COMMUNITY
PPAI Recognizes National Hispanic Heritage Month
The promotional products industry is enriched by the vision and creativity of Hispanic professionals. Their diverse stories bring depth to our community and highlight the power of cultural heritage shaping innovation.
Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor these contributions and recognize how representation drives progress. The voices and ideas of Hispanic individuals strengthen our industry and inspire meaningful connections that reach far beyond promotional products.
The month of May is a time to honor their stories and achievements, reflecting on the ways they inspire innovation and foster a sense of community. Through their leadership and hard work, the industry continues to grow in diversity and strength, creating opportunities for future generations to thrive.
PPAI Values: Growth, Integrity, Community and Joy
At PPAI, our values shape the way we work and the way we serve our members. They show our commitment to strengthening the promotional products industry while building a culture of trust, inclusion and collaboration. By living these values each day, we create an environment where our members, employees and partners can thrive together.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Promo Pros Share Joys, Chall
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Promo Pros Share Joys, Chall
People of Asian heritage have been part of communities in North America for centuries – since before the American Revolution.
National Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight
National Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight
The e-commerce streetwear brand blending Latino culture with humor and creativity has grown into a multi-million-dollar business driven by unique designs, strong customer service and savvy social media marketing.
Resources
- NationalHispanicHeritageMonth.gov
- National Museum of the American Latino
- National Archives
- Rutgers: The Origins and Meaning Behind Hispanic Heritage Month
- Brittanica: Origin of National Hispanic Heritage Month
- National Parks Service: NPS Commemoration and Celebrations
- PBS.org: Documentaries That Explore Diverse Latino Experiences
- Pew Research Center: Key facts about U.S. Latinos for National Hispanic Heritage Month
- What is Hispanic Heritage Month and why do we celebrate it?
- 10 Ways to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Work
Find Diverse Product Suppliers
PPAI technology partner SAGE allows Association members to source products from thousands of industry suppliers. Users can filter the product search engine for ESG and diversity certifications, including:
- Aclymate
- Asian/Pacific Islander Owned
- B Corp Certified
- Black Owned
- CSR Certified
- Disability Owned
- EcoVadis Certified
- Fair Labor Association Accredited
- Green Business Benchmark
- Higg FEM
- Hispanic Owned
- Indigenous Owned
- LEED
- LBTQ+ Owned
- Minority Owned
- The Climate Label
- Veteran Owned
- Women Owned
PPAI's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Action Group
The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Action Group increases the visibility of underrepresented groups within the promotional products workforce and inspires industry business leaders to embrace inclusive, unbiased business practices.
Latisha Marshall
C. Nicole Rhooms
Nicole Rhooms serves as PPAI’s Human Resources Director, bringing over 20 years of experience in driving organizational success through strategic human capital management. She holds a master’s degree in Human Resources and Employment Law from Arizona State University, with a specialization in Human Resources. With deep expertise in all aspects of HR, Nicole has consistently demonstrated a proven track record in talent acquisition, employee development, leadership coaching, and organizational development.
Throughout her career, Nicole has partnered with senior leadership to align HR strategies with business goals, fostering a positive and productive work environment while optimizing workforce performance and engagement. Known for her ability to navigate complex challenges and build strong relationships across all levels of the organization, she is passionate about creating innovative HR solutions that drive sustainable business growth.
Suri Anantharama
Serving as the chief technology officer of Sonline since 2014, Suri Anantharama is a PPAI volunteer. He began his term on PPAI’s DEI Action Group in 2024.
Derrick Hamilton
PPAI volunteer Derrick Hamilton is a member of the executive team at distributor LeaderPromos. Originally joining the firm in 2020, he currently serves as its vice-president of business development, inclusion & sustainability.
Tricia Johnson
An ecommerce operations expert, Tricia Johnson is the director of enterprise programs at distributor Myron. A PPAI volunteer, she first joined the promotional products industry in 2017.
Lauren LaMantia
Pennsylvania-based Lauren LaMantia is a human resources manager at promotional products distributor Gordon Sinclair.
Jean Stefanazzi
The vice-president of people & culture at Canada-based distributor Genumark, Jean Steffanazi first joined the promotional products industry in 2018.
Natalie Tenner
Originally beginning her career with SanMar in 2002, PPAI volunteer Natalie Tenner is currently a credit manager at the industry supplier, and its Diversity & Inclusion Council Chair.
Suggestions?
In coordination with the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Action Group, PPAI is working to make the promotional marketplace welcoming to all. How can we best celebrate the unique cultures who make our industry strong? Email us.
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