Hispanic Heritage: Support in Community & Business
Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15th-October 15th. However, for the actual Hispanics (or Latin/x), we celebrate our culture daily – 366 days (including Leap Year ;)).
As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I grew up in white suburbia. My mom would discourage slang and would want us to speak “perfect” English to discourage others from thinking less of us. However, our Hispanic culture (except learning Spanish from our parents) was taught and embraced in our household. Honestly, not knowing Spanish has been a source of embarrassment for me. It has made me feel less “Hispanic” because language and interpretation is an integral part of a person’s identity or at least that feeling of belonging. It’s like living with different identities and walking the line of each.
Hispanic vs. Latin/x?
Hispanic: of, relating to, or being a person of Latin American descent and especially of Cuban, Mexican, or Puerto Rican origin living in the U.S.
Latin/x: a person of Latin American origin or descent (used as a gender-neutral or nonbinary alternative to Latino or Latina).
Hispanic vs. Latin/x?
Hispanic: of, relating to, or being a person of Latin American descent and especially of Cuban, Mexican, or Puerto Rican origin living in the U.S.
Latin/x: a person of Latin American origin or descent (used as a gender-neutral or nonbinary alternative to Latino or Latina).
Learned Stories, Lasting Impact
My parents have always taught my brother and me to treat people with respect, kindness (no matter their stature in life), and help whenever possible. Like so many parents and especially our grandparents, they know what it’s like to be “without.” They have worked so hard, received help when it was much needed (and unexpected), and have paid it forward in return. Their stories have inspired me to do the same but not out of obligation, it just feels right. They said to help everyone especially Hispanics and people of color (POC) because we don’t have the same opportunities as most Caucasians.
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How are you helping your fellow Hispanics join you at the leadership table?
Before the pandemic, I was networking in-person with a nice Latino gentleman. We were talking about our upbringing, our culture, and how we were taught to help each other when it comes to getting a seat at the table. He stated, “it’s like when a Latino is at the [leadership] table, they will not allow any other Latino to be at the table with them until they are done.” I knew exactly what he meant because I’ve had the same experience, more locally (to my dismay).
Is it a Latin/x Mindset or something else?
Moreover, I recently read a post on LinkedIn about a similar topic. This Hispanic woman was saying that she enjoys mentoring Latinas but that she heard from her mentees that it’s difficult to find a Latina mentor. She pointed out how the African-America/Black community comes together to help with awareness and social impact but the Latin/x community doesn’t do this which may be hurting the Latin/x progress.
I’m not sure if this a generational mindset (i.e. first or second-generation Latin/x), a socio-economic experience of lacking, or imposter syndrome (I understand). Maybe it’s a desire to be the “only” or “first” Latin/x person to… (fill in the blank). What do you think?
Either way, in order for the Latin/x people to thrive, we need to be helping each other. We need to share our knowledge, make introductions with others in our network, invite more Latin/x people to the table, and just be kind.
Hispanic Business Resources
Hispanic Heritage: Family / Educational Resources
- Hispanic Heritage Foundation
- Guadalupe Centers of KC
- National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures
- National Hispanic American Heritage Month
- Various cultural information
- Hispanic Heritage Foundation
- The Greater KC Hispanic Collaborative – Resources
- John Leguizamo’s Latin History for Morons
- The Mujerista!
- Canticos Bilingual Preschool App (made by a Latino couple!)
- Video-calling App to read and perform activities with grandkids (made by a Latina!!)
- AmigosMax Fam – Latino/a/e/x throughout the country who connect online
Recognizing the Latinas Sharing their Kindness…thank you!
- Aunt Helen C.
- Karyn de la Cruz Finn – my Latina mentor
- Ixchel (Illinois) – Business Strategy & Financial Analysis (CFO) + Writing Connoisseur
- Tania Casas – my graphic designer friend from college who works for a non-profit
- Cristina Padilla – works with professional Latinas to find solutions to overcome personal and systemic challenges and obstacles….
- Maria Estelle (KC) – Esthetician
- Claudia – Health & Wellness Coach
- Lupita – Mental Health Therapist in CA
- Melisa – Edtech and Business Consultant
- Martha Tovias (Illinois) – President/CEO of Tovias Title & Trust
- Melinda – Director of the Liberty Partnerships Program
Are you helping your fellow Hispanics join you at the leadership table?
Please share:
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