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This Hispanic Heritage Month, we are pleased to highlight Gabriela Colmer, a research assistant in our Research and Information Center. Gaby shares how having a mother who is a first-generation immigrant from the Dominican Republic and a father who is American formed her cultural identity and traditions, as well as what advice she would give to empower the next generation of Hispanic Americans.               

“What I cherish most about my multicultural identity is the unique perspective it has given me. My parents recognized the significance of embracing my mother's heritage and culture even though we lived in the United States. Growing up, I ate diverse foods, spoke two languages at home, enjoyed merengue and bachata, celebrated Dominican holidays, attended extremely long and passionate Spanish-speaking church services and visited the Dominican Republic almost every year. At the same time, I played soccer, watched American football with my dad, went to sleepovers, celebrated Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July and arrived on time everywhere!

Within my family, we uphold several traditions influenced by Dominican culture. These include drinking multiple cups of café after dinner, preparing elaborate Dominican meals, taking annual trips to the DR, and celebrating La Semana Santa, the holy week before Easter.

One tradition I cherish is la Noche Buena ("the good night"), which is celebrated on Christmas Eve. Among Dominicans, la Noche Buena takes precedent over Christmas Day. Typically, my mother and I begin preparations for dinner early in the morning, listening to Christmas songs in English and Spanish. Dinner usually features traditional dishes such as moro de guandules, pollo o puerco asado, ensalada de papa and lasaña. We also like to exchange a few presents after dinner.

Another custom we hold is baking a Dominican-style cake, known as bizcocho domincano, on every family member's birthday. Before blowing out the candles, we sing three songs: "Happy Birthday" in English; "Feliz Cumpleaños”; and then transition into "El Regalo Mejor," a traditional Dominican birthday song. My mom insists on singing the last one with my grandmother (who lives in the DR) over the phone on WhatsApp, even though it adds about 5 more minutes to the whole thing!

Exposure to this blend of cultures has granted me a broader perspective on how others may lead their lives across the world, what they may value and the different traditions, beliefs, motivations and ideas they may hold. This has all encouraged me to appreciate and learn from people with different backgrounds than my own and to take that with me wherever I go.

All of this is why I think it’s important to embrace who you are. Embrace your identity and use it to your advantage. I think it's so common for kids of immigrant parents or different cultures to have imposter syndrome at school or at a new job. But, it's a strength to have a different cultural identity. We come from a beautiful and rich history of people who worked hard to fight for themselves and their families. So, be proud of it and stand out. You deserve to be where you are no matter your culture.”