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National Hispanic Heritage Month 2024: Home

National Hispanic Heritage Month 2024, Employee Spotlight, South Campus, September 15 - October 15, 2024

National Hispanic Heritage Month South Campus Employee Spotlight

National Hispanic Heritage Month: September 15-October 15, 2024, Tarrant County College South Campus

National Hispanic Heritage Month 2024 South Campus Employee Spotlight

David Carrillo: I Identify as both Latino/Hispanic. I love the history, arts, music, food, and the Spanish Language the way it is being spoken by Latino cultures. The Christmas holiday celebration where is the different types of food and music being enjoyed by everyone. The coming together as a family during this holiday is great.

David Carrillo's bio

Yesenia Torres Imperial: I identify as a first-generation Latina; my parents are from Mexico, and my first language is Spanish. Growing up, I spent most of my summer and winter breaks in Zacatecas, San Luis Potosí, and Nuevo León. I have cherished memories of nearly 10 years of performing Ballet Folklórico. One of the things I love most about my connection to Hispanic culture is the vibrant traditions and delicious cuisine, especially dishes like pozole, chiles rellenos, and mole. I hope to one day pass on our beautiful traditions and heritage to my children.

Yesenia Torres Imperial's bio

Christina Martinez: I am honored to be able to identify as both Mexican-American and African-American. As a mixed/biracial individual, it has not always been easy for me to fully claim both identities, however, I am proud today to be able to embrace all of who I am. A favorite recipe of mine would have to be champurrado, which I love to enjoy on a cold winter day. Pairs well with my favorite pan dulce.

Christina Martinez's bio

Veronikha Salazar: Being born and living in a country with a rich culture has enriched my understanding and appreciation of other Hispanic countries and cultures. Whether it is the Ancient ruins/landscapes, the lively markets, the people wearing colorful clothing, or the language with all its diverse colloquialisms, each part of my culture has offered me a glimpse into how diverse and beautiful the Hispanic culture, countries, and traditions are.Through Hispanic food, music, travel, and traditions, I have gained a deeper understanding of the world and a greater appreciation for the beauty that diversity brings.

Veronikha Salazar's bio

Melinda Pereda: I identify as Hispanic (Mexican American), but because my parents and grandparents were born in the U.S., my connection to the culture has come in various ways over the years. Most recently, my family and I went to Chihuahua, Mexico to visit my husband's hometown. It was a great way to gain first-hand exposure to the country, as it was my first time visiting. The best part was the food! Additionally, my daughters are enrolled in a dual-language program at their elementary school to help them gain bilingual skills in English and Spanish. I hope by exposing them to the language, it helps them connect with the Hispanic culture more easily. As a family, we are learning even more about the Hispanic culture.

Melinda Pereda's bio

Kiera Amison: As a high school student, I had the privilege and pleasure to learn, experience, compete, and perform with a Ballet Folklorico troupe. Under the tutelage of Rubina Villasana, and then Guadalupe and Manuel Godinez, I learned about the footwork, skirt work, music, costumes, braids, hair accessories, jewelry, and the culture. As a 14-year-old African American girl who loved all forms of dance, I was excited to gain knowledge about this style of dance of which I had little awareness. Though new to this genre, I was welcomed with open arms and enjoyed being immersed in this extraordinary dance form. As the Dance Program Director at South, I was able to invite Guadalupe and Manuel and their dancers to participate as guest artists in our dance concert in 2017. It was wonderful to see them again and to share their artistry and the historic dances of Ballet Folklorico with our community.

Kiera Amison's bio

Monica C. Miranda: The Hispanic culture has had a profound impact in my life and on my understanding of the world, especially in areas like language, traditions, and values. The rich heritage of the Spanish language has enhanced my ability to engage in more diverse and meaningful conversations. Cultural traditions, such as Día de Los Muertos and various regional festivals, highlight the importance of family, community, and honoring one's heritage, especially of loved ones within our own families. Through these traditions, it is our way of knowing, our loved ones are always with us. The warmth and hospitality often associated with the Hispanic culture has been a major influence, not only within my family but those who are a part of my village. Understanding the diverse perspectives within the Hispanic culture has also deepened my appreciation for diversity and the complexities of identity for all who I interact with.

Monica C. Miranda's bio

Gary Montano: Growing up in a Hispanic family meant one thing: eating a meal at a table, together, as a family. From my earliest memories, we would gather at my abuela's table in her less than a thousand square feet home, (the center of our universe) and break bread (homemade tortillas stacked a mile high), for every important event: weddings, graduations, First Communions, birthdays. It was amazing to me how so much food (frijoles, chile verde, chile colorado, carne, papas, queso ... as well as the desserts: empanadas, arroz dulce ... it was all there) could be prepared on that four-burner stove in that tiny kitchen, and how many people (often over a dozen) could fit around that table to celebrate one thing: Familia. Pure joy, pure happiness, important conversation, complete family. It is a tradition I try to honor to this day with my own family.

Gary Montano's bio

Yesenia Wilcox: My mom is from Ejutla Crespo,Oaxaca.My dad was from Monterrey, Mexico. I was born in Acuna, Coahuila,Mexico. We moved to Fort Worth when I was 4 years old. My parents raised me to always care for the family. I love our Mexican culture, traditions, and our food, such as mole and tamales.

Yesenia Wilcox's bio

Ana Pina Meza: Growing up in the vibrant city of Monterrey, Mexico, has deeply influenced the person I am today, instilling in me a resourcefulness and work ethic that has guided me through life's challenges. The rich and colorful tapestry of Hispanic culture has taught me the enduring values of perseverance and the transformative power of education. Whenever I visit my family in Mexico, I'm embraced by the warmth of our traditions, the flavors of our food, and the deep sense of Mexican pride. In a recent trip to Mexico City, I explored the majestic pyramids of Teotihuacan, and it reminded me of the breathtaking beauty and profound history of my birth country. I can’t wait to uncover more of Mexico’s wonders.

Ana Pina Meza's bio

Maria Valdez: Having grown up in the Hispanic culture, each day I appreciate the value of family. Whether it is the family I was born into or the families I interact with (work, church, community), I learn from each person. Growing up in a multigenerational household, I treasure having the best of all worlds. It was fun growing up with my siblings, learning many life lessons from my mother, and learning from my grandparents the history of our family and the struggles and triumphs they faced coming to the United States in the 1920s. I treasure the sense of joy and celebration from the Hispanic culture. Whether it is enjoying the richness of food or the joy and happiness of music and dancing, there is always a reason to celebrate. I also learned to never give up, to do everything “con animo!”

Maria Valdez's bio

Rosemarie Rodriguez Hammon: Hispanic culture has deeply influenced my life, primarily through food. Growing up in Spain during my preteens, I spent evenings with family and friends at tapas restaurants. Tapas, small dishes for sharing, create a social dining experience that fosters connection and conversation. These outings taught me to appreciate the communal aspect of dining, the joy of exploring diverse flavors, and the vibrant traditions that continue to shape how I connect with others and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

Rosemarie Rodriguez Hammon's bio

Marylin Avelar: I was born and raised in Anaheim, California. Both of my parents are from Mexico. I am a first-generation college student and the first to graduate in my family. My parents have always enjoyed me to work hard and to purse my dreams. Both of my parents have taught me strong values and cultural traditions that I will cherish forever. I enjoy listening to Spanish music and dancing. The first time that I got to first my mom’s hometown in Mexico I enjoyed it some much that every time I have an opportunity to visit, I enjoy spending time with my family that lives there and collect new memories. Some of my favorite foods are tamales, pozole, tacos, pan dulce and churros.

Marylin Avelar's bio