We're Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at the 4A's by Shining the Spotlight on Some of Our Amazing Teammates

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are proud to recognize and appreciate our outstanding Hispanic teammates and their contributions to the success of the 4A's. A deep sense of cultural pride, appreciation and gratitude for the determined and perseverant predecessors who paved the way for them and values that resonate with those of the 4A's are some of the threads tying these uniquely talented individuals together. We are so proud to call them our colleagues and celebrate each one of them.

Stephany Duran | Senior Associate, Strategic Partnerships

One thing about my heritage I am most proud of - Cultural richness; every country is different and beautiful at the same time.

My inspiration or role model - My parents–they have shown me the power of resilience, confidence and gratitude.

Favorite part about working at the 4A's - The people; their knowledge, passion, and kindness make it truly awesome.

Meet the 4A's team

Raquel Luna | Partnership Coordinator

The story behind my name - I was named after a telenovela villain. My older sister chose it and thought it would be funny.

Something others may not know about me - My family in Mexico speaks Nahuatl because we have native Nahua ancestry.

One change I hope to see in the advertising industry - I want to see minority representation grow. Shout out to the MAIP team for giving me that chance!

Learn more about 4A's MAIP

Stacey Abreu | VP, Partnerships and Growth (former 4A's employee)

One thing about my heritage I am most proud of - My grandmother's perseverance to come to this country and pave the way for her husband and five kids to follow. She did not have much of an education but was a home and small business owner within 15 years of being in the United States.?

Inspiration or role model - My grandmother, she was powered by what she could do, not what she was told to do!??

One change I hope to see in the advertising industry - Purpose-driven work, where the people creating it can be reflected in it.?

Something others don't know about me - I can be strong-willed & assertive when I have to be (ha!). As one of eight kids, I would have never broken through otherwise.?

Story behind my name - My first name means steadfast & resurrection (it is not a Hispanic name though) and my last name, many people believe it is tied to Abraham (known for his faith) in the bible so I like to think the two together mean a I am a firm believer in everlasting life and because of this, I wear the Tree of Life around my neck.

Helen Siguenza, SHRM-CP | Director, Human Resources

One thing about my heritage I am most proud of - I take immense pride in the faith, resilience, vibrant culture, food, and unifying family spirit my Hispanic heritage instilled. I am the only thing I can control in life, and I embrace my identity as the beacon to leave my footprint in every step I take in my life.?

Favorite part about working at the 4A's -

I cherish how the 4A’s values of Passion, Agility, Curiosity, and Collaboration resonate with my personal and professional goals. The 4A's celebrates diversity and empowers its team members to use our differences as a competitive advantage to deliver excellence.

Learn more about the values-driven 4A's mission.

Something others may not know about me - Many might now know that my roots trace back to a gem of a place, scarcely marked on most maps: El Salvador (el pulgarcito de America). I immigrated to the States 14 years ago and am proud to be the first Latina to lead the HR department in the 4A's. This gives me a unique opportunity to positively impact the world around me and integrate my heritage to break the paradigm of an obsolete HR function and transform it into inspiration to reinvent the department that manages the most important asset of any company: its people!

Juan Suarez | EVP, MED Holding Companies & Growth

One thing about my heritage I am most proud of - Our music. Love the versatility and intensity of Cuban and Puerto Rican music. How it transcends barriers and brings together so many people from other cultures. Our music travels the world.

Inspiration or role model - Mi mamá.? Cuban refugee in the 60s.?Made herself. Fierce business leader. Relentless advocate for family.?Amazing mother.

Favorite part about working at the 4A's

I love our CEO Forums program and getting a chance to work with some of the most talented leaders at agencies.? Advertising leaders have an unparalleled ability to pivot and reinvent themselves.? I'm always impressed by that.

Helen Miranda | Manager, BI&I, Agency Search Liaison

One thing about my heritage I am most proud of - As a whole I am proud of the resilience and warmth of the Salvadoran people. What I am proud of with regards to my own family is our faith and how my family has progressed throughout the generations.??

Inspiration or role model - My parents and my sister. They have shown me what true love, faith, strength, commitment, and compassion are. My parents came to a country where they had no family, the first ones to leave El Salvador, and worked hard to give their two daughters a good home and a good education. They then showed compassion to other family members and friends who needed a place to stay or a helping hand when they immigrated to this country. My sister, although younger than me, is also my role model and has shown me the strength of a woman.?

Favorite part about working at the 4A's - I enjoy helping our members!

Learn more about the growing number of ways 4A's can help members.

One change I hope to see in the advertising industry - Although we as Hispanics have many things in common we are at the same time unique and it would be nice to see that in advertising. As in any other profession, representation matters.?

Something others don't know about me - I have been singing since I was about 8 and also played the violin for about 12 years. I have sung for Cardinals, bishops, and even received a grant while studying at St. John's University for singing.?

The meaning behind my name - Miranda comes from the word "mirar" meaning to see, to admire.

Sussana L. | MAIP Senior Associate

One thing about my heritage I am most proud of - To be Mexican American! I am even prouder of being the daughter of an incredible immigrant father.?

Inspiration or role model?- Frida Kahlo’s art and life story continue to inspire me with her powerful representation of identity and resilience.?

Favorite part about working at the 4A's?

As a MAIP Alum, I am grateful to give back to the program that has touched and changed so many lives.?

One change I hope to see in the advertising industry - I hope to continue to see BIPOC representation and inclusivity pave the way for future generations.?

Something others may not know about me - While I may seem introverted or reserved, I like to consider myself a kind-hearted person who is extremely personable and can mesh well with all kinds of people.?

The story behind my name - The Spanish surname Lara is derived from Lara de los Infantes, in the Burgos province of Spain. It means Protection.