Sabrina Negron captured the following family photo at her great-grandmother's farm in Utuado, the same place the novel she’s reading for Hispanic Heritage Month is set. Read on to learn more. ⬇️
How do you plan on celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month?
Sabrina: I'm a bookworm, so I picked up "The Taste of Sugar" by Marisel Vera at my local library this month! It's a historical fiction novel about a couple living in Utuado, Puerto Rico in the aftermath of the Spanish-American War and the 1899 San Ciriaco hurricane. It's heavy, but beautiful and reminds me of the resilience and fortitude my tiny home island continues to show even as we're dealt crushing blows. When I think of celebrating HHM, it's not about acknowledging my own accomplishments, but rather about honoring those who overcame the insurmountable odds against them just to give me a shot at something better.
What is your favorite Hispanic Heritage Month fact?
Sabrina: I've always loved that Hispanic Heritage Month has a different theme every year. It reminds me that our community is dynamic and beautifully intricate, and so should be the ways we celebrate it!
Do you have a favorite cultural tradition?
Sabrina: There was something magical about experiencing las Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastian growing up. It's this amazing art festival that makes the winter holiday season last basically through February – and the party runs all day and all night. It beautifully showcases the best Puerto Rico has to offer – art, music, food (!!), people (!!!) – in iconic Old San Juan. Everyone should go at least once in their lives.
Why are programs like our Hispanic/Latinx Organization for Leadership & Advancement (“HOLA”) so important?
Sabrina: HOLA brings a joy to my work day that we didn't have before. There's something about creating a space to be around people who get it. For my fellow members, HOLA has quickly become a place to make close friends who understand the weight you carry and the ways you deal with it. For the allies who proudly support us, it has led to deeper understanding and greater empathy for the experiences people go through that then inform the points of view we bring to the office. For everyone, it has made it easier to share little parts of who we are and what we care about, and that goes a long way to building a culture of intentional inclusivity.
If anyone is waiting on the sidelines for a moment to jump in and support HOLA (or really any of our fabulous ERGs) – as a member or an ally – this is it!
#HispanicHeritageMonth #Diversity #TeamFTI
Love this! Such an amazing post-grad opportunity and career journey 🙌 🤩