DLA Troop Support celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Philadelphia -

The Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support celebrated National Hispanic Heritage Month on September 12.

The 2024 theme, "Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together," provides the opportunity focus on those Hispanic Americans who as leaders in their respective areas, made their mark to institute change that benefits our nation as a whole.

The Jazz Feds, a band composed of DLA and retired NAVSUP Weapons Systems Support employees opened the event with two musical selections. The members include Ed Maldonado, Rosann Sarkissian, Jason Kelleher and Mark Lawrence.

"It was a phenomenal opening," said Tiffany Nguyen, a vendor logistics specialist in the Subsistence supply chain. "I have seen Ed take photos but did not know he sang just as well."

DLA Troop Support Deputy Commander Kishayra J. Lambert provided opening remarks and speaker introduction. "Vanessa Santiago-Freytes' career spans 27 years in the non-profit field working with children and families," said Lambert. "A mentor to many, including our own Nelson Padilla, Ms. Santiago-Freytes is a devoted community member, who is a true advocate for the Hispanic and Latino community, and we are pleased to have her here with us today."

Padilla, a lead supply specialist on the Army Medical Materials Agreement team in the Medical supply chain, spoke on Santiago-Freytes' role as his mentor for over 20 years.

"I met Vanessa while we attended Brooklyn Technical High School," said Padilla. "Her natural leadership took this shy Nicaraguan kid from Spanish Harlem to the outgoing man you see and work with here at DLA. I am forever grateful to have her as a best friend and mentor."

Santiago-Freytes, who serves as the Managing Director of the Leadership and College Access Program at ASPIRA of NY, Inc started by addressing the audience, "You think you came to see me, but I am here to see you."

"I was almost kicked out of my first semester of college with a 1.7 GPA", she said. "I didn't have the support system because I was a first generation born in the United States, Puerto Rican."

Santiago-Freytes added that obstacles kept getting in her way but that did not hold her down long.

"I had to do Free Application For Student Aid five times because my mom did not speak English, and I couldn't ask for help," she said. She would later go on to complete undergrad and obtain a master's degree.

Santiago-Freytes reflected on an opportunity as a child that steered her in the direction of being a leader.

"I was 4-years old, there was this Michael Jackson play," she said. "Another girl name Vanessa was the lead. I knew her lines and moves, almost like an understudy. She never missed a practice or was absent from school. The day of the performance comes, and she was late! The adults wondered if anyone else could do the part. I raised my hand and said I can do it."

She concluded with how she knew she wanted to make a difference.

"I was 19, pregnant, and in school. I graduated at 26 with her in my arms. That's when I knew I had to do this because she needs to be able to do better than I did. Having a child was pivotal for me to look outside of myself and be more for my community", she said

As a successful non-profit leader, mentor, and advocate for black and brown communities, Santiago-Freytes says she feels humbled, and anyone can be an advocate if they feel lead to do so.

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