The FBI’s New York Office Celebrates Hispanic Heritage
| New York December 03, 2009 |
Today’s celebration commemorating Hispanic Heritage opened with a performance of the National Anthem by Special Agent (SA) Holly Trask followed by the Presentation of Colors by the FBI’s New York Office Police Officer Color Guard. FBI Assistant Director in Charge (ADIC) Joseph Demarest welcomed a group of over 50 attendees and provided opening remarks for today’s celebration.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Coordinators Jean Lichwiarz and Madeline Rodriguez organized a program which included two dynamic dance presentations by the Eleusis Dance Group. Performers at today’s event were Ruby Guevara, Marta Guevara and Jessica Guevara who, wearing colorful and vibrant traditional costumes, performed the Colombian dance “El Currulao” and the “Las Bodas De Luis Alonso” from Spain.
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Eleusis Dance Group with the FBI’s New York Office Police Officer Color Guard, EEO Coordinator Madeline Rodriguez (center with glasses) and Isabel Fonseca (red shirt) |
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Eleusis Dance Group members. |
Eleusis represents the god of dance. Comprised of children and adults from the same family, this dance group performs in Hispanic festivals, church fairs, weddings and music recitals, conveying a message of art to their audiences bringing beauty, harmony and happiness to all.
Hispanic Americans are leaders in the agent and professional support career paths within the FBI encompassing 7.57% of the FBI’s workforce population. In addition to serving our country as employees of the FBI, Hispanic Americans comprise a large part of the U.S. Armed Forces. The most up to date statistics from the American Community Survey list 1.1 million Hispanic/Latino Americans serving our country in this capacity.
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ADIC Demarest presenting gifts to the |
Refreshments were served for attendees of today’s event after which ADIC Demarest presented gifts and a certificate to the Eleusis Dance Group. ADIC Demarest said: “All over America, and particularly in New York City, Hispanic Americans -whether immigrants or descendants of families who have lived here for generations -embody our nation’s core values, including devotion to family, commitment to hard work, and pride in their heritage. We gather to recognize the accomplishments of Hispanic Americans and the many ways they have shaped the character of our nation through their diverse history, cultures, and traditions.”