Talking about Role Models and Identity

National Hispanic Heritage Month, which is observed from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of Americans with ancestral roots in Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America and the Spanish-speaking nations of the Caribbean.

Sept. 15 marks the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month in 2024, five members of the St. Louis Fed’s Mi Gente (My People) employee resource group spoke about their role models and how they bring their Hispanic identity to work.

Launched in 2019, Mi Gente seeks to:

• Develop an inclusive network of employees
• Promote Latino/Hispanic heritage
• Create awareness of Latino/Hispanic cultures and languages
• Cultivate diversity and the personal and professional development of members

Mi Gente is one of eight employee resource groups, or ERGs, at the St. Louis Fed. The ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups made up of people with common interests or shared characteristics. They serve to facilitate inclusion and belonging.

Matuschka Lindo Briggs, Senior Vice President and Regional Executive of the Little Rock Branch

Who is a Hispanic figure or role model that inspires you?

Matuschka Lindo Briggs

Soledad O’Brien: We share many similarities and views when it comes to the desire to bring positive stories to all communities of color and not fall into stereotypical reporting, whether in front of a television camera or reporting what’s happening on Main Street. We are about the same age, we both love journalism, we both had people trying to change our names for TV because they weren’t common enough and we both won that fight (ha!). We also have names with similar kinships to “Mother”:

• Maria de la Soledad Teresa O’Brien means “The Blessed Virgin Mary of Solitude.”
• Matuschka Modesta Lindo Briggs means “Beautiful Modest Mother.”

How do you bring your Hispanic identity to your work?

It’s very different to be an Afro-Latino compared to other Hispanics. I am most definitely Black. But I am also 100% Panamanian. My parents have always taught me to love the color of my skin and my heritage. So, I use it as a teaching opportunity. People will ask me, “Well, do you identify as Black or Latino?” My answer is it’s not a choice, I am both.

Carlos Garriga, Senior Vice President and Director of Research

Who is a Hispanic figure or role model that inspires you?

Carlos Garriga

In a distant past, I was a reporter writing pieces for a cycling magazine (race reports and interviews) and an alternative rock magazine (music/concert critiques and band interviews). This shaped my current view that I’m not one for idolizing people. I was always more curious about how they approached their work. What made them successful? Were they truly different or just exceptional? How did they tackle problems and questions?

How do you bring your Hispanic identity to your work?

Well, I guess I’ve searched for other identities and couldn’t find them, so what you see is what I have. More seriously, as a Catalan born in Barcelona, I believe my heritage is a beautiful blend of cultures (I have spent half of my life in the U.S., and English is my third language). While friends and family are at the heart of everything, we also know how to have fun and take life seriously. Time is precious, and we’re not going to waste it.

Ana Hernández Kent, Senior Researcher with the Institute for Economic Equity

Who is a Hispanic figure or role model that inspires you?

Ana Hernández Kent

There are so many strong Latina women in my life who are personally inspiring to me; it’s hard to pick just one! But I would say my tías (aunts) Carmen and Sandra. One raised her two girls while working six days a week (she’s still doing that!) and the other taught her kids Spanish as the only adult speaking the language. Being in similar situations now, I have so much respeto (respect) for the time, energy and love they took to do those things.

How do you bring your Hispanic identity to your work?

I think my Latina identity comes out most at work in relation to food. I try to make Puerto Rican dishes for potlucks or suggest Latin restaurants when going out as a team. Food makes people feel good; that’s what I want sharing my culture to be about.

Lorena Paez, Analyst in Supervision, Credit and Learning

Who is a Hispanic figure or role model that inspires you?

Lorena Paez

I don’t have a specific person in mind, but I have met many people who share my background and heritage. They have overcome many obstacles, and I have had the privilege to learn from them things like not giving up and seeing culture and language as an opportunity to learn rather than as a disadvantage.

How do you bring your Hispanic identity to your work?

Colombian heritage shapes my perspectives, values and work style. I highlight the importance of community, family and collaboration, and that translates into teamwork. Being bilingual allows me to connect with a broader range of people, enhancing meaningful communication and inclusivity. Furthermore, my appreciation for diverse viewpoints influences my approach to problem solving and innovation.

Ismael “Ish” Rodriguez, Senior Analyst in Supervision, Credit and Learning

Who is a Hispanic figure or role model that inspires you?

Ismael “Ish” Rodriguez

My biggest source of inspiration has always been my grandmother. She was a young widow who, through her work in a cigar factory and doing laundry for affluent families, put her six kids through college. Her work ethic and wisdom have guided me on my personal and professional path.

How do you bring your Hispanic identity to your work?

I think that taking pride in my work and how I present myself to my peers and leaders is the best way I can demonstrate my heritage. I also open myself to answer questions about my ethnicity and heritage, educating others on what it means to be Puerto Rican from my very unique perspective.