Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15th to October 15th. The celebratory month is a way to appreciate the Hispanic culture and traditions of those who trace their roots back to Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America, the Caribbean, Spain, and Mexico. For Hispanic Heritage Month this year, Gilbane’s employee resource group, HOL@, is harnessing the strengths of its Hispanic community to promote cultural richness while offering different resources and opportunities for collaboration.
Did you know?
Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month dates back to the 1960s when the administration at the time celebrated Hispanic Heritage Week. The week went on to become a month-long observance in the late 1980s as a way to appreciate and recognize the contributions Hispanic Americans have made to society. The day of September 15th is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries. Other countries were subsequently added to the list since they celebrated independence days throughout the month, so the celebratory week became a month-long event.
Hispanics Organizing Leaders @ Gilbane (HOL@)
Gilbane’s Hispanic employee resource group, HOL@, aims to promote Hispanic culture and inclusion throughout the organization. Our mission is to be a visible and trusted resource within Gilbane, providing learning opportunities to develop employees professionally and culturally. We are dedicated to building a supportive and uplifting environment where people can feel valued, heard, and supported.
Hispanic Heritage Month at Gilbane
Throughout the month we will be celebrating our most valued asset, our people. Employee spotlights are being featured on Gilbane’s intranet for everyone to learn more about their fellow colleagues – each spotlight falling within the themes of identity, professional, cultural, and fun. Virtual Spanish classes will also be offered each Thursday during Hispanic Heritage Month. The lessons will focus on common phrases/expressions to help beginners have a basic understanding of the Spanish language. Additionally, HOL@ is thrilled to launch two important programs during Hispanic Heritage Month this year – a professional development series called ‘Se Puede’ and a mentorship program for its members.
The quarterly professional development series, ‘Se Puede’, will focus on developing community of knowledge, shared practices, and an enhanced appreciation for cultural diversity. The first session, being offered both virtually and in person, will focus on the importance of self-advocacy skills. Discussions of self-advocacy being a challenge for the Hispanic community was prevalent during HOL@’s inaugural leadership summit earlier this summer, prompting the topic to be the kickoff of the series. Keeping within the same theme of building confidence within our community, the HOL@ mentorship program will provide members with a trusted mentor for guidance on challenges related to both professional and personal development. The program aims to build a community of connection, promoting personal growth and career development. Through these new programs, we are excited to continue driving Gilbane’s commitment to cultivating an environment in which everyone can come to work every day and be their authentic selves.
This Hispanic Heritage Month, we challenge you to open your mind to new experiences and different cultures. Talk to different people in your office or on your job site and learn one thing new about them. Participate in activities that celebrate different cultures, learn something new, and, most importantly, have fun!
