In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from September 15 to October 15, Check Point honors the history, traditions, and cultural diversity of the Hispanic and Latino community.

We’re kicking off by spotlighting Bill Diaz, Vice President of Vertical Solutions Sales, his story, and what this month means to him.

Can you give us some background on your family heritage?

My family is from Cuba. Although I joke that I was conceived in Cuba, I was born in the US as a first-generation Cuban American. My parents left Cuba in 1967, and I was born in New Jersey in 1968. They arrived in this country with no money, no knowledge of English, and no contacts, hoping to build a new life for their unborn child. My mother comes from Sagua La Grande, Cuba, and grew up in Havana, while my father’s side is from Santa Clara. Both sets of great-grandparents emigrated from Spain to Cuba in the late 1800’s, primarily from the Santiago de Compostela and Galicia regions.

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?  

Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to reflect and be proud of who I am, where I came from, and highlight that to my children and future generations.

How has your culture shaped who you are today?

One of the biggest influences is my love for Cuban cuisine, which comes from my upbringing. Sundays were special days for family gatherings, filled with food and a game of dominos. These gatherings taught me to appreciate Cuban staples like shredded beef (Ropa Vieja), ground beef (Picadillo), chicken and rice (Arroz Con Pollo) and roast garlic pork (Puerco Asado).

Family is a central aspect of my culture. Growing up, I was surrounded by cousins, aunts, and uncles over the holidays, especially on Christmas Eve, or “Noche Buena.”

How do you honor your heritage and culture inside and outside of work?

I am proud to be bilingual and speak both English and Spanish fluently. In my role as Vice President of the Vertical organization, I run the LatAm market from a Channel Service Provider perspective. This allows me to travel frequently to Latin America and connect with customers, partners, and employees, all while bonding over our shared Latin roots.

I honor my culture through cherished Cuban traditions, especially during New Year’s celebrations. On New Year’s Eve, I eat 12 grapes at midnight – one for each month of the new year, symbolizing good luck and prosperity.

I also walk to my front driveway at midnight on January 1st and throw out a bucket of water, symbolizing “out with the old and in with the new.” This tradition, passed down from my parents, has been a part of my family and Cuban culture.

What advice would you give to young Hispanic professionals?

Be proud of your background, your heritage, and your accomplishments. If you’re fortunate enough to speak multiple languages, use that skill to advance your career and connect with diverse people.

If the opportunity presents itself to work in a global or international capacity, seize it. It will give you a well-rounded perspective on both life and business. I spent three years working in Brazil, and it allowed me to experience some incredible things.

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