King County Executive Dow Constantine has proclaimed the month beginning Sept. 15 “Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month” in King County. View the full proclamation here. To commemorate the celebration, the King County Latinx Affinity Group (KCLx) hosted a kick off celebration by hosting an informal panel discussion with the KCLx leadership committee.

“During these difficult times, this is an opportunity for us to proudly share and celebrate our diverse Latinx culture with our colleagues, as well as come together with our King County familia for mutual support,” shared Melissa Arias, KCLx Membership Chair and Program Manager for the Department of Community and Human Services.

KCLx is collaborating with Sound Transit Latinx in Transportation and Seattle Department of Transportation Latinx Caucus to host a series of events for Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 – Oct. 15, 2020. For more information, view the events and registration details below.

Upcoming 2020 Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month events

Guest Speaker – Pedro Espinoza – Wednesday, Sept. 23,  noon to 12:50 p.m.

Pedro Espinoza is The Robin Hood of Technology according to The Voice of America. He is an internet entrepreneur, TED speaker, board member, CEO, and author. He firmly believes that inclusion is the key for success and will be delivering his inspirational message on timely topics that focus on creating a culture of  belonging. Hosted by Sound Transit. Contact: Valerie Valero, valerie.valero@soundtransit.org or Sharon Chinchilla, sharon.chinchilla@soundtransit.org.

Join Microsoft Teams Meeting – Register for this event here on Eventbrite.

Latinx and Mental Health – Tuesday, Sept. 29, noon to 1 p.m.

2020 has been a year of stresses and trauma. It is important to take some time out of your daily routine to focus on your mental health. Come learn more about different stresses you may be feeling, where they could be coming from and stress-reducing exercises! Hosted by King County. Contact: Margarita Aguado, maguado@kingcounty.gov or Felicia Salcedo, Felicia.Salcedo@kingcounty.gov

Join via Zoom. Use passcode: 819427 – Register for this event here on Eventbrite.

Dia de Los Muertos Presentation – Thursday, October 1, noon to 1 p.m.

Learn about the history surrounding Day of the Dead. Get to know the origins of the holiday and why thousands honor their dead during Día de Muertos. Hosted by Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT). Contact: Belen Herrera, Belen.herrera@seattle.gov.

Join Microsoft Teams Meeting – Register for this event here on Eventbrite.

Pictured: Bailadores de Bronce. Photo credit by Mario Zavaleta.

Lunch & Learn: Latinx Civic Engagement – Tuesday, October 6, noon to 1 p.m.

Join KCLx and our Panel of Precinct Committee Officers to learn how to get involved in your local government and help represent our community! Hosted by King County. Contact: Margarita Aguado, maguado@kingcounty.gov or Felicia Salcedo, Felicia.Salcedo@kingcounty.gov.

Join via Zoom. Use passcode: 997753 – Register for this event here on Eventbrite.

100 Latinos Dijeron – Wednesday, October 7, noon to 1 p.m.

100 Latinos Dijeron (100 Latinos Said) is the Spanish-language adaptation of the American program Family Feud, and is also a remake of the short-lived 2006–08 Spanish-language adaptation of Feud called ¿Qué dice la gente? (What Do People Say?). Join us as we celebrate Latinx Heritage month with laughter, games, and learning about Latinx countries. Hosted by Sound Transit. Contact: Valerie Valero, valerie.valero@soundtransit.org or Sharon Chinchilla, sharon.chinchilla@soundtransit.org.

Join Webex Meeting – Register for this event here on Eventbrite.

Art Showcase: Merging Communities and Social Justice – Monday, October 12, noon to 1 p.m.

Local King County Afrolatino artists will showcase their artwork, talk about their community involvement and explain how art plays a crucial role in fighting for Social Justice. Hosted by King County. Contact: Maria Jimenez-Zepeda, Maria.jimenez-zepeda@kingcounty.gov or Margarita Aguado, maguado@kingcounty.gov

Join via Zoom. Use passcode: 216492 – Register for this event here on Eventbrite.

Latinx Panel – Wednesday, October 14, noon to 1 p.m.

Join SDOT for a conversation of various Latinx employees share their experiences and broad discussion around the topic of Latinx Heritage Month. Hosted by Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) Contact: Belen Hererra, Belen.herrera@seattle.gov.

Join Microsoft Teams Meeting – Register for this event here on Eventbrite.

IdeaFest – Wednesday, October 21, noon to 1 p.m.

In honor of Latinx Heritage Month, join Sound Transit Latinx in Transportation (LiT) Employee Resource Group (ERG) and the Women Empowering Sound Transit (WEST) ERG for a special edition of IdeaFest. Meet three outstanding Latina women, all successful in their fields of public service, media, and entertainment, who have experienced unique highs and lows in pursuit of their dreams, and then have a group discussion on the topic and how we apply creative and revolutionary ideas to our work at Sound Transit. Hosted by Sound Transit. Contact: Valerie Valero, valerie.valero@soundtransit.org or Sharon Chinchilla, sharon.chinchilla@soundtransit.org.

Join Microsoft Teams Meeting – Register for this event here on Eventbrite.