We Are?
EUP is a service oriented organization. Estamos Unidos originated as a Latino community-based group in the Harrisburg area in 2002. It began as a group of volunteers who helped Hispanic children in three main areas: Cultural Heritage, Educational Advancement and Mentoring Programs.
- Cultural Events
- Educational Programs
- Scholarship Fundraiser
- Mentoring
- Silence Auction
- Latino Gala Night
- Children’s Christmas Party
- Summer Multicultural Picnic
Years of Experience
Hertor Ortiz
President
Dr. Hector Richard Ortiz is the President of H & R Communications and Consulting Services and a Communications Consultant for La Voz Latina Central, a Regional Bilingual Newspaper. Previously, Dr. Ortiz served as Senior Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships, Office of Advancement and Strategic Initiatives, at Central Penn College. Previously, Dr. Ortiz served at Central Penn College as an assistant professor and Director of Graduate Studies, and Director of the Office of Health Equity.
Dr. Hector Ortiz is the founder of several Latino organizations and serves in various other local and national boards and committees. He is the founder and former president of Estamos Unidos de Pennsylvania.
Jennie Dallas
Vice-President
Jennie Dallas (formerly Jennie Jenkins) is the Vice-President of Estamos Unidos de Pennsylvania and the 2nd Vice-President of the Latino Hispanic Professional Association. She is the Owner/CEO of JJ Smart Promotions Dba La Voz Latina Central PA and Black Wall Street PA. Dallas is known for her community advocacy in Harrisburg since 2005. Wherever help is needed she responds by either volunteering or seeking resources. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Elizabethtown University. Dallas is the First Lady and Minister of Outreach at Gospel Fellowship Church.
America Schwartz
Secretary
America Schwartz has been a member of Estamos Unidos for 12 years. She has been volunteer for several organizations such as Special Olympics of PA, Jefferson’s Award program at Highmark, The Civic Club of Harrisburg, American Literacy Organization, Children’s Miracle Network and Christian Life Assembly. She currently serves as EUP secretary.
Ryan Rivera
Treasurer
Ryan is the Assistant Branch Manager of the Members 1st FCU in Middletown and has been with the organization for over 6 years! Prior to joining Members 1st, Ryan served in the Army National Guard. Through his professional career, Ryan has served his community through multiple avenues. He has had the privilege to work directly with our youth by coaching various softball and basketball teams in the local area. Most recently, Ryan served as a Co-Chair on the City Living Committee for Harrisburg Young Professionals and helped organize different events through Harrisburg to promote the city. Ryan has volunteered for several organizations such as The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, Pennsylvania Regional Ballet, and Harrisburg Young Professionals.
America Schwartz
Secretary
Jennie Jenkins Dallas
La Voz Latina Central
Hector Ortiz
HR Ortiz Communications
Sarah Inés Ramírez
Immediate Past President (Eup advisor)
Dr. Sarah Inés Ramírez was born in the Dominican Republic and grew up in Jersey City, NJ. Since joining Penn State Health Hershey Medical Center she has built a local, regional, and national reputation in the areas of health equity for underserved populations, has developed curricula focused on culturally responsive healthcare and empathy formation in medical learners, and has leveraged community engagement as a way to provide education and empower Hispanic communities and stakeholders. As President of EUP she works to promote and support community-engaged programming efforts throughout the Harrisburg community.
Vianney Siennick
Community volunteer
I am a Latino woman living in Central Pennsylvania bridging the Spanish and English communities. I am a licensed Insurance Agent and Notary Public and provide interpretation/translation services for Juniata County Children & Youth Social Services Department and the Mifflin County Housing Authority. Previously, I was a National Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, a Program of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a Certified Volunteer Ombudsman for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, a Volunteer in Tax Assistance (VITA) Program specialist with United Way, and a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. I am a member of Rotary International based with the Lewistown Rotary Club. I had led fundraising events locally and district-wide, led a relief effort for Haiti after hurricane Mathew, and was recognized as the top fundraiser in the Rotary District Pedals Out Polio Bike Ride for four consecutive years. I was honored as Person of the Year by the Rotary Club of Lewistown and am a Paul Harris Fellow plus 2.
In addition, I am a founding member of the Welcome Center in Juniata County and am an active member of the Latino Hispanic Professional Association. I coordinated volunteers for Estamos Unidos de Pennsylvania (EUP) Annual Children’s Christmas Party the previous two years before Covid.
Amanda Batista
Board Member
Amanda is former President of Estamos Unidos de Pennsylvania. She has been an active volunteer/member of Estamos Unidos for 18 years. She graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, a minor in Sociology, a minor in Women Studies, a certificate in Nonprofit Organizations and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. Amanda is a former Dauphin County Judicial Center Officer, former civilian employee of the PA State Police PICS Unit. Amanda has held every position on the Executive Board of Estamos Unidos. Amanda is also a previous scholarship recipient of Estamos Unidos. She has coordinated many of our events such as the Multicultural Picnics, Galas, and Fiesta del Niño’s Children’s Christmas Parties. Amanda has also served on many boards relating to her children’s sports interests. She is currently a Community Coordinator/Outreach for several organizations.
We are Estamos Unidos de Pennsylvania
EUP provides cultural awareness through the arts, traditions, and family values and assists our community,
especially our Hispanic students, through integration into the community at large.