Hispanic Heritage Month: Going Further, Faster Together

Episode 228

Nikki Barua & Monica Marquez

This year’s theme for Hispanic Heritage Month from the National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers is, "Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation." With 62 million people and over 21 different cultures, Latinos/x are a unique combination of black, Asian, white, indigenous, Middle Eastern, and mixed races. When describing their identity, research shows that over half (51%) of Hispanics and Latinos/x say they most often use their family's country of origin – using such terms as Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, Salvadoran or Dominican. It's a cultural nuance, as most Latinos/x don't feel they fit under a "one umbrella" identity. 

To build inclusivity in the workplace, leaders have an opportunity to drive a sense of belonging in the Latino/x community. In this episode, Monica Marquez (aka the “Macgyver for the Marginalized”) discusses the historical context of Hispanic and Latin/x cultural terminologies and how to embrace these labels to drive inclusivity and unite as one community.

"There are so many of my Latino/x colleagues I see doing amazing things. So let's lift each other up."

Monica Marquez