JWT New York’s Differenter Hispanic Heritage Month Event

It’s National Hispanic Heritage Month in the U.S. To observe and celebrate, JWT New York’s Differenter committee threw its second annual Hispanic Heritage Event this Thursday where attendees had the opportunity to sample a variety of activities that embody the very best of Hispanic culture. Keni Thacker, the Executive Producer for Differenter, aimed to up the ante this year—the event featured a short documentary, Perfiles, delicious Hispanic cuisine and a live Flamenco dance class!

Differenter is a committee of JWT New York employees who share a passion for celebrating people’s uniqueness by creating and hosting events year round. In explaining the inspiration for this Hispanic celebration event, Thacker wanted the activities to “touch the mind, body, and soul” of the 120 attendees at the event.

JWT’s Jennifer Martinez kicked off the night with an introduction to ‘Perfiles,’ a documentary profiling five Latinos who are currently doing amazing things in their respective fields (You can watch the full film at the end of this post). The five Latinos included JWT’s own art director Bianca Guimares, actress Yadira De La Riva, poet Bonafide Rojas, conductor Francisco J. Nunez and dancer Rosemary Pereira.

Created by Keni Thacker over two weeks, the five individuals profiled in the film talked about their beginnings, influences and the values that helped get them to where they are today. They also spoke about the portrayal of Latino culture in the entertainment and advertising world. Commenting on the film, Martinez expressed, “The lesson people should take away is that we are a part of a blended America that should support one another, not just once a day but every day.”

In the theme of the event, a variety of Hispanic beers and cocktails were served as well as a delicious spread of dishes from Spanish-speaking countries including tamales from Mexico and Pernil from Puerto Rico. Complimentary recipe booklets for the dishes were handed out so attendees could take home a part of Hispanic heritage.

With everyone’s stomachs full of good food, Sarah Bambino took to the floor for flamenco lessons. Sarah led the audience on the proper stance, hand gestures, clapping techniques and different footwork of the cultural dance. After the lesson, Bambino treated the audience to a passionate, foot-stomping flamenco performance.

JWT NY HR Coordinator, Audrey Larner, summed up the night, “Events like this give us the chance to learn from one another and embrace everyone’s cultures.”

JWT NY’s Differenter holds several events throughout the year. Next up is the fourth annual Art Battle on November 1, which we’ll be covering in full detail here on the JWT Blog. Be sure to check back for coverage on this annual event where JWT employees and other advertising agencies will review portfolios and resumes of students who are interested in an advertising career, with the winner of the event receiving a $500 scholarship.

—Kristina Quintos is an intern for JWT Worldwide.