Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight: Juan Garza

Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from September 15 to October 15, honors the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities in the United States. Here in Washington State, roughly15% of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino. This translates to roughly 1 million individuals. Here at OFM, we are lucky to have some of the unique perspectives and talents that our Hispanic employees bring to our workplace and communities and we're excited to highlight their voices to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. We're kicking off the series with an interview with our Organization Strategy and Performance Consultant, Juan Garza.

About Juan: Juan Garza is an Organization Strategy and Performance Consultant. He comes?from the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and last served as an Equity, Diversity, Access and Inclusion (EDAI) Administrator in the Office of the Secretary. In this capacity he fully immersed himself in his passion for equity and social just work, partnering with a wide range of divisions, leadership groups and teams in support of the agency’s mission, vision, values and legislative priorities. Prior to this, he was an employee with the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) for 8 years serving in multiple capacities and roles.

Juan has a background in teaching special education (middle, high school and elementary) and has a master’s in educational administration. Working with organizational frameworks and continuous improvement best practices to advance fairness and justice has been a passion of his throughout his professional career.?

What are some ways you enjoy connecting with and celebrating your Hispanic/Latine heritage?

FOOD!?LOL-Food is definitely the number one road to my happiness and still the best way I know how to celebrate my Latine heritage.?While growing up, my favorite Mexican cuisines included mole, sopa de conchitas, caldo de rez, barbacoa, arroz con pollo (not culturally rooted in Mexico, but still a household fave) and for dessert-gorditas de azucar and various forms of pan dulce. It wasn’t until my adult years when I realized the veil of assimilation from the previous generation kept me from some of my favorite ways I like to celebrate, one being my all-time favorite holiday Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead).

Are there any pieces of media representing Hispanic/Latine heritage that resonate with you/are meaningful and important to you? If yes, what? If not, what kind of media representation would you like to see?

Honestly the full spectrum.?I think I’ve always been drawn to Latine representation in films and TV series; especially when I was younger. This probably had a lot to do with my youthful Hollywood aspirations and wanting to “see” if it was even possible for someone like me to make it in such an industry, and why not??Latine folks are 20% of the American population, over 70 million in total and the second oldest ethnic group in America (after indigenous Native American peoples). Now I find myself more interested in the authenticity of realistic stories told by Latine authors, not just in historical nonfiction writings, but in sociocultural pieces that also elevate intersectionality between Latine and 2SLGBTQIA+ identities and experiences.

How has your Hispanic/Latine heritage influenced your values and how you identify, personally and/or professionally?

It’s made me so proud. . . and honestly way too late in life.?I grew up in a small town, where Latine, Filipino, and Native American were the dominant demographics.?This included listening to the advice of white teachers who told me I’d never make it in college and advising me instead to “stay close to home.” Luckily, I decided against said words of “wisdom” and it was in college where I discovered values like respect, honor, community (with other Latin minorities in a predominantly white institution), friendship and perseverance.?Values that have governed my decision making and success up until this very day.

Who is someone with Hispanic/Latine heritage that has inspired and positively impacted you? How/why?

This might sound silly, but lately I’ve grown quite fond of John Leguizamo.?His campaign to “de-stupify” folks on the truth of Latine culture and history-opening eyes to the truth about the real foundations of this country and the backs it was built off of-has been nothing short of inspiring (not to mention, comedic).?Beyond the celebrity selection, the real heroes and inspirations go to the everyday people.?My fellow Latine fam who serve in state government alongside me, and most especially my father, who after 65 years of working in the fields, still…at 76 years old…devotes his life to tilling good soil.?His hands continue to bring food to so many tables…still makes me smile.

What are your hopes for future generations celebrating Hispanic/Latine heritage?

That they continue to find new, innovative and creative ways of elevating culture-defining traditions, customs and celebrations. Leverage new ways of thinking and doing to draw more attention and create more spaces where people can see the color and wonder of who we are as a cultura and the richness it adds to the American tapestry.