Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month With SNHU Staff

Each year, the United States observes Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 through October 15 to recognize the history and culture of Hispanic and Latinx Americans.

To celebrate, five members of Adelante — an employee resource group at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) created for Hispanic and Latinx members — spoke about 2024’s theme and shared what this month-long observation means to each of them.

Sara Santiago, an academic advisor for online graduate programs at SNHU and Adelante’s community officer, became involved with the group when it was first announced.

At its inception, Santiago said Adelante had about 30 members. “And now we're over 150,” she said. “It's really exciting, and I hope everyone at some point in their life has a chance to have that safe space.” 

What is the History of Hispanic Heritage Month? 

Hispanic Heritage Month begins half-way through September for a reason. According to the National Hispanic Heritage Month website hosted by The Library of Congress, September 15 is the anniversary of independence for a number of Latin American countries, including:

• Costa Rica
• El Salvador
• Guatemala
• Honduras
• Nicaragua

The website also noted September 16 is the anniversary of independence for Mexico, while September 18 marks independence for Chile.

Hispanic Heritage Week was first established under President Lyndon Johnson in 1968, according to the National Hispanic Heritage Month website. Twenty years later, in 1988, the observance was expanded to the full month that is celebrated today.

Xochitl Moya Valdivia, a finance counselor at SNHU and a member of Adelante, said independence is the first thing she personally thinks of when it comes to this month. “And that's what it means to me,” she said. “The triumph of becoming independent.”

What is the Theme for 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month?

According to their website, the National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers (NCHEPM) decides upon an annual theme to be observed by federal agencies throughout each Hispanic Heritage Month. For 2024, the selected theme is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together” (NCHEPM PDF source).

This year’s national theme was submitted by Yvete Delgado, a senior diversity and inclusion specialist in the Office of Minority and Women at the Federal Housing Finance Agency, NCHEPM noted. “The theme recognizes all the Hispanics/Latinos who have been trailblazers and game changers; paving the way for future generations,” Delgado said.

What Makes a Pioneer of Change? 

Kelly Coutts, an Adelante member, transfer credit evaluation specialist and adjunct instructor at SNHU, said being a pioneer of change means inspiring others to embrace new ideas and approaches.

“It involves taking initiative, being innovative, and having the courage to drive meaningful progress in any environment — whether at work, in the community, or in personal life,” Coutts said.

Paola Rivera Villafañe, an international admission counselor on campus at SNHU and an Adelante member who serves on two subcommittees within the group, agreed with this definition. “Being a pioneer of change means always doing the right thing, even if it is the hard thing,” said Rivera Villafañe.

She noted that she strives to be a pioneer of change within her role at SNHU whenever possible. “I try to advocate for my students whenever I can to help relieve barriers out of their control,” she said. “A small act of kindness can have a ripple effect, and you may not even notice it right away.”

Hispanic and Latinx Trailblazers 

Rivera Villafañe described her parents as pioneers of change for moving to a new country to provide a better life and more opportunities for her family. “They did this in different ways, but they were both extremely hard workers in a country that is not always welcoming of people who do not speak their language or look like them,” she said. “I don’t know if they have ever realized that, but I hope they read this so that they can know they truly have made a world of difference in our lives. Los amo mami y papi.”

Santiago named her own father as a pioneer of change, as well. As the first person in her family to attend college, his actions set an example for Santiago and her siblings.

“He started a business and he had a family,” Santiago said. “And he actually started a whole new career trajectory in his mid-fifties after being a non-traditional learner and going to an MBA program.”

For Moya Valdivia, one political leader stands out as a pioneer of change for her community.  “A person who inspired me is the president of Mexico right now because I think that he has brought a lot of unity,” she said of Andrés Manuel López Obrador. “He has united all of us who are away from Mexico to become one, something that we did not have before.” 

Dr. Enrique Barreiro, an associate dean of business programs at SNHU and also an Adelante member, named Dolores Huerta as a pioneer of change who has inspired him.

“As a civil rights activist and labor leader, she co-founded the United Farm Workers alongside César Chávez and has spent her life advocating for the rights of farmworkers, immigrants and women,” Barreiro said. “Her dedication to social justice and her tireless fight for equality have shown me the power of standing up for what’s right and the difference one person can make in the community.”

Coutts chose Columbian pioneer of change, Gabriel García Márquez, author of the novel “One Hundred Years of Solitude.”

“This Nobel Prize-winning book sheds light on the political, social, and cultural realities of Latin America,” Coutts said. “I especially love how he wasn't afraid to confront difficult subjects and advocate for social justice, human rights and the preservation of cultural identity.”

Why is Hispanic Heritage Month Important?

Barreiro described Hispanic Heritage Month as a time of great pride and reflection, as well as a time to celebrate the culture and contributions Hispanic and Latinx people have made to society.

“It’s also a reminder of the resilience and unity that flows through our communities, despite the challenges we’ve faced,” he said. “Personally, it’s a chance to honor my ancestors, share our stories, and embrace the beauty of our identity, knowing that our culture enriches not only our own lives but the broader world as well.”

Santiago said annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations help connect her to her culture.

“My dad is from Puerto Rico,” Santiago said. “And to me, Hispanic Heritage Month means an opportunity to embrace a side of myself that I don't always get a chance to acknowledge or celebrate or recognize, especially coming from a very white area growing up.” 

Although Moya Valdivia lives near the Mexican border and feels very connected to her family's origins in Mexico, she emphasized the importance of honoring traditions and passing them down during Hispanic Heritage Month.

"Sometimes the first generation remembers how Grandma made chocolate in Mexico, maybe not the second generation or the third generation," she said.

For Coutts, this month offers the opportunity to celebrate her Colombian heritage. “Being Colombian and living in the US, it’s a chance for me to connect with my roots, share the beauty of my culture, the resilience of its people, the contributions we've made to the country and reflect on the journey that brought me here,” Coutts said.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Year-Round 

There may be certain events in your area to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, but you don’t need to stop after October 15. You can celebrate Hispanic and Latinx history and culture throughout the rest of the year as well.

“I think a great way to celebrate Hispanic heritage is to eat at local restaurants that serve traditional foods and listen to our music,” Rivera Villafañe said.

She especially enjoys listening to traditional Spanish music like salsa, bachata and merengue, herself. “Of course there is reggaeton and my favorite, Bad Bunny, on my playlist as well,” said Rivera Villafañe.

Barreiro seconded Rivera Villafañe's suggestion to appreciate Hispanic and Latinx food and art in your area.

“Additionally, engage in conversations about the history, challenges and contributions of the Hispanic and Latinx communities,” he said.

He also noted the importance of educating yourself and others while advocating for inclusivity and equality in your everyday life. “By doing so, we keep the celebration and appreciation alive throughout the year,” Barreiro said.

Mars Girolimon '21 '23G is a staff writer at Southern New Hampshire University where they earned their bachelor's and master's, both in English and creative writing. In addition to their work in higher education, Girolimon's short fiction is published in the North American Review, So It Goes by The Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library, X-R-A-Y and more. They're currently writing their debut novel, which was Longlisted for The First Pages Prize. Connect with them on LinkedIn.