Curiosity for Hispanic Heritage

“Growing up in El Paso, Texas, I was the only person in my immediate family who was born in the United States,” says Haydee Needham , our Human Resources Senior People Business Partner. “My mother and brother were born in Panama, and my father is from Mexico. This makes me a first-generation Latin American.”

As a kid growing up near the Texas-Mexico border, Haydee was surrounded by family and loved spending time with her nearby grandparents, who, along with her parents, taught her learn Spanish at an early age. She has always felt proud of her Latina heritage and thanks her family for keeping their traditions alive.

“I had a broad perspective early on. I knew my experience was different from my family who lived in Panama and Mexico,” says Haydee. “Growing up in the U.S. in a border city near a large Army base , I experienced many cultures simultaneously. My parents were always open about their upbringings, sharing their heritage with me from an early age, which I’m extremely thankful for.”

Haydee is especially proud of her father, who immigrated from Mexico at just 12 years old. He was challenged with acclimating to a new country, a new language, and whole new way of life, all of which can feel daunting for an adult, let alone a child.

“It was very hard for him. I admire his perseverance so much. He learned English, worked his way through school, and began thriving in America.”?

Driven by the positive example set by her parents, Haydee went on to graduate college, majoring in psychology and English and eventually ending up in Human Resources, which unfolded in a nontraditional way and encouraged by a touch of “luck”, according to Haydee.

As of this year, she has been in the human resources field for more than 20 years with her first 10 years spent in HR generalist positions, working at various companies across multiple industries, including positions at Pier1 and Lockheed Martin. Now, Haydee works in HR leadership roles here at RS.

“Throughout it all, I have never lost sight of family’s history,” says Haydee. “Having my Hispanic/Latin, and American heritage has made me more open-minded and has greatly benefited me in my career. My broad perspective keeps me curious about the world and has helped me adapt to anything that comes my way.”

Today, Haydee’s family continues to share their culture and heritage through their love of storytelling, especially when it comes to honoring and remembering her brother, who passed away seven years ago. With sons of her own, she can now pass down her own knowledge and experience, as well as how her brother, parents, and grandparents helped shape her into the woman she is today.

“I am actively passing down my heritage to my children through holidays, food, traveling, and the Spanish language,” says Haydee. “We teach them to value family — and not just the family you’re born into. But the family you create.”

The most important lesson Haydee has learned and wants the world to know: It’s important to have an open mind. This means staying curious and positive and meeting people exactly where they are.

“There is only experience — ?the human experience. There are so many variations and colors to this,” says Haydee. “I encourage people to stay open and sensitive to the vast tapestry that is our world. Instead of looking for the negative, focus on the positive and assume the best in people, which is still one of the most important things my family has taught me over the years.”