Follow Your Inspiración During Hispanic Heritage Month

Each year, we observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

At the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, members of our LatinX Employee Resource Group (ERG), including myself, came together to create content to share with our colleagues including a staff spotlight, recommendations for books, movies, tv shows, podcasts, music, local restaurants around the United States, and family recipes that we pulled together in a digital cookbook – all following a theme of inspiración.

According to the Harvard Business Review, “In a culture obsessed with measuring talent and ability, we often overlook the important role of inspiration. But as recent research shows, inspiration can be activated, captured, and manipulated, and it has a major effect on important life outcomes.” The article notes that finding inspiration at work can be the springboard for creativity, can facilitate progress toward goals, and increases well-being.

Similarly, finding inspiration in our personal lives can energize us and fill our days with joy and purpose. As Dolores Huerta, American labor leader and civil rights activist, said, “every moment is an organizing opportunity, every person a potential activist, every minute a chance to change the world.”

One topic that is always present in our conversations is food. Many of us find that food has had a significant impact on our personal lives and that we garner inspiration from meals shared with family. In Hispanic and Latin households, mealtimes bring together generations of family members, and provide an opportunity to connect to those who have passed, through familiar and comforting flavors. Whether it is your abuelita’s (grandmom’s) famous carne guisada recipe that has been passed down for decades, or that first bite of an authentic homemade arepa at your favorite local spot – this cuisine combines a mix of cultural backgrounds and blends indigenous culture with modern ingredients, creating a culinary experience rooted in tradition.

Similarly, music can play an important role in personal expression and identity. According to SiriusXM Media Insights, “Latin music ranks number 1 for all time spent listening on Pandora — with an average listening time of 11 hours every month.” With dozens of genres within Latin and Hispanic music, there is something for everyone to enjoy, and many opportunities to find songs that express the dynamic experience of Hispanic and Latin culture.

As you find ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and find inspiración in your own community, we encourage you to do the following:

• Consider how your work might inspire others. What positivity are you bringing forth in your community and how can that inspire the next generation?
• Reflect on how you find inspiration via your own heritage through meals, media, music, and more. How has this impacted who you are as a person, as a professional, and as a partner?
• Share what you learn with others – it has a domino effect!

Join the conversation and comment what brings you inspiración below!?