Celebrating Hispanic Heritage

By the DISA Hispanic Employee Resource Group

Conectemos con nuestra herencia y comunidad hispana. - Let’s connect with our Hispanic heritage and community.

Each year, from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the achievements, histories, traditions and cultural diversity of Hispanic, Latino and Latinx Americans whose heritage is rooted in 20 Latin American countries and territories.

In honor of the observance, DISA’s Hispanic Employee Resource Group is hosting activities throughout the month to share in the customs and heritage of Hispanic ancestors with the workforce.

This year’s theme, Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation, comes from the concept of deriving strength from unity which has long been upheld by DISA and the United States Department of Defense . Roughly translated, “unidos” means united, connected or close, and reinforces the need to ensure diverse voices and perspectives are welcome in decision-making processes, thereby helping to build stronger communities and a stronger nation.

The theme also calls for people to be more open-minded in their definitions of Hispanic, Latinx, Latino, Latina, Latin American, Hispano Americano, Puerto Rican, Mexican American and Chicano people when referring to a large group or audience.

“Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to reminisce on our great traditions and family related experiences and share them with our colleagues,” said Gilda Jimenez, DISA Hispanic Employee Resource Group chair. “As a DOD civilian, I have seen the many ways in which we perceive ourselves as individuals, but the one common denominator is how we all have the same love for our Hispanic culture, language and families.”

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