Salem Business Legacy: Amador Aguilar-Arellanes’s Cultural Vision and Community Impact
Amador Aguilar-Arellanes’s journey from his youth in Oaxaca, Mexico, to the founding of the ENLACE Cross-cultural Community Development Project in Salem is a testament to the power of passion, heritage, and unwavering determination in transforming communities. Aguilar-Arellanes recalls, “Since I was in middle school in Oaxaca, south state of Mexico, I was passionate about my hometown traditions and culture… One of my dreams when I was 15 years old, was to find ways to use our potentials and talents through the traditions and culture to support our community.”
This deep-seated passion for cultural and community enrichment propelled Aguilar-Arellanes to navigate through the myriad challenges of immigrant life upon his arrival in the United States in 1996. From working in various sectors to finally aligning his career with his education in mechanical engineering, his journey was marked by resilience and a constant drive to contribute to his new community. “Through this journey… I learn that you are always part of the community that you live in,” Aguilar-Arellanes states, highlighting the significance of integration and active citizenship in community development.
The pivotal moment in Aguilar-Arellanes’s career came with his layoff from Xerox, leading him to seize the opportunity to create ENLACE. This venture was not just a business endeavor but a realization of his dream to impact communities through the power of education and culture. He embarked on this mission with a focus on engaging and uplifting the community, particularly through the celebration of Mexican cultural traditions.
ENLACE offers an array of programs that reflect Aguilar-Arellanes’s commitment to cultural preservation and educational empowerment. Central to its mission are classes in Mexican traditional dancing, such as baile folklórico, and music lessons on how to play traditional instruments. These programs not only allow participants to connect with and celebrate their heritage but also share this rich culture with the broader Salem community.
Beyond cultural enrichment, ENLACE addresses the practical needs of the community through computer skills training and various cultural classes. These initiatives aim to equip participants with essential skills for success in today’s digital world while fostering an appreciation of cultural diversity. Aguilar-Arellanes’s holistic approach to community development recognizes the importance of both cultural identity and practical skills in empowering individuals and communities.
The impact of ENLACE’s work extends through its collaborations with local schools, businesses, organizations, and government entities, creating a network that amplifies its reach and effectiveness. Aguilar-Arellanes reflects on the significance of these partnerships, which have been instrumental in breaking down barriers and serving low-income communities through a comprehensive and collaborative approach.
As ENLACE looks toward the future, Aguilar-Arellanes’s vision for the project remains focused on laying the groundwork for a vibrant, inclusive, and empowered community. Through its diverse programs, ENLACE is making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and the broader community, embodying the essence of bringing people together to build a better future.
In summary, ENLACE, under Aguilar-Arellanes’s leadership, operates at the intersection of cultural preservation, educational empowerment, and civic engagement. Its comprehensive programs—including baile folklórico, traditional music instruction, computer skills training, and cultural classes—celebrate cultural heritage while equipping the community with essential skills for the digital age. Aguilar-Arellanes’s journey from Oaxaca to Salem and the work of ENLACE stand as a beacon of hope and inspiration, demonstrating the transformative power of unity, culture, and education in fostering community development.