Hannah Aponte

This Hispanic Heritage Month, we are pleased to highlight Hannah Aponte, an associate on our Corporate team in Washington. Hannah, who is of both Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage, shared what her roots mean to her, as well as some of her family’s traditions.

“What I appreciate most about being Mexican and Puerto Rican is the strength that my family members and many others like us have had in the face of adversity. Both my grandfathers worked extremely hard to create better lives for others despite the many challenges they faced, and I hope that I can continue their legacy of hard work, strength, and compassion for others.

Unsurprisingly, most of the traditions I practice with my family focus on faith, family and food. Every Sunday, my family attends church together and then shares a special meal. In the days leading up to Christmas, my mom and grandmother (who is white but would make any abuelita proud with her Mexican cooking skills) work together to make a huge pot of menudo for my family to share on Christmas morning.

When my mom was a child, my grandmother always had a pan of refried beans on the stove in case anyone needed something to eat, and she continues that tradition with her grandchildren. My family also tries to visit Puerto Rico as much as possible. My older sister and brother-in-law recently bought land there, so we can all raise our children immersed in Puerto Rican culture."