by Ileana Martinez | May 24, 2024 | News & Updates
SER National and the SER Network of Affiliates proudly pause on this Memorial Day to remind all Americans of the profound and enduring sacrifices made by the valiant defenders of our democracy. These brave souls gave their lives to protect the freedoms we cherish in the United States of America. Today, we honor their memory, acknowledging that our liberty was secured at the highest cost—each life lost was a courageous warrior.
“For them, their rest now is eternal, and for us, our duty is to honor their legacy by engaging in positive actions that build up our nation,” says President and CEO Ignacio Salazar. “Through our unity in meaningful and honorable endeavors daily, we can embody the collective spirit of the America they fought and died for,” he adds.
Originally known as Decoration Day, this observance began in 1868 to honor fallen Union soldiers from the Civil War. On that day, Americans placed flowers at the graves of their military loved ones who died in combat. Over time, cities across the United States began to honor their war dead annually, and in 1968, the observance was officially renamed Memorial Day. Congress declared it a federal holiday in 1971. The tradition of red poppies on Memorial Day serves as a poignant reminder of the flowers that grew amidst the desolation of battlefields.
The sacrifice of all American military service members lost in combat has ensured that our nation remains a land of opportunity and freedom. SER National and the SER Network of Affiliates are dedicated to helping more than one million program participants harness their talents yearly, pursue education and training, and succeed in their careers. In doing so, we honor the legacy of those who gave their lives by perpetuating the American dream they died to protect.
This Memorial Day, as we visit the sacred resting places of our fallen heroes adorned with flowers and flags, let us remember that they were someone’s child, sibling, parent, or friend. Let us elevate our spirits in reflection, recognizing that there was no greater love for our service members than their devotion to God, Country, and Family. Let this day be a testament to our gratitude and a promise that we will never forget their courage and sacrifice. So too, may our actions at work for and with others be our constant tribute.
“Memorial Day’s true honor is in remembering our brave warriors. Some we know by name, as they were our loved ones and friends. For all, we offer a silent prayer of gratitude, knowing that in our daily endeavors, we carry forward what they could not. In this way, our lives are forever intertwined,” says Salazar.
Let us commemorate this Memorial Day with a renewed commitment to the values our fallen heroes defended, ensuring their sacrifice continues to inspire our actions and dedication to a better America.
by Ileana Martinez | May 1, 2024 | News & Updates
As the nation commemorates the historic Battle of Puebla on Cinco de Mayo, SER Jobs for Progress National, Inc. (SER National) reflects on the strength of the Hispanic community and its significant contributions to the workforce and economy of the United States. This year’s celebration marks not only a pivotal moment in Mexican history but also serves as a reminder of the increasing presence and labor power that characterize Hispanic and Latino American workers.
“Latinos in the United States are poised to meet our country’s workforce needs now and in the future as the fastest growing and largest demographic of younger men and women,” says Ignacio Salazar, President & CEO. “Our nation’s educational pipeline, training, and skills development capacity is being challenged to keep pace with this historical growth. This is why the SER Network of Affiliates works daily in anticipation of this continued exponential demand. Together, we can ensure that the sheer number of Latinos in labor translates into economic advancement and opportunities for generations to come,” adds Salazar.
Latinos in the United States constitute a vital workforce component, representing approximately 20% of the population and workforce. With a median age of 38.5 years on the job, Hispanic workers are younger than their non-Hispanic counterparts, making significant contributions to the labor force.
“We continue to meet the workforce needs of our country in many areas, including the building trades, service industries, and manufacturing,” states Salazar. “However, we are also emerging as a vital force in technological areas, including software sciences, the latest healthcare jobs, and AI-driven sectors. SER National is aligning vital stakeholders across the United States and Puerto Rico because we see the challenges and opportunities and are committed to being ready for both,” adds Salazar.
The U.S. Census Bureau projects that by 2040, more than one in four Americans will be Hispanic, highlighting the growing influence of this community. According to the U.S. Latino GDP Report, if Latinos living in the United States were an independent country, their GDP would rank fifth in the world at $3.2 trillion, underscoring their significant economic impact.
Despite their contributions, disparities in pay and job opportunities persist for Hispanic and Latino workers. Initiatives aimed at providing better outcomes, including education and retraining programs that prepare and transition workers to new high-wage, high-demand employment, are crucial to addressing these disparities and ensuring sustainable incomes for Latino families.
“As a nation, we are stronger in unity of purpose and in the shared vision that our country’s history is inextricably linked to the integration of immigrants into the fabric of America,” emphasized Salazar. “Together, we can ensure that the sheer number of Latinos in labor translates into economic advancement and opportunities for future generations.”
As SER National observes Cinco de Mayo 2024, it reaffirms its commitment to empowering Hispanic and Latino communities through education, training, and economic development initiatives. By breaking down barriers to workforce success, we pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future.
by Ileana Martinez | Mar 7, 2024 | News & Updates
SER National joins the global community in celebrating International Women’s Day and Women’s Month 2024, embracing this year’s theme of Inspire Inclusion. As an organization dedicated to service, employment, and redevelopment, we recognize the pivotal role of women in shaping our society and economy. Guided by our mission to empower individuals and communities, we proudly honor the invaluable contributions of women across the nation.
“On behalf of SER National and the SER Network of Affiliates, we are moved by this year’s compelling theme of inspiring inclusiveness in our world,” says Ignacio Salazar, President and CEO. “Women are the backbone of our vast Familia de SER’s agencies, programs, and initiatives. Every day, they help lead, innovate, and motivate all of us to excellence. Nearly half our nation’s workforce, or 75 million, are women, and they own and operate more than 10 million businesses, accounting for almost $1.5 trillion in annual receipts. Yet, women account for only 1-in-4 c-suite positions and 1-in-16 for women of color. So yes, we can and must be more inclusive to tap into the limitless talent women bring,” adds Salazar.
The International Women’s Day 2024 campaign theme, Inspire Inclusion, resonates deeply with our commitment to diversity and empowerment. We foster a better world when we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion. By championing inclusion, we break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create environments where all women are valued and respected.
At SER National, we believe that education and awareness are essential in fostering inclusion and empowering women in our country’s workforce training, social support programs, and diverse work sites. We create opportunities for women to thrive through mentorship, educational workshops, and specialized development programs. We empower women to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential by providing guidance and resources.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s Month 2024, let us collectively commit to inspiring inclusion in all aspects of our lives. Together, we can forge a more inclusive world where women are valued, respected, and empowered to reach their highest aspirations.
“Inspiring inclusiveness is to aspire to greatness,” says Salazar. “A recent survey by Glassdoor found that 75% of applicants want to be part of an organization that champions inclusiveness, and 62% of people in the workforce see inclusiveness as a major driver of successful organizations. So may we inspire inclusiveness through our actions and uplift women’s vital contributions in our work and lives,” says Salazar.
by Ileana Martinez | Feb 16, 2024 | News & Updates
As the nation commemorates Presidents Day on the third Monday of February, SER National joins the celebration, recognizing it as a tribute to our highest elected leaders’ leadership, sacrifice, and service. This federal holiday, officially named Washington’s Birthday, holds a special place in our hearts as it pays homage to the first President of the United States, George Washington, and all who have kept the esteemed office.
Presidents Day, often regarded as a day to honor the nation’s chief executives, reminds us of the courage and commitment demonstrated by our leaders. Ignacio Salazar, President and CEO of SER National, reflects on the significance of this day, stating, “SER National celebrates the meaning of Presidents Day as a moment when we pay tribute to the courage of our nation’s highest elected leaders. Moreover, we are reminded of the true meaning of this role, which is to exemplify leadership through service and sacrifice for the greater good of others. This quality extends to each of us where we work and find our purpose daily.”
Governments, schools, museums, and historical sites throughout the United States observe Presidents Day with various events and activities. Parades, educational programs, historical reenactments, and exhibitions foster a connection between residents and the rich heritage of our country. In Washington, D.C., a wreath-laying ceremony at the Washington Monument adds a poignant touch to the day’s historical significance.
George Washington’s legacy, marked by his universal respect and selfless act of relinquishing power after two terms, set a precedent for his successors. His leadership during the drafting of the U.S. Constitution and his choice to return to private life at Mount Vernon underscored the principles of service and sacrifice.
Abraham Lincoln, born on February 12, 1809, faced and navigated the nation through a profound constitutional, military, and moral crisis during the American Civil War. His Emancipation Proclamation played a pivotal role in transforming the war’s aims from a conflict over states’ rights to a battle for the destruction of slavery. Lincoln’s unwavering commitment to ending slavery culminated in the support for the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, adopted in December 1865. His tragic assassination on April 9, 1865, marked the end of a transformative era in American history.
“SER National believes strongly in the traits required for effective leadership in the workplace,” says Salazar. “Also, those who are asked to undertake the task of leadership throughout the SER Network of Affiliates display several important traits in service to their organization or program. This includes the ability to direct with compassion and humility, share a vision, and inspire those entrusted to them to accomplish their best with dignity and respect. A successful leader requires creating motivation, which comes when a person communicates effectively and fosters a collaborative environment. May this Presidents Day remind us that the strength of truly effective leaders comes from empowering those around them and providing an example that others look up to and wish to support wholeheartedly. As we celebrate Presidents Day, let us reflect on the enduring principles of leadership, service, and sacrifice that have shaped our nation’s history and continue to inspire us today,” he concludes.
by Ileana Martinez | Jan 30, 2024 | News & Updates
SER National proudly joins the nation in celebrating Black History Month. This month-long observance is a testament to the creative and artistic contributions made by African Americans that enrich the cultural fabric of our nation.
Ignacio Salazar, President and CEO of SER National, expressed his appreciation for the profound impact of African Americans on the United States, stating, “SER National and the SER Network of Affiliates proudly join in the month-long acknowledgment and appreciation for the creative and artistic contributions made to our nation by African Americans.” Salazar continued, “In every aspect of our society and every walk of life, our experience as a country savors foods, music, and pop culture inspired by the Black experience. Indeed, our nation is more beautiful because of the God-given talent, love, and labor expressed for centuries through the works of Blacks in the United States.”
From Harlem to Hollywood, Black artists have played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural landscape. Their creative expressions harmonize with the beats of progress, uplifting the race, speaking truth to power, and inspiring a nation. As we pay homage to Black History Month, let us celebrate the achievements of the past and acknowledge the work that lies ahead.
Salazar emphasized the diversity reflected within SER affiliates, stating, “SER affiliates reflect this same grace from their richly diverse leadership and staffs that warmly welcome all who walk through our doors daily irrespective of race, more than one million people annually.”
As we delve into the significance of Black History Month, it is essential to recognize its historical roots. Originating in the 1920s, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) founded a national Negro History Week. This week was strategically placed in the second week of February, aligning with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Over time, the celebration evolved, and by the late 60s, it transitioned into Black History Month. In 1976, President Ford officially designated February as Black History Month, solidifying a tradition that endures to this day.
Beyond the festivities, Black History Month serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges related to race-related harassment and discrimination. Businesses celebrating Black History Month present a unique opportunity to initiate conversations about race, fostering awareness for Black and minority voices. SER National recognizes the importance of addressing these issues in society and the workplace.
Salazar concluded with a poignant call to action: “The greatest tribute we can pay to the many Black artists and professionals in America is to emulate their example through our daily works in our jobs, careers, and dealings with each other. In this way, our work transcends what we do as more than tasks and activities. Indeed, Black History Month is an opportunity to reflect and appreciate our greater purpose each day. Working together, our greatest collective art is the very strength of our labor diversity. May we then celebrate the shared benefits when we apply our skills and knowledge through the use of our minds and bodies in service to others for the betterment of our world. Bravo, Black History Month!”
by Ileana Martinez | Jan 12, 2024 | News & Updates
SER National is proud to join the global community in honoring the life and impact of the late civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The King holiday observance provides us unique opportunities to unite in reflection and celebration on the meaning of equity and equality of America’s founding promise. MLK Day’s theme is, ‘Shifting the Cultural Climate through the Study and Practice of Nonviolence,” as did Dr. King throughout his life’s work.
“The theme of MLK Day is especially significant to us this year because it embodies what SER National has seen as its mission for 60 years,” says Ignacio Salazar, President and CEO. “Our more than one million plus participants we touch every year understand and are committed to the belief of self-help and initiative and come in a collaborative spirit to seek their pathway toward a future of self-sufficiency for themselves and their families. We are dedicated, as was Dr. King, to the improvement and transformation of our communities, one life, one person at a time,” says Salazar.
Also, SER National and the SER Network of Affiliates are aligned with the Department of Labor’s workforce development policies reflected in Executive Order 13985. This vision focuses on the importance of addressing the needs of workers who come from historically underserved communities. It is vital to be inclusive of every sector of our country’s workforce, including low-paid workers, women of color workers, LGBTQ+ workers, workers with disabilities, veterans, and immigrant workers. SER’s ultimate goal is to ensure that all working people and those seeking employment have the tools, opportunity, and voice to thrive in our society.
“There is no greater calling for us right now than service to others in meaningful ways that help improve the daily lives of the individuals in our programs,” says Salazar. “MLK Day reminds us that we are overcoming the seemingly insurmountable odds. At times, it may seem that the benefits are incremental, but step back, and you will see the larger impact. Work and purpose transform how individuals feel about themselves, inspiring us to continue as we have for six decades.”
As we observe MLK Day 2024, let us all be motivated by the spirit and actions of Dr. King, working collaboratively towards a future marked by self-sufficiency and service to others. Even more extraordinary, may we appreciate that every person’s life is worthwhile, has value before God, and can for one another.
