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During Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize the remarkable influence and far-reaching impact of the Hispanic and Latino community on our neighborhoods and society. This month, we’re uplifting our team members, partners, and communities and celebrating the cultural enrichment they bring to our work and lives.

   Our Commitment Starts at the Top

   Our Commitment Starts at the Top

Edward J. Wehmer

FOUNDER & CEO

Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration of the rich heritage and extraordinary contributions that generations of Hispanic and Latino peoples have brought to our country.

For those who love history as I do, National Hispanic Heritage Month first began as a week-long celebration in the U.S. in September 1968. It commemorated the proclamations of independence in six Hispanic countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Mexico. In 1988, Illinois senator Paul Simon introduced a bill to expand the celebration from a week to a month, from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

Today, we are thrilled to honor the history, culture, and influence of Hispanic and Latino individuals and families representing 22 nations and territories, from Spain to Mexico, Puerto Rico to Brazil, encompassing Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean.

Wintrust is proud to partner with numerous organizations, including the National Museum of Mexican Art, the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Esperanza Health Centers, La Causa, Chicago Latino Theater Alliance, the Spanish Coalition for Housing, Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA), and more, to honor and build upon deep traditions. This month reminds us of the many challenges overcome in the past and the many opportunities attainable in the future. We celebrate and remember that our lives are always enriched by diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Please join me in commemorating Hispanic and Latino strength, passion, and endurance.

Melissa Donaldson

Melissa Donaldson

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF DIVERSITY OFFICER

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF DIVERSITY OFFICER

During Hispanic Heritage Month, we come together to honor a people whose history and cultural contributions are embedded in the fabric of our nation.

Whether we self-identify as part of a community through a common geography, heritage norms, or cultural practices, we do so in recognition of shared experiences, ancestral reverence, time-honored traditions, and historical achievement. Identity as an outward expression of pride for self and community is akin to one’s fingerprint. Despite commonalities in language, beliefs, or even geographical relevance, everyone can determine for themselves how pervasive the cultural swag will accompany them each day while striving towards their highest potential. That’s the beauty of freedom. That’s the gift of equality. That’s the vision for equity.

Personally, when I witness the regalia, the religious observances, the lively dance, the lyrical dialects, and the intellectual and societal impact, I cannot help but pause with a nod of appreciation for these plentiful gifts of enrichment and influence from the Hispanic and Latino communities, while simultaneously having remorse for not learning Spanish earlier in life. Uniting around these points of intersection to fuse connection throughout our communities is more important than ever, and can provide some muchneeded comfort during times when it feels hard to come by. Echoing U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, “Latino educators, scientists, artists, and other professionals help make our communities more resilient and equitable.”

I’m proud that Wintrust continues to reverently celebrate our relationship with and commitment to the Hispanic and Latino community, and have for decades. We unite in hands-on local involvement with organizations dedicated to uplifting a wonderfully eclectic and thriving people. Internally, our workforce is equally enriched with fierce leaders and team members working hard to serve customers with excellence. Additionally, let’s remember to appreciate our adopted team members who work hard to provide precious and invaluable care daily. Shout out to Miguel and the professionals at Café W Rosemont! We see and salute each of you for making us all better in every way.

Muchas gracias, amigos! Happy Hispanic Heritage Month. Salud!

We're here for you at any stage of your life

We're here for you at any stage of your life

We're here for you at
any stage of your life

Our partners making a difference

At Wintrust, we choose our partnerships intentionally to ensure our efforts effectively reach all the communities we serve. We’re proud to give back to organizations that support the Hispanic and Latino communities across our footprint through programming, volunteer initiatives, and financial contributions. The following are just some of our nonprofit partners:

  • Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA)

  • Chicago Latino Theater Alliance

  • Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE)

  • Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA)

  • Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (IHCC)
  • Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA)

  • Chicago Latino Theater Alliance

  • Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE)

  • Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA)
  • La Causa

  • Mano a Mano

  • National Museum of Mexican Art

  • United Community Center
  • Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (IHCC)

  • La Causa

  • Mano a Mano

  • National Museum of Mexican Art

  • United Community Center