Two Springfield business owners received plaque awards during a ceremony led by Illinois Comptroller Suzanna Mendoza in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month on Monday.
Monica Zanetti, owner of Wild Rose Boutique, and Julio Barrenzuela, a motivational speaker, were recognized as part of a statewide effort to honor the contributions made by Latinos in Illinois.
“Nearly 1 in 5 Illinoisans are Hispanic, and our contributions cannot be ignored. It’s important to remind our communities of this fact every month of the year,” Mendoza said. “While one month is not enough, it is a great reminder to take a moment and appreciate our legacy and strength. Each of these honorees is equally impressive in their careers, but their accomplishments are truly highlighted by the work that they do for others.”
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Buying the artisan boutique in downtown Springfield was a dream come true for Zanetti. As a first-generation Mexican American, she said she can see the impact of representation when customers find out she owns the store.
“So many guys and girls come into my store saying ‘is this your store?’ and I go yes! It’s because I’m a Hispanic artist who owns her own shop and helps others too,” Zanetti said. “My mom and dad came here very young and wanted to make a better future for themselves, so they worked hard and that sparked a fire in me. I love Springfield, there are so many opportunities for everyone coming here and I got to live my dream with Wild Rose.”
Barrenzuela has been on a mission of inclusion through Latin dance for over a decade and uses salsa to help people understand the culture. He often volunteers at nursing homes, youth organizations and special needs facilities to teach and spark understanding through dance for the community at large.
“These people strive for the betterment of their communities through activism, social justice work and diversity education. I am very proud to have them here,” Mendoza said.
What is Hispanic Heritage Month?Latinos and Latino culture can be celebrated year-round
During Hispanic Heritage Month, Illinois and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity are honoring the economic and cultural contributions of nearly 116,000 Latino-owned businesses.
National Hispanic Heritage Month honors the impact and contributions of Hispanic Americans to American history, culture and achievement. It is celebrated every year from September 15 to October 15.
