Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with BPM's Lorena Sanchez

Get ready for an engaging Q&A with BPM's Lorena Sanchez as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month! Discover Lorena's favorite aspects of the Hispanic and Latinx CRG, the cultural treasures that shape her daily life and valuable insights on how allies can support these communities and young Hispanic/Latinx professionals starting their careers.?

What has been your favorite part of the Hispanic and Latinx CRG (event, making friends, etc.)?

My favorite part has been chatting with other Hispanic and Latinx members and listening to guest speakers. Having so many similar experiences with others makes me feel seen and heard. Talking to other members is refreshing because I get to hear about different traditions and how we all still, for the most part, do things uniquely. Guest speakers motivate me to continue to empower the Hispanic and Latinx communities so we can have more success stories and uplift our people. Being a part of this CRG has been educational, informative and heartwarming.

What aspects of Hispanic & Latinx culture pop up in your day-to-day life?

Really, in everything! In food and music especially. My family and I enjoy discovering new Latino restaurants that put a modern spin on traditional dishes while preserving their authentic flavors. Music keeps us all connected regardless of age; I still listen to artists?my parents and grandparents love. Fun fact: I was 6 months pregnant with my son when I went to my first Maná concert (my parents'?and my favorite?Latino band). He heard?them?then, and again live at four years old when we went to the ‘La Onda’ Festival this year.

How can allies celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and continue to support these communities?

Celebrate by highlighting employees and organizations and publicly acknowledge those working to help Hispanic and Latinx communities. This is a great way to bring attention to resources. Support by giving Hispanic/Latinx individuals the safe space to be who they are, show and share their culture, giving them the confidence to speak up and provide different perspectives. Be willing to lend a helping hand, whether it’s in a volunteer opportunity or taking action on implementing change that benefits the Hispanic and Latinx communities.

What advice would you give young Hispanic/Latinx professionals who are just starting their careers and may face unique challenges?

Your mental health is KEY to success, so take very good care of it. This can be spending time outside, with your loved ones, or whatever centers you. Make mistakes and take them as learning experiences—don’t let them weigh you down. There is so much room for more Hispanic and Latinx leaders in the world, so carry your culture in your professional life with pride and respect and strive to be the best version of yourself.?