ADF Action Against Hunger
By Matthan Evans - Sep 23, 2024
Global Communications Team
October 14, 2024
Avery Dennison employees from Southern California celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Avery Dennison is proud to spotlight Voz Latina, its Employee Resource Group (ERG) dedicated to amplifying Hispanic and Latinx voices within the company. Since its inception in June 2020, Voz Latina has grown into a community prioritizing inclusion, professional development, and fostering a strong sense of connection among employees across North America.
Voz Latina emerged in 2020, during a pivotal moment when diversity and inclusion efforts were accelerating across many industries. Luciana Salles, Avery Dennison’s Digital Product Manager, Digital Workplace Services and Co-Founder and Co-Chair of Voz Latina Employee Resource Group ERG said, “The ERG's mission has always been clear: to uplift Hispanic and Latinx voices, cultivate awareness, and create a supportive community. Voz Latina should be the first place any Hispanic or Latinx employee at Avery Dennison goes to for community." As a first-generation Brazilian, Luciana’s commitment to the ERG stems from a desire to ensure every employee at Avery Dennison feels like they belong and have a community to lean on.
At its heart, Voz Latina is about empowerment. Janet Sandoval, Director of Global Corporate Social Responsibility and Avery Dennison Foundation, Co-Executive Sponsor of Voz Latina ERG, explains, “The group’s name, Voz Latina, perfectly encapsulates its mission: providing a platform for Hispanic and Latinx voices to thrive within Avery Dennison and beyond.”
For Sarai Muñoz, Associate Brand Manager and Board Member of Voz Latina ERG, who joined Voz Latina in 2021, the group is more than just a professional network—it’s a source of strength for members navigating corporate life. Sarai added, “Being the first in my family to work in a corporate setting has presented unique challenges, and the mentorship I’ve received from members has been invaluable. Their guidance has taught me when to be resilient, when to speak up, and how to navigate my career confidently.”
In the latest Diversity & Inclusion survey conducted at Avery Dennison, employees praised Voz Latina for its contributions to professional growth and community engagement. The group welcomes Hispanic and Latinx employees and allies interested in learning about these rich cultures, further promoting inclusivity and a sense of belonging throughout the company.
Voz Latina’s mission is supported by Avery Dennison Foundation (ADF) through grants awarded to non-profit organizations nominated by the ERG. ADF partners with the company’s regional Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) councils and Employee Resource Groups to identify organizations that align with and address regional DEI priorities and challenges. One of Voz Latina’s proudest achievements is its support for HOLA Inc. The Ohio-based nonprofit works to increase pathways to employment, access to medical care, and education opportunities for Latinx families, workers, and immigrants.
Avery Dennison Ohio employees celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.
With the support of the Avery Dennison Foundation, Voz Latina facilitated a grant that helped HOLA open a community center in Painesville, Ohio—home to one of Avery Dennison’s facilities for over 50 years. The partnership continues to flourish with support addressing a literacy gap for Hispanic children and a public education campaign to reduce the trend of hundreds of Hispanic families withdrawing from school for three months during the Christmas holiday as families return to Mexico during the agricultural off-season, which has spiked chronic absenteeism rates (currently at 47%).
Voz Latina’s community outreach extends beyond Painesville. The ERG has also worked closely with organizations like Esperanza Inc, in Cleveland, Ohio, participating in its annual Fiesta de Esperanza fundraiser, where members help award scholarships and create internship opportunities for Latinx students.
With several Voz Latina members in California, the ERG also supports nonprofits beyond headquarters in Ohio. For example, Voz Latina recommended grant support for The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights’ (CHIRLA) Wise UP! Program. The program serves more than 500 students throughout 13 schools in Los Angeles to graduate from high school and attend college. Many of these students are first-generation college-bound and live in mixed-status immigrant families. Wise Up! provides support from staff who have lived experience as mixed-status or first-generation students.
ERG members volunteer to help students by reviewing personal statements, college applications, and sharing career paths and job readiness advice.
Voz Latina’s impact has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, Latina Style Inc. named Avery Dennison one of the "Top 50 Best Companies for Latinas to Work," with Voz Latina recognized as one of the "Top 15 ERGs of the Year." These accolades highlight the ERG’s influence within the company and the broader community, affirming its success in elevating Hispanic and Latinx voices and fostering a culture of giving back.
Voz Latina ERG's success is driven by a “for us, by us” philosophy and exemplifies the power of collective action, mentorship, and cultural pride. As Avery Dennison continues to honor Hispanic Heritage Month, Voz Latina is a testament to the company's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through community, education, and empowerment, Voz Latina is shaping a workplace where Hispanic and Latinx employees can thrive, ensuring their voices are heard both locally and globally.
By Matthan Evans - Jun 04, 2024