This month-long celebration is an opportunity to pay tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society.

At the Family Support Center, we recognize the strength, diversity, and influence that our Hispanic staff members bring to the community. Our own Executive Director, Jocelyn De La Rosa, is a first generation American, whose parents immigrated from Mexico. In a recent interview, she celebrated her roots and reflected on the mentors that pushed her to reach high and work hard. For the full interview, click here.

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month,

we interviewed Melissa, a leader in our Crisis Nursery program, asking about her Hispanic Heritage and what makes it so special! See her responses below.

What country are you or your relatives from? What brought you or them to the United States?

My family came from Mexico to seek a better life.

What makes your family and/or culture special?

Our culture is family oriented and full of wonderful traditions that all have a backstory with significant meaning.

What are some traditions, celebrations, or rituals your family participates in?

We participate in almost all of the holidays! One of our favorite holidays is Dia de Los Muertos, a holiday celebrating the lives of the deceased with food, drink, parties, and activities the dead enjoyed in life. Every year we put out our altar and celebrate the lives of our loved ones who have passed on.

What are your favorite foods from your Hispanic culture?

Pole, mole, chiles, rellenos, just to name a few. I couldn’t list them all!

What do you wish others knew about your culture?

That it is a beautiful culture and that everyone should try to at least get to celebrate one of our many traditions or holidays.

Thanks Melissa! And thank you for all you do for the families in the Salt Lake Valley!

Let’s take a moment to learn more about the Hispanic families in our community

What is the difference between Hispanic, Latino, and Spanish?

Hispanic is a term used to describe people originating from Spanish-speaking nations—there are over 20 throughout the world! Latino/Latina is a term used to refer to those of a Latin-American background. (Think Mexico in North America, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama in Central America; Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, French Guiana, Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay in South America; and Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Puerto Rico in the Caribbean.)

While Hispanic and Latino/Latina are often used interchangeably, they don’t always both apply to the same person. For example, an individual from Brazil would be considered Latino/a, but not Hispanic, since Portuguese—not Spanish—is Brazil's official language.

Spanish is a term used to refer to an ethnic group native to Spain. It is not an overall classification for all of the above.

How can we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?

Take time to learn. Research the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic people. How are they different from you? How are they the same? Learn about their contributions to the United States. Did you know that Hispanic Americans, and particularly Hispanic immigrants, start and own businesses at higher rates than the rest of the population? Or that Hispanic culture has been infused into our music, foods, and daily activities? Recognize what these influences are and celebrate them!
Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to get to know your neighbors with Hispanic heritage. Find out where their family is from and what they love about their culture. Fostering cultural acceptance and awareness begins with respectful conversations between friends and neighbors.
-Dawnie Elzinga, Family Support Center

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!