Hispanic Heritage Month shines spotlight on people, businesses making impact in Lehigh Valley | Allentown Area

ALLENTOWN, Pa. – National Hispanic Heritage Month is shining a spotlight on the people, businesses, and groups making an impact in our community.

69 News Reporter Sydney Kay was in Allentown with how these organizations are celebrating their culture and making a difference.

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce board member Eliana Jimenez said “we are a community, we are a culture with traditions.” She said the chamber helps support big and small businesses alike.

She said the chamber supports jobs and professional development, on National Hispanic Heritage Month as well as year-round.

The chamber provides to the community and receives from community members as well. 

Local restaurants help showcase Hispanic culture through food.

Wally Almonte, Owner of El Tipico Restaurant, said he started out as a cook before taking over the business. He said workers start doing food prep at 3 a.m. each day.

He encourages people to come and check out the restaurant.

Dr. Maria Erazo, CEO and Founder of Frontline Medical and Kidney Care, as well as a Hispanic Chamber of Commerce board member, said this year she is aiming to participate more and give more to the community, which is her passion.

She said she founded Frontline 12 years ago. She is certified in internal medicine and obesity medicine. Through her passion for prevention and helping the community, she also founded a wellness center a year and a half ago.

She treats a variety of medical issues, such as joint, knee, and elbow pain.

“My passion is prevention,” she said.

Dan Lopez, Vice Chair of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said having the ability to connect to the community is very important, so the group aims to help businesses such as Donerds Donuts in Bethlehem, by Lehigh University.

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Chair Yamelisa Taveras said she sees growth and investment in local small businesses and micro businesses. The Hispanic community is seeing just how much the businesses are impacting the local economy.

She noted Hispanics make up more than 56% of Allentown’s population, with Bethlehem nearing 30%, and Easton just a little behind that.

Taveras said the Hispanic community is bringing its culture, flavors, and food, and sharing it with everyone.

Annabel Figueroa, Owner of Donerds Donuts, said she started the shop with her husband. They started the business in Jim Thorpe and moved to Bethlehem.

“It’s just been great to be part of the community,” she said.

She said many of the shop’s employees are Hispanic.

She said starting a new business in a new country can be difficult.