This #HispanicHeritageMonth, we are pleased to highlight Edson Chavez, a training coordinator who helps new colleagues get up and running and others expand their tech skills. Edson shares why he is proud of his culture and what this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month theme – Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation – means to him.

“To me it means bringing pride in culture everywhere I go. For many of us living in the U.S., it’s comprised of two parts: that of our native heritage (in my case Bolivia) and where we live and grow up (United States). Although some people like to think we're all very similar (i.e. we all love to dance – mostly true, but not always), we are in fact comprised of many traditions and customs unique to our respective countries. That's why I feel that it's our responsibility to share our individual cultures with others, educate our friends on what sets us apart, and appreciate what brings us together as a community.

This year’s theme means coming to the self-realization that you are part of something bigger and that you play the crucial role of making your voice heard. Sure, we have our own traditions that set us apart, but it’s always best to come together and find common ground when attempting to build a more robust and equitable country for everyone. The Latinx community is only one ingredient of the melting pot that is the United States. After all, coming together not only among ourselves - but with other cultures as well – is what makes this country so special.”