The Hispanic Outreach and Leadership Alliance (HOLA) represented Newport News Shipbuilding at the 23rd annual Latino Music Festival in Town Point Park in Norfolk last month.

The community came together for live music performances, Latin cuisine, family activities, dance lessons and much more. Volunteers from the HOLA employee resource group (ERG) represented NNS by giving away prizes, playing trivia and interfacing with current and former shipbuilders who stopped by the tent.

U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans, a former Navy helicopter pilot, visited the NNS table and affirmed the importance of the shipyard’s mission at both a national and local level.

“It was a great experience meeting all the people at the Latino Festival in Norfolk,” said Luis Silva (E25). “We had a great time interacting with people and the answering questions about what we do and why we were there.”

“I like to represent the company. I also like to represent my Latino roots in these activities and let people know that we have our place in HII,” added Jesus Velazquez Laboy (O58). “I really liked interacting with people, joking with them and also seeing their interest in HII, answering questions such as ‘What does HII do and what is our position in HII?’”

“It was great representing NNS at the Latino Music Festival,” said Cesar Romero (E83). “As a fairly new employee, I have felt welcomed from the start, and I really enjoyed sharing that feeling with others.”