“Their work revolves around the people facing challenging situations every day,” says Manuela M. Zarate, Vice-President and Chief Operations Officer of SER Metro Detroit (SMD). “We all realize that we share many of the same beliefs and commitments to serving our community. For us, making an impact in the neighborhoods is being right where the people are; being where they live and work, so they see you every day, not in remote executive offices on State Street or Michigan Avenue in Downtown Chicago. CSS is embedded in communities like Little Village or reaching across Greater Chicago, Cook and Kane Counties, and the State of Illinois at large. CSS and SERCO in Illinois offer a wide range of services for youth and adults of all ages. These include after-school tutoring and mentoring, GED, vocational and pre-apprenticeship training; in partnership with Apple, we offer Coding and ŷ��˿������, among many other services. SERCO in Illinois is the South Suburban American Jobs Center operator in North Riverside, Il, and a training partner of the Kane County Workforce Board in Aurora, Il. We are essentially among the people we serve,” she adds. For Zarate, that same clear focus of purpose continues to be a hallmark of her career and understanding of what it means to help an individual who walks into a SER site today. “I say to our staff, always look at the person that’s coming in for a service with care and respect. That’s the only way you’re going to be able to assess their needs – by caring truly. You have to make sure that we not only look at the immediate needs, but how can we open additional opportunities for that person? The answer may come, not just through the person sitting in front of you; rather, it may be that we need to help the family to address other, underlying challenges they are facing,” she adds.

The Little Village team at SER is focused on outreach and education within one of America’s most diverse inner-city neighborhoods in the Midwest. Team members attribute the successes of CSS to understanding firsthand what residents need and the services that can help address those needs. “As servant leaders and role models, we have to remember who our customers are and what they expect from us. This purpose is why we are here and entrusted with public funding. This work is how we meet our responsibilities,” says Zarate.

Zarate says CSS and SERCO in Illinois have achieved respect for consistently meeting and exceeding the benchmarks of program performance. Its stakeholder partners include the State of Illinois, the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, the City of Chicago, the Illinois Department of Human Services, the Kane County Workforce Board, and many other governmental agencies, foundations, and philanthropists. “We have to be accountable to them while at the same time remembering that the most important measures of our work are the results that we see in the people we serve,” she adds.

Zarate cites one example of that holistic approach to community service that now includes offering more than 100 different social service programs and services across a broad spectrum. “We have one particular program that transformed our service delivery model through a grant we received back in 2008 to start the Center for Working Families.

The project is a financial education program that acts as an umbrella incorporating financial literacy and education, income supports, and workforce development into every service and program we offer. These services are available to the community at large. In this program, we take a deep dive into the participant’s financial needs and explore additional economic supports they might need. We then qualify our participants for the most suitable services: financial aid, public support, and a comprehensive financial education package offered in partnership with partner financial institutions while working towards their self-sufficiency. The goal is to help them through transformative change that breaks a socio-economic cycle so they can become self-sustaining long-term.”

Zarate and the CSS leadership team share another passion readily apparent to anyone who speaks with them. They see their role in their work as planting seeds of social change for future generations. “In Chicago, I know we are making an impact beginning with staff,” says Zarate. “Many of them are former program participants and come out of challenging backgrounds themselves, so they know in very personal terms the kind of help our customers are desperately seeking, and they do everything they can to reach out and take the hand that the system has often slapped away. We may well be the first and only people who have ever said to that young man or woman, I believe in you, or I know you can do it. Those simple gestures can mean so much to people, and we never know when we will have that opportunity.”

Manuela M. Zarate and the CSS leadership team exemplify the true spirit of people serving people. Zarate’s journey from a young student applicant to eventually becoming one of the organization’s top leaders results from answering a personal calling of caring for others. “At SER, we are all innovators, so we continuously reinvent ourselves. Together, we will continue to lead SER to be consistently present and relevant to the needs of those we serve. So, even if the entire world was employed and well trained, we can be sure to find a way to provide needed services. This is because people’s lives are always changing, and human nature is to want to improve and advance,” concludes Zarate.
With the dedication of that caliber, there is no doubt that Little Village and Greater Chicago will continue to benefit from the services of Central States SER.

Nation’s Service-Employment-Redevelopment Network Invites Us To Express Gratitude For Those Who Have Helped Us Endure

Irving, TX – Ignacio Salazar, SER National Chief Executive Officer, issued the following statement as we gather with loved ones to ŷ��˿������ Thanksgiving Day, each in our way and place but all with a deep sense of heartfelt gratitude at this time.

“It was this time last year that our nation faced one of its most significant tests in our lifetimes as the pandemic raged and tens of thousands of people filled hospital beds as uncertainty loomed before us. Those were difficult days when celebrating Thanksgiving meant young and old gathering and perhaps endangering the well-being of family members and close friends. So many of us decided to forego the special celebration, and instead, we shared the day virtually or reflected and prayed in our personal private space.

Now, twelve months later, much has changed, and we have the opportunity to come together again. This Thanksgiving Day, we can say thank you for all that has happened to transform the darkness of our fears into the bright dawn of hope for our nation and the world. Irrespective of our spiritual walk and faith, we can as kindred spirits acknowledge each other, even if still from behind a mask or a safe social distance. We are here, alive, which is in itself the most remarkable single gift. Now, we can use each day more intentionally to make our world better, more loving, and considerate.

Also, we can express our gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and every single health care provider for being the guardians who ventured out every day to care for us and did everything they could for those they could not save. We can thank the first responders who faithfully reported to their police or fire stations and patrolled or stood watch to keep us safe from harm as we remained behind closed doors. And yes, we can say a heartfelt thank you to the millions of farmworkers, meatpackers, warehouse crews, truckers, grocery store stockers, and cashiers who made sure America was nourished.

Yes, we are a bountiful nation made stronger by the confluence of our gifts, skills, and experiences. We are also abundantly blessed because our founders foresaw times of trials and tribulation and created the framework for us to endure and prevail. The most significant expression of our gratitude is to protect that which unites us across our great land. May we on this Thanksgiving Day rededicate ourselves to America’s promise for future generations of all cultures and the assurance of freedom and liberty for all.”

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ŷ��˿������ SER Jobs for Progress National, Inc. – “Cultivating America’s Greatest Resource: People”

The SER Network of Affiliates serves over 1,000,000 people annually. SER has locations throughout the country, in more than 24 states and 200 sites. The SER Network provides a variety of comprehensive programs, including housing, youth services, GED classes, English language acquisition, early childhood education, older Americans training, women entrepreneurship, Science-Technology-Engineering-Math (ŷ��˿������), assistance for military Veterans, operations of workforce centers nationally, plus assisting and placing thousands of qualified men and women in unsubsidized employment.

Nation’s Service-Employment-Redevelopment Network Notes His Rise from Poverty to Pinnacle of Military and Diplomatic Service

Irving, TX – Ignacio Salazar, SER National Chief Executive Officer, today issued the following statement in acknowledgment of the passing of General Colin Powell. He was 84. The former U.S. Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff served multiple presidential administrations and made a lasting impact on U.S. foreign policy.

“Our country has lost a modern historical figure whose legacy will endure for generations. His life is an example of service to country through the most challenging times, yet always with uncompromising integrity. General Powell placed himself squarely at the forefront of accountability in every decision he ever made and understood the weightiness of leadership. He was first, foremost, and always a soldier. His character and demeanor reflected that he understood his every action and word would be an inspiration to some and scrutinized by others.

There are many firsts historians will record about General Powell. He was the first Black national security adviser, first African American chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and first Black U.S. secretary of state. However, the other, perhaps lesser-known part of his life is his determination, work ethic, and perseverance lifted him to the summits of power. His path was not carved out or laid out in front of him. Instead, he was the son of immigrants who joined the R.O.T.C. at 21 after growing up in the South Bronx and going to City College of New York. He joined the Army soon after it was desegregated and served two tours in Vietnam. From there, he would go on to a 35-year military career.

This was the cornerstone of every post he accepted and every mission he carried out; he earned distinction through quiet, selfless service. Twice, he was bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor for service to our country. May every American salute this loyal soldier as he is laid to rest and remember him for his courage to lead, and in so doing, showing others the way forward.”

Nation’s Service-Employment-Redevelopment Network Honors Community Trailblazer, Visionary, and Lifelong Advocate

Irving, TX – SER National today issued the following statement on the passing of a beloved, respected friend and community champion, 68-year-old Pedro Luis Viera Marrero. The former SER National President from 1988 to 1996 was working in Guayaquil, Ecuador, when doctors say he suffered a fatal heart attack on October 9, 2021. His primary home was Coppell, Texas, where he lived with his wife and family.

“We are heartbroken over the sudden loss of a dear, wonderful friend and colleague,” says Ignacio Salazar, SER National Chief Executive Officer. “On behalf of the entire SER National family and SER Network of Affiliates across the country and Puerto Rico, I wish to send our deepest condolences to Pedro’s wife Tia, his children, and the extended Viera family. Our community has lost a tireless defender and a man who exemplified the belief that we can each serve the disadvantaged in need through selfless actions. Pedro’s greatness was his humility and his infinite faith in the goodness of others. May he now rest in peace and receive the reward of a life well-lived,” said Salazar.

Pedro formalized a record number of new corporate and private foundation partnerships, which led to a more robust Amigos de SER during his tenure as SER National President. He also increased the number of state and federal grants procured and implemented national initiatives, marketing, and fundraising campaigns. His leadership generated millions of dollars on behalf of the SER Network of Affiliates for their work in the areas of affordable housing, urban renewal, family education, and literacy, and job training/job bank services for talent recruitment.

“I knew Pedro for the last 32 years, and during those years, he never ceased to impress me with his work ethic and innovative ideas,” said Joe Campos, former SER National’s Vice-President of Corporate Relations. “He took SER National to another level in the areas of job training and corporate development. To put it lightly, you just had to be around him to know what kind of person Pedro was,” added Campos.

Pedro experienced success in a storied career that provided him opportunities to design, oversee and implement businesses, projects, and programs in the private, government, and non-profit sectors at both the local and national levels.A true visionary, Pedro highly valued business ventures that are focused, accountability-driven, solution-oriented, and legacy building. Some of his past jobs include positions at the Department of Education, Puerto Rico; SER-Jobs for Progress, Inc., Milwaukee; SER-Jobs for Progress National, Inc., Dallas; Pan American Financial, Inc., San Juan; International Construction Solutions Development, Inc., San Juan; Liberty Circle Energy, Inc., San Juan; Institucion Educativa NETS USA, Irving; National Society of Hispanic MBA, Irving; Latino Consulting Services, Inc., Lewisville; and most recently, Universal Coin International (UCoin ), Inc., Guayaquil, Ecuador.

“God gifted Pedro Viera with the talent of always coming up with innovative problem-solving ideas no matter what the industry was,” said Juan Constantino, former SER National’s Vice-President of Operations. “Anytime Pedro was in the room, we knew that out-of-the-box thinking and looking beyond the usual answers was the way to go, and he freely shared his talents to make the outcome better. That’s the sign of a successful leader,” added Constantino.

Whether in his professional or personal life, his motto was constantly to impact others’ lives positively. He pursued this belief with generosity, compassion, servant leadership, and commitment to solving problems. Those who knew Pedro shared that he welcomed and included people from all walks of life. Although he achieved great acclaim and success, Pedro never forgot his humble beginnings or lost sight of the core values of his upbringing. “No te preocupes, yo me encargo” was his typical response to anybody in need. Pedro was just as comfortable occupying a seat at a banquet table with wealthy clients as he was at home sharing a sandwich with the company driver or security guard. He was never too proud to sweep floors or stack chairs, completing whatever needed doing after an event.

He was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, March 30, 1953, to Pedro Luis Viera Correa and Ana Delia Marrero Villalobos. He received a BA in Economics/Statistics at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, and a Master’s in Urban and Economic Planning from the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras. In addition, Pedro pursued post-graduate studies in Urban Education at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.

Pedro is preceded in death by his father, Pedro Luis Viera Correa. He leaves in God’s loving care his devoted wife of 27 years, Tia Viera; his previous wife, Olga Pallan; his two children, Michelle Viera Keleny (Eric Keleny) and Wesley Viera Lava; his mother, Ana Delia Marrero Villalobos; his brother, Luis Alberto Viera Marrero; his three grandchildren, Ohani Keleny, Ari Keleny, and Valentina Keleny; his aunt, Carmen Marrero Villalobos; his cousin, William Candelario (Maria Garcia); his cousin, Alma Yadira Navarro Viera; his two nephews and niece, Jorge Alberto Viera Aviles, Liza Yanice Viera Aviles, and Chris Alberto Viera de la Cruz; as well as other extended family members.

Pedro’s burial will be in Puerto Rico, his native, beloved home, La Isla del Encanto. Remember Pedro, not with sadness but for his warmth, charm, and ardent desire to make people feel accepted and included.

Nation’s Service-Employment-Redevelopment Network Says Labor Day Can Honor the Value and Worth of Every Worker

Irving, TX – Ignacio Salazar, President, and CEO of SER NATIONAL, today issued the following statement in observance of Labor Day 2021, Monday, September 6th:

“Labor Day is an opportunity for our country to ŷ��˿������ the ever-enduring power of our country’s talented and diverse civilian labor force which reached 164.6-million in February 2020 before the pandemic began and has already surpassed 161-million as our economic recovery continues steadily. This resilience is a testament to each worker in every industry, trade, and profession and proves that labor in all its forms has historically fueled our greatest economic achievements.

As impressive is the productivity of the American worker. According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the trend continues to show increases in the level of work being performed and the number of hours being worked during the past year. Also, labor output now is greater than it was in the three-month period before the pandemic. American workers adapt to confront and overcome challenges.

The history of Labor Day is rooted deeply in the belief that every worker’s contribution matters and is worthy of being recognized. Evidence of this is that the holiday started with local ordinances passed in America’s towns and cities in the mid-1880’s. Starting with Oregon, more than 28 states made it an official observance and by 1894, Congress made it a legal national holiday.

The most beautiful part of Labor Day is that this is the one holiday of the year when title does not determine who is praised for his or her work. From those who work in our fields and factories, to our first responders, healthcare workers, laborers in construction or professionals, executives, and CEO’s; every man, woman and yes, young workers too, can claim Labor Day is America saying thanks to them. Why not? After all, it takes millions of us daily to keep our country moving forward. So, to every worker, we say job well done!”

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ŷ��˿������ SER Jobs for Progress National, Inc. – “Cultivating America’s Greatest Resource: People”

The SER Network of Affiliates serves over 1,000,000 people annually. SER is located throughout the country, in 24 states and 200 locations. The SER Network provides a variety of comprehensive programs including housing, youth services, GED classes, English language acquisition, early childhood education, older Americans training, women entrepreneurship, Science-Technology-Engineering-Math (ŷ��˿������), assistance for military Veterans, operations of workforce centers nationally, plus assisting and placing thousands of qualified men and women in unsubsidized employment.

100 LATINAS

STORIES, WE ALL CARRY ONE. NOT ONLY ARE WE INSPIRED BY THEM BUT WE INSPIRE THROUGH THEM. WE PRESENT THIS YEAR’S “100 LATINAS”. THESE WOMEN CONTINUE TO INFLUENCE THROUGH THEIR LEADERSHIP AND INSPIRE THOSE AROUND THEM.

LAURA QUINTANA

VP OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS & GENERAL MANAGER CISCO NETWORKING ACADEMY

Laura focuses on social responsibility, delivering ground breaking initiatives that prepare students to participate in the digital workforce and connects them with career opportunities. Her strengths in scaling and accelerating impact helped her and her team to double the size of the Networking Academy over the past 3 years; it now benefits more than 2.1 million students annually throughout 180 countries. As a 20-year veteran of Cisco, Laura leads a global organization of teams based in 50 countries, including strategy, product management, product development, global field, and operational services teams. Prior to her current role, Laura and her team successfully completed Cisco’s multi-year commitment to the Jordan Healthcare Initiative. She collaborated with the Government of Jordan and was instrumental in driving tele-medicine, clinical collaboration, and tele-radiology projects that enabled quality healthcare services and benefited over 175,000 patients.

Irving, TX – Ignacio Salazar, President and CEO of SER NATIONAL, today issued the following statement as reports continue to arrive in the United States about the humanitarian crisis in Cuba taking a devastating toll on its population that is now pleading for the world’s help.

“Our hearts break as we learn of the terrible human suffering by the Cuban people who are bravely fighting against humankind’s common foe, the COVID-19 virus. The eyewitness accounts trickling out reveal an incredibly sad and tragic situation among the island’s poorest and most vulnerable, for whom every breath is a struggle to survive. As neighbors, we cannot remain silent and our humanity cries out to join the people of Cuba in their darkest moment of pain, loss, and need for assistance.

The latest information confirms that COVID-19 cases are soaring to an average of 6,374 a day and the Cuban people are in dire need of medical supplies to care for those persons afflicted. Also, we are seeing images from CUBA reminiscent of the massive lockdowns once experienced in the United States during the worst of the pandemic. These scenes reveal unimaginable economic devastation on the island as people are unable to work and provide for their loved ones.

One positive development is that restrictions have been lifted on critical essential items being brought in by travelers including medicine, hygiene products, and food. It is our sincere hope and desire that humanitarian actions can be expanded to facilitate an even greater flow of assistance by individuals and faith-based organizations willing to help.

We share the cry for vital aid on behalf of those whose voices are too young, too old, or too infirm to do so themselves. For every baby wailing in distress from the pangs of hunger, we cry out. For every Abuelo y Abuelita sighing in sorrow, we cry out, and for the usually joyful Cuban people, whose laughter has been replaced by profound sadness, we cry out. As neighbors all, it is the solemn and sacred duty of each of us to help el gran pueblo de Cuba!”

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ŷ��˿������ SER Jobs for Progress National, Inc. – “Cultivating America’s Greatest Resource: People”

The SER Network of Affiliates serves over 1,000,000 people annually. SER is located throughout the country, in more than 24 states and 200 locations. The SER Network provides a variety of comprehensive programs including housing, youth services, GED classes, English language acquisition, early childhood education, older Americans training, women entrepreneurship, Science-Technology-Engineering-Math (ŷ��˿������), assistance for military Veterans, operations of workforce centers nationally, plus assisting and placing thousands of qualified men and women in unsubsidized employment.

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With the mission statement of Advancing People, Growing Businesses, and Strengthening Communities through Education, Employment, Economic and Community Development, SER Metro-Detroit is positively impacting the lives of thousands of Americans every year in multiple states.

SER Metro-Detroit began in 1971 as a small community-based organization and has since evolved into a vital Detroit resource, enhancing the lives of thousands across the city each year. Through a series of education, job training, and job placement programs, along with youth development and education initiatives, SER provides Detroit residents with the skills, resources, and opportunities they need to achieve self-sufficiency.

To learn more about SER Metro-Detroit and their subsidiaries, visit .

Irving, TX – The time of birth is a very special experience, whether a child, an idea or a new undertaking in our lives. The moment marks a start to something new with a world of possibilities, opportunities and discoveries. This is precisely what happened on July 4th, 1776. The Continental Congress passed the and from the 13-colonies, the United States was born.

“America has come a long way in the 245 years since its founding,” says Ignacio Salazar, President and CEO of SER NATIONAL. He continues, “Our nation has endured more than two and half centuries based upon ideals that have withstood the winds of global change and the tides of shifting political forces. It is because the cornerstone of our foundation as a Republic is a democratic guarantee. That is, our form of government has unwavering guiding principles enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.

At SER NATIONAL, our family of Network Affiliates has flourished around the guiding precepts of creating new opportunities for the more than 1-million people we serve every year. Together, we are forging pathways to personal triumph. For more than five decades, we have enjoyed victory with them by sharing knowledge, providing training for self-sufficiency endeavors and delivering other vital social services. As importantly, we have done so in mutual respect for the inherent value of each human being. We have dedicated ourselves to the mission of meeting that need and with God’s help, will continue to do so for generations to come.

Yes, our country’s greatest triumph is its freedom. That is, the unalienable right that we are each guaranteed to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. This opportunity, like a bright beacon in the darkest of nights, must be allowed to continue to shine for those in despair who come to our shores and borders. Also, let us remember the indigenous peoples of this great land, and honor their rightful interests. Indeed, the pledge to all in America must endure, including a quality public education, choice of religious faith without constraints, as well as equity and equality irrespective of gender. These are the simple, yet powerful truths of a great people.

For the celebration on this 4th of July to truly be an affirmation of a collective nation, out of the many, we must be one in action, as entrusted by the words of our founders. On this Independence Day as we gather with family and friends, take a moment in rejoicing for our great land and shout, Happy July 4th and May God Bless America!”

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ŷ��˿������ SER Jobs for Progress National, Inc. – “Cultivating America’s Greatest Resource: People”

The SER Network of Affiliates serves over 1,000,000 people annually. SER is located throughout the country, in more than 24 states and 200 locations. The SER Network provides a variety of comprehensive programs including housing, youth services, GED classes, English language acquisition, early childhood education, older Americans training, women entrepreneurship, Science-Technology-Engineering-Math (ŷ��˿������), assistance for military Veterans, operations of workforce centers nationally, plus assisting and placing thousands of qualified men and women in unsubsidized employment.

Irving, TX – Ignacio Salazar, President and CEO of SER NATIONAL, today issued the following statement as the difficult and painstaking process continues in Surfside, Florida at the site of the Champlain Towers South. The building’s collapse last Thursday has so far claimed eleven lives and scores more are still missing.

“Today, on behalf of the entire SER NATIONAL family, I wish to express our most sincere and deepest condolences over the terrible loss that has befallen the families and individuals whose loved ones, friends and acquaintances have been taken in this unimaginable tragedy. Words alone seem inadequate at such a time of the most profound pain any human being can endure. So in silence and reflection, we each pause to pray that God’s merciful strength can help those affected, that they may be sustained. It is our hope that they know and can sense, America is standing with them through each difficult hour and our entire nation bows its head in sorrow for the innocents claimed; each mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter. They are now our family as well and we are with you.

Also, we are grateful to the good Samaritans and first responders who quickly answered when the building collapsed and they came to the aid of the victims from the very first moments in the pre-dawn darkness last Thursday. They climbed into the rubble without regard for their own safety to help those trapped, and began digging with their bare hands. Indeed, there is no greater love than that shown by strangers willing to risk their lives to help save others. Since then, the outpouring of help from countless volunteers and community organizations has been heartwarming and a testament to the truth that in tragedy, people across this country and Puerto Rico come together as one to help each other.

There will be time in the days to come to answer many important and pressing questions to shed light on the factors that may have contributed to this collapse. For now, may we as a country allow for the focus to continue on the work at hand and respect the grieving that must be allowed its space and privacy for those directly affected. SER NATIONAL and its Network of Affiliates shall continue to strive to be a resource in our communities while monitoring further developments in Surfside, Florida.”

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ŷ��˿������ SER Jobs for Progress National, Inc. – “Cultivating America’s Greatest Resource: People”

The SER Network of Affiliates serves over 1,000,000 people annually. SER is located throughout the country, in more than 24 states and 200 locations. The SER Network provides a variety of comprehensive programs including housing, youth services, GED classes, English language acquisition, early childhood education, older Americans training, women entrepreneurship, Science-Technology-Engineering-Math (ŷ��˿������), assistance for military Veterans, operations of workforce centers nationally, plus assisting and placing thousands of qualified men and women in unsubsidized employment.