It’s Time to Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month!

September 15 to October 15 is annually celebrated as National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to recognize the contributions and influence of Hispanic and Latinx Americans. It’s an important reminder of how much strength our nation and organization draw from our Hispanic communities. We see it in every aspect of our national life: in our celebrations, on our television and movie screens, in the music that we dance to, and in the foods we enjoy.

At Republic Services, we honor the hard work and contributions of our Hispanic employees. During this month and throughout the year, we take pride in sharing the history, heritage, and accomplishments of Hispanic and Latinx Americans.

Everyone is diverse and provides a unique culture to our team. This month, we’re taking time to discover the Hispanic culture of a few of your Republic Services’ coworkers.

Julio P.
Dispatcher
Boise, ID
16 years

How do you celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month? What is your heritage?

I am Mexican. Most of my family is from Tijuana, Mexico, and we celebrate by spending time with family and eating lots of wonderful tacos. It’s a great unifier of culture.

How has the Republic Services embraced you and your heritage?

I get to play Latin music while working as a dispatcher. I get to use my language for Spanish-speaking customers and employees. And one of the best parts is all the taco trucks that come here to feed employees. ????

What is your favorite dish from your culture?

I love fresh seafood cocktails.

“I’ve worked for Republic Services for 16 years. I was a driver for 15 ½ yrs. and now I’m in dispatch. Republic Services has always made me feel very welcome.”

Areli F.
Ops Supervisor
Camden, NJ
5 years

How do you celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month? What is your heritage?

Since I’m Mexican and it starts on Mexican Independence Day, we have a celebration, Mexican food, and I explain to my children what happened on Mexican Independence Day. My children speak Spanish fluently, and it’s important to me that they know their culture.

How has the Republic Services embraced you and your heritage?

It’s been great. When I started working for Republic, I worked in a community with employees that were 80% Latino. My manager was Puerto Rican, and another employee was El Salvadorian. Being bi-lingual made me an asset and I was able to become more involved.

What is your favorite dish from your culture?

Alambre Tacos (Chicken, beef, pork fried onions, and peppers, with some guacamole on the top) are my favorite!

“Our culture is very familial and we care a lot about the people around us.”

Phil G.
Account Manager
Flint, MI
4 Years

How do you celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month? What is your heritage?

We grew up in Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, with masses all in Spanish. We have Parish Fiestas to this day where all the food made for the fiesta is authentic Mexican food. Also, my daughters participated in traditional Mexican dances known as Ballet Folklorico and would dance with a mariachi band playing behind them.

How has the Republic Services embraced you and your heritage?

The time that Republic takes to recognize everyone from the top down is very nice.

What is your favorite dish from your culture?

Burrito, with tender beef chunks in a gravy sauce

“Mexican heritage is such a proud heritage. We are very hard-working people. As a child, I worked in the fields and picked green beans and I see how hard my people work. I have worked hard my whole life and it is because of the culture I was raised in.”

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Join the conversation by engaging one another and participating in community events to learn more about Hispanic and Latinx heritage.

DEFINITIONS

Hispanic refers to a person who is from, or a descendant of someone who is from, a Spanish-speaking country.

Latino/a or Latinx refers to a person who is from, or a descendant of someone who is from, a country in Latin America.