Latinx Heritage Month
September 15th marks the first day of Latinx Heritage Month.
This month, we are recognizing, celebrating, uplifting the voices of Latinx Vermonters.
Our September newsletter includes relevant events and news, and a showcasing of Latinx people and businesses. Our feature highlights Oscar Arencibia and Luis Calderin, co-owners of Santiago’s, a new Cuban restaurant in the Old North End of Burlington.
It’s important not only this month but every month to support Latinx-owned businesses across Vermont. We’ve included several thriving businesses from all parts of the state. If you are BIPOC and starting a new business, let us know! We’re creating a comprehensive BIPOC-owned business directory, to promote BIPOC businesses across Vermont. Send us an email at TheFam@vtpoc.net!
Get to Know VT PoC
Businesses and People
Oscar Arencibia & Luis Calderin
CO-OWNERS OF SANTIAGO’S, CUBAN RESTAURANT IN BURLINGTON
Oscar Arencibia and Luis Calderin are the co-owners and founders of Santiago’s, a new Cuban restaurant that opened its brick and mortar last month on North Street in Burlington. While Oscar moved to the state six years ago, Luis has been a Vermonter for 35 years – and together, they partnered up on this new venture to bring Santiago’s to life. Santiago’s “celebrates our Hispanic heritage, and we are here to do it right and make our ancestors and families proud,” Luis says. Oscar and Luis are both excited to bring their family recipes to such a warm and receptive community. There is “a hunger for culturally relevant cuisine,” says Oscar, “and we want to take full advantage of that.”
To read the rest of our interview with Oscar and Luis, click here.
Find the Santiago’s website at this link.
Updates and Resources
Latinx-Owned Businesses to Support
- Three Stones Mayan Cocina
Three Stones is a family owned and operated business, offering fresh, housemade corn tortillas, tacos, tamales, and more.
Click here for their website.
- Healing Arts VT
Jessica Arenciba is a Licensed Massage Therapist based out of Chittenden County. Working alongside chiropractors, physical therapists, & other bodyworkers she has 7 years of experience in the field.
Click here for her website.
- La Catrina
La Catrina is a pop-up food truck with Authentic Baja California-style cooking always made from scratch and mainly local Vermont ingredients.
Find their next pop-up here.
- Ehmann Events
Ehmann Events is an event services company co- owned by Maricela Ehmann, based out of Killington. Their work includes weddings, corporate retreats and celebrations, conferences, and VIP soirees.
Find the website at this link.
Events
- Dorset Theatre Presents “Queen of the Night”: In this honest and poetic comedy about family, playwright travis tate explores masculinity and queerness through the lens of multi-generational Blackness.
Email dina@dorsettheatrefestival.org for free tickets for members of VTPoC!
- Live Music at Zenbarn Farms
Zenbarn Farms in Waterbury Center continues its live music nights throughout September! Catch any of the events at this Black-owned farm and event space.
View upcoming events here.
News
- Calling all VTPoC members!
We are creating a private database for VTPoC members to network with one another. Whether you have been a member since we started or have just joined, please include your information at the link below so we can better connect YOU!
Click this link to access the form.
- Santiago’s is Hiring
Santiago’s is seeking prep + line cooks, waitstaff, bartenders + bar backs, and hosts. They are a One Fair Wage restaurant so all employees are paid competitive wages. Join la Familia! Apply at this link.
- Community Health Centers of Burlington Seeks DEI Director
This role enhances the patient experience and a workplace culture that respects, appreciates, and leverages diversity, justice, equity, and inclusion.
Click here to apply.