Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the achievements and contributions Hispanic Americans have made in the United States. It takes place from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. TDS asked our employees what this month means to them and how they plan to celebrate.
Randall Lopez
Randall Lopez, network specialist, St. George Utah
One thing you would like others to know about your heritage?
Like most people born to this country of another heritage, a lot is lost. It occurred to me though that traditional foods are a close link to our ancestral backgrounds. I can remember my grandmother making tortillas. The way she worked the dough and handled the roller, it was almost like a dance. Hot, fresh tortillas, I’m told, were my first words.
How do you celebrate your heritage during this month?
Chili, beans, tamales and so much more. The perfect way to celebrate my heritage.
If you could have lunch with one person of Hispanic heritage, who would you want to meet?
I’m a golfer so sitting with Lee Trevino or perhaps Chi Chi Rodriguez would be quite interesting as these gentlemen came onto a scene that I’m not quite sure was ready for them. I would prefer meeting Lee because he’s a talker and I wouldn’t have to worry about carrying the conversation.
Raul and wife wife, Jill
Raul Carozza, coordinator of Billing Data Management
One thing you would like others to know about your heritage?
I am 50% Chilean and 50% Italian with strong Latino roots inherited from my mother. I grew up in a multicultural household with strong family values where our mother kept the family together. I learned at a very young age to appreciate our differences, our cultures, and languages. We learned to celebrate our uniqueness that identifies us and the role we played in our community. When we moved back to Miami, from living in other countries such as Italy, Spain, Chile, and Argentina; my Hispanic roots became even more diverse. Miami is known for having one of the largest multicultural Latino populations in the United States. Through my experiences, I believe family, food, music, and dancing are a true sense of unity, which defines the diversity of the Latino culture.
How do you celebrate your heritage during this month?
The Chilean independent day is on Sept. 18th so my wife and I celebrate my Hispanic heritage by making Chilean Empanadas (ground beef cooked with chopped onions, garlics, condiments, white wine, side of hard boiled eggs, black olives, and raisins). The Chilean Empanadas are considered Chile’s perfect national dish to celebrate their independence day. The empanadas are delicious right out of the oven with a glass of red Chilean wine.
If you could have lunch with one person of Hispanic heritage, who would you want to meet?
I would invite Sonia Sotomayor to have lunch with me. I would make Arroz con Gandules (rice with beans) which is considered Puerto Rico’s national dish to honor her for all her great accomplishments as a judge on the United States Supreme Court. She is not only the first person of Hispanic Heritage to hold the highest judicial office in the United States, but also the first Hispanic woman to serve on the Supreme Court. I am so proud of her.
Pedro Pereira
Pedro Pereira, TDS intern
One thing you would like others to know about your heritage?
I was actually born and partly raised in Cuba, under the communist regime. My family and I immigrated to this country in 2004 as political refugees. The experiences I had there make me that much more thankful for all the great women and men that endured hardships, so that my generation could have a prosperous future.
How do you celebrate your heritage during this month?
During this month, I often enjoy going to festivals that showcase the diverse culture within the Hispanic community. This year things are a little different, but I am sure my family/friends and I will find a way to celebrate. I also take some extra time this month to reflect on the accomplishments and sacrifices of the community.
If you could have lunch with one person of Hispanic heritage, who would you want to meet?
This is a tough choice, but I would have to say Jorge Ramos. I have always admired how he is willing to sacrifice his personal well being to stand by what he believes in. He is a well-known philanthropist and advocate for the Hispanic community.
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