September 30, 2026 — National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the contributions of Americans tracing their roots to Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America and the Spanish-speaking nations of the Caribbean.
In 1968, Congress set aside a week for this observance, and two decades later expanded it to a month stretching from September 15 to October 15. This year, the theme is “Unidos, Somos Más” (Together, We Are More).
The PEF Hispanic Committee has been active and engaged all year, attending and sponsoring events from New York City to Albany.
In April, the Committee sponsored a luncheon and set up a booth at the 40th anniversary of the Somos New York Conference in Albany. Somos, Inc. is a leading force in uniting, advocating for, and uplifting Latino communities in New York State.
In August, there was a collaborative Workers’ Compensation training session, hybrid and in person at the PEF New York City office, hosted by the Hispanic Committee alongside experts from Aronova & Associates to help union members understand workers’ compensation processes, benefits, and resource navigation.
The Hispanic Committee also participated in the annual Labor Mass and Banner Procession at St. Francis of Assisi, in Manhattan. This year, in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of September 11, attendees honored the workers who ran toward danger, helped the city recover and rebuild, and paid an enormous price in the years that followed. I did the Mass Reading in Spanish and other labor leaders, including NYS AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento, spoke.
The Hispanic Committee also participated in a Day of Service, during the 2026 AFT Convention in July in Washington, D.C. The day involved a trip to the historic Shiloh Baptist Church where delegates distributed 5,000 books and 500 backpacks to students, as well as essential food and hygiene items for people facing affordability challenges or experiencing homelessness. The effort supported eight public schools and numerous after-school programs, ensuring local families have the resources they need.
I was elected as one of the Executive Board members for the AFT Latino Caucus National Chapter, during elections conducted at Convention, and was also elected as the AFT Latino Caucus NYS Chapter Vice President, securing PEF representation at the State and National level.
PEF also strengthened its relationship with LCLAA National, leading to a collaboration that will come to fruition at the PEF Convention and be open to all delegates.
If you want to get involved, please reach out to me directly at Vivian.Falto@pef.org.
