For Hispanic Heritage Month, the I.D.E.A. committee had the pleasure of interviewing Marisol Castillo of the Des Plaines office.
Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from September 15 to October 15, is a time to celebrate and honor the diverse cultures, rich history and significant contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities across the United States. This monthlong celebration offers an opportunity to recognize the profound influence that these communities have had on shaping the fabric of our society — from the arts and sciences to business, politics and beyond. Hispanic Heritage Month coincides with Mexican Independence Day.
One way Marisol values her Hispanic (specifically Mexican) heritage is keeping the Spanish language a part of her everyday life. Her parents are from Mexico and have passed their hard work, intelligence, kindness and language on to Marisol and her brother.
While Marisol's mother has empowered her in many ways, speaking Spanish at every opportunity deepens the connection that Marisol has to her heritage. "One thing I love is that my mom always taught my brother and me Spanish from a very early age. Technically, my first language is Spanish because those are the very first words I ever spoke. It also allows me to continue communicating with my family in the U.S. and Mexico. That intention keeps my culture alive, and I honor my family along the way." Marisol suggested apps like Duolingo to fellow employee-owners who may be interested in learning Spanish or another language.
Marisol’s culture continues to positively impact her work at GO2. She goes out of her way to support our clients who speak Spanish as their first language. "I want all of our clients to feel welcomed and considered, especially if they have difficulty communicating in English. Once I help a client who speaks more comfortably in Spanish, I notate their account to support them in the future at any opportunity and make their process easier. My team knows this about me and consistently utilizes my ability to connect with these clients."
Food is another love language for Marisol's family; they have shared recipes from previous generations that are still used today. "The same delicious foods I had when I was a kid, I'm cooking with my mother today. From the dozens of tamales we make each holiday season to the time invested into each batch, cooking with my family is a sacred tradition and something I'm incredibly proud of."
As we celebrate stories like Marisol's, it's important to remember that Hispanic Heritage Month is not just about reflecting on the past; it's also about looking forward to a future where diversity is valued, inclusion is the standard, and the contributions of all communities are acknowledged and appreciated.
Whether exploring cultural traditions, highlighting inspiring leaders, or addressing ongoing challenges, this month provides a unique opportunity to deepen our understanding and appreciation of Hispanic and Latinx heritage.