Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated Sept. 15-Oct. 15 each year.
Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual recognition and celebration of the culture, contributions and achievements of Hispanic and Latino Americans. To recognize and celebrate the month, we asked Akron Children’s employees to share their experiences.
Zulaika Nieves-Ramos sees Hispanic Heritage Month as an opportunity to celebrate who she is as a Latina woman.
Zulaika Nieves-Ramos, Social Work Care Manager Plus, Population Health
What does your Hispanic heritage mean to you? How has your experience shaped your personal or professional journey?
It means an opportunity to celebrate my Puerto Rican roots, my culture, my food, traditions, my music, to celebrate who I am as a Latina woman.
Is there a tradition, holiday, or cultural practice from your background that you love sharing with others?
I love celebrating Christmas ( Navidades) in my native island Puerto Rico. We get together with family and friends, we share stories, enjoy great food together, dance and celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Who is a Hispanic or Latinx figure (historical or contemporary) who inspires you, and why?
Roberto Clemente – he passionately dedicated time to community service and advocacy for civil rights. He used his platform to speak out against racial injustice, plus was the first Latin American Hall of Famer. Great baseball legend.
For Mario Morelos, his Hispanic heritage is the foundation of my values and the lens through which I see the world.
Mario Morelos, Regional Advocacy Injury Prevention Coordinator, External Affairs
What does your Hispanic heritage mean to you? How has your experience shaped your personal or professional journey?
My Hispanic heritage means family, resilience, and community. It is the foundation of my values and the lens through which I see the world. Growing up, I witnessed the strength of my family and community in the face of challenges, and that taught me the importance of perseverance and supporting others.
These experiences have shaped my personal and professional journey by guiding me toward work that focuses on service, advocacy, and connection. In my role, I strive to make sure families, especially those who face language or cultural barriers, feel seen, heard, and supported. My heritage gives me both the responsibility and the privilege to bridge gaps, celebrate culture, and create opportunities for others to thrive.
Is there a tradition, holiday, or cultural practice from your background that you love sharing with others?
One tradition I love sharing with others is Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). It’s a beautiful way to honor and celebrate the lives of our loved ones who have passed. Rather than being a time of sadness, it’s filled with color, music, and togetherness. We create altars with photos, candles, and favorite foods to welcome their memory back into our homes, reminding us that they remain a part of our lives. What I love most is how this tradition teaches us to view death not as an ending, but as a continuation of love and connection across generations. Sharing Día de los Muertos with others allows me to highlight the richness of our culture and spark meaningful conversations about family, remembrance, and resilience.
Who is a Hispanic or Latinx figure (historical or contemporary) who inspires you, and why?
One Hispanic figure who inspires me is Celia Cruz, the Queen of Salsa. Her music, energy, and spirit transcended borders and brought joy to millions. Beyond her talent, she showed resilience, embracing her culture proudly while breaking barriers in the music industry. Her legacy reminds me to pursue my passions boldly, celebrate my heritage, and lift others through creativity and perseverance. Celia’s life and music are a testament to the power of embracing who you are and sharing it with the world.
Adriana Gutierrez loves Hispanic Heritage Month because love celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month because it gives her the chance to honor her roots and learn more about other country’s traditions.
Adriana Gutierrez Rubio, Surgery Scheduler, Ophthalmology
What does your Hispanic heritage mean to you? How has your experience shaped your personal or professional journey?
My Hispanic heritage has always been a source of pride and perspective for me. Growing up in a community where language and cultural differences often shaped people’s access to care, I came to understand the vital importance of bridging those gaps. Working at the Vision Center and at a non-profit migrant clinic allowed me to connect with patients in their own language and see firsthand the challenges many face when it comes to vision care. Some patients were hesitant to address their eye health, while others were eager to learn but lacked the resources to do so. These experiences not only deepened my appreciation for my heritage but also inspired me to apply to optometry school. These experiences showed me the power of trust, empathy, and shared identity in health care. I look forward to coming back to Akron Children’s as an optometrist after I graduate!
Is there a tradition, holiday, or cultural practice from your background that you love sharing with others?
I love celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month because it gives me the chance to not only honor my own roots but also learn more about the traditions of other countries. I especially enjoy attending festivals where I can try new foods and experience different aspects of other cultures. What I value most is the sense of community—it’s amazing to feel such a strong connection with people I’ve just met through the simple act of sharing culture, food, and stories.
Who is a Hispanic or Latinx figure (historical or contemporary) who inspires you, and why?
Any Hispanic or Latinx figure in healthcare inspires me because they remind me that, even though the path can be challenging, it is worth it. Their example shows me that I have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others who may have felt as uncertain as I have in different aspects of their own journeys.
We also heard from employees who may not have Hispanic heritage personally, but are proud allies.
Amy Joyce loves the warmth of the Hispanic community.
Amy Joyce, Administrative Secretary, Expressive Therapy
What does your Hispanic heritage mean to you? How has your experience shaped your personal or professional journey?
Though not Hispanic myself, I’m a strong ally. Growing up in South Florida, I was immersed in the vibrant colors, foods, and music of the Cuban and Latinx community, experiences that shaped my inclusive outlook today.
Is there a tradition, holiday, or cultural practice from your background that you love sharing with others?
I love the warmth of the Hispanic community. Even after moving to Ohio, I’ve always felt the strong sense of family and love that my Hispanic/Latinx friends and family members embody. The deep connection to the arts is also important to me.
Who is a Hispanic or Latinx figure (historical or contemporary) who inspires you, and why?
I admire strong Latina women like Selena, Gloria Estefan, and Frida Kahlo. Each embodied resilience, creativity, and cultural pride and showed me the power of women who speak their truth and uplift their communities.
Lauren Trohman is inspired by the courage and empathy of Jose Andres, a chef and humanitarian.
Lauren Trohman, Strategy Specialist, Strategic Planning
What does your Hispanic heritage mean to you? How has your experience shaped your personal or professional journey?
I don’t have Hispanic heritage and can’t speak to that lived experience, but I’m proud to be an ally and show my support, especially as recent events driven by immigration policy changes have significantly harmed Latinx communities.
Who is a Hispanic or Latinx figure (historical or contemporary) who inspires you, and why?
Chef (and humanitarian) José Andrés. His nonprofit, World Central Kitchen, feeds citizens living in crisis zones due to natural disasters and war. His empathy for all people and his courage are deeply inspiring to me.
For Johnathan Wade, Hispanic Heritage Month is an important opportunity to celebrate people like his brother, Alberto (right), and his stepdad, Juan (left).
Johnathan Wade, Rehab Technician, Occupational Therapy
What does your Hispanic heritage mean to you? How has your experience shaped your personal or professional journey?
It’s important for me to uplift Hispanic and Latinx voices, and celebrate the people. I am an ally, someone who grew up closely with the Mexican community. My brother is half Mexican and celebrating him and people like him is important to me.
Is there a tradition, holiday, or cultural practice from your background that you love sharing with others?
I am not Mexican, but I do celebrate Día de los Muertos every year. It is very important to me, near and dear to my heart, since most of my family is deceased. I also grew up learning how to cook Mexican food and my friends love when I cook.
Who is a Hispanic or Latinx figure (historical or contemporary) who inspires you, and why?
It’s hard to name just one but I would have to say Selena. I grew up listening to her, and her story is so important and tragic. I think more people should know!
