Community Event Description
Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration of Hispanic and Latino history and culture. While we celebrate Hispanic and Latino communities beyond this month, from September 15 to October 15 we give extra recognition to the many contributions made to the history and culture of the United States, including important advocacy work, vibrant art, popular and traditional foods, and much more. Hispanic Heritage Month provides an additional opportunity to explore the incredible impact Latinas and Latinos have had on the United States for generations.
The 2025 theme for National Hispanic Heritage Month, “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” celebrates the rich cultural legacy and enduring contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities across the United States. This theme emphasizes the importance of remembering the struggles, resilience, and achievements of those who came before us, while also looking ahead with hope and determination. It encourages reflection on the shared histories that unite diverse Hispanic cultures and highlights the power of collective identity in shaping a more inclusive and dynamic future. By honoring the past and uplifting the next generation, this year’s theme serves as a call to preserve heritage, celebrate cultural pride, and inspire continued progress.
In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Emerge is partnering with Ahimsa Yoga Studio in Wicker Park and Trauma Therapist and Yoga Instructor, Lily Luna, to offer a free yoga, meditation class, and Q&A (all equipment provided) centered on treasuring the culture and background of our Hispanic and Latin community followed by celebration at Irazú, an authentic Costa Rican restaurant.
Objectives
Assist clinicians in expanding multicultural competencies
Collaborate and explore best practices when working with minority populations
Educate clinicians on the background and cultural stress of specific population
Socialize and honor culture through food, meaningful discussion, and shared connection
Network with members of the community and identify ways to get involved with target population
Audience
Professional Counselors
Social Workers
Substance Use Counselors
Marriage and Family Therapists
Psychologists
Community Members
Date and Time
Saturday, October 4, 2pm-7pm CDT
Location
Ahimsa Yoga Studio, Wicker Park
Irazú Costa Rican restaurant, Bucktown
Trauma Therapist/Yoga Instructor
Lily Luna (She/Her)
Lily is a psychotherapist integrating yoga, somatic practices, and mindfulness into her therapeutic work. With a foundation in dance and movement training, she discovered yoga in 2014 and developed a deep connection to the Ashtanga method, which remains her personal and teaching practice. Since 2018, she has worked in Chicago as a mental health therapist while completing advanced training in yoga, meditation, and breathwork. Lily is passionate about using movement and embodied awareness as pathways to mental health, resilience, and well-being.
Please note: This event will be capped at 30 total participants and will be first-come, first-served based on sign-up.