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 sat down with Ana Perez Quiles, Public Relations Manager, to learn about her story and what this month means to her.
Ana, can you give us some background on your family heritage?
I was born in El Salvador, the smallest country in Central America. Both of my parents are from El Salvador, and our family heritage includes ancestral ties to Spain. We moved to the US when I was five years old, and I had to quickly learn English and adapt to a new culture.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
To me, Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration of pride in our roots and an opportunity to explore the diverse traditions from neighboring countries. The beauty of Hispanic culture is found in our shared Spanish language, complemented by unique dialects and styles of speaking. I recently found that, according to a report by Cervantes Institute, there are 496 million native Spanish speakers worldwide, along with nearly 100 million non-native speakers. This positions Spanish as one of the most popular languages globally, spoken in 21 countries across four continents.
HHM is a time to remember and reconnect with some of our roots and traditions, whether it be listening to Spanish music, dancing to cumbias/salsa/bachata or merengue, trying new foods, or wearing traditional clothing. It’s also an opportunity to learn about each other’s customs and celebrate our vibrant culture and traditions.
How has your culture shaped who you are today?
My culture has profoundly shaped who I am today, instilling in me a sense of motivation, gratitude, and humility. I was born during a time of war in El Salvador, and for decades the country was ruled by violence, gangs and crime. Having the opportunity to grow up in America was extraordinary and kept me focused on school and in life. I became the first in my family to attend college and pursue the ‘American dream,’ which has been an immense honor and struggle. My culture and upbringing constantly serve as a reminder to work hard and to always remember our humble beginnings.
How do you honor your heritage and culture inside and outside of work?
I honor my heritage at work and in my community by fostering an inclusive culture and always offering a hand to others who have faced similar challenges. I co-founded a Latino Alumni Network at my college to support other first-generation graduates with networking and career opportunities. Additionally, I speak both English and Spanish fluently and immerse my family in our traditions, whether they like it or not (LOL).
What advice would you give to young Hispanic professionals?
There’s always a place for you and an opportunity to leave your mark. Don’t be afraid, embrace your uniqueness, “y sigue Adelante”!