Indeedians from our Latinx in Tech (LIT) Inclusion Resource Group (IRG) share what Hispanic Heritage Month means to them and how they plan to celebrate.
Every year from September 15 to October 15, the U.S. observes National Hispanic Heritage Month. It’s an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the beautiful and vast history, heritage, and contributions of American people whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.
Indeed proudly honors the diverse cultures, traditions, achievements, and legacy of all Hispanic and Latinx Americans. Their contributions to the U.S. and beyond are immeasurable. Join us in celebrating and uplifting the Hispanic and Latinx community, not just during Hispanic Heritage Month, but all year round.
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Many in the Latinx community find themselves with a complex mix of cultural identities. “I was raised on the border of Texas and Mexico in a small town called El Paso. Since both of my parents had immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico, I learned Spanish and English at the same time. While I always tried to walk a fine line between the Mexican and American cultures.” says Rebeca Murguía, a Client Success Manager in Austin.
“It was not until I was older that I realized my experience was unique to my circumstance and I did not have to identify with one culture altogether (contrary to popular belief). Rather, it was my overexposure and fluidity of the two different cultures that made me unique.”
Remote National Account Manager, Carla Garrett, adds, “I am a Mexican American but have never really felt like I belonged to either group. I wasn’t Mexican enough (Is it the skin tone or the Spanglish or not being raised with all the traditions?). I also wasn’t American enough (Is it the skin tone or the Spanglish or not being raised with all the traditions?).”
“After having my own children and raising them to embrace their Hispanic culture, I realized I needed to find an outlet to help me continue my culture journey too.”
Food, family and community
For those like Associate Product Manager, Alexis Guel, Hispanic Heritage Month is about community and connecting to her roots through the universal language of food.
“Growing up, food was a huge unifying factor in my home. From spending hours with my mom making tamales to the smell of fresh tortillas in the morning, it became something that would bring my family together. My mom would make extra and share the food with everyone – neighbors, community members, friends. Every Hispanic Heritage Month, I honor these traditions by making the traditional foods I grew up with and sharing it with others,” Alexis says.
“Filling my home with the scent of familiar spices warms my heart and reminds me of the traditions from ancestors before me. I feel tightly connected to my roots through the foods and charity that brought my family and community together.”
Celebrating the trailblazers
For Marketing Producer, David Ruiz, it’s about celebrating those who paved a path and those leading today. “One thing I’d love our Latinx family to do this year is talk about the people in our immediate family that have left a lasting legacy or are currently making big impacts in their communities.”
He reflects on how his grandparents raised children and grandchildren “that valued education even though they never had anything more than an elementary education themselves and how despite having a minimal education, they now have countless Bachelors, Masters, & Ph.D.s to claim as their own. How they were able to empower their children and grandchildren to become teachers and administrators and impact the lives of countless children and families.”
David also has a cousin who used his coffee-inspired apparel line to shine the light on Latinx and African coffee growers to give back monetarily to these same people. His mom and uncle were also able to use her local church in South Texas to get undocumented citizens access to COVID vaccines without fear of getting picked up by immigration while coordinating with local doctors to go to the homes of senior citizens who have no transportation access and administer vaccines.
“As a first-generation Latino every milestone from college to starting a new career feels like uncharted territory. Seeing those who came before me showcased for their accomplishments gives me the courage to continue my journey,” says Michael Chiluisa, Client Success Specialist in New York.
“Hispanic Heritage Month makes me feel embraced because leaving our traditions, our language, and our family to look for a better future is not easy at all, and for all of those who cannot return home due to immigration issues, it is an opportunity, at least for a month, to be able to feel home again by sharing our music, our food, and our stories,” Client Optimization Specialist, Carla Rivera Diaz adds.
Making an impact through our work
Acme Ops Analyst, Amy Maldonado believes the work she and her colleagues at Indeed do everyday can have a lasting impact on the Latinx community.
“Indeed recognizes how big of a market the Latinx community is and is working towards connecting with our community on a deeper level. In partnership with Latinx in Tech at Indeed, we’re able to collaborate on ideas and provide insight on what makes our community unique.
From supporting our educational events on DACA, to having an open conversation on how we can appeal to our Latinx audience by asking for feedback,” she says.
“Indeed continues to partner with LIT to learn about our community and continue to improve our products to help people get jobs.”
Rebeca Murguía has used her multicultural knowledge to grow as a leader within Indeed. “Indeed was the first company that hired me for my bilingual skills and also because of my bi-cultural experience. I understood the two cultures well and now I manage a Client Success team that supports our Mexican clients from Austin, TX,” she explains.
“Not only did this unique opportunity make me feel like I belong at Indeed, but the Inclusion Resource Groups (specifically LatinX in Tech) allowed me to meet other people that had similar niche upbringings and made me feel less alone in my experience. For that, I am very grateful. ”
A year-round celebration for all
“It’s important to embrace and acknowledge Hispanic heritage all year round because we exist all year round,” David says.
We’re not an Easter bunny. We’re not Santa. We exist in board rooms, kitchens, scrum groups, and everywhere else. Our culture and heritage have an extremely long reach and warrants celebration and acknowledgment.”
Alexis sums it up perfectly, “The influences of Hispanic and Latin Americans on history, culture, and achievements in the United States impacts everyone and deserves to be recognized. Take this month to learn, celebrate, respect, and acknowledge the contributions and uniqueness of Hispanic/Latinx culture.”
Learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month and how we celebrated last year.
Check out more Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging stories on our inclusion blog.
