At Dweck Properties, we proudly celebrate the diversity of our people. As we kick off Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on Sazón Latino, our vibrant Employee Resource Group (ERG) dedicated to celebrating and promoting Latino culture and heritage within our Dweck family.

The name “Sazón” perfectly encapsulates the group’s essence. As Alex Williams, President of Sazón Latino, explains, “Sazón means flavor and seasonings, which we have lots of in our food, but sazón can also be used to describe our swag and culture.” This flavorful approach to community-building has been at the heart of Sazón Latino since its inception.

The idea for Sazón Latino sprouted from a conversation between Julio Ponciano, Director of Maintenance, and a former Dweck team member. They recognized the need for a space to support and celebrate Dweck’s Latino employees. What started as a small group of four has since blossomed into a thriving community with ambitious plans for the future.

For Alex, who grew up in a vibrant Hispanic household with Peruvian and Cuban roots, Sazón Latino is about more than just food – it’s about connection. “Every Latin household has their own specific seasonings,” she shares. “But the premise behind that is, everybody comes together when it’s time to eat. It’s time for family, time to get together, time to talk and bond.”

This spirit of togetherness is evident in Sazón Latino’s memorable events. Their first Hispanic Heritage Month celebration stands out as a particular highlight. “We had a very large turnout!” Alex recalls. The event featured food from multiple Latin American countries, decorations highlighting important Hispanic figures, and plenty of music and dancing.

Sazón Latino’s impact extends beyond celebratory events. The group has organized impactful community initiatives, including donation drives for Bailey’s Elementary School in Falls Church, VA. This school, with its high population of Hispanic students from low-income families, holds a special place in Alex’s heart. “To be able to go back to where I grew up and give back to that community – it hit home a lot for me personally,” she shares.

The group has also hosted educational events, including a Lunch & Learn with Lieutenant Pilco, a local police officer of Latin descent. Ben Argueta, Senior Systems Manager and the group’s go-to connection maker, helped arrange this insightful session about community outreach and safety initiatives. Another memorable Lunch & Learn featured Moises Linares, who shared his journey from El Salvador, his experiences growing up in Los Angeles, and how he ultimately became a bilingual sports anchor. His story was both inspirational and powerful, highlighting perseverance and the triumph over statistical odds.

As Sazón Latino looks to the future, their goals are clear: increase engagement, both in-person and online, and continue to educate the Dweck community about Latino culture. They’re planning an exciting in-person event for this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month, featuring Dweck employee Victor Guerra’s band, a variety of Latin American foods, and a video collage showcasing Dweck’s Latino employees.

Importantly, Sazón Latino welcomes all Dweck employees, regardless of their background. As Juan Guzman, a Salvadorian member of the group, puts it, “It felt like a normal Hispanic function – what drew me to the group and what kept me there. It felt natural, like a family event.”

Thania Lama, who brings her Dominican heritage to the group, emphasizes the importance of giving back. “My favorite events are the donations – supporting and giving to those in need,” she says, highlighting the group’s commitment to community service.

For Alex, who was recently named DweckSTAR of the Year, Sazón Latino embodies the spirit of helpfulness and community that defines Dweck Properties. “I’m usually the ‘you need help, I got you’ person,” she explains. “That’s always been my character.”

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re proud of the vibrant community that Sazón Latino has created within Dweck Properties. Their efforts to share Latin culture, support our local communities, and bring people together embody the very best of what we strive for at Dweck.

Whether you’re of Latino heritage or simply interested in learning more about the culture, Sazón Latino’s doors are open. As Alex says, “The more the merrier!” We invite all Dweck employees to join in the celebration, learn something new, and add their own flavor to our diverse Dweck family.

¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana from all of us at Dweck Properties!