SouthState Bank Team Members Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

According to the calendar, Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15. Those who identify as Hispanic, however, know that celebrating one’s culture cannot be limited to only 30 days.
 
A sense of pride in overcoming the odds propels many Hispanic Americans to share their heritage with those around them. Smiles light up their face as they talk about culture passed down around the family table, while traces of sorrow linger in their voice as they speak of hardships faced and those left behind in their home country. 

There’s always an undercurrent of joy, however, as they reflect on carrying forth memories, traditions and recipes from their close-knit families. 

Such was the case with SouthState team members David Pruna, Julie Romero and Ana Chaoui. All longtime South Florida residents and primarily of Cuban descent, they quickly found commonalities and unique differences in their lives before SouthState. 

A Shared History

Chaoui, Romero and Pruna trace their families back to Cuba, where the rise of Fidel Castro prompted many to flee the beautiful island paradise. Pruna, Miami-Dade regional president, is a first-generation immigrant, while Chaoui’s parents immigrated when they were children. 

It’s Romero who recalls her 3-year-old self being handed to a sailor to board a cargo ship in 1963, when hundreds of Cubans arrived in Port Everglades escaping Castro’s regime. Her family’s departure was suddenly moved up 9 months, and they could only take the clothes on their backs. They were later processed at Freedom Tower, South Florida’s Ellis Island.

“My father was imprisoned due to his military service, and he was determined to get us to safety in America,” says Romero, Cutler Bay branch manager. “My parents have always taught us to love our freedom.”


Many Cuban families packed up and left the life they built under an urgent need to escape political persecution. Pruna’s grandfather and mother immigrated to Miami alone and were separated from their family for several years before being reunited. 

Chaoui’s mother left behind a wealthy home to seek freedom and long-term opportunities. Living in New Jersey upon immigrating, she worked in a factory, a far cry from her previous existence. Chaoui, Coral Gables branch manager, says her mother instilled in her that she was American, but she always felt drawn to learn about her Cuban heritage and what made her special.

“My mother taught me the value of earning money for yourself and living simply,” Chaoui says. “She’s actually my hero.”

Because she immigrated at such a young age, Romero learned English first. But Spanish was spoken at home, and Romero grew up bilingual. Her family also sent her to a summer camp centered on Hispanic culture. 

“They ensured I learned about and preserved my heritage,” she adds. 

A Culture of Care and Passion

Chaoui, Romero and Pruna laughed as they bonded over never being allowed to leave the house as children with wrinkled clothes. And they quickly discovered they share a favorite tradition – celebrating Noche Buena on Christmas Eve. Pruna describes the feast’s atmosphere as joyous where family and friends spend the day around the fire pit playing dominoes and smoking cigars. 

“Our table grows every year,” Romero adds. “You don’t miss Noche Buena.”

Chaoui, Romero and Pruna also embody similar qualities that they believe demonstrate why Cuban Americans are known for their passion. 

“We have a fire to prove to ourselves we can move up in the world. So many people left everything behind except their memories. We carry a passion to move forward and rebuild our lives,” Pruna says. 

For Chaoui, the passion comes out in caring for one another. “We love hard, and we love loud,” she says.
 
Her father’s courage in the face of political persecution inspires Romero to this day. 

“My strength comes from him. It motivates me to give back to a country that gave us so much,” she says.

Characteristics passed down from their parents and grandparents also influence their professional lives. It comes naturally to them to view their team members and customers as family.

“How we treat each other translates to how I treat my coworkers,” Pruna says. “We are passionate about our jobs and consider one another family.”

Reflecting on her father again, Romero says it’s his determination that pushes her to give 110% each day.

SouthState core values, especially those of Greater Purpose and Meaningful and Lasting Relationships, resonate deeply with Chaoui, Romero and Pruna, as they align with their culture.

“A company that allows its team members to intentionally focus on their family, community, faith or friends is something that really resonated with my Hispanic heritage,” Pruna says.

Romero and Chaoui consider their customers when looking to represent their culture.

“Our customers are valuable to us. It’s our job to make their dreams come true, whether that’s to open a business, send a child to college or buy a home,” Romero adds.

Learn more about SouthState’s commitment to celebrating its team members of all backgrounds and supporting the communities we serve.