What Hispanic Heritage Month Means To Us

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of the Latinx community. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing fight for equity and celebrate the vibrant diversity that strengthens our society.

We asked a few E4E team members to share with us what Hispanic Heritage Month means to them. Here’s what they had to say:

Vanessa Kranwinkel
Development Manager, E4E-National
To me, Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor my roots and celebrate the culture that shaped who I am. It’s a moment to reflect on the richness of our cultures and traditions that have been passed down through generations. It’s a time to honor the struggles and achievements of those who came before me and paved the way for future generations.

This month reminds me of the importance of connecting with my community and sharing our story. After all, the Latinx community is so complex and beautiful–it’s truly a joy to share it with others!

Marielys Divanne
Executive Director, E4E-New York
Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come and to continue pushing for greater representation. It’s a time to feel connected to something larger than myself, to my roots, and to the vibrant community that continues to shape and inspire me.

Hispanic Heritage to me, as a Latina, means celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and histories that make up our community. It’s about honoring the struggles and triumphs of our ancestors who fought for recognition and rights in a world that often overlooked us and too often still does. It’s a reminder of the beauty in our language, music, food, and family values, which have been passed down through generations.

It also means embracing my identity with pride and confidence, knowing that being Latina is an essential part of who I am. It’s about acknowledging the diversity within our community—from different countries, dialects, and customs—and celebrating our shared resilience and contributions to society.

Navin Solorzano O’Brien
Organizer, E4E-Minnesota
Hispanic Heritage Month resonates deeply for me because it coincides with Guatemala’s Independence Day on September 15. This day not only marks Guatemala’s freedom from Spain but also Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, and Costa Rica followed by Mexico, Chile, and Belize. Hispanic Heritage Month, though not really celebrated in Latin America, offers an opportunity to reflect on the rich cultural contributions and shared history of Hispanic and Latino communities in the U.S. It’s a chance to celebrate the resilience and achievements of our people, while also fostering a greater understanding of the cultural connections that unite us. Celebrating this month allows us to honor our history, reflect on our struggles and achievements, and recognize the importance of unity among diverse Hispanic communities.