Employee Spotlight Series: National Hispanic Heritage Month

Angel Alcantara — Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic?

Angel is a senior electrical engineer designer who has worked at AWI for over 10 years. He was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and has lived in the United States since he was 12 years old.?

What are your favorite traditions??

One of my favorite Dominican traditions is celebrating Christmas Eve, the highlight of our holiday season. It’s a time for family to come together, enjoy a huge feast and share laughter and stories. The energy and togetherness make it truly special.?

Another tradition I take pride in is the Dominican Carnival in February. It’s a vibrant celebration of our history and culture with parades, music and "Diablo Cojuelos" costumes. The month is a lively display of heritage, pride and community spirit.?

What makes you proud to be a part of your cultural community??

I'm particularly proud of how our community consistently supports each other, especially in times of need. A great example is our social gatherings in downtown York, Pa., where local businesses, cultural venues and people from various backgrounds come together as a united, vibrant community. This unity reminds me of my traditions in the Dominican Republic and deepens my pride in being part of this community.?

Growing up in a Dominican household, values like hard work, resilience and striving for a better future were instilled in me. As a first-generation college graduate, my Dominican roots have been a constant source of strength and pride. They have taught me the importance of community, teamwork and perseverance, helping me connect with diverse colleagues and excel in my career. These values, along with the passion and resilience central to my heritage, drive me to achieve meaningful results every day.?

Can you share a memorable moment from your career that you’re proud of??

One of my most memorable and proudest moments has been joining the BOLD employee resource group. As someone from a diverse background, this experience holds special significance for me, as it emphasizes the importance of recognizing and celebrating our achievements and unique skill sets.??

Another accomplishment I take great pride in is serving as the lead electrical engineer designer for the Johnstown, Ohio, plant. This opportunity allowed me to showcase my skills and growth within the company, and it remains a defining highlight in my career.?

Paloma Montero — Guadalajara, Mexico?

Paloma is the VP of Enterprise Development for Worthington Armstrong Venture (WAVE) and joined the Armstrong team over four years ago. She was born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico.??

What are your favorite traditions??

Mexican culture is all about family. We have many traditions that celebrate our heritage and values, always cherishing our time together. Growing up, there was always some kind of “fiesta” planned—birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, weddings, baptisms—no occasion was too small! With over 120 direct family members, we were kept busy all year long.?

My favorite tradition is the Christmas celebration. Most people in Mexico are Catholic, so there’s a deep religious emphasis around this time of year. However, regardless of faith, families come together to celebrate and enjoy specific traditions that last several days. We kick off our Christmas festivities 12 days before Christmas Day. Every night from December 12th, we gather for what is called a “Posada.” The word posada means inn or lodging in Spanish, and these gatherings reenact the Christmas story, remembering the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph’s search for a place to stay where Jesus could be born. Posadas in Mexico are filled with delicious food and drinks, sweets, music, and pi?atas.?

Ultimately, the time spent with family and friends during these celebrations is what makes it all so special in Mexico.?

What makes you proud to be a part of your cultural community??

I’m proud to be part of a community that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Mexico. Our values—family, respect, community and a strong work ethic—are passed down through generations and shape our daily lives. I strive to embody and share these values with my daughters, whether at home, in our community or in my professional life.?

Can you share a memorable moment from your career that you’re proud of??

I have had the honor of participating in domestic and international assignments, which have allowed me to leverage my experience and gain valuable knowledge. With over 18 years of working with a variety of manufacturers, several memorable and rewarding moments come to mind.?

One particularly proud moment was being named President of the Association of Women in the Metal Industries – Detroit Chapter. This was a very special time for me, as I had the privilege of sharing with extraordinary steel manufacturing experts and understanding the intricacies of the automotive industry in Detroit, Mich. During this period, I had the opportunity to meet several leaders in the steel and automotive industries shaping the future of both sectors.?

More recently, one of the most memorable moments has been my involvement in WAVE’s latest acquisition in the Data Center segment. This opportunity has been incredibly exciting, and I am honored to be part of such a talented and innovative team. The future holds many exciting opportunities, and I look forward to contributing to our continued success.?

?