Community Spotlight: National Hispanic American Heritage Month
Your stories have power. They bring ideas to life and can shape how others see the world, and here at Hearts, we use stories to build community.
This is one of many posts in our Community Spotlight Series, where we feature Hearts who identify with a group and have important conversations about how we can support one another.
Throughout the series, we will work closely with these individuals to create an experience where they can share their culture with fellow Hearts. We’ll hear directly from them about their lives, the safe spaces they’ve created to live their truth, and how we can be better allies.
And then we listen.
Because more than ever, stories that celebrate our differences need to be heard.
Celebrating the rich tapestry of Latino heritage
National Hispanic American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate and honor the rich history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities in the United States. This annual celebration highlights the profound impact of Hispanic Americans on our nation and beyond. Let’s take this opportunity to recognize their influence on our society, reflect on their diverse heritage, and educate ourselves on the unique experiences that shape the vibrant Hispanic culture. Here are the Hearts events we’re hosting to celebrate:
Cafecito Hour Special (Wednesday, September 18, 3 pm ET)
The Unido Leadership Network (ULN) hosted a special edition of Cafecito Hour, their monthly member meetup. Guests discovered their next adventure while celebrating the rich and diverse travel destinations across Latin America. First up was a virtual tour of some of the most breathtaking spots, from the land of volcanoes, El Salvador, to the vibrant streets of Mexico City. Then, ULN leaders shared insider tips, cultural insights, and personal stories from their travels, offering a unique perspective on each destination. ¡Nos vemos en Cafecito Hour!
Virtual: Microsoft Teams
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (Wednesday, October 2, 3 pm ET)
OMG ELEVATE and the ULN invite you to a special Hispanic Heritage Month Audio Day celebration. Join us for an exclusive first look at the latest Nielsen Hispanic Diverse Intelligence Series (DIS) Report and learn about the important role that audio continues to play in the lives of this growing consumer segment. Light bites and drinks will be provided at the happy hour following the event. Attendees will also be entered in raffles for a chance to win prizes from our Hispanic audio partners.
Hybrid: 195 Broadway, NY | Microsoft Teams
Calendar invite coming soon.
Hearts & Science: Hispanic & Latin American Mini Games (Tuesday, October 15, 3 pm ET)
Join our Hearts and OMG colleagues in Hispanic & Latin American Mini Games! You will be split up into random teams, and all instructions will be explained before you jump into your Mini Games. This charity game will require you to work as a team because your correct answers will go toward donating meals to communities in need!🍴
Virtual: Zoom
Meeting id: 821 2176 8568
Passcode: minigames
Safe spaces to share
How Peruvian culture shapes Monica’s American Dream
Monica grew up in the coastal city of Lima, Peru, and moved to the U.S. to start a new life with her oldest son and his father. In Lima, she attended law school with plans to become a lawyer, but after arriving in the U.S., she decided to shift gears. Monica graduated with a degree in business administration with a specialization in finance and accounting.
Monica was always close to her family, even co-founding an app for wellness services with her sisters. While leaving her family and friends in Peru was difficult, Monica reflects that the challenges have helped shape her identity—from learning English to becoming a financial professional.
“I made the very hard decision to leave my family behind, but the challenges I’ve had to overcome over the years made me into the person I am right now.”
Monica, now a mother of four, credits her oldest son—who immigrated with her to the United States—with keeping her connected to her Peruvian roots. Even during the long working hours of her early career, they always made time for dinner together, speaking only Spanish.
Monica also joined the Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA)—the longest-standing Latino organization—where she was grateful to connect with fellow Latinos. She still visits Peru to see her family once a year to nurture her ties there.
“Wherever I go, I always try to seek out my people.”
After the relationship that brought Monica to the U.S. ended, she found love with her now-husband, Phil, an American. They decided to marry in Peru and had 50 friends and family members from the U.S. travel to their wedding, which also included an epic trip to Machu Picchu.
Monica sees this gesture as a highlight of her life—the ultimate symbol of her community embracing her culture.
Monica started her career as an intern at OMD in 2009, thanks to a Peruvian childhood friend who suggested she apply. Today, Monica is Director of Client Finance at Hearts & Science. Outside of work, she is passionate about health and fitness and also plays piano—sometimes even in duets with Phil. They reside with their children and their Aussie shepherd, as well as their chickens, in Carmel, the suburbs of New York.
Pro tip: Monica shares advice for anyone moving into a new culture: “It will get better. Whatever reason you have for moving is valid, just keep persevering through obstacles while keeping in touch with your roots. Then you can accomplish your goals.”
How Yashira keeps her Dominican roots strong
Yashira Torres was born and raised in New York City, but her connection to the Dominican Republic runs deep, as her childhood was filled with summers spent there with family. From gathering eggs from the backyard to seeing her uncle raise chickens and ducks, she experienced the beauty of nature and family firsthand.
Her mother was one of 12 children, and Yashira was fortunate that many of her relatives also immigrated to New York and lived nearby. Two aunts lived in the same building, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins lived across the street.
“Hispanics are known for being fiercely devoted to their families, so it was really nice having all the family nearby.”
One of her favorite childhood memories is spending time at “El Rancho,” her grandmother’s backyard hangout spot in the Dominican Republic, where the family would gather for meals, catch-ups, and games of dominoes. El Rancho became the central hub for the entire family.
“At El Rancho, we were all free to be ourselves and enjoy quality time together. Everyone spoke freely; there was no sugarcoating.”
Yashira continues to visit the Dominican Republic twice a year—once in May for Mother’s Day and again in October for her grandmother’s birthday.
Today, Yashira is an Associate Director of Human Resources at Hearts & Science and a mother of three children. She’s committed to keeping her cultural roots alive for them. As a family, they often spend summers in the Dominican Republic, and she ensures they keep up with their native language of Spanish.
“I want to make sure they know their language.”
In New York City, Yashira and her family love visiting parks and museums. Yashira prioritizes giving her children opportunities to explore the world beyond their apartment walls, particularly to places she didn’t have a chance to go to herself as a child.
Yashira is also passionate about women’s rights, especially with the upcoming U.S. elections. She was inspired by The Bear actress Liza Colón-Zayas, the first Latina to win Best Supporting Actress at the Emmys, who urged Latinas to “Keep believing and vote. Vote for your rights.”
Pro tip: Yashira encourages people to dive deeper into the customs that make each Hispanic culture unique. While tacos are iconically Mexican, she highlights dishes like the Dominican Republic’s Tres Golpes to show there’s so much more to discover.
Work should be a safe space, too
Hearts & Science is dedicated to building a space where its employees are recognized and feel seen.
There are many ways you can support inclusion at work:
- Participate in a network. Hearts & Science invites employees to access the OMG Unidos Leadership Network and have a voice in how the company supports Hispanic and Latino employees and allies. Don’t have one at your company? Contact your human resources department, and be the force for change that starts one.
- Attend upcoming company events. Attend every company event that you can. Learn, enjoy, represent your perspective, and share feedback on how your company can create truly inclusive programming. If you don’t have any events, start one.
- Show your support. We created an email signature and a Zoom background for employees to use. It’s one small gesture to show your support for Hispanic colleagues and partners and the greater community. Use ours or make your own at your own company.
What individuals can do on their own:
- Shop at Hispanic-owned businesses. Hispanic-owned small businesses are one of the fastest-growing business groups in the United States. News sites Good Housekeeping and Woman’s Day have developed lists of Hispanic-owned businesses you can support.
- Support events in your local communities. A central part of this monthlong celebration is the events that many cities across the U.S. work hard to put on. Events can include traditional dances, live music, art displays, and food stands. Support your local community by showing up and taking part in any event happening in your area.
- Philanthropy. Consider donating your time or other resources to a Hispanic-focused nonprofit organization.
Andriena Coleman, US Director of DE&I at Hearts & Science, shares,
“Hearts is a workplace where new ideas can flourish. Together, this community of amazing individuals changes and grows through unique experiences and perspectives. Our differences are celebrated and truly invaluable to our organization.”
The Hispanic community at Hearts & Science is bursting with incredible talent and valuable perspectives to share. Let’s take a moment to listen and be a safe space to celebrate differences with those we interact with.
