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.
Amanda Batista
Vice President
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.
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 Branch Manager of the Members 1st FCU on Derry St and has been with the organization for over 9 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
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.
Elizabeth Rutherford
Board Member
Elizabeth is an architectural designer and project leader who brings ideas to life by shaping spaces that are both functional and meaningful. As a first-generation American, she leads with adaptability, empathy, and a strong sense of community.
Known for being thoughtful, direct, and supportive, Elizabeth is passionate about lifting others up and advocating for those who may not always have a voice. She approaches her work and relationships with a spirit of service, always willing to step in, follow through, and help where it’s needed.
Karla Gurian
Board Member and Co-Treasurer
Karla Gurian is originally from Puerto Cortes, Honduras. Karla works as a Financial Specialist at the Controller’s Office at Penn State College of Medicine. Ms. Gurian has been with PSU for almost 10 years. Karla has a BA in Accounting/Forensic Account, from Franklin University. Karla lived
in New York City for 10 years and moved to Pennsylvania in 2002. Karla is married to Brian, and they have two lovely daughters, Joandra and Samantha. In Karla’s free time, she like to go for long walks, run, knit, crochet, read and travel.
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Catherine E. Walters
Legal Counsel
Catherine E. Walters provides exclusive management-side labor and employment services for employers of all sizes, including privately and publicly held companies, government contractors, institutions of higher education, health care providers, trade associations, and other non-profit organizations. Her practice spans an array of industries, including financial and banking, manufacturing, defense contracting, education, health care, professional services, insurance, construction, technology, retail, real estate, transportation, restaurants, and hospitality. Catherine’s extensive experience and collaborative skills enable her to partner with her clients to develop creative, practical, business-oriented solutions to their legal challenges. She focuses on identifying current and emerging trends to provide clients with proactive legal advice aimed at managing and preventing emerging risks. Her emphasis on strategic thinking and focused solutions enables her to provide employers with the sophisticated counsel that has become necessary in today’s complex business environment. Catherine regularly appears before federal and state courts and administrative agencies where she handles both employment and traditional labor matters.
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.