National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated in the US from September 15 to October 15 to recognize and celebrate the history, culture, contributions, and influence of Hispanic Americans.

At Bright Horizons, our Hispanic Latino Employee Resource Group (HLERG for short) has a mission to ensure Hispanic Latino employees are welcomed, seen, heard, and valued within our company. They strive to support hiring, engagement, retention, professional development, promotion of Hispanic Latino employees, and increase awareness of and celebrate Hispanic Latino culture.

I spoke with two of our HLERG Co-Chairs about their family ancestry, career paths, and why they choose to work at Bright Horizons!

Hi Alley and Reyes! Thanks for talking with me! What are your job titles and how long have you been with Bright Horizons?

Reyes: I am the Employee Engagement Program Manager. I’ve been with Bright Horizons for 4 years; I started as a supervisor for the HR service center then moved to the employee engagement team. Before Bright Horizons, I was an operations manager for a big box retailer.

Alley: I am the Director of Strategic Client Relations and will have been with the company for 20 years next February!

When did you join the Hispanic Latino ERG?

Reyes: I joined the Hispanic Latino ERG about 8 months ago. The experience has been amazing. We all have different stories and backgrounds, and it's great coming together to think of ways to be inclusive.

Alley: I joined right before Hispanic Heritage Month 2 years ago and it has been a whirlwind ever since!

I’d love to hear more about your background! Where are you from and what is your ancestry story?

Reyes: I am originally from California and my ancestors are from Mexico. I am a 4th generation American.

Alley: I was born in New York City. My maternal family is from the Dominican Republic and my paternal side is Ecuadorian and German.

Do you have any stories or fun facts about your family, ancestry, or lineage?

Reyes: My great-great-grandfather came to the US so that his family would have a chance at the American Dream. I would like to think that his dream has been accomplished.

Alley: My great-great grandfather was Eloy Alfaro who served as President of Ecuador from 1895 to 1901 and from 1906 to 1911. It’s cool to see the face of a member of your family printed on currency!

What are your favorite dishes from your culture?

Reyes: My favorite food is Mexican or Guatemalan Tamales. My favorite drink is Horchata.

Alley: Oh man – there is so much! I love rice and beans with sweet plantains and an avocado/tomato salad. My father would make delicious ceviche (that’s quite a common dish in Ecuador).

What makes you proud to be a Hispanic American?

Reyes: I am proud of my Mexican American culture and history. From the Aztecs to the Chicanos that fought for our rights in the 40s, 70s, and today. It makes me proud to say that I am Mexican American.

Alley: I am proud of how warm the Dominican and Ecuadorian cultures are. We love to love. My Irish-American husband had to warm up to the idea that hugs and kisses hello are a must anytime we greet my side of the family.

What was your experience growing up? Did you grow up in a Spanish speaking household?

Reyes: When we lived in California, we mostly spoke Spanish. Mainly because my grandparents (who lived with us) spoke only Spanish. After moving to Boston, we spoke English. My in-laws first language is Spanish, so they speak to my family and me in Spanish.

Alley: I grew up in a Spanish speaking household and around my cousins. Multi-generational living was very embedded in our family and community. The majority of my friends in elementary school had similar backgrounds.

Are you passing down any traditions to your children?

Reyes: Currently my family and I celebrate Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), as well as Dia de La Virgen de Guadalupe. We started celebrating the Day of the Dead when my wife's grandmother passed away 8 years ago. It was an effective way for my kids to grasp and understand death.

Alley: I am! My children are growing up close to their cousins the same way I did. We celebrate major holidays with traditional foods, and we listen to Spanish music as we get our chores done on weekend!

How has Bright Horizons helped celebrate you and your culture?

Reyes: Bright Horizons allows me to be my full self. Just last year, I helped coordinate our home and remote teams for the first Day of the Dead event. Being able to share my culture with my peers and fellow team members was an amazing experience. I got to hear so many delightful stories, and everyone was invested in the event. It shows how leadership, and all our employees, embrace the company's values.

Alley: Bright Horizons embraces all cultures and encourages me to be who I am at work. What matters the most to me is that I see how much our leaders care about diversity and inclusion and how they support what each ERG is striving for. For us on the HLERG, we are doing all we can to build a community of support, comradery, and love.

For more information on our ERGs and life at Bright Horizons, click here!