Energy news from Omaha Public Power District
Energy news from Omaha Public Power District
National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed each year from September 15 to October 15. As part of this year’s celebration, we asked employees to share their thoughts on the month, how their heritage has shaped their lives, and what advice they would pass on to others. Read on for a sampling of their responses.
Barbara Barrientos
Project Manager, Project Planning & Performance
My father’s family migrated to the United States in the 1920s from Aguascalientes, Mexico, and my mother’s family is originally from a small town in Jalisco called La Manzanilla de la Paz. My parents raised my siblings and I to speak Spanish at home and constantly taught us about our roots in Mexico.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the beauty and contribution the Hispanic community has brought to the United States as well as other parts of the world. I see it as an opportunity to recognize the traditions, culture, and beliefs of Hispanics and an opportunity to join in their celebrations. I love seeing individuals from different cultures and backgrounds come together to try different customs and foods. It gives everyone a deeper appreciation for the world around them.
How has your heritage shaped who you are today?
I strongly identify with my Hispanic heritage. Growing up we spoke only Spanish at home which I am extremely grateful. I can connect with other Hispanics not only in Omaha but also around the world. Being from a community where Spanish is not the primary language allows me to connect with other Spanish speakers and relate with them more personally. Being raised in a multicultural environment allowed me to appreciate different aspects of each culture. For example, in the United States life is more fast-paced, individualism is highly prioritized, and Americans are seen to be more direct. Whereas in Mexico group welfare is typically prioritized, there’s more leniency on time, and there is more of a work-life balance. Both cultures have strongly influenced my decision-making and values.
What advice would you give to your younger self and/or other Hispanic youths?
I would tell other Hispanic youths to always look at their culture and heritage as a blessing as it provides one with different experiences and values. The percentage of Latino graduates is continuously growing, as well as their representation in higher-level positions. For those who are struggling, there is an abundance of resources looking to help Latinos and other communities.
Austin Martinez
Business Enablement Lead, Product Development & Marketing
I was born and raised in Omaha. My grandmother’s family on my father’s side immigrated from Tepatitlán, Mexico in 1919. My grandfather’s family came from Zacatecas, Mexico, in the late 1910s.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor and celebrate my family and the community. As a fourth generation, many lessons have passed down and it’s up to me to make sure my children understand where they come from – not just on a map but the character of their family and the standards they have set when it comes to work ethic, faith, and giving back to the community.
How has your heritage shaped who you are today?
I owe so much of who I am today to my upbringing. My parents taught me lessons of hard work and resilience. My parents and theirs before them poured the foundation for a good life. The best way I can honor their sacrifices is to continue to build on that for my wife and children.
What advice would you give to your younger self and/or other Hispanic youths?
I look at my children and the type of world we live in today and there are two things that stand out to me. First, life is so fast-paced and social media can dominate how youths see their self-worth. I want them to know that they matter, their accomplishments matter. Whatever it is they decide to do – do it with integrity and strive to be the best you can be. Two, you’ll never be ready to take the first step. Do it anyway. Take the risk and learn from your mistakes. It’ll be worth it.
Rita Rodriguez
Bilingual Media Specialist, Corporate Marketing & Communications
My family’s background is in central Mexico, specifically Guanajuato, a prosperous region thanks to its agricultural, livestock and mining areas.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
Hispanic Heritage Month means to me an opportunity to share with others how rich and colorful my culture is, from food, music, folklore and traditions. I live with my heritage all year round, but this month is important as we bring awareness and learn about the different Latin American cultures, a moment to look at what past leaders have done and where are we heading as a new generation.
How has your heritage shaped who you are today?
My heritage has shaped me in all levels. Primarily identity, know where I come from and where I belong as a community. Know my history and customs, my heritage has also shaped the way I express myself and communicate with others. Most importantly the values my family has instilled in me and that know I pass on to my two sons.
What advice would you give to your younger self and/or other Hispanic youths?
A word of advice I would give other Hispanic youths that I gave myself when I was younger, is to be proud of where you come from, cherish your culture and take the best customs as you work to become a better version of yourself. Starting with language, since I was very young, I taught myself to learn and speak the best Spanish, if I was going to be bilingual, I was going to speak the best English and the best Spanish. Although my accent will never go away, I am proud of where this ability has taken me personally and professionally.
Tim Vasquez
Supervisor, Financial Operations
My father was invited to come to the US from Peru where he had studied to become a doctor. My dad eventually met my mom in Michigan and they settled down to a life in west Omaha. I was born and raised in Omaha.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
I am very proud of my father’s heritage. My dad passed away about 10 years ago and I had tremendous respect for his past and the effort he put into raising his family. When he came to the US, he did not speak any English, but managed to become a respected professional in his field. I am sad to say that I never took a strong enough interest in the language to speak it conversationally, so many Hispanic people consider me to be an American. However, I still take great pride in my heritage and enjoy all thing related to Peru.
How has your heritage shaped who you are today?
During my youth, almost all of the Peruvians in Omaha would come to our house on July 28th to celebrate Peruvian Independence Day. There were not very many of us, but we sang and danced each year and enjoyed great food for one night. It gave us a good excuse to ask my father for his background. To us, it felt like my dad came from an impoverished setting and truly raised up from rags to riches. Whether or not that was actually the case, it still shaped my view of hard work. I knew that I wanted to achieve the most I could with what I was given. My dad had several family members who did not fair as well back in Peru, and I considered those examples to be ones to learn from.
One unique gift passed on to me by my father was the gift of music. My father played guitar and sang Hispanic music my whole life. It was only natural that I wanted to do the same. Music became such a core part of my life and continues to this day. It was a great honor to perform on stage as an adult when my father was in the audience. I believe musical performance is a part of my heritage.
What advice would you give to your younger self and/or other Hispanic youths?
I have had opportunities to mentor Hispanic youths during my time at OPPD, both formally and informally. Every time I get involved, I come away with a great appreciation for what Hispanics face in society. I always counsel them to stay in school through college. There are always opportunities for college graduates. Don’t give up when it gets hard. Don’t seek a job over a career. It’s largely the same advice I would give anyone entering the work world, but the emphasis changes when you find out the unique situations often facing Hispanic youths at home. I love the work ethic of the Hispanics I have mentored, and my goal is always to keep them focused on the long-term goals they can achieve.
Neyda Zavala
Accounting Clerk V, Customer Operations
My family is from Mexico, and I’m from Texas. We love traveling to Mexico at least once a year to visit our family and enjoy the things our homeland has to offer.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
What Hispanic Heritage month means to me is being proud of my culture and the people who share the same culture. It’s a time to celebrate being who you are and as well embracing it.
How has your heritage shaped who you are today?
My heritage has helped shaped the person I am today by not being afraid of going for new opportunities. As well as being proud of who I am and where I am from.
What advice would you give to your younger self and/or other Hispanic youths?
The advice I would give my younger self is to not be afraid to put yourself out there because of culture or race. Always go for an opportunity that helps you grow and have courage to take those opportunities a step further. I would also tell myself to look forward to the success that’s waiting and to not overthink and just live in that moment by trying and giving your best.
