This American observance celebrating the culture and traditions of U.S. residents with Hispanic and Latin American roots was expanded in 1988 to a month long celebration (September 15 - October 15). September 15 was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and 18 respectively.

Meet Carol and Beatriz. According to a unique study completed by the University of California Davis, the face of volunteerism – which is a cornerstone of American life – is changing as the demographics of communities have changed. Today, many charitable organizations are searching for Hispanic and Latino adults to assume active volunteer roles in local programs to maintain and enrich the quality of community life. those charitable organizations don’t have to look any farther than Orlando’s own Sales Professionals, Carol Carrasquillo and Beatriz Rivera. This photo shows Carol (left) and Beatriz at the finish line for the Walt Disney world triathlon fundraiser supporting the leukemia-lymphoma society.