Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: A journey of unity, contribution, and empowerment across borders

Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from September 15 to October 15, is a celebration that originated in the United States to honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The observation began as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 and was later expanded to a month in 1988. While this celebration is primarily recognized in the United States, the spirit of Hispanic Heritage Month resonates with anyone who values the rich cultural contributions of the Latinx community.

As we enter Hispanic Heritage Month, we reflect on the rich cultural tapestry that connects us all, from the bustling streets of New York to the vibrant markets of Mexico City and beyond. This month is a time for honoring the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx individuals across the globe.

At TP, we believe this month provides an opportunity for all of us to reflect on our shared heritage, regardless of where we call home. It is a time to celebrate the unique traditions, languages, and histories that bind us together. Our Latinx@TP Employee Resource Group (ERG) is dedicated to fostering a sense of community, amplifying voices, and supporting our members to thrive both personally and professionally—regardless of where they are in the world.

The Purpose of Our ERG: Building a stronger global community

Our Latinx ERG was founded on the principles of inclusivity, support, and empowerment. While our roots are in the United States, our mission transcends borders. We aim to create a welcoming space where every member, whether in the US, Latin America, or beyond, feels a sense of belonging. Our goal is to celebrate the diversity within our community, highlighting unique perspectives that enrich our company culture.

We are committed to providing resources, mentorship, and opportunities that help our Latinx employees succeed and grow, no matter where they are located. By embracing our shared heritage while acknowledging the unique experiences of those in different regions, we can create a more connected and supportive global community.

Over the past year, our ERG has achieved many milestones that reflect our dedication to our community on a global scale:

• We’ve organized cultural awareness events that brought colleagues together to appreciate and learn from the diverse Latinx traditions across various countries.
  
  
• Our Pa’ Lante mentorship program has connected rising stars within our company with seasoned professionals to guide and support them in their career journeys, creating a network that spans continents.
  
  
• We’ve looked for opportunities to improve the workstreams that our bilingual-speaking teams support.
  
  
• Our initiatives focused on fostering diversity and inclusion led to increased representation of Latinx individuals in leadership roles and the creation of pathways for continuous professional development.

Bridging Cultures: A global perspective

We recognize that Hispanic Heritage Month may not be widely celebrated in Latin America, where the focus on cultural identity is integrated into daily life rather than marked by a specific month. However, we see this as an opportunity to bridge cultures and create a dialogue that enriches our understanding of one another.

Our celebrations are designed not just to honor Hispanic and Latinx contributions in the United States but to create a space where we can all share, learn, and celebrate the diversity within our global company.

Looking Ahead: Continuing our global journey

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we are reminded of the importance of our work and the impact we can have across borders. Our ERG is committed to continuing our efforts to support, uplift, and empower our Latinx community within TP and beyond, fostering a spirit of unity and understanding that transcends geographic boundaries.

We invite all of our colleagues, whether in the United States, Latin America, or elsewhere, to join us in these celebrations, to share their stories, and to grow together. By doing so, we not only honor the legacy of those who came before us but also contribute to a future where everyone can thrive.

Thank you for being a part of our journey. ¡Vamos juntos hacia adelante, sin fronteras!