Embracing My Heritage: Reflections on Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time for reflection—a chance to think about where we come from, how our cultural experiences shape us, and how we move through the world. I’ve always been deeply connected to my identity as a Latina, but I’m also so much more than that. I’m a woman, a mother, a wife, a professional. Each of these roles has influenced who I am, but it’s my cultural background, being both bilingual and bicultural—as well as both Latina and Jewish—that has truly shaped my perspective.
Growing up, I often found myself caught between two worlds. English was a second language for my parents and my grandparents, who played a big role in raising us, didn’t speak fluent English, so I became the bridge between our Latino heritage and American culture. I was the one explaining things like why I wanted to be a cheerleader—something completely foreign in South America—to my parents. My home life was filled with Latino traditions, but outside, I was navigating a very different world. It wasn’t always easy, but over time, I learned to embrace what it means to live in that in-between space, and it has helped shape the way I see others.
This year’s Hispanic Heritage Month theme, Pioneers of Change, Shaping the Future resonates with me in a very personal way by reinforcing the importance of understanding our past and where we came from and how this knowledge shapes us as we move through the world. This knowledge drives empathy and inclusivity and influences how we embrace our differences to build spaces where everyone feels like they belong. At Acadia, we’re committed to doing that every day. We know that innovation thrives when there are diverse voices at the table, and that’s what keeps us moving forward.
At Acadia, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) aren’t just buzzwords—they are fundamental to how we operate. We know that diverse perspectives lead to better solutions, whether it’s in clinical trials or in everyday problem-solving. Appreciation for cultural differences, is more than translating materials into different languages. Real connection requires curiosity and an eagerness to listen and learn in pursuit of breaking down cultural barriers to build trust and participation. DE&I is about being inclusive at every level.
I’ve always been passionate about mentoring. A few years ago, I found myself at a Healthcare Business Women’s Association event, surrounded by a group of brilliant, educated, first-generation professionals—many who spoke with thick accents. Some were Latina, others were from the Middle East or Asia, and it struck me that we all shared a common challenge: fitting into spaces that weren’t designed for us. As a mentor I’ve tried to convey how much their voices matter, even if they speak with an accent or come from a different cultural background. In fact, it’s their unique perspectives that make their contributions so valuable.
But here’s the thing—earning that seat at the table isn’t always easy. I’ve faced my own challenges, even within my own community. People sometimes questioned whether I was “Latina enough,” as if there’s a specific mold I’m supposed to fit. I learned early on that no one else gets to define who I am, and that’s the advice I give to the women I mentor. Own your identity because it’s your greatest strength.
Diversity within the Latino community is vast. Just because we speak the same language doesn’t mean our experiences are the same. I’ve worked with people from Argentina, Mexico, Chile, Puerto Rico, and every single time we sat down to collaborate, our cultural differences came into play. It was eye-opening. But what unites us—our values around family, education, and community—those things are what truly matter.
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate all those differences and commonalities. For me, it’s a reminder of who I am and the journey I’ve taken to get here. I don’t prioritize the month in the way some people might, but I do see it as an opportunity to tell my story. I’ve always been about storytelling, and this month gives us the platform to elevate stories that may not always be heard.
Looking to the future, I hope we continue to embrace diversity in a way that drives real inclusion. It’s not enough to simply acknowledge our differences—we have to find ways to build spaces where everyone feels like they belong. At Acadia, we’re committed to doing that every day. We know that innovation thrives when there are diverse voices at the table, and that’s what keeps us moving forward.
This Hispanic Heritage Month, I invite everyone to reflect on their own cultural experiences and think about how we can pioneer change, not just in our workplaces, but in the world at large. Together, we can create a more inclusive future.