Polyglass U.S.A., Inc. participated in a Latinos in Action (LIA) event, where company leaders shared their personal and professional journeys to inspire the next generation of Latino youth. The event, held at Polyschool, a training center located at the Polyglass Winter Haven, Fla. plant, connected 76 high school seniors—most of whom are immigrants enrolled in the English as a Second Language (ESL) program—with successful professionals who have overcome similar challenges.

Polyglass executives Alex Formoso (from Cuba), Executive VP of Procurement & Supply Chain; Betiana Acha (from Argentina), Executive VP of R&D & Process Innovation; and Gaby Añez (from Venezuela), Creative Marketing Manager were honored to speak at the event. Through personal stories and interactive discussions, they encouraged students to continue their education and pursue their dreams despite obstacles.

Fueling Dreams: Empowering Students Through Personal Stories

Latinos in Action, a nationally recognized organization dedicated to "empowering Latino youth to lead and strengthen their communities through college and career readiness," provided an invaluable opportunity for students to connect with role models who understand their struggles and aspirations firsthand.

One impactful moment of the event occurred when three female students, who had recently immigrated from Venezuela—Gaby Añez’s home country—approached her after her speech. They expressed how deeply her story resonated with them, leading to an emotional and motivating exchange about perseverance, education, and ambition. 

Reflecting on this connection and the overall experience, Añez later recounted, “Sharing my journey from Venezuela to the U.S., and the challenges I overcame to achieve my education, was a reminder of the strength and potential within each of us. To all the young minds out there: embrace your unique path, stay determined, and never let obstacles deter you from your aspirations. Your story is just beginning!”

Community Connection: Polyglass' Commitment to Latino Youth

Polyglass remains committed to supporting initiatives that uplift and empower the local community, particularly in areas with a strong Latino presence, such as Winter Haven. By engaging with students in meaningful conversations about education and career growth, the company aims to foster a culture of encouragement and support.

Mathew Snell, Director of Engineering at Polyglass, who helped organize the LIA event, shared an inspiring quote that resonated with students:

“Sigue adelante, sin miedo y con el corazón lleno de sueños, porque la perseverancia transforma lo imposible en realidad.” (“Keep moving forward, without fear and with your heart full of dreams, because perseverance turns the impossible into reality.”)

This sentiment captures the essence of the Latino spirit and the importance of resilience in achieving success.

Beyond the Event: A Partnership for Lasting Change

Given the strong relationship between Polyglass and the Polk County School District, the company looks forward to future collaborations with Latinos in Action and similar organizations. These initiatives align with Polyglass’ commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion while fostering a positive impact on the next generation of leaders.

For more information about Polyglass and its community initiatives, visit polyglass.us. To learn more about Latinos in Action and how you can support their mission, visit latinosinaction.org.