Hispanic Heritage Month Submissions Needed

 

Hispanic Heritage Month: Share Your Visit to Your Homeland

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we want to highlight the beautiful stories, cultures, and memories of our team members who have visited their homeland or native country. Whether it was a recent trip or a childhood memory, your story matters.

 

How to Participate: Submit by Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025

Share a photo of yourself in your native country (recent trip or childhood photos accepted) .
Write a short reflection: Include where you were in that photo and a short reflection on what made that moment special.

Tip! Just answer these short questions and attach your photo:

  1. Your Name:
  2. Country You Visited:
  3. Where was the photo taken?
  4. What made this moment or place meaningful to you?
  5. When was the photo taken? (Year or Approximate Age is fine!)

 

Together, we’ll highlight the beauty, strength, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.

Let’s celebrate what makes us connected and honor the journeys that shape our RAM family.

 

Please send your submission to ace@royalamerican.com by  September 2nd!

We can’t wait to share your memories!

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United in Color: ACE Art Contest

Royal American is excited to announce our United in Color Art Contest!

Residents and employees are invited to showcase their unique interpretation of the theme: United in Color: Capturing the spirit of diversity in our community !

 

RAM COMMUNITY MANAGERS:

  • Share news about the contest with your residents. Distribute the attached flyer and print rules and applications. Display in community room for residents to pick up as needed.
  • Please mail the residents artwork to the Royal American Corporate Office: 1022 W 23rd St, #300, Panama City, FL 32405 (ATTN: United in Color Art Contest)

STAFF MEMBERS – ALL ROYAL AMERICAN COMPANIES:

  • Please drop off or mail your artwork to the Royal American Corporate Office: 1022 W 23rd St, #300, Panama City, FL 32405 (ATTN: United in Color Art Contest)

DEADLINE:

The deadline to submit artwork is Friday, November 7th, 2025. Make sure each art work includes a filled out Art Contest form.

 

Let your artwork reflect the many voices and experiences that make up our diverse communities and company. See full flyer HERE.

We are excited to see all of the entries! For questions, please email ace@royalamerican.com. 

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Pride Day

 

June 28th is Pride Day, and we’re proud to recognize and celebrate love, identity, and equality for all.

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Juneteenth 2025

 

On June 19th, we recognize Juneteenth—a day that holds deep meaning in American history. It commemorates the moment in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, finally learned they were free—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.

Juneteenth is more than just a date. It’s a time to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re still headed in the pursuit of equality and justice.

Royal American Management proudly recognized Juneteenth as a company holiday before it became a national observance, reflecting our long-standing commitment to honoring history and embracing diversity.

On this day we are reminded to reflect on our shared past and continue supporting Black voices and causes throughout the year.

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Celebrating Our 2025 SAHMA Poster Contest Winners

For more than 30 years, the Drug-Free Art/Calendar Contest has encouraged children and residents in affordable housing communities to express the importance of living drug-free through art. Sponsored by AHMAs nationwide and supported by HUD and Rural Housing Services, the contest includes entries from youth in grades K–12 as well as elderly, disabled, and special needs residents. It’s a meaningful initiative that promotes health, awareness, and a strong sense of community.

This year, we’re proud to announce that three of our talented residents from Lakeside Towers have been recognized in the 2025 SAHMA Drug-Free Poster Art Contest!

4th–6th Grade, 1st Place: Alessandra C.
10th–12th Grade, 1st Place: Lizandra M.
Elderly/Disabled/Special Needs, 3rd Place: Ana M.

Congratulations to Alessandra, Lizandra, and Ana! Your creativity and powerful messages inspire us all. We’re proud to celebrate your success and honored to have such artistic voices representing Royal American.

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The Power of ACE

 

At Royal American, we believe that a strong, connected workplace culture is the foundation of both employee success and community impact. That’s why our Advancement, Culture & Engagement (ACE) initiative plays such a vital role in who we are—cultivating workplace excellence and fostering meaningful community engagement.

Through ACE at Work and ACE in the Community, we’re committed to creating an environment where every team member feels valued, supported, and inspired to grow, both personally and professionally.

Here’s a look at what ACE has been up to over the past few months!

Black History Month Trivia Contest: A Shared Journey: Black and White Unity in History

In February, ACE honored Black History Month by spotlighting powerful stories of unity between Black leaders and White allies in the fight for equality. The final post featured Joe Chapman III, founder of Royal American Companies, and his transformative impact on Black communities in Panama City, FL. The trivia contest ran throughout the month, with Team Beverlye Crossings taking home the prize!

 

RAMP Maintenance Launches in Central Florida
Live Kick-off Event:  On March 6, Royal American launched the RAMP Maintenance program at Aida Palms in Lakeland, FL. This free, hands-on training prepares RAM residents for careers in apartment maintenance through online learning, job shadowing, and paid internships. Graduates receive a certificate of completion and are eligible to apply for positions within RAM or other multifamily communities.

Virtual Kickoff Event:  A follow-up virtual kickoff for RAMP Maintenance is scheduled for Wednesday, April 23, 6PM for those who missed the in-person launch. Online invites have been shared with participating Central Florida communities. For more info, contact ramp@royalamerican.com.

 

Women’s History Month: Celebrating Women Breaking Barriers

In honor of Women’s History Month, ACE proudly spotlighted women at Royal American who are thriving in non-traditional careers. These trailblazers are breaking barriers and proving that talent, dedication, and passion know no limits. Every week, their stories inspired us reminded us that every path is open to those willing to pursue it.

  • Savanna Stevison, Maintenance Superintendent Magnolia Crossing, Pace FL
  • Tia Tajuana, Truck Driver, Royal American Construction
  • Marshall Gilley, Maintenance Technician, Palafox Landing, Pensacola FL
  • Shuna Hughes, Maintenance Superintendent, Austin Pointe, Warner Robbins GA

 

Highlighting Employee Groups:  Royal American Prayer (RAP): A Faithful Community of Support
For nearly 20 years, RAP has quietly uplifted Royal American employees through prayer and encouragement. Founded by Sundei Granberg and now led by a team including Nicole Boles, Jojary Cartarphen, and Susan Brasher, the group meets weekly to pray over requests related to health, family, work, and more. Their impact reaches beyond the walls of the office, offering comfort in times of need.

 

Want to build a community around something meaningful to you?  Start your own employee-led support group—whether faith-based, cultural, professional, or just for fun. Submit your idea to ace@royalamerican.com today!

 

 

Want to learn more about how ACE supports our team and communities? Visit our ACE webpage to explore the initiative and see how we’re continuing to cultivate excellence and engagement every day: royalamerican.com/ace

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Women’s History Month: Shuna Hughes

At Royal American, we’re celebrating incredible female staff members in non-traditional roles. Shuna Hughes, Maintenance Superintendent at Austin Pointe, is one of those inspiring women. proving that hard work and determination can break barriers.

A proud mother of three adult children, Shuna has built a life rooted in family, faith, and personal growth. For the past six years, she called Warner Robins, Georgia home where she enjoys the simple pleasures of life:  quality time with her children, playing basketball and fishing. Sundays hold a special meaning for her starting with church, followed by a day at the nursing home, where she cares for her mother and plays cards and brightens the day of fellow nursing home residents.

Shuna’s passion for hands-on work started at a young age, watching and assisting her uncles with repairs. “I was always nosy, following them around and learning what they were doing,” she recalls.  Shuna joined RAM just seven months ago, transitioning from a janitorial position with the School Board.  It was her community manager who first recognized her potential, noticing her ability to fix things around her own apartment, she encouraged her to apply for a maintenance position at the property.  Since taking on her new role, Shuna admits that she has faced challenges, particularly in plumbing, but she embraces every learning opportunity. “When it’s a hard job I can’t do it alone, I call for help,” she admits. “But I’m proud of myself because most of the time, I figure it out.”

Shunna brings a unique warmth to the role, developing strong relationships with residents, particularly older female residents who admire her tenacity and determination. “They can’t believe I’m the maintenance person,” she laughs, acknowledging the positive recognition she receives.

Shuna encourages other women to break free from traditional expectations and pursue careers they never imagined possible. “Don’t be afraid to take a chance in life,” she advises. “The world has changed, and these jobs we thought we couldn’t do are now within our reach. Never belittle or underestimate yourself—you can do it.”

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