Each year from September 15 to October 15, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month—a time to recognize the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
The start date is significant—September 15 marks the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. It’s quickly followed by Mexico’s independence on September 16 and Chile’s on September 18. This month-long celebration also includes Día de la Raza on October 12, commemorating the cultural heritage and resilience of Indigenous and Hispanic peoples.
Why it matters in the workplace
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month is more than a symbolic gesture—it’s an opportunity to build inclusion, strengthen relationships, and create a workplace culture where every employee feels valued for their identity and experiences. Hispanic Americans have shaped industries, arts, sciences, politics, and our everyday lives in countless ways. Recognizing these contributions affirms the diverse perspectives that make our organizations stronger and more innovative.
Ways to honor Hispanic Heritage Month at work
- Learn together – Share educational resources, host a lunch-and-learn, or highlight Hispanic and Latino innovators in your field.
- Celebrate through food, art, and music – Organize events that showcase Hispanic cuisine, visual arts, literature, and performances.
- Invite voices to the table – Provide opportunities for employees to share their own experiences, stories, and traditions.
- Support community connections – Partner with local Hispanic organizations, businesses, and cultural centers.
A thoughtful reminder: Celebrating heritage is not about putting people on the spot—it’s about creating spaces where those who want to share can do so, and where everyone has the chance to learn and appreciate the richness of our collective history.
This month let’s commit to making our workplaces not only diverse in who we hire, but also deeply inclusive in how we work together—where cultural heritage is recognized as a source of strength and pride, every single day.