Creativity and Culture: METRO Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with Art

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, METRO employees showcased their artistic talents, contributing over 50 unique pieces of artwork. The vibrant collection, created by nine employees from various departments, was a testament to the creative spirit and cultural pride within the METRO community.

Participating artists included Irma Arevalo (Director of Compensation), Maira Aviles (Sr. Payroll Specialist), John Castillo (Vaulting Services Supervisor), Norma Fields (Customer Service Representative), Daniel Martinez (Bus Operator), Monica Ochoa (Police Officer 6), Alberto Ponce, Sr. (Transit Planner), Marcy Suarez (Benefits Representative), and Pablo Valle (Manager of Public Facilities).

Read more about some of the artists below.

Maira Aviles, Sr. Payroll Specialist
Tenure at METRO: 11 years

What made you interested in photography?

To have memories. You have memories in your mind, but sometimes you forget things. It’s a gathering thing for my family to show pictures and talk about the experience and the stories. When I am not here anymore, they [my kids] are going to remember all the stories I used to tell them.

Pablo Valle, Manager of Public Facilities
Tenure at METRO: 16 years
Author, “7 Secret Codes 2 Success”

What inspired you to write the book?

My goal was always to put my thoughts together, self-publish it, and put it out there. I am big on personal development and personal growth.

Over the years, I came across various books. ‘Think and Grow Rich,’ ‘The Magic of Thinking Big’ and a lot of these books had a common theme. After 25 years of studying personal development, I decided to put all those common themes into seven key secrets. The key is learning the skills, and you can be successful.

Do you have plans to write another book?

I am thinking about writing my fourth book. I love networking. I love connecting with people, so my next book is going to be a guide on, how to network effectively in a professional environment.

John Castillo, Vaulting Services Supervisor
Tenure at METRO: 23 years

What is your favorite thing to photograph?

I like color. I have a ton of sunset and sunrise pictures. They are mostly vacation pictures. I’ve taken photos in an air balloon in Mexico City, the Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City, driving through the countryside in Michoacán, Santa Catarina, Mexico and various places that I visit.

(L-R) Art pieces by Marcy Suarez, Daniel Martinez, and Norma Fields.