Metro Philadelphia Latino Power Players

Gabriela Sanchez is a cultural producer and multidisciplinary mother artist who blends creative practice with deeply embedded social justice action. Sanchez is the executive director of the Philadelphia Cultural Fund. She is also the co-founder and co-artistic director of Power Street Theatre. Gabriela is a recipient of the Leeway 2022 Transformation Award, AL DÍA 40 Under Forty (2021), and Citation from Council of the City of Philadelphia for her dedicated work in theatrical production (2020).

What makes the Philadelphia Latino community unique?
Latine communities are filled with flavor of all kinds! From sofrito to mole, our food heals. It is an invitation. Un abrazos de corazón. Una bendicion. I am a Philly jawn born and raised. I represent North and West Philly. It always brings me joy when I go to neighborhoods throughout the city and see a bodgenda with a Latine bandera hanging – let’s be real, we are everywhere! Pa’lante! No pare sigue sigue.

What more do you think could be done to support the Latino community in Philadelphia?
Latine communities in Philly are fundamental to the vibrant fabric that makes our city so special. Growing up in North Philly, I have witnessed a lack of resources and funds being prioritized for our neighborhoods. Violence, poverty, displacement, and so many other inequities have become a product of systemic issues. I believe wholeheartedly that liberation will only happen if we work in and with our communities. We must listen to their needs.

If you were taking someone on a tour of your neighborhood, what would be your first stop?
Taking a tour with me in my Philly barrios: Looks like resilience, graffiti, murals, a sacred oasis like Las Parcelas garden on palethorp street. Sounds like reggaeton, salsa, and rap sliding out of tight car windows. Tastes like ingredients from Cousin’s supermarket, mister softy, Freddy and Tony’s frituras, and anything from Tierra Colombiana because they are the best! Smells like the complexity of pain, joy, and hope existing all at once. Feels like home.

Do you have any local Latino heroes you look up to?
My heroes begin with my ancestors who have paved the way for me to be here, including my extraordinary parents. As well as the folks who keep the blocks and parks clean, like Dona Iris on Howard Street and Rafael from Norris Square. Educators who dedicate their lives to supporting the future. Advocates who work tirelessly for policy change. Entrepreneurs and community leaders who embody collective power. There is a hero in each of us!

Naiymah Sanchez (she/her) is an out-and-proud Trans-Philadelphian. She has been active in Philadelphia community advocacy since 2010, finding her voice when she’d had enough of experiencing violence, discrimination, and injustices while trying to live. Throughout the years, Naiymah has collaborated with many community leaders to work on an intersectional approach to liberation through the lens of gender and racial justice, while dissecting the systems of oppression. 

Natily Santos is the vice president of Specialty Supply Chain for Aramark. There, she oversees local procurement, supplier diversity, and sustainability sourcing initiatives. Natily is on several boards and program committees, including PHLDiversity, a division of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, The Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Prospanica – The Association of Hispanic Professionals. Natily graduated with an MBA from Temple University Fox School, and a BS in International Business with a focus on Hotel & Tourism Management from Johnson & Wales University.

Senator Christine Tartaglione has served the people of the second Senatorial District for 28 years. When she was first elected in 1994 she was just the fifth woman ever elected to serve in the State Senate, now in her eighth term she is the first woman to serve as the Senate Democratic Whip. Senator Tartaglione is a champion for workers, women, families, and all Philadelphians.

What makes the Philadelphia Latino community unique?
Our Philly Latino community is so beautifully diverse and resilient. We have incredible Latino communities representing the cultures and heritage of people from all over Latin America, here in Philadelphia that are not only continuing their cultural traditions but advocate for the rights and well-being of the Latino community and other marginalized groups across our city.

What more do you think could be done to support the Latino community in Philadelphia?
We need to invest in our communities. It seems like when serving our community in Harrisburg, the rest of the state forgets Philadelphia exists. From improving access to quality healthcare, to ensuring access to safe and affordable housing, and increasing access to education and job training, I am proud to fight for my neighbors in Harrisburg ensuring they get the support and resources they need.

If you were taking someone on a tour of your neighborhood, what would be your first stop?
I would take them to McPherson Square. My neighborhood has been the epicenter of the opioid crisis and no place other than K&A shows the damage and heartache it has caused better than McPherson Square. A once thriving and beautiful park has so much potential, and when we talk about the promise our neighborhoods have, you don’t have to look further than McPherson Square to understand how great it can become again.

Do you have any local Latino heroes you look up to?
I look up to so many people, but my mind immediately runs to Dr. Alberto Esquenazi. Dr. Esquenazi was born in Mexico and now serves as the Chief Medical Officer and Chairman of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Moss Rehab. Dr. Esquenazi has been helping me with my rehabilitation ever since my accident and I know I – and Philadelphia – are lucky to have him serving in our community!

Tiffany Tavarez is SVP of Technology Diversity, Community and Sustainability at Wells Fargo.  This group prioritizes people, culture, and sustainability to direct the company’s transformation and growth. She serves on multiple boards and committees including the Pennsylvania Commission for Women, Monument Lab, and Children’s Scholarship Fund of Philadelphia Campaign Steering Committee. She is a 2023 Marshall Memorial Fellow with the German Marshall Fund. She has earned degrees from Temple University and University of the Arts.

What makes the Philadelphia Latino community unique?
The concept of what makes a particular community “unique” continues to cultivate the idea that people are responsible for justifying their presence and purpose, while other groups are afforded the luxury of being centered as the norm. I will never explain why I, or the communities I identify with, exist. To be “othered” is to not belong, and I only cultivate belonging. With that said, I think all people are pretty unique. 

What more do you think could be done to support the Latino community in Philadelphia?
There is nothing more supportive than ensuring where you spend your money runs parallel to the economic vitality you want to see for a community. Supporting Latino-owned businesses and investing in Latino-led and/or serving institutions is a great place to start. Also, Latinos continue to be treated as a monolith. Individuals and institutions need to educate themselves on the diversity of cultures and lived experiences (i.e. queer identity, religious difference, heritage, language, class, and complexion). 

If you were taking someone on a tour of your neighborhood, what would be your first stop?
Malcolm X Park! Formerly called Black Oak Park, the name changed in 1993 at the advocacy of its residents in hopes of rooting historical knowledge and pride for the predominantly Black youth that surrounds it. The park serves as the epicenter for volunteers to activate key services and activities for families. It is a symbol of love, and we  could all use more air, nature, and time in the sun with our neighbors. 

Do you have any local Latino heroes you look up to?
This region is abundant with Black and Brown heroes whom I deeply respect and admire; many of whom I am lucky to call a friend! Esperanza is a nonprofit organization that strengthens Hispanic communities through education, economic development, and advocacy in North Philadelphia. As a member of the Board, my fellow board leaders, staff, students and their families are extraordinary people. I am so lucky to know them and serve alongside them every day.

Victor Tejada is the founder and executive director of Delivery Guys App, a company with the mission of helping local restaurants and delivery drivers thrive. Born in the Dominican Republic, he migrated to Philadelphia in October 2018. After working as a delivery driver, he saw the struggles his community faced navigating the complex delivery market, and saw an opportunity to increase order volume for local restaurants and drivers through integrated technology and smart, simple marketing.

What makes the Philadelphia Latino community unique?
I love our community. I am totally in love with this great neighborhood. Being the fifth largest metropolis in the United States, it is incredible how you can feel the warmth of the community everywhere, especially for its food. In each little place, you can feel the warmth of the immigrants who unite quite well with the brotherly love of the native Philadelphians to a point where you see them all as brothers.

What more do you think could be done to support the Latino community in Philadelphia?
Education! On one occasion, I heard the phrase “Never stop learning” and I understand that it is the fastest and most effective way for our people and communities to continue growing. Create more continuing education programs, English programs, technical programs, with the aim of helping to reduce the wage gap that exists between our communities.

If you were taking someone on a tour of your neighborhood, what would be your first stop?
It would definitely be a culinary tour. So, I would start on 9th street by Casa Mexico, a spectacular restaurant where we can enjoy the best tortillas in the world. I would continue my tours of North Philly and would make a mandatory stop at Sabor Rico Bakery. Sabor Rico is a Puerto Rican-Dominican bakery, where they make the best Quesito and Pan Sobao in the world.

Do you have any local Latino heroes you look up to?
My favorite superhero is called Cristina Martinez. Cristina is a story of superaction, of how to fight against aberration, of how to overcome each one of our fears, and how to aim directly for the moon and not stop fighting until we achieve it. I try to go by her occasionally, mainly on difficult days, and it helps me to recharge my energy and continue the fight.

With years of Fortune 500 experience, Nestor returned to his Philadelphia roots and passion for entrepreneurship as founder of Myriagon Consulting. Myriagon was established to deliver high-quality coaching, advising, and management consulting solutions to business challenges while advancing entrepreneurial excellence to underserved markets, across various entrepreneurial programs, and organizational initiatives, in both private and public sectors. Through Myriagon, Nestor supports, advances, and provides oversight and management capability to numerous entrepreneurs and community economic development programs.

What makes the Philadelphia Latino community unique?
The Latin community in Philadelphia has been present for a very long time, with Puerto Rican roots providing a cultural foundation for the city’s Hispanic presence and transformation. Today, I’m proud to see the many families that go beyond just the Caribbean to Mexico, Central America and South America too. The growth in Philadelphia has experienced a rise, thanks to the increasing Latino community, which are creating business at three times the clip of others.

What more do you think could be done to support the Latino community in Philadelphia?
Supporting the Latin community represents first and foremost understanding that all Philly Latinos are not just Puerto Ricans. The evolution of the demographic and geographic representation has really allowed for a coming together of many cultures within the Latin community, to bring more flavor and diversity with another common language. As a result, we need accessibility in terms of culture and language in the city, providing inclusion for equal participation in the landscape.

If you were taking someone on a tour of your neighborhood, what would be your first stop?
Being raised in North Philadelphia, there is a must stop at 5th and Lehigh, where I can share my Puerto Rican roots, translated by El “Bloque” de Oro and the staple art center Taller Puertorriqueño. Then, we definitely need to take a stroll in South Philly – the open-air market along South 9th Street, where little Mexico is alive. As an expat in Brazil, a ride up to the northeast to relish in Brazilian culture.

Do you have any local Latino heroes you look up to?
My mother has been an inspiration for me.

Cecilia G. Torres is the owner and creative director at Casa Papel, a Philadelphia-based graphic design and specialty print studio that specializes in creating custom paper goods for weddings, events, and businesses. From invitations, note cards, and announcements; to logos, letterhead, and business cards, we work with you to design pieces that help you know what to say and how to say it beautifully in print and design. She founded Casa Papel in 2009.

What makes the Philadelphia Latino community unique?
It is a very tight knit community that really supports each other and shares information that may help other small businesses. We look out for one another and like to support each other with our dollars.

What more do you think could be done to support the Latino community in Philadelphia?
More workshops and actual useful templates on how to apply for capital funding, and mentorship from those who are in the finance and banking industry to help guide and advise before submitting applications and then getting denied.

If you were taking someone on a tour of your neighborhood, what would be your first stop?
My place! But in all seriousness, Philly has so many great neighborhoods that it is hard to choose. I love coffee, so any place that has great coffee would be my first stop.

Do you have any local Latino heroes you look up to?
Ray Alvarez from La Liga Del Barrio. He and his wife Esther run a basketball organization that is more than just the fundamentals of the sport. They mentor many kids from broken homes that need someone to say, “I see you, I hear you, I like you, and we got you.” He is a “Dad” to many kids and an all around good person.

Adriana Vázquez moved to Philadelphia in 2001 to pursue her Bachelors and MBA from Drexel University. She currently serves as the Director of Operations at MOD and MODHealth. She oversees the sales, finance, and operations departments at the creative firm. Adriana is very excited about the future of Philadelphia being the epicenter of life sciences. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband, who is a Greek American restaurant owner, and they have one daughter.

What makes the Philadelphia Latino community unique?
As a proud Puerto Rican/Cuban, Philadelphia has one of the oldest and largest Puerto Rican populations outside of Puerto Rico. And since then, we have integrated other Latino populations into calling Philadelphia home.

What more do you think could be done to support the Latino community in Philadelphia?
Integrate the food and art cultures better in Center City. I think the elected officials need to work with the Latino community to give opportunities to the artists and small business owners to showcase our culture. For example, how about an art and food festival popup in Rittenhouse park, or in front of the art museum?

If you were taking someone on a tour of your neighborhood, what would be your first stop?
That’s a hard question because the city has so much to offer. I would first want to show them the best view of the city. Everyone has their own preference, but I would take them to Drexel Park or Cira Green. I spent a decade living in University City while attending Drexel University, and I’m extremely excited about all the innovation and construction happening in that area.

Do you have any local Latino heroes you look up to?
Jennifer Rodriguez, Danny Garcia, and Jose Garces

Esteban Vera Jr. became the new business manager of the union Laborer’s Local #57 in 2016. He became the first Latino to lead a major labor union in Philadelphia, representing over 3,000 members across construction and maintenance industries. He oversees contract negotiations, organizing, and member representation. In 2021, he became the first Latino to sit on the board of SEPTA, the city and state’s top transportation organization. Before joining both of these organizations, he worked in construction and organizing. Vera Jr. grew up in North Philadelphia and is a U.S. Army veteran who served in Bosnia in the 1990s.