As a part of our La Gente celebration, we are sharing the story of Enrique Plascencia: President for the Sea Hawkers Latin American Booster Club.

Tell us a bit about yourself!

I happily represent with fervent passion for the Seattle Seahawks the Latin American community residing in the state of Washington, in the countries within the American continent as well as around the world. I initiated this movement of support to the Seattle Seahawks team in other countries, but primarily in Mexico. In doing so, we'd do raffles and sweepstakes with official products and merchandise of the Seahawks on social media in order to support my Hispanic community since it's somewhat difficult to obtain team merchandise in Mexico and other countries in the Americas.

I started out by making live streams or videos on Facebook to allow fans to show their passion and love for the team. We'd do contests in which fans would participate by uploading photos from the countries or cities in which they were representing the 12s. Whichever photo obtained the most likes on social media would eventually win an officially licensed Seahawks gift. I must add that the costs of shipping and handling were expenses that I would cover myself because to me it was very important to see fans winning prizes from the team and be euphoric about it.

That was something I did for approximately two years. Subsequently, I was given the opportunity to represent my Latinos through the Latin American Sea Hawkers. From then on, that's when a hobby became a part of my every day life and a moral commitment towards my community. It fills me with great joy to have helped other communities in other countries in Latin America. On several occasions we did a fundraiser in order to assist the Green Cross with a supply of thermometers in El Salvador during the hardships of Covid-19 in 2020. In Cuba, we were able to send monetary assistance so supplies and provisions were available for families. This was very hard to achieve, but we were successful. In Mexico, we have been able to do many charity projects. We've managed to help nursing homes and orphanages. This was all possible by the hard work of the members of the booster club. Our purpose, besides supporting our team, is to volunteer and help our communities. I thank God everyday for allowing me to be in this position to help those in need alongside my Seattle Seahawks. We currently hold events here in Seattle for our local community so it continues to grow not only here, but in other countries, too.

When did you become a Seahawks fan?

I became a fan of the Seattle Seahawks back in 2001 when I moved to Seattle.

What made you start the Latin American Seahawkers?

I think the drive or motive that pushed me towards creating or establishing the Latin American Seahawkers was the fact that a lot of the merchandise wasn't available in many Latin American countries. So, I began gifting products and merchandise to many Seahawks fans, primarily in Mexico. This was something that was very inspirational and influential since the fan base began to grow thanks to what I was doing.

How many countries are represented in the Latin American Seahawkers?

Our chapter has the opportunity to represent Seahawks fans residing in any Latin American country or region. But as of right now, we've got members in Mexico, Cuba, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Brazil and Puerto Rico.

How many members are part of the Latin American Seahawkers?

We are 160 members that are interspersed throughout the United States and the American continent as a whole.

What are some of the things you do in support of the Seahawks?

At this time what we do through social media is very important. Among other things, what we do to support the team down in Mexico, primarily, is to organize meetings in order to invite fans to come and watch the games at selected locations or restaurants. I obtain souvenirs that are given to me at Lumen Field and other gifts that people give me here in Seattle; then I send them to Mexico and we give them away to other fans during the meetings. Here is where social media platforms come into play, too. We get content to publish and share on our websites and encourage all fans to try and do the same. We ask that our team is represented even in the farthest corners of the continent.

I will continue to work hard so more and more Seahawks fans who are still unheard voices in far regions of the continent have got the opportunity to voice their fervent and unequivocal support for the Seahawks in every single Spanish speaking country. One thing of notice that I'd like to mention is that we also have a podcast in which we talk about the Seahawks and it's mainly in Spanish. I think this will be a big boost in popularity amongst the fans who do not speak English well enough. Already with four years under our belt, "Blue Friday Latino" is a segment that provides the latest Seahawks news and updates to our fans.

What does it mean for you to have the Seahawks celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?

The Seattle Seahawks celebrating the Hispanic Heritage Month is something very emotional and meaningful. This shows the commitment to equality for all fan bases. This will be the second year in which the franchise celebrates the Hispanic Heritage and it truly makes us elated, proud and honored to be a part of this eventful chapter in the Seahawks organization.

I would like to thank my wife and children, whose support has been tremendous since this responsibility requires extra time from my personal life. I want to thank every single person who has helped Latin America Sea Hawkers grow since its beginning here in Washington State. I would never finish mentioning each person, but they know how grateful I am for their support. Lastly, I would like to show my gratitude and appreciation to Karen Wilkins-Mickey for allowing us this opportunity to be a part of this and for her never-ending support.

From the Cascades in Washington all the way to the Andes Mountains down in Argentina, we all say in unison -- GO HAWKS!

Gracias Seattle Seahawks, por hacernos partícipes y reconocer a los Latinos en esta gran celebración!!

Vamos Halcones Marinos!!!

Be sure to support our Hispanic-owned vendors on Sunday, which includes Mayan and Paperpas as a featured food truck, and Manu's Taco which is available to visit at Lumen all season long. Por La Cultura!