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Celebrating Latinx Heritage Month
Latinx Heritage Month is observed each year from September 15 through October 15, honoring the histories, cultures, and contributions of Latinx communities across the United States.
This year, we sat down with Amanda, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Coordinator and Co-Lead of PPPSW’s Latinx Employee Resource Group (ERG), to learn more about what inspired her to step into this leadership role and why creating spaces of belonging is more important than ever.
Through community, culture, and connection, Amanda is helping ensure Latinx staff feel seen, valued, and empowered while creating opportunities for learning and growth across our affiliate.
Q: Why did you decide to co-lead PPPSW’s Latinx ERG?
Amanda: As the DEI Coordinator, I have a unique inside look at the incredible work all our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are doing. Over the years, I’ve watched these groups evolve into spaces where people can feel safe, heard, and supported, especially during times when many communities are facing uncertainty and challenges. When the opportunity to lead the Latinx ERG came up, I immediately jumped at it. I feel more connected to and proud of my identity as a Chicana than ever before, and I wanted to help create a space where we could celebrate our culture while empowering members to grow and lead.
One of my goals is to create opportunities for people to step into spaces they may not have previously had access to or felt confident entering. Whether that’s facilitating meetings, sharing their lived experiences, or contributing ideas, I want our members to recognize the value of their voices and the impact they can have. Our mission is to uplift our community and create opportunities for one another to thrive, which feels especially important at a time when so many people are navigating fear and uncertainty.
I also want to be intentional about creating learning opportunities for our allies. One of my goals is for the Latinx ERG to share our stories, experiences, and culture in ways that help others better understand and appreciate our community. By creating opportunities for learning and dialogue, we can challenge stereotypes, build stronger connections, and foster a deeper sense of understanding and belonging across our affiliate.
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of serving as an ERG co-lead?
Amanda: The most rewarding part has been seeing our members engage with the work we’re doing! They’re reading our articles, participating in discussions, and even submitting thoughtful essay responses for raffle prizes. We have an incredible group of people in this ERG. Hearing their stories and getting to learn more about their experiences has been one of the biggest motivations for me to continue showing up and celebrating them.
I also love that serving as a co-lead has helped me become even more connected to our local community. It has also inspired me to continuously learn more about Latinx-owned businesses, authors, artists, actors, innovators, and trailblazers. The more I learn, the more I realize how many incredible people and stories deserve to be celebrated. I want to use this role to help shine a light on those contributions and create opportunities for our members to learn about and support the people who continue to shape and strengthen our communities. The more we see Latinx individuals succeeding, leading, and creating change, the more we can envision those possibilities for ourselves!
Q: How does your lived experience help inform the work you do?
Amanda: I am a first-generation Mexican American and a proud Chicana. As the daughter of an immigrant father, I carry his lessons and example with me every day. My dad is my hero, and he keeps me grounded in what I believe is my purpose: uplifting and empowering my community. He taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and showing up for others, and those are values I bring into my role as an ERG co-lead.
At the same time, I recognize that my experience is just one of many within the Latinx community. I think it’s important for other Latinx employees to see someone who understands the insecurities and uncertainties that can come with being a first-generation, “no sabo” kid. My hope is that by continuing to be brave, take risks, and try new things, others will see that they have that same strength within themselves.
Earning my degree in Chicano Studies has also had a profound impact on the work I do. There were many times when I wondered whether I would ever have the opportunity to apply what I was learning in a professional setting. Today, I can confidently say that both my education and my lived experiences have been essential to leading the Latinx ERG.
Q: What cultural strengths do Latinx communities bring to the workplace?
Amanda: When I think about everything our community has overcome and continues to endure, I’m reminded of just how strong and resilient we are. Resilience is woven into our history, our families, and our culture. We come from generations of people who have persevered through challenges and continued moving forward, often against incredible odds. I think that resilience shows up in the workplace every day. Latinx employees bring determination, adaptability, creativity, and a strong sense of community to the work we do. We know how to support one another, work through challenges, and remain committed to our goals even when things are difficult. I also believe many of us bring a deep sense of purpose and responsibility to our work. We carry with us the sacrifices and dreams of the generations that came before us, and that motivates us to create opportunities not only for ourselves, but for others as well. Our strength, perseverance, and commitment to community are some of the greatest gifts we bring to the workplace.
Q: Why is it important to have spaces that support Latinx staff?
Amanda: At a time when many members of the Latinx community are experiencing fear, uncertainty, and challenges, it’s more important than ever that we show up for one another. Spaces like our ERG remind people that they’re not alone. They provide opportunities to connect, find support, celebrate our culture, and build a strong sense of belonging.
I also think it’s important that we continue to show our colleagues and patients that we are proud of who we are. No matter what is happening around us, we will continue to celebrate our culture, share our stories, and honor the contributions of our community. Creating spaces that support Latinx staff is about ensuring that people feel seen, valued, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work.
At the end of the day, our message is simple: Aquí estamos. We are here, we belong, and we have so much to contribute. We’re just getting started!
If you are looking for a workplace where community, authenticity, and belonging are celebrated, be sure to check out PPPSW’s Career Opportunities to learn more.