As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, we’ve been highlighting the stories of employees who have visited their home or native country, sharing the culture, traditions, and memories that make those places so meaningful. These reflections remind us of the strength and beauty within our RAM family and the communities we represent.
Our final spotlight features Orquidea Garcia from Village Allapattah I & II.
Country Visited: Dominican Republic
Photo Location: Isla Saona, Punta Cana
Orquidea shared her love for the Dominican Republic, a place filled with family, culture, and vibrant beauty. During her visit, she enjoyed reconnecting with her homeland and spending time with loved ones. Her trip included a visit to El Faro a Colón, tasting the best ice cream in the country at La Nueva Sirena, and soaking in the turquoise waters and stunning architecture of Isla Saona.
“It was special because I got to enjoy my homeland and spend time with family and friends. I visited El Faro a Colón, tasted the best ice cream in the Dominican Republic at La Nueva Sirena, and took in the beautiful waters and architecture of Isla Saona.”
Her story is a joyful reminder of the beauty that comes from celebrating culture and reconnecting with the places that feel like home.
As we wrap up our Hispanic Heritage Month series, we want to thank all of our employees who shared their heartfelt stories and beautiful memories. We loved celebrating our Hispanic and Latino team members and honoring the cultures, traditions, and experiences that make our RAM family so special.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re honored to continue highlighting the incredible women of Royal American who have faced breast cancer with courage, grace, and unwavering strength.
In May 2022, Laurie McEntyre was diagnosed with Stage 4 triple positive breast cancer after discovering a lump—despite having no family history of the disease. Within two weeks, she began 8-hour chemotherapy infusions and courageously shaved her head.
By October 2022, Laurie underwent a double mastectomy with reconstruction surgery, followed by 18 rounds of maintenance chemotherapy beginning in January 2023. Just one year later, on October 4, 2023, Laurie proudly rang the bell to celebrate remission.
Laurie shared, “I am a warrior and I pushed through the pain and weakness. I believe half the battle is won by having a positive attitude. Don’t get me wrong, some days I thought I was going to die. However, my village of family AND my Royal American family held me up and showered me in strength and love.”
Laurie, we celebrate your resilience, your courage, and your beautiful reminder that hope and community can make all the difference.
We’re thrilled to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our team members who earned promotions in September! Please join us in congratulating the following individuals on their well-deserved achievements:
- Quinton Black, Briarwood I, Maintenance Technician
- Buford Cooner, Edgewood Garden, Maintenance Supervisor
- Tavares Mitchell, Greenville Pointe, Maintenance Supervisor
- Charles Tillman, Prairie Oaks Preservation, Maintenance Superintendent
- Ophia Furlow, Borda Venson, Assistant Community Manager
- Uche Barber, Borda Venson, Leasing Consultant
- Hoszay Joiner, College Park, Maintenance Technician
- Liliana Valencia, Ernie Martin Villas, Assistant Community Manager
- Kavon Reese, Independence Landing, Maintenance Supervisor
