Tips From a DEI Expert: 3 Ways to Celebrate Latine and Hispanic Heritage Month at Work
As the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) leader at RippleMatch, my mission is to foster a workplace culture that celebrates diversity, creating an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive. Among the vibrant tapestry of cultures at our organization, the Hispanic and Latine community holds a special place, and their unique perspectives contribute significantly to our success. (Note: We have recently started to use the term Latine — as opposed to LatinX — to be more gender inclusive. You can read more about this shift here.)
Hispanic and Latine Heritage month is celebrated in the U.S. from September 15th through October 15th, and highlights the many significant contributions that Hispanic and Latine Americans have made. Below you’ll find a few ways you can celebrate your Hispanic and Latine employees this fall and all year round.
Why it's important to celebrate your Latine and Hispanic employees
Representation is a powerful tool that can break down barriers and create a sense of belonging for employees from diverse backgrounds. Unfortunately, Hispanic and Latine professionals often face stereotypes and misconceptions that hinder their progress. By shining a spotlight on our Hispanic and Latine employees, we can challenge these stereotypes and showcase their talent and potential, inspiring others and fostering a more inclusive workplace.
Celebrating our Hispanic and Latine employees creates a strong company culture and sense of belonging
Clients and customers are drawn to organizations that prioritize diversity, leading to increased brand loyalty and trust. Moreover, diversity brings a wealth of perspectives that enrich our problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
An inclusive environment attracts top talent
Prospective employees seek organizations that prioritize diversity and invest in cultivating an inclusive culture that fosters professional growth and development. This is especially true for Gen Z, the most diverse generation to date. By understanding the stories and experiences of the Hispanic and Latine community, we can build strong connections with our future leaders.
Three ways I help my organization celebrate Hispanic and Latine Heritage Month
1. Celebrating Cultural Heritage
One way we celebrate Hispanic and Latine Heritage Month at RippleMatch is by organizing engaging events, workshops, and seminars to deepen our cultural appreciation and understanding of the Hispanic and Latine community. For example, last year we held an event that included a virtual history tour of Hispanic and Latine art. This year, we will be holding a virtual potluck that features Hispanic and Latine food and drink. Other options include: watching a documentary about the Hispanic and Latine experience, distributing a list of great podcasts about Hispanic and Latine culture, and organizing a visit to a museum with a Hispanic and Latine exhibit.
2. Create an Environment of Respect Through Language and Cultural Training
Providing language and cultural training for all employees ensures effective communication and mutual understanding, promoting an environment of respect and appreciation. At RippleMatch, I regularly hold Inclusive Language Trainings for all employees. Educating RippleMatchers on the importance of inclusive language with reference to cultural diversity is crucial to creating a feeling of inclusion and belonging. For example, in our trainings, we talk about the importance of using plain language in both written and verbal communication over jargon or expressions that not everyone may appreciate. This fall is a great time to host an inclusive language training that dives into the importance of creating a workplace environment that is inclusive of all cultures.
3. Supporting the formation of Hispanic and Latine Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
At RippleMatch, we publicly encourage the formation of employee-led and run resource groups and have created a Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging Events and Content Slack community that provides information and resources on how to start ERGs. We will continue to encourage the formation of ERGs dedicated to supporting our Hispanic and Latine employees this time of year and all year round, creating safe spaces for networking and fostering a strong sense of community.
Incorporating vibrant diversity and inclusivity into our workplace culture is a commitment that resonates deeply at RippleMatch. As the DEI leader, I believe that embracing the unique perspectives of our Hispanic and Latine community not only enriches our organization but also fosters an environment where all employees can flourish. The celebration of Hispanic and Latine Heritage Month holds particular significance, serving as a powerful reminder of the contributions made by these communities. Through cultural engagement, supportive ERGs, and language training, we are laying the foundation for genuine connections, respectful communication, and meaningful growth – both within our organization and beyond.
