Connecting with Laurie Barbosa for Hispanic Heritage Month

Tell us about yourself:

I am Mexican and Costa Rican, born in Arlington, WA. I moved to Southern California at the age of four and grew up mostly in a diverse barrio in National City. My family later moved to Chula Vista, CA, before relocating to Marysville, WA, in the early 90s. That move was a was a bit of a culture shock, as there weren’t many Hispanics in the community at that time.

What do you do for the city?

I am the Engineering Coordinator in our Public Works department. I work alongside our Engineering and Development Services staff to provide administrative and coordination support to capital improvement and development services projects.

What are your favorite traditions from your culture?

I loved Christmas time in Mexico because it was based more on spending time with family and celebrating the posadas, rather than the commercialized version we see in the U.S. The posadas are nine days of religious celebration, from Dec. 16-24, telling the story of Mary and Joseph’s search for an inn on the night of Jesus’ birth. It involves prayer, procession, food and a pi?ata, and a different house is used each night.

Do you have a role model from your culture who inspired you?

My paternal grandfather in Mexico had a huge impact on me growing up. He was a brilliant man with a successful agriculture business back in his day. He would take great care of his farmworkers. During harvest season, we would prepare the workers’ meals and serve them. My grandfather would say it was our way of showing our appreciation to others. He also stressed the importance of obtaining an education and having a career because life has so many turns, and I had to be prepared and able to care for myself and my family. It is wisdom that I have passed onto my own daughter.

What advice would you give to others who want to learn more about and celebrate Hispanic culture and heritage?

Any willingness to learn and understand another culture is appreciated by that culture. We are all sharing this space, and can benefit and grow from learning about one another. The best way to learn is to immerse oneself by attending cultural events or simply asking someone to share their culture with you. When you acknowledge and recognize another culture and their contributions to the community, it creates a sense of belongingness. I love that the City of Marysville is embracing Hispanic Heritage Month and appreciate Mayor Jon Nehring’s Proclamation for Hispanic Heritage Month. It means a lot to our Hispanic/Latino/x community to have that acknowledgment.

What advice do you have for a future Hispanic/Latino/x professional when it comes to working for city government?

Depending on the size of the municipality and its diverseness, this person could potentially be the first or only Hispanic/Latino/x employee in that department. I was the first Latina at the Marysville Municipal Courthouse back in 2005. Although it's difficult to not share a cultural connection with fellow employees, you do have the opportunity to build that foundation- whether it's for future employees or even community members. You come with a cultural competency/empathy that can help community members of the same heritage have a better experience and connection with your city government.

Also, always look for networking and mentorship opportunities (whether as the mentor or mentee) from other Hispanic/Latino/x professionals in and outside your organization. I participated in our city’s mentoring program for staff, and Parks Director Tara Mizell was an amazing mentor; she had lots of wisdom to share and I appreciate the guidance and support she provided me in the program. Being under her mentorship boosted my confidence and leadership skills in the workplace.