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Matrix New World Engineering (Matrix) celebrated and participated in Hispanic Heritage Month. On Saturday, October 2, Olga Abinader, Director of Environmental Review and Land Use Planning, led an event at Andes Public Library, 242 Main St, Andes, NY. This event, hosted by Women for Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (WIDE), presented multicultural workshops for children aged 5 through 12. Abinader shared her love and knowledge of Hispanic culture through stories, activities and music. For more information on this event, please contact: www.wideny.org The 2020 U.S. Census showed that Hispanics and Latinos make up a fast-growing, multiracial group: In 2020, 62.1 million people identified as Hispanic or Latino — 18% of the U.S. population. That number had grown 23% since 2010. Comparatively, the U.S. population not of Hispanic or Latino origin grew just 4.3%, census data shows. Between 2010 and 2020, just over half of the total U.S. population growth — 51.1% — was due to growth among Hispanics or Latinos, per the Census Bureau. Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988. The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period. No stranger to giving back, Matrix donates both time and money to a number of causes and its communities, supporting the YMCA, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the Arizona Department of Water Resources. According to Jayne Warne, PE, President, “We are thrilled Olga participated in this event and shared her love and talents with children in Hispanic and multicultural communities. She broadens the Matrix footprint as a woman owned company engaged in female empowerment and the importance of diversity.”