DBP MEMBERS CELEBRATE National Hispanic American Heritage Month

From September 15 to October 15, National Hispanic American Heritage Month is celebrated to recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic Americans. This observation started in 1968 under President Johnson, marking the importance of September 15, which is the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries. It was expanded into October to recognize Día de la Raza, or “Day of the Race,” which celebrates the countries and people conquered by Spain and other European colonialists. There are many ways people can get involved and honor Hispanic Heritage Month —check out local events to see if local groups are celebrating. Some are celebrating with food trucks, concerts, storytelling, and festivals. A few examples of virtual celebrations include Seramount’s Hispanic Heritage Month Webinar, a self-guided tour of DC’s Latino Street Murals: A Virtual Tour, a pajama party for the whole family with The National Archives, and a virtual bookshelf experience with the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Workplaces can also celebrate in person and virtually throughout the month with some of the following ideas:

Book a Hispanic Heritage Month virtual experience with Unexpected Virtual Tours.
Play a game of Lotería, a game similar to Bingo, using a card deck of images instead of numbers.
Check online for Latin dance routines to learn with your team—I recommend a Wednesday morning dance session to liven up that midweek slump!
Have a “purchase Hispanic-owned” monthlong activity in your team’s (or entire company’s) Slack channel! Have people post about their favorite shops and their stellar finds!
Have a watch party for the Hispanic Heritage Awards. Last year’s ceremony included Carlos Santana, Salma Hayek, NFL Coach Ron Rivera, and many more!
Start Zoom meetings playing Latine music for a fun and invigorating start to a team meeting.

Check out what some of Seramount’s member organizations are doing to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

AAA – The Auto Club Group

To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, AAA – The Auto Club Group will host the following activities and events:

Countdown to Hispanic Heritage Month Newsletter Series six weeks prior to the kickoff of Hispanic Heritage Month that includes a “Did You Know?” campaign and Hispanic Heritage Month trivia and facts, as well as highlights for the activities and events planned for the month.
The ACG Foundation and Hispanic/LatinX employee resource group (ERG) will be partnering with the Hispanic National Bar Foundation to sponsor a group of students to attend the Summer Law Institute. Also, the Hispanic/LatinX ERG will work with the marketing department to promote the 2022 Headquarters Office Building Display campaign spotlighting National Hispanic Heritage Month and the company’s commitment to DEI.
Celebratory ERG Membership Meeting—We will host an ERG meeting during Hispanic Heritage Month that will feature, among other activities, a presentation by the AAA – The Auto Club Group CG Wellness Department focusing on health and wellness issues that directly affect the Hispanic/LatinX community.
Launch of the Hispanic/LatinX ERG cookbook: A Taste of Hispanic Heritage Month. As a way to celebrate our Hispanic history and culture, we assemble a collection of our ERG Members’ favorite recipes for publication. The collection will be published digitally during the month and feature traditional family recipes, modern twists on old favorites, and even delicious drinks.
AAA – The Auto Club Group’s social team profiled Hispanic/LatinX ERG members as a part of a continuing #WeAreAAA campaign published across ACG’s various social channels, including LinkedIn, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.

Allstate Insurance Company

To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Allstate’s Professional Latino Network ERG will host the following events:

Hispanic Heritage Month kickoff video: The Professional Latino Allstate Network (PLAN) ERG will begin the month with an engaging video that amplifies the voices of PLAN board members to drive PLAN’s mission and vision as well as create excitement around upcoming events for the Latine community at Allstate.
Latine Employee Spotlights: Throughout the month, the company will be showcasing the Latine community by sharing personal and professional stories through different distribution channels to showcase the Latine talent at Allstate.
Self-Care Awareness session: In partnership with Allstate’s health care partner, Spring Health, an event will be hosted to bring awareness to the importance of mental health and self-care best practices and how they impact the Latino culture. The Spring Health resources that are available for Allstaters will be shared in this session.
Leaders as Teachers: The company will host a session called “You are valuable! Knowing & Showing your Value as a Latino in the Corporation” that will focus on career development amongst the Latine community at Allstate. This event will provide PLAN members, friends, and allies with an opportunity to join a group discussion with executive leaders.
Cooking Experience: “Breaking bread” is a big part of the Latine culture. Employees are asked to share a cultural dish from their family and friends as another way to bring people together. Not only does cultural expression through food allow people to be exposed to new flavors, but it also gives an understanding of how other cultures differ in their cuisine. Allstate is bringing in an external chef/vendor who will provide a virtual cooking experience for PLAN members. A recipe packet will be distributed prior to the event so members can buy their ingredients beforehand and cook along and have dinner ready for their family.

Bristol Myers Squibb

The Organization for Latino Achievement (OLA) at Bristol Myers Squibb is organizing a keynote focused on the value that Latine professionals bring to pharmacology. Additionally, the company will have a career workshop and an event focused on health equity. OLA members will also have the opportunity to participate in a day of service focused on STEM education and health equity.

Capgemini

HOLA, Capgemini’s Hispanic ERG, is planning multiple events and activities for Hispanic Heritage Month. Capgemini North America is divided into six main geographical offices, and most will engage in community service activities and social activities. Capgemini will be working with HACE to establish conversations via lunch-and-learns and in executive leadership programs to further highlight the Latine experience in the workplace. The Capgemini HOLA ERG has two to three events planned each week to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Follow along on the company’s social media platforms with the hashtags #getthefutureyouwant, #HOLAcapgemini, and #CapgeminiHHM.

FINRA

At FINRA, the communications subcommittee is in charge of distributing the company’s plans to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Each week the group will distribute via email and TEAMS Channel a highlight of what’s to come, including:

Hispanic figures and their contributions to our country/community
Team Building Event – Virtual Scavenger Hunt with Prize
Participation in the Createathon’s Chill Lounge where FINRA will be showcasing “Latin-Inspired Beverages” mocktails (alcohol optional)
“Picture Challenge” – During this week, employees are asked to gather pictures showcasing somewhere they have traveled to be entered into a raffle.
“Salsa” Dance Class – Offered by Joel Salsa, potentially in person in NYC and virtual

Freddie Mac

Freddie Mac is “Going Forward” this National Hispanic Heritage Month – celebrating the lives and contributions of Hispanic Americans who have impacted the housing industry and the world. From UCLA’s David Haynes-Bautista, Ph.D., employees will hear about the “History of Latino Homeownership.” Noerena Limón, Executive Vice President of Public Policy and Industry Relations at the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (AHREP), will also lead a forum on the “State of Hispanic Homeownership.” Chef Lala, an award-winning motivational speaker/master chef nutritionist, will also join Freddie Mac for a virtual cooking event. Freddie Mac’s National Hispanic Heritage Month activities will continue to reinforce the company’s mission to make home possible – and inclusive – for all.

Horizon BCBSNJ

This year in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Horizon BCBSNJ’s Affinity Group, the Latin American Cultural Organization (LACO), will be kicking off the month with various activities to be sent out to the company’s Diversity Groups. These activities will be for the whole month, September 15–October 15, highlighting different ways to celebrate and show what Hispanic Heritage Month means and why it matters.

Esquina LatinX Newsletter – The newsletter will feature articles on Latine artists, musicians, poetry, podcasts, and cuisines. It will also highlight some of the activities happening within the state of New Jersey in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.
LACO All Member Meeting – The History and Meaning Behind Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month Trivia – Latines in the Military
Mindfulness Session with Sanitas Medical Center (session will be held in Spanish)

On September 29, the LACO Affinity Group will also host their annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, which will focus around the theme for Hispanic Heritage Month: UNIDOS! Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation! Guest panelists will include Jennifer Velez, Senior Vice President & General Counsel – Horizon BCBSNJ; Luis Diaz, Director – Gibbons P.C.; and Emily Estevez, Managing Director & Group Head Corporate – Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation.

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

For Hispanic Heritage Month, the Diversity and Inclusion Office will send out communications to detail events and activities that will take place at the IMF between September 15 and October 15. The D&I Office will also suggest external events that IMF employees can participate in with their family/friends.

Collaborative events between the D&I Office and the company’s diversity resource groups (DRGs), Affinity Groups, and the Latin American & Caribbean group will also take place throughout the month.

Nationwide Insurance

Nationwide Insurance will be celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with four internal events for the company’s Latine associates and allies focused on professional development, cultural events, in-person events with leadership members, and community engagement opportunities. Part of the programming also includes recognition throughout the month and an interactive educational Lotería.

Nationwide will also promote volunteer opportunities for Latine associates and allies across the country as part of the company’s call to community giving and service. An external event will be hosted for career opportunities specifically for Latine students and early career professionals.

Follow along on Nationwide’s LinkedIn with #NLAFamilia and #NationwideFamilia hashtags throughout the month.

NetApp

For Hispanic Heritage Month, NetApp is planning special employee communications, fireside chats with leaders, a panel discussion, and a collaborative event with Latinas in Tech. The company will also be hosting an event with the community partnership partner Bay Scholars and another to-be-determined nonprofit organization. A car show will also be hosted by a few of the company’s employee resource groups at the RTP location. Follow along on NetApp’s social media with the hashtags #HHM2022 and #HispanicHeritageMonth.

New York Life

New York Life will be hosting a series of events throughout Hispanic Heritage Month to celebrate the culture and history of Hispanic Americans:

Hispanic Heritage event – New York Life’s Latinos for Excellence, Advancement, and Development Employee Resource Group (LEAD ERG) will host a virtual event where employees will hear news and information from LEAD’s core leadership team across the company’s various sites.
Cafecito Chat – A discussion with New York Life’s Vice President and Interim Head of Service Margaret Cirella, who serves on LEAD’s Advisory Board. There will be a Q&A to learn more about her background, experience, and support of the Latine community at New York Life.
Virtual museum tour: Guest speakers Jorge Zamanillo, Director of the National Museum of the American Latino, and Senior Advancement Officer Jennifer Pichardo will take employees on a virtual tour of their collection, which is currently on display in its first gallery space within the Museum of American History.
External speaker: Dr. Juana Bordas will discuss her book The Power of Latino Leadership — Leadership, Culture and Partnership.
Celebrity Chef: New York Life’s Latino Market is hosting a cook-along event featuring award-winning celebrity Chef Aarón Sánchez, who will demonstrate how to make tasty treats for Hispanic Heritage Month.
Cheers for Charity: The LEAD ERG will host weekly events in partnership with the New York Life Foundation, the company’s charitable arm. Proceeds from the events will benefit the American Dream School. The American Dream Charter School develops academic excellence in both Spanish and English for grades 6–12, preparing students to excel in college and become leaders in their communities.
“Walkathon for a Cause” event: In partnership with the New York Life Foundation and other ERGs, the company is hosting a walkathon to support the National Alliance for Mental Health (NAMI). NAMI provides mental health advocacy, education, support, and public awareness to individuals from diverse populations and for providers who work with these communities.

Otis Elevator

For Hispanic Heritage Month, Otis Elevator is planning ERG-hosted events for employees:

Virtual and in-person Bingo events hosted by HOLA OSC Chapter
Virtual and in-person gastronomy party hosted by HOLA OSC chapter
Trivia event
Member highlight each week of Hispanic Heritage Month
Focus group with leadership and members
A volunteer donation run for the Hispanic Scholarship fund

Paramount

Paramount is hosting an array of programming, including:

A bilingual Nickelodeon “Let’s Draw! ” event drawing Hispanic characters from the channel’s shows
A “Microaggressions in the Latino Community” session
An Executive Speed Mentoring event
A session highlighting Latines in the Literary World
A panel highlighting Latine music in the company’s content
A film screening
A session on the upcoming show “Let The Right One In”

Paramount will also have a social media campaign highlighting talent who will share their authentic stories titled #SomosGeneraciones, which will kick off early in Hispanic Heritage Month.

Qualcomm

Qualcomm’s LatinQ Inclusion Group presents Hispanic Heritage Month with exciting cultural performances, authentic cuisines from invited vendors, music, and opportunities to learn about the Hispanic/Latine culture.

LatinQ Inclusion Group will also host ConversaciónesQ with Lisiane Lemos: Inclusive Leadership Across the Americas.

LatinQ Inclusion Group and the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion team will co-host an executive fireside chat for Hispanic Heritage Month with Cisco Sanchez, SVP & CIO, and Alejandro Holcman, SVP, Engineering.

Sodexo

At Sodexo, this year’s SOLebration theme is OneVoz (One Voice), which is meant to celebrate all voices to build the future. In a world that forces us to choose only one identity, the goal of OneVoz is to highlight all the rich complexities of the Sodexo community by hosting a variety of cross-EBRG activities. Here, the company can create a space to embrace the multidimensional aspects that make up the beautiful fabric of the Latine culture. This month will feature internal intersectional programs with partner EBRGs, as well as events featuring guest speakers from external partners. The goal is to amplify the Hispanic/Latino/a/e/x community within Sodexo as well as the communities in which the company serves.

Follow Sodexo’s celebration with #OneVoz on the company’s social media pages.

Spectrum Health

The Spectrum Health Inclusion Resource Group (IRG), Fusion, will host La Pena and a Lotería Night. The company has also designed Teams backgrounds for employees to further celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

The company is also sponsoring and encouraging IRG volunteers to attend the Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival, including a booth with giveaways. Fusion is volunteering with, and running in, the Latino Health 5K run/walk. There will also be a Backpack Giveaway with Fusion members volunteering at the community event and handing out supplies at their booth.

Follow along with Spectrum Health social media posts for more information.

Weill Cornell Medicine

This National Hispanic Heritage Month, the Office of Staff Diversity & Inclusion invites all Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM) Latine employees to share their family recipes (recetas) with the entire WCM community! Ceviche, pernil, arroz con gandules, coquito…let’s honor Latine roots with Latine flavors (sabores)! Employees can submit their family recipes through a bilingual online survey or post them directly on the WCM National Hispanic Heritage Month Kudo Board. Selected recipes will be compiled into From Our Table to Yours, a WCM Latinx flavors cookbook.

The Office of Staff Diversity, Inclusion, and Engagement will also host a panel discussion in September to explore the current gap in Latine representation in leadership roles in “Corporate America,” reflecting on the unique roadblocks and opportunities the community faces. Panelists will share their insights on the diverse intersectional Latine diaspora, how they have navigated workplace biases and challenges, what their perceptions of leaders are, and what companies and leaders can do to value and support Latinx employees.