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Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed September 15 to October 15. As part of the 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.

Maria Bishop

Customer Service Operations Clerk

I was born in Lima, Peru, moved to the United States in 1993 while becoming a permanent resident in 2019. Throughout these transitions, my heritage remains an integral part of who I’ve become.

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you, and how has your heritage shaped who you are today?

Hispanic Heritage Month to me is a time of connection between my past, present and the cultural richness that defines who I am. This month provides an opportunity to celebrate and embrace the culture that has shaped my identity. It’s a moment to reflect on the traditions I carry with me from Peru. The mix of Peruvian traditions, values and experiences that I carry with me is a testament to the strength of my roots. I will continue to pass down these traditions to my children, ensuring that they carry on and appreciate our cultural heritage.

What advice would you give to your younger self and/or other Hispanic youth?

To my younger self and other Hispanic youths I would advise to always embrace your identity, be proud of your roots! Stay connected with family and give back to your community. Resilience is key: Use your setbacks as stepping stones to achieve greater heights, and if you speak Spanish or another language from your heritage, hold onto it. Being bilingual will offer you advantages in various areas of your life.

Valeria Duran

Engineer II

I was born in Brownsville, Texas, but was raised across the border in Matamoros, Tamaulipas. All of my family is from Mexico.

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

For me, Hispanic Heritage Month is a moment to reflect and appreciate my culture, education and values. It is a moment to remember the sacrifices from those who preceded me so I could also pursue the “American Dream.”

How has your heritage shaped who you are today?

It has instilled the value of family, strong work ethic and personal responsibility. That’s the reason why I always want to have a carne asada with friends and family on Sundays. One way to get together after a long week and share stories.

What advice would you give to your younger self and/or other Hispanic youth?

I would tell my younger self/other youth to not let your family influence your life decisions as an adult. Hispanic families often try to hold you back from leaving them when you try to pursue a better future for yourself. I come from a small town with very little engineering opportunities. I was the first one in my family to leave Texas for a better job.

Yesenia Madera

Senior Diversity and Inclusion Consultant

Both of my parents immigrated to the United States in their early teens from Mexico. I go as often as I can to visit my mom’s hometown: Santiago Papasquiaro, Durango

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

Hispanic Heritage Month to me means a time to reflect and appreciate where my family came from. It’s a point of pride for me.

How has your heritage shaped who you are today?

My heritage gives me confidence. When I think about all the obstacles my family and ancestors overcame to survive, liv, and thrive, I am grateful. I know I can do anything!

What advice would you give to your younger self and/or other Hispanic youth?

Never be ashamed about who you are. Our heritage is beautiful. Our struggles have made us resilient and dedicated workers, family members and people.

Miguel Rojas-Hammond

Streetlight Apprentice.

I’m 23 years old and I grew up in South Omaha. I graduated from Omaha South High in 2018. I also graduated from Metro with an associate’s degree from the Utility Line Program in 2019. My mom’s side of the family is from Omaha. However, my dad’s side of the family is from Santa Cruz Tacache de Mina, Oaxaca. It’s a small town up in the mountains of Oaxaca with a population of about 2,900 residents. My dad immigrated to the United States around 1996, which would make me first generation in the United States.

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

Hispanic Heritage Month means a lot to me. I feel like it celebrates the Latino community. It also embraces the Latino history. A lot of times our hard work goes unrecognized in this country. This gives us the opportunity to recognize all the hard working individuals in the Latino community who do a lot for this country and for our family.

How has your heritage shaped who you are today?

I’m brown and I’m proud. My heritage has shaped me a lot to who I am to this day. Resonating with my Latino roots, it truly embraces my character. Seeing all the hard working people in the Latino community, it drives me to work hard every day.

Ever since I was a kid. I realized how important family is in the Latino community. Everything I do is for my family and the future for my girlfriend and I. Whether it’s going the extra step to help a famy member out or working some overtime to provide as much as I potentially can for them.

What advice would you give to your younger self and/or other Hispanic youth?

¡Echale ganas! (Give it a try!) Your current situation is only a chapter in your book. Work really hard and have the drive to want better in life. Sometimes we have to step out of our comfort zone to reach our true potential. It’s all on you how you want your book written. Your greatest strength is knowing who you are.

Ruben Sanchez

Engineer II

My parents are both immigrants from Durango, Mexico. They came over to the U.S. in their late teens and eventually ended up in Nebraska. Together, they have 21 siblings. As you can imagine, I grew up with a very large family. I’m grateful for all the aunts/uncles/cousins, because growing up in a small town in Nebraska with Spanish as my first language was a challenge of its own.

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
Hispanic Heritage Month represents an opportunity to highlight and celebrate the accomplishments and culture of the many individuals that make up our community. We have one of the fastest growing communities in the metro, and it’s important to recognize the contributions being made by its members.

How has your heritage shaped who you are today?

 Who I am today can largely be attributed to my Mexican heritage. My large family is responsible for my sense of friendship and community. The struggles my parents had, coming over to a different country with nothing, helps me apply their work ethic to my life and remain positive, even when faced with challenges.

What advice would you give to your younger self and/or other Hispanic youth?

Embrace your culture. Too much time is spent trying to fit in. At some point you will realize that things like speaking a different language, and having different views are advantageous.