National Hispanic Heritage Month is recognized from September 15th to October 15th and across the state of California, PATH is celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of people whose ancestors came from Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Spain.
This year’s theme is Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation, focusing on the unity between our Latin American communities and their collective efforts to create a stronger nation, together. Throughout the month, we are excited to highlight the stories of our staff, representation by elected officials, and unique facts about our affordable housing sites that are inspired by Latin American culture.
To honor this month, we are elevating the voices and experiences of several of our PATH team members with their stories, traditions, celebrations, and reflections on what this month means to them and their community.
Every day, PATH staff continue to connect people to services, employment, benefits, and ultimately, housing. Each person’s experience of homelessness is as unique as they are and so are our team members. Get to know a few of our PATH staff that chose to share about their heritage, favorite cultural traditions, and how they show up for the people we serve. As we celebrate this month, let us elevate the unique voices of our staff and their dedication to ending homelessness.
What are you most proud of about your heritage, ethnic, and cultural background?
Colombia has an incredible diversity of people and a long artistic tradition.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you/your family/community and how are you honoring and celebrating this month?
It means a public recognition of the hard work Hispanics put in to contribute to America. I’ll probably attend an arts or music presentation.
How does your cultural and ethnic background guide how you show up for the people we serve at PATH?
Listening and asking what works for different people, and not assuming what their needs are. Colombia is very diverse and not a “one size fits all” kind of place.
What are you most proud of about your heritage, ethnic, and cultural background?
I am proud of the hard work and sacrifice that my culture has shown. Migrating to a new country with nothing but the clothes on their back makes me appreciate everything I have.
What are some cultural traditions that you observe that have meaning to you/your family/community?
Our music, our food, family time.
How does your cultural and ethnic background guide how you show up for the people we serve at PATH?
Being from a similar culture and ethnic background as the people we serve, helps them feel comfortable and not judged.
What are you most proud of about your heritage, ethnic, and cultural background?
I am most proud of the resilience embodied by my ethnicity despite adverse social, financial, and environmental barriers we experience in this country. Our cultural background brings people together by building strong personal relationships to help each other thrive. Most importantly, when we come together, we share responsibilities and hold each other accountable collectively.
What are some cultural traditions that you observe that have meaning to you/your family/community?
The Hispanic culture is big on tradition, we love to celebrate and bring people together. We understand the importance of building community and praising the fruition of others.
How does your cultural and ethnic background guide how you show up for the people we serve at PATH?
My cultural and ethnic background have helped me show up for the people we serve by understanding the importance of building trusting relationships. Many individuals have encountered multiple agencies trying to serve them however, have been let down by systemic loopholes creating more barriers for them. When working with clients, I try to celebrate their small wins in aim of holding them accountable and motivating them through their goals.
What are you most proud of about your heritage, ethnic, and cultural background? 
What I am most proud of about my heritage is how diverse and beautiful it is.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you/your family/community and how are you honoring and celebrating this month?
I am learning more recipes from my culture and my partner’s. I am half Peruvian and half Costa Rican and my boyfriend is Mexican. It is super important to us to make sure that our values and cultures get passed down to our kids some day. I do believe that food is a good start!
How does your cultural and ethnic background guide how you show up for the people we serve at PATH?
I know that one simple way is that I can communicate with clients. As a case manager I am able to communicate with clients and their family’s better because we are speaking the same language.
Can you tell us a little bit about this adorable photo?
Of course! This is my father, sister, and me. Soccer and being proud to be part Peruvian were taught to me at a very young age and I thought this is a good picture to depict that.
What are you most proud of about your heritage, ethnic, and cultural background?
I am most proud of the impact Hispanic immigrants have on America. The journeys of our ancestors and parents who left their homelands in search for a better future for our families. The legacy of our people continues as I am a first generation American. I am proud to have roots from Central America and advocate for immigrant rights for our people to have an opportunity for a better life. I am proud to have Mayan history as a foundation of where my people came from.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you/your family/community and how are you honoring and celebrating this month?
Everyday is Hispanic Heritage Month in our home, it’s our lifestyle. During this time , its our chance to share with others about our heritage and we do this by inviting people to eat yummy food with us!
How does your cultural and ethnic background guide how you show up for the people we serve at PATH?
My first language is Spanish and my second language is English. At PATH, I see how valuable my bilingual skills are when communicating with people and really being able to clearly get their message across. 
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you/your family/community and how are you honoring and celebrating this month?
I celebrate this month knowing that this month is honoring my friends, my family and my community I serve. I used to find Hispanic centered communities to celebrate with events but this year I plan on going to Placita Olvera to see the dancing, the music and the food associate with celebrating this month.
How does your cultural and ethnic background guide how you show up for the people we serve at PATH?
I work in SPA 4 – CD1 as an Outreach Case Worker where over 75% of the community is Hispanic / Latino. I love engaging folxs and giving them information over what I do and over who we are as an organization. Being of my cultural/ethnic background I find it easier to establish a connection with them.
