My mother immigrated to the United States from Peru in the mid 80’s at the age of 21. She came to this country with nothing (and I mean nothing) but the determination for a better life for herself and her family back home. Leaving everything behind, my mother worked tirelessly to ensure that my brother and I had a quality education, food on the table, and clothes on our backs. In many ways, when I celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, I celebrate my mother and everything she’s done for us.
It’s also a time to celebrate and reflect on my culture, my ethnicity, my heritage, and the many different backgrounds represented by all Latinx Americans. It’s an opportunity to be appreciative of the sacrifices my parents and grandparents made – uprooting their lives in hopes for a better tomorrow for themselves and their children.
I encourage everyone to connect with Hispanic American culture by reading and watching educational pieces to learn more about what Hispanic heritage truly means. Learn as much as you can – not only about Hispanic culture, but others as well. Branch out. Create meaningful connections with people from different backgrounds. I don’t just learn about all things from Peru; I take in what other cultures have to offer. Music, food, clothing and sports are just a few of the ways I stay connected.
Learning about different cultures and embracing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace gives everyone a chance to be part of the conversation. A diverse team not only helps connect us to the communities we live and work in, but also fosters a multitude of perspectives to fuel greater innovation and a stronger team culture. DEI is a lifelong investment, and every day is an opportunity to learn about and be inspired by those around you.
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!
