Each year we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. This is a time where we reflect, honor, and uplift the vibrant legacy of the Hispanic/Latine community in the United States.
This year’s guiding theme, “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” resonates deeply with me, especially in light of the current social and cultural climate in our country. It’s a powerful reminder that history isn’t just something we read about, it’s something we carry, share, and build upon. Through stories, music, food, and traditions, we not only preserve culture but also create space for connection and understanding.
As a child who emigrated with my parents from Cuba, being part of a Latine community in the United States was something that grounded me in a sense of belonging and cultural pride. As a Cuban American, I lived in two worlds and embodied the different cultures that shaped my identity: the world of my family and native culture, and the world in which I was immersed living in the United States.
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I spoke two languages, savored two distinct kinds of food and music, and learned to navigate two different cultures. However, throughout my education, I was never taught about the achievements or the rich history of my culture. I often found myself living in a paradox of being in a country that loved our food and our music but didn’t fully accept me.
Yet, I still deeply believe in the ideals of this country, which for generations has stood as a beacon of freedom and hope for countless people around the world. This country welcomed my family when we were fleeing oppression and provided us with opportunities that were not possible in our native country, such as freedom of speech and expression. It is these different cultures and heritages that form the rich tapestry of our nation, which make us richer and stronger: e pluribus unum — out of many, one.
My early experience of resilience, adaptation, and community continues to inspire me to uplift and amplify Latine voices, ensuring that our stories shape a more inclusive and empowered future. It is why Hispanic Heritage Month is so important to me. My heritage is woven into everything I do and is a core part of who I am. Each milestone in my life reflects my heritage, which continues to influence and inspire me along the way.
When I became the first in my family to earn a college degree, I carried an extra sense of pride — not just for myself but for my family and our culture. The same was true when I became a college president and joined a small, select group of Hispanic/Latine leaders in higher education.
According to a 2023 article in Community College Daily, only 7% of community college presidents in the United States are Hispanic and the number is even lower at four-year institutions, where just 5% of presidents identify as Hispanic. While our numbers are small, our lived sociocultural experiences uniquely position us to support students who have historically been underrepresented and underserved. My own personal journey inspired me to pay it forward and pave the way for others who followed in my footsteps.
At Quinsigamond Community College (QCC), our student population is a microcosm of Worcester, Massachusetts’ population, and as the city’s Hispanic/Latine demographic has grown, so too has it within our student body.
Today, over 25% of our students identify as Hispanic/Latine, up from 20% only four years ago. The rise in Hispanic/Latine enrollment at QCC not only underscores the growing commitment to education within these communities but also affirms the college’s commitment to delivering meaningful, culturally responsive support that empowers student achievement. At the same time, it is crucial for leaders at every level to deepen their understanding of the challenges our students face, especially now, when division may feel more prevalent than unity.
As we honor Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s celebrate the resilience and contributions of Hispanic/Latine communities and reflect on the values of empathy, inclusion, and shared purpose that strengthen us all. By fostering understanding and appreciation across cultures, we strengthen the bonds that hold our communities together.
Hispanic Heritage Month reminds us to listen deeply, learn continuously, and uplift the voices that have long enriched the fabric of our society. Let us carry forward this spirit, not just this month but every month, with a steadfast commitment to honoring all who have shaped our collective future. Together, we can build a more inclusive, informed, and united tomorrow.
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