Yes, you read that right! This week, CapMetro unveiled a new bus honoring Latinitas by promoting the organization’s story and mission. This was only possible due to CapMetro’s incredible CapMetro Cares Program, which supports “local non-profits by providing the advertising space on our vehicles to raise awareness about causes aligning with our values as an agency.” You can catch the bus running throughout the city of Austin and may have even spotted it earlier this year, as the bus has been in rotation since Hispanic Heritage Month.
Despite this, Latinitas staff may not have caught it driving about town and were invited to a formal unveiling to see the bus up close and personal. This past Monday morning Latinitas met at CapMetro’s headquarters and were greeted by CapMetro’s Deputy CEO Kerri Butcher who emphasized just how important this collaboration truly was, “Innovation and equity are two of CapMetro’s core values, and they are two of the core values that Latinitas shares,” she explained. CapMetro’s bus wrap is more than just an advertisement, it’s a tool to help Latinitas grow, “Through our CapMetro Cares Program, we are able to provide this amazing bus wrap that will further amplify Latinitas and amplify your visibility in the community as this bus travels through Austin….this bus wrap is just one example of how we can achieve so much more if we come together with a shared vision of our commitment to the community.”
CapMetro also invited Latinitas Executive Director Gabriela Kane Guardia to say a few words. She began by expressing her appreciation of the incredible show The Magic Schoolbus and its relevance today: “For some kids, seeing the world outside of their neighborhood is only possible thanks to a city bus. That is why accessible public transportation is so important. Many people, just like Jaime rely on buses to take them to these spaces of education, work, and recreation that will enrich their lives. That is the magic of public transportation.” As she continued on, Executive Director Guardia shared her gratitude to CapMetro “It is an honor to celebrate the partnership between CapMetro Cares and Latinitas. There is a beautiful bus right outside the window and I’m so happy you all here to see it in person!”.
From there on, CapMetro excitedly escorted the group outside the building so they could take a closer look at the bus. The design, which is magnificent, features some of Latinitas students in the middle of projects, making friends, and having tech breakthroughs. It serves as a symbol of everything Latinitas stands for; community, culture, and empowerment. The spread was lovingly designed by Latinitas’ very own Miranda Gutierrez, who put so much thought and care into showcasing just how brilliant the organization truly is.
Latinitas would like to thank CapMetro Cares, and the entire CapMetro team for giving us the opportunity to showcase our organization all throughout the Austin community.