HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH HIGHLIGHT: VALERIA KAWAS

KENNER, La. – In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Laketown Squadron are highlighting members of Kenner’s community that are devoted to their city. Valeria Kawas gave the Squadron insight into her story.

Kawas left her career in television to for a position in Kenner Mayor Mike Glaser’s administration. With Kenner having nearly a 30% Hispanic population, Valeria serves as Cultural Coordinator, helping strengthen relationships between the city’s administration and the Hispanic community. 

Like many members of Kenner’s Hispanic population, Kawas came to New Orleans from Honduras. She moved to the city in 2012, attending Delgado Community College before transferring to Loyola University New Orleans, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication with a concentration in Journalism. She went on to work in television as an anchor and news director with Telemundo New Orleans before transitioning to her current role back in 2022. 

When asked about her current role, Kawas said her goal is to “help bridge the gap between the administration and the Hispanic community in any way I can, whether it be providing resources through programs, promoting events to bring the community together, or supporting local businesses.” 

A major emphasis of hers is the Hispanic Resource Center (HRC), which hosts various events throughout the year, including backpack giveaways, diaper giveaways, immunization busses and job fairs. She also leads the planning of Kenner’s Brasas Latin Flavor Fest, which highlights Hispanic-owned businesses and vendors throughout Kenner while featuring live entertainment throughout the day. 

As part of her day-to-day assisting the Hispanic community, Kawas helps businesses get up and running and stay on track, providing help with permitting, translating and guidance. “We’re always striving for the best, and we’re resilient in pursuing the American Dream. We support each other and our businesses” she said. 

Kenner continues to see an increase in Hispanic owned businesses, and the community plays a key role in supporting them and helping them grow.