WASHINGTON, DC.- The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino has announced a $2 million gift from PepsiCo to support the planning, design and construction of its new dedicated building in Washington, D.C. The donation establishes PepsiCo as a founding donor at the Corporate Benefactor level and will help the museum realize its mission of honoring the aspirations and achievements of U.S. Latinos, while fostering a deeper understanding of America’s history and culture.

“We are grateful for PepsiCo’s commitment to helping us bring our mission to life,” said Jorge Zamanillo, founding director of the National Museum of the American Latino. “We can plan and develop an innovative museum with their early support.”

The National Museum of the American Latino was created in 2020 by an act of Congress, establishing it as part of the Smithsonian. Although there is no building yet for the American Latino Museum, since its inception the museum has formed a founding board of trustees, hired staff and leadership, launched a website, established a five-year strategic plan and inaugurated the Molina Family Latino Gallery in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History with its first exhibition, “¡Presente! A Latino History of the United States.” Each milestone represents a step forward in the museum’s mission to honor the aspirations and achievements of U.S. Latinos.

“As the daughter of immigrants from Ecuador and Colombia, I am orgullosa (proud) that PepsiCo is supporting the museum in recognizing and honoring U.S. Latinos’ dreams, challenges and triumphs,” said Esperanza Teasdale, vice president and general manager of PepsiCo Beverages North America’s Hispanic Business Unit. “At PepsiCo, we’re passionate about investing in the communities we serve and celebrating the contributions that shape our shared heritage. We’re excited to help bring this museum to life, ensuring future generations have access to the stories that have shaped our culture.”

“As a Latino who arrived as an immigrant to the U.S. almost three decades ago, I feel a personal connection with the museum’s mission to elevate U.S. Latinos’ stories within the American experience,” said Antonio Escalona, senior vice president of emerging business for PepsiCo Foods North America. “It also aligns with my professional mission of seeking ways to strengthen PepsiCo’s reputation as a community member with multicultural audiences through purpose-driven initiatives.”