Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at work: My journey from Salinas to Berlin

Reflecting and sharing experiences as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month is important. For me, Hispanic culture is indelibly intertwined with my own identity and family history. I celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at work, but it also highlights a personal voyage that starts with my family's Latin American roots and extends to Berlin, where I now live and work. My Hispanic culture has deeply influenced my professional path, so being able to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at my workplace is incredibly meaningful.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month isn't just about honoring traditions; it's also about the unique perspectives Hispanic people bring to the table. It reminds us how the varied cultural backgrounds in the Hispanic and Latino communities enrich our lives and the broader workplace. The Hispanic community's contributions to the world stage are vast, offering unique viewpoints and experiences that define our society. It's a time to recognize and appreciate the Hispanic and Latinx communities' rich culture, history, and contributions worldwide. This month-long celebration is an excellent reminder of how diversity enriches our shared future.

What is the significance of Hispanic Heritage Month?

Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from September 15 to October 15, coincides with the independence days of several Latin American countries. What began as a week-long observance in 1968 expanded to a whole month in 1988, recognizing the growing importance of Hispanic contributions to American culture and society. This month-long celebration allows us to delve deeper into Hispanic Americans' diverse histories, cultures, and experiences.

The value of diverse perspectives

My parents immigrated to California from Jalisco, Mexico, to provide my brothers and me better opportunities. The environment they created for us, driven by the hope of a better life, profoundly influenced my career trajectory. Their story is of relentless hard work and unwavering dedication — values embedded in who I am today. 

As a first-generation American, I grew up in a vibrant blend of two cultures. At home, I was steeped in the vibrant traditions of my Mexican culture and the Spanish language — food, family values, and joyful celebrations. In the outside world, I was surrounded by a dynamic American culture. This unique duality didn't just shape my identity; it influenced my career path.

Experiencing life through the lens of two cultures taught me the immense value of diverse perspectives. It instilled a deep appreciation for both worlds. It fueled my ambition to succeed while honoring my heritage every step of the way. 

Taking the time to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at work creates an opportunity to educate and raise awareness about cultural diversity.  At Contentful, our Hispanic employees have created an employee resource group, LCN, and we promote Hispanic Heritage Month to open the door to conversations about Hispanic culture, helping others understand the significance of cultural diversity and inclusion. Hispanic Heritage Month allows me to share my culture with my colleagues, shining a light on the ingenuity of the Hispanic community and our contributions across industries—from agriculture to technology and everything in between.

From Salinas to Berlin: My professional journey

During Contentful's Hispanic Heritage Month celebration this year, I enjoyed sharing how being multilingual has been a significant asset in my career. Spanish was the primary language in my home, and as a kid, I often translated English documents for my parents and interpreted for them at important meetings as their English is limited. This experience led me to become a professional interpreter, working across Latin America, the U.S., France, Russia, and Kazakhstan.

I've seen firsthand the power of language and cultural understanding throughout my career. Learning Russian, French, and German in high school set me on a path to live in many countries and work on fascinating projects, like medical interpretation at Stanford Hospital and interpreting for a satellite launch in Kazakhstan. These experiences across diverse cultures taught me that understanding cultural backgrounds is just as important as speaking multiple languages.

Today, at Contentful, the ability to navigate different cultural contexts allows me to tackle challenges with empathy and flexibility. I use these skills to communicate effectively and build relationships with global colleagues and customers. My Hispanic upbringing has ingrained in me the importance of bridging cultural gaps, and this awareness strengthens my professional life.

Reconnecting with the Latinx community

My parents created an environment that nurtured my connection to our culture. Frequent visits to Mexico allowed me to meet family and friends, strengthening my bond with my heritage and Latino identity. Thanks to this, I grew up speaking fluent Spanish and developed a profound appreciation for Mexico's rich history and culture.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month is another cherished opportunity to reconnect with my Latin American community, and this is especially true in an international city like Berlin, where meeting colleagues from many Latin American countries and friends who want to learn Spanish and enjoy Hispanic culture is easy. We can honor Hispanic Heritage Month in many ways,  such as visiting local Hispanic-owned businesses, exploring Hispanic heritage together, or just enjoying meals with great company at Hispanic-owned restaurants, which can be a heartwarming reminder of home (ask me about the best tacos in Berlin!).

I relish cranking up the volume on Mexican music, calling my mom for her enchilada recipe again, and sharing my favorite foods and stories with friends and colleagues. Food is magical in how it brings us together. Sharing a meal is more than just eating; it's about sharing history, tradition, and love. Whether it's my abuela's tamales or the story behind my mother's famous enchiladas, food can unite us and create shared experiences, even at work.

Living and working around the world has shown me that we share more similarities than differences. While our language, culture, and heritage shape who we are, empathy and understanding are the bridges that connect us. Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month reminds us that our backgrounds are not obstacles; they are our strengths. Celebrating our cultures enhances our personal lives and makes our professional environments more vibrant and inclusive.

Fostering an inclusive workplace

Creating the space to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at work is about more than merely recognizing a specific group for a designated period. It is about fostering an inclusive environment where the stories, traditions, and histories of everyone are valued and celebrated. This month gives me a moment to honor my family's journey and the opportunities their sacrifices have afforded me. It is essential to recognize that the impact of such celebrations extends beyond the workplace; it is a chance to bring a little piece of my Mexican heritage to work, no matter my physical location in the world.

The traditions of Hispanic culture are woven into the rich tapestry of diversity that makes our workplace unique. Together, we can encourage employees to share stories, engage in meaningful conversations, promote understanding, and foster a culture of inclusion that enriches our community. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at work, we take an essential step towards understanding one another and appreciating the importance of our shared stories — all while honoring the heritage that shapes who we are today.

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