Hear From Cristina Marrero – Project Executive, ATX Office
Can you tell me about your Hispanic heritage and where your family is originally from?
I am from Puerto Rico. My family is all from there and they are still there.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you personally?
I celebrate being Hispanic every day not just this month, I am proud of who I am, and I will never forget where I come from. Every chapter of my life whether I want it or not has and will continue to be defined by who I am.
How has your heritage shaped your experiences or perspective in life?
Puerto Ricans, we work hard, we are resilient, we are proud, we hustle, but most of all we understand that hard work is the definition of success.
How do you keep your culture alive and pass it on to the next generation?
I am my culture, I am the result of the happiness and friendliness that comes from the Puerto Rican culture and traditions, more often I find myself sharing/ introducing our typical foods/ slang/ sayings with others as it is one of the best ways to share who I am.
Who are some Hispanic figures that have inspired you or had an impact on your life?
My Abuela Amparo & Abuela Tomasa (My Grandmothers), two very different paths, two very extraordinary stories.
Hear From Richard Hernandez – Safety Director, HTX Office
Can you tell me about your Hispanic heritage and where your family is originally from?
I’m a 4th generation Texan. My grandparents on my father’s side lived in Eagle Pass, TX, while my maternal grandparents were from Mexico City. My grandfather was born in Spain and moved to Mexico City as a teenager.
What are some traditional foods you enjoy that are part of your heritage?
We enjoy having tamales, Mol’e and one of my favorites is Tinga. Its like pulled pork with a mixture of onion, tomatoes and other spices, YUM YUM!
How has your heritage shaped your experiences or perspective in life?
My heritage has taught me that I am capable of achieving anything, just like anyone else, and that everyone should have the opportunity in life to do the same.
How do you keep your culture alive and pass it on to the next generation?
As kids, we were taught the value of hard work and responsibility. We used to help our blind grandfather sell snow cones made with homemade ice cream and watermelons. It taught us how to count money and save. Back then, snow cones were 10 cents each, and watermelons were one dollar.
What message would you like others to understand or appreciate about Hispanic culture?
Hispanic culture is deeply rooted in hard work and a welcoming spirit, inviting others to share in our traditions. I hope people understand that, just like any community, every culture may have a few individuals who don’t represent the whole. It’s important to look beyond stereotypes and remember that every race has its challenges. God created everyone equally, and we should strive to love and respect one another.
Hear From Karyme Garcia – Marketing Assistant, LFT Office
How do you keep your culture alive and pass it on to the next generation?
One of the ways I hope to continue keeping my culture alive and passing it on to the next generation is by continuing to speak the Spanish language. I take pride in being able to speak Spanish fluently. Spanish was my first language, growing up my parents would always speak Spanish at home with my sisters and I. Something people do not realize is that the Spanish language varies by country, with different phrases and terms. However, even with those differences overall I can connect with so many different people. A fun bonus is I get the opportunity to listen to and enjoy music, movies, and books in Spanish too!
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you personally?
My Hispanic heritage is something I am extremely proud of. My Mexican roots will always be a part of my identity and the way I live my life. My heritage and my parents have instilled in me values that have been passed on for generations including dedication, hard work, and the importance of family. These are values I live out every day and I hope to continue passing on for generations to come. Hispanic Heritage Month reminds us of all the beautiful elements of Hispanic culture, and we can share it with those around us through recipes, music, art, and much more.
