September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month. It is a time to honor and recognize the diverse cultures and many contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans. During this month, CAHSI members celebrate the history, heritage, and accomplishments of Hispanic and Latino Americans.
Join the conversation on social media by sharing your own inspiration and learning more about Hispanic and Latino heritage by using #HispanicHeritageMonth and #FindYourPark / #EncuentraTuParque.
Unidos
Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation
This year’s theme invites us to celebrate Hispanic Heritage and to reflect on how great our tomorrow can be if we hold onto our resilience and hope. It encourages us to reflect on all of the contributions Hispanics have made in the past and will continue to make in the future. It is also a reminder that we are stronger together.
CAHSI Reflections
I believe one of the best qualities of Hispanics is that we never give up. We set our minds on a goal and don’t stop until we achieve it.
Perseverance and my Hispanic roots are what keeps me going and what keeps me working towards my aspirations in computing. In addition, my mom tells me she’s waiting for my diploma so she can hang it on the wall next to my high school degree!
During the pandemic, I felt inspired by organizations like CAHSI. I am extremely thankful for all the opportunities CAHSI provided for Hispanic students during this pandemic. I am also extremely glad I learned about TechTogether as now I get to organize one of their new hackathon chapters in my city, Miami.
Who or what motivates you?
I have learned from my parents, especially my mom. I’ve seen them struggle to get what they’ve wanted and never quit until they got it. They came from nothing and are accomplished professionals in their respective fields. I aspire to be like them. They have given me more than they ever had growing up and I want to be able to give back to them in the future and the way to do that is by reaching new heights of success.
What keeps you going in terms of achieving your aspirations in computing?
In terms of computing, I think that the hardships I go through today are the stepping stones to a bright future. I also have a lot of friends who have realized success, and they inspire me to be better and more committed every day.
Who or what inspired you during the pandemic?
Since I went back home during the pandemic, I saw my mom’s struggles on a daily basis and it inspired me to be on the right path. If she is still doing all that she needs to do — her work, moving apartments, taking care of her dad, and still be the best mom ever — the least I could do was focus on my classes.
University of Puerto Rico at Arecibo
Who or what inspired you during the pandemic?
What gives me hope about the future and the students with whom I work with is their resilience.
It does not matter that their lives may change in a second due to a natural disaster like a hurricane or earthquake, resulting in the loss of their home. Or, it doesn’t matter that many did not have internet service to connect online during the pandemic. My students fight every day to be better human beings, better professionals, and to also honor Puerto Rico and the United States.
- National Park Service: Ten ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in national parks
- Patent and Trademark Office: Hispanic Heritage and Inventions
- Smithsonian Institution: Heritage and History Month Events
- Smithsonian Institution: Top 8 Reasons Why and How We Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
- Smithsonian Latino Center: Hispanic Heritage Month Resources
- U.S. Department of Labor: Celebrating the Rise of Hispanic Women Workers
- U.S. Department of Labor: 5 Hispanic Leaders Who Changed Labor History
Creating a Culture of Hispanic Servingness
CAHSI Researcher, Dr. Anne-Marie Nuñez,
Executive Director, UTPE’s Diana Natalicio Institute for Hispanic Student Success
- To get some historical perspectives from Latinas in the computing field, click here.
- The Great Minds in STEM Conference recognizes Hispanics who have made significant achievements in STEM. Congratulations to the two CAHSI members awarded the 2021 HENAAC Award for Education.
- Patricia Ordonez Franco, Ph.D., University of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras
- Christian Servin, Ph.D., El Paso Community College
- Past HENAAC award winners from the CAHSI familia are:
- Patty Lopez, BOA member
- Nayda Santiago, Southeast Regional Lead
- Ann Q. Gates, Director
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant HRD-1834620 and No. 1551221. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.