we can continue building empowered, connected communities.

As we celebrate Latin American Heritage Month, I am reminded of how important it is to embrace our roots, honour our traditions, and work together to build stronger, more resilient communities. Every step of this journey has been deeply meaningful, and I am so grateful to be part of a team that believes in the power of community. Thank you to every volunteer, every entrepreneur, and every supporter who continues to make dreams possible in Cerro de San Pedro and beyond.

Let’s continue to celebrate, collaborate, and inspire one another—because together, we can accomplish extraordinary things.

We believe in the power of the community, the courage of the people and the dreams of the entrepreneurs.