ZSers share what Hispanic Heritage Month means to them

At ZS, we celebrate the many ways each of us is different. By fostering a diverse and inclusive culture, we aim to empower everyone to bring their unique perspectives to work. Our Hispanic Heritage Month celebration is just one way we live our values—and treat people right, get it right and do the right thing.

For Hispanic Heritage Month, ZS’s Black and Hispanic Alliance (BHA) group is hosting a series of virtual events, including a Día de los Muertos tour, movie discussions, intro to Latin rhythm sessions and much more. Each event is hosted across ZS’s 10 US offices to bring to life the BHA’s vision of enhancing diversity by respectfully challenging thought, encouraging participation and inspiring action. 

This month and onward, ZSers will reflect on the rich culture and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities in the United States as we create a more inclusive and diverse workspace for all. Read on to hear what Hispanic Heritage Month means to ZSers.

We have planned a variety of events for the Chicago office that celebrate food, culture and art for this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month. From an in-office viewing of Coco to learning how to make Chicken Tinga and homemade chips and guac, we want to provide opportunities for all ZSers to learn and enjoy the vibrant culture and contributions of the Hispanic and Latinx communities.

To me, as an ally, this month is an opportunity to learn about, celebrate and recognize the presence and influence of Latinx and Hispanic culture in our lives, our communities and in the larger U.S. society.

Being a member of BHA has been wonderful because it allows me to be involved in planning events like this. We’re able to engage local Hispanic and Latinx-owned businesses for our events, elevate restaurants and educational opportunities for our colleagues and hopefully make learning about different cultures fun and interesting along the way.

In Philadelphia, we’re hosting a listening party where colleagues can enjoy music from all countries from Latin America—from Mexico all the way to Argentina.  We’re also offering a presentation about 10 Women Latin American Poets, which is co-sponsored with ZS’s Women's Leadership Initiative (WLI). And we’re encouraging ZSers to participate in other activities around Philadelphia like the la Feria del Barrio, Mexican Independence Day celebrations and the Puerto Rican Day parade.

I was born and raised in Colombia (South America) until I came to the U.S. to pursue graduate studies. To me, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor all the wonderful things related to South America: the language, literature, visual arts, music, dance, food, traditions, history, etc. As a naturalized U.S. citizen, I also enjoy knowing that as a country, we appreciate the roots and the diversity that is very evident in our daily lives. Emigrating to a new country is a huge decision—you’re leaving behind family, friends, and all the familiar things—but it becomes slightly easier when you are in an environment that is welcoming and open to diversity. That is true of a country, a neighborhood and a company like ZS.

Being a part of the Black and Hispanic Alliance is one of the things I enjoy the most at ZS.  It gives me the chance to connect with colleagues at a different level, to explore topics and concerns that are unique to African Americans, Hispanics and the Latinx community, and to contribute to a diverse and open work environment. In previous roles at other companies, I have always connected with colleagues from Latin America to celebrate all the things that we have in common and to learn new ones. At ZS, I find it especially enriching that together, as Black, Hispanic and Latinx colleagues, we are sharing perspectives, dreams and a commitment to creating a more open, fair and diverse community.

BHA chapters across our ZS offices are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in unique and creative ways. In San Diego, we are partnering with the Los Angeles office to host a virtual paint party and trivia night focused on Hispanic artists. Participants will receive a shipment of paints and supplies, and while they paint, an instructor will guide the event, share trivia on Hispanic artists and play appropriate music for everyone to enjoy.

It’s a celebration of the past, the present and the future of the Hispanic and Latinx culture and people. When I think of the past, I’m reflecting on the respect and honor of the culture—specifically my grandparents and my parents and the lessons they instilled in our families while raising us in Southern Colorado. The present is the community we’re building across the BHA and among our Latinx members at ZS and in our local communities. Just consider the resilience and partnerships we’re building for our communities during activities like ZS Cares Day. And the future is the hope in what we’re building—for our people, for the BHA, and for ZS as a firm.

Being a member of the BHA reinforces the value of our interdependence at ZS. Each of us understands the impact our communities have had on us. Despite our busy schedules and demands, we find the time to dedicate energy to the BHA as we strive to make an impact for our clients. The BHA gives us the opportunity to give back to the communities that have given us so much.

We thank our BHA members for their continued efforts to enhance ZS’s culture through initiatives and events like these. To learn more about the Black and Hispanic Alliance group, click here. You can also read more about the national celebration and history of Hispanic Heritage Month here.

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