Celebrating Immigrant Heritage Month
Atlanta, GA—Friday, August 9, 2024
In June, GAIN proudly celebrated Immigrant Heritage Month by highlighting the stories and experiences of our staff and Emerging Leaders Council (ELC) members across our social media platforms. This month holds significant meaning for us, as it offers a valuable opportunity to honor and celebrate the rich diversity and unique narratives that shape our community. Through these stories, we want to bring greater awareness to the contributions and resilience of immigrants while reaffirming our commitment to embracing and supporting diverse backgrounds. We share excerpts from our staff and ELC spotlights below, but please check out our social media for more! GAIN is on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.
Mariana Jazmin Cruz Lopez, originally from Mexico, Case Manager, GAIN
On the Importance of Celebrating Our Names: “I like pronouncing my name in Spanish, with that hard accent. I’m frequently being asked to repeat it at least two more times, I don’t mind, I feel proud of it.”
On the Immigrant Experience in America: “It’s a bittersweet experience, you’re constantly missing your culture, your roots, your language, food, etc. At the same time, you’re trying your best to succeed and build a better future for yourself and coming generations. You constantly have the feeling of ‘not fitting’ in this new culture but also you don’t fit anymore in your home country because you have missed so many important events.”
Andrea Galvez, parents and grandparents come from Chile and Peru, Emerging Leaders Council (ELC) Member, GAIN
On Why this Work is Personally Important: “I decided to join GAIN’s ELC because I come from a family of immigrants. Immigration law is what inspired me to go to law school and become a lawyer, and I am committed to giving back to the immigrant community through pro bono work and other service. I believe in GAIN’s mission and am excited to help support and spread the message about the important work that GAIN does.”
On Honoring Our Immigrant Heritage Every Day: “I honor my immigrant heritage by celebrating Andean cuisine—I enjoy sharing empanadas de pino, causa limeña, and pisco sours with family and friends.”
Manuel Antonio Lleras, originally from Colombia, DOJ Accredited Representative, GAIN
On Honoring Our Immigrant Heritage Every Day: “I love being Colombian and as such I love making and drinking good coffee daily. I also love soccer, and it is my love for the sport that keeps me connected to Colombia the most. I watch every soccer match the Colombian national team plays, wearing my yellow jersey proudly every time. Being able to watch the games in Spanish, and hearing the national anthem makes me feel as if I am back in my home country.”
On the Immigrant Experience in America: “People do not understand how difficult it is to navigate a new culture, language, norms, laws, and a set of expectations. It is especially hard that part of your identity is compromised in the process of adapting to the new way of life. You are caught in a no man’s land, where you are torn between the identity you brought as a national of your home country, and the person you are expected to become as part of your new home country.”
Adewunmi Renée Olufemi Oke, father is Nigerian – Yoruba, Development Manager, GAIN
On the Importance of Celebrating Our Names: “My father gave me three of my names, my first name, second middle name, and my last name. My mom was able to sneak in my first middle name, which is Renée and French for “reborn,” or “born again.” According to my father, Adewunmi (pronounced A-day-woo-me) means “I love the Crown, or “I love Jesus Christ,” and Olufemi means “Jesus loves me.” Over the years, I’ve learned to love my name because I’ve grown into it. It’s also taken me time to correct people when they mispronounce my name, either unintentionally or deliberately.”
On Why this Work is Personally Important: “GAIN’s vision of safety, freedom, and opportunity for all has always spoken to me ever since I learned about GAIN. This vision reminds me of growing up in Gwinnett County in the ’90s and early 2000’s, knowing that the possibilities are endless and I can be whatever I want to be when I grow up. I had classmates from all over the globe who were either learning English as a second language, or they were like me and had an immigrant parent.”
