Fort Campbell to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month October 9th

Diversity and Inclusion Awareness Seminar Features Keynote Speakers, Latin Food Sampling

Fort Campbell, KY – October is Hispanic Heritage Month and the Fort Campbell Equal Employment Opportunity Office will hold a diversity and inclusion awareness seminar October 9th at 11:00am in the Dale Wayrynen Recreation Center here.

Keynote speakers to be featured include Michelle Pacheco-Guzman from the Fort Campbell Equal Employment Opportunity Office, and Miguel Ruiz-Aviles, of the Department of Languages and Literature at Austin Peay State University.

This year’s theme is “Diversity United: Building America’s Future Today,” a concept both Pacheco-Guzman and Ruiz-Aviles are familiar with.

“It’s important that our service is reflective of the nation we serve and protect. Every leader must capitalize on the ideals, strengths, and values of our many cultures,” said Pacheco-Guzman. “As a Department of the Army civilian and former soldier, understanding our Army and nation’s diverse population is imperative. As a Dominican American woman, it is ever more important for us all to continue to make strides that embrace change. Looking ahead, these changes will further enhance our Latin and Army communities for future generations.”

Ruiz-Aviles will also speak, sharing experiences from his career and travels. Activities will include cultural diversity training and awareness; informative displays and presentations; Latin cuisine sampling and festive music.

Pacheco-Guzman is an Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist for the Department of the Army at Fort Campbell, KY. Pacheco-Guzman hails originally from the Dominican Republic and grew up in both Bronx, New York and Miami, FL. She is a former soldier and has earned an M.B.A. and B.A. degree from Brenau University. Currently, she is pursuing a Ph.D. in Organizational Management with an emphasis on Diversity from Capella University.

Miguel Ruiz-Aviles is an Associate Professor of Spanish; the Director of the Hispanic Cultural Center; and the Coordinator of the Study Abroad Program in Spain for the Department of Languages and Literature at Austin Peay State University. He is originally from Puerto Rico. Ruiz-Aviles has traveled extensively in Spain and holds degrees in Spanish and Philosophy from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Ph.D), the University of Kansas (M.A.) and the University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez (B.A.).