A Seat at the Table: Honoring Your Heritage and Shaping Your Career Journey
At Path to College, we believe diversity is our strength. Hispanic Heritage Month is a chance to honor the voices, stories, and achievements of students and alumni who carry their culture proudly into their education and careers.
One story that captures the importance of support, representation, and pride in one’s heritage is that of Jose, a Path to College alumnus, class of 2020.
Growing up in a Hispanic household, Jose learned early the values of perseverance, family, and pride in his culture. But as a first-generation student, he often had to navigate challenges without the guidance or resources that many of his peers took for granted. Surrounded by influences that could have easily led him down risky paths, he stood at a crossroads—full of ambition, but unsure how to turn his dreams into reality.
Path to College stepped in, providing him with mentorship, structure, and a community of people who believed in his goals. With this support network, Jose gained the confidence and focus to pursue his ambitions, finding a safe space to grow academically and personally.
His hard work paid off: Jose earned full-ride scholarships for both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Florida Atlantic University. Today, he is pursuing a PhD in Computer Science at FAU while working as an Data Scientist at NextEra Energy, applying his expertise to projects with real-world impact. Along the way, he also served as Vice President of Engage Florida, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring underrepresented students to pursue research and making academic opportunities more accessible to them.
Jose’s story is a reminder that representation matters—and that success doesn’t mean leaving your culture behind. It means carrying it with you, sharing it with others, and using it to build bridges for future generations.
Honoring Your Hispanic Heritage at Work
Your heritage is a source of strength, and bringing your authentic self to work can be deeply empowering. But how do you honor your Hispanic heritage in a professional setting?
Share Your Story: Like Jose, you can let your personal journey inspire others. Whether it’s through a presentation on a cultural holiday or by simply sharing a family recipe in the breakroom, your lived experience enriches workplace culture.
Mentor and Be Mentored: Seek out mentors within your organization’s Hispanic caucus. They can offer invaluable guidance on navigating your career journey. In turn, you can mentor others, sharing your insights and helping to pave the way for future generations.
Champion Cultural Competence: Use your voice to advocate for greater cultural awareness and sensitivity. This could involve suggesting company-wide celebrations for Hispanic Heritage Month or advising on marketing materials to ensure they are culturally appropriate and inclusive.
Join the Caucus: If your company has a Latin or Hispanic caucus, get involved! These groups often host professional development workshops, networking events, and community service initiatives. If one doesn’t exist, consider being a trailblazer and starting one yourself. You can also join a professional organization in your field or within your local community.
Celebrate Heritage: Read, Watch, Explore
As we honor Hispanic Heritage Month, we also recognize the power of heritage in all its forms. Here are some resources to deepen your understanding, spark inspiration, and celebrate culture:
📖 Books Worth Reading
Solito: A Memoir by Javier Zamora – A powerful story of migration, belonging, and perseverance.
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros – A beloved classic capturing Mexican-American life and identity.
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer – A beautiful blend of heritage, science, and wisdom that celebrates cultural identity and connection.
🌐 Explore Online
Smithsonian Latino Center – Digital exhibitions and storytelling for Hispanic Heritage Month.
Hispanic Heritage Month Portal – A hub of events, archives, and resources from the Library of Congress.
PBS Heritage Month Collections – Celebrating Hispanic, Black, Asian American, and Native heritage all year long.
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage – Explore how cultures worldwide honor and preserve their traditions.
When you bring your whole self to the table, you not only honor your heritage—you open doors for others to do the same. Jose’s journey reminds us that representation matters, and that our diverse backgrounds are what make our workplaces stronger, more innovative, and more inclusive.
