NEWSROOM

GM Financial Honors Hispanic Heritage With Celebratory Gala and Financial Wellness Event

Hispanic Heritage Month, which is recognized from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. in the U.S., is a time where the rich cultural heritage, vibrant traditions and significant contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities are celebrated. During the month, GM Financial invited team members to participate in events showcasing the contributions and influence of Hispanic and Latin Americans to the world at large. These types of events affirm GM Financial’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture for team members, customers and local communities.

• Hecho en Fort Worth Gala
  

  As part of the company’s Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce membership, GM Financial was invited to attend the 51st annual Hecho en Fort Worth gala and awards celebration. During the event, minority-owned small businesses and community leaders were recognized for their contributions and dedication to positively impacting Fort Worth. Awards presented at Hecho en Fort Worth included: Businessman of the Year, Businesswoman of the Year, Community Advocate of the Year, Chairman's Award, Business of the Year, Ambassador of the Year and the John V. McMillan Hall of Fame Award.
  
  Terri Lovato, Vice President, IT Services, was one of several GM Financial leaders who attended the gala and awards showcase.
  
  “These types of activities are so important for GM Financial,” she said. “Our participation nurtures connections within our Hispanic community and promotes diversity and inclusion.”
  
  “Being a third-generation American from Mexico, I am proud to leverage these platforms to engage with others and help understand the needs of our Hispanic customers while demonstrating our commitment to support and empower diverse communities,” Terri said.

• ¡Celebramos!
  

  On Sept. 21, GM Financial sponsored Family Wellness Day, one of the featured events in the Fort Worth Botanic Garden’s ¡Celebramos! series. Fitting the theme of health and wellness, team members spent time interacting with the community, sharing financial wellness knowledge and distributing free financial resources in English and Spanish.
  
  Specifically, the company’s financial literacy program, KEYS® by GM Financial, created formal and informal learning opportunities, including classroom style sessions. During the sessions, KEYS facilitators walked through topics like budgeting and building credit, fostering an interactive environment for learners of all ages.
  
  Claudia Vega, Customer Experience Strategic Initiatives Specialist, has facilitated numerous KEYS Live presentations, but ¡Celebramos! marked the first time a session was presented in Spanish. Claudia, who grew up in a Spanish-speaking household, emphasized the importance of amplifying Spanish voices in the world of financial literacy.
  
  “My parents immigrated to the United States hoping to create better opportunities for my brother and me,” she said. “GM Financial has provided me those opportunities, and now I have the honor of paying it forward by sharing financial resources with those in the Latin community.”
  
  Claudia hopes those same contributions will influence generations to come.
  
  “As a proud Mexican, celebrating Hispanic heritage is a wonderful way for me to connect with my roots and instill the importance of our culture in my two daughters, ensuring they embrace and celebrate it for generations ahead,” she said.

During Hispanic Heritage Month, and throughout the year, GM Financial is proud to share the history, heritage and accomplishments of Hispanic and Latino Americans of past and present. GM Financial’s willingness and desire to participate in events like Hecho en Fort Worth and ¡Celebramos! continue to demonstrate why diversity is deeply ingrained in the company’s corporate culture — now and forever.

By Kris Scott, GM Financial

Kris Scott has a passion for writing and often uses his talent as a catalyst for social change, increasing knowledge and building communities. When he’s not spreading positive vibes, you’ll find him yelling “Hail Tide” — a moniker of support for both Mississippi State University and the University of Alabama.