Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at Work
Hispanic & Latine Heritage Month honors the vibrant histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latine communities. Celebrated every year from September 15 to October 15, it recognizes the diverse identities, stories, and influences that continue to shape North America.
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In this article, we explore:
History of Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month began as a week-long observance in 1968, introduced by Congressman George Brown to celebrate the cultural contributions of Hispanic communities. That same year, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Proclamation 3869, establishing “National Hispanic Heritage Week.”
In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed legislation expanding the week into a month-long celebration. The first official National Hispanic Heritage Month proclamation was issued in 1989 by President George H. W. Bush.
Today, it has grown into a month-long event recognized nationwide, honoring the heritage, accomplishments, and ongoing impact of Hispanic and Latine communities.
Why is Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrated in September?
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated September 15 to October 15 due to the numerous independence day anniversaries that fall during that time.
September 15 represents the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. These Latin America nations declared independence from Spain on September 15, 1821.
September 16 and September 18 represent the anniversary of independence for Mexico and Chile, respectively. Both nations declared independence from Spain in 1810.
September 21 represents the anniversary of independence for Belize, who established independence from Great Britain on September 21, 1981.
Facts about Hispanic Heritage in the USA
America’s Hispanic population reached 63.6 million in 2022. This represents approximately 19% of people in the U.S. overall.
Demographically, this represents approximately:
37.4 million people of Mexican descent
5.9 million people of Puerto Rican descent
1 million or more people from El Salvador, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Columbia, and Honduras
Hispanic and Latine communities represent 20+ countries, each with distinct cultures, languages, and histories.
There are over 5 million Hispanic-owned businesses across the U.S., contributing more than
$800 billion annually to the economy
Despite this number, only approximately 6.9% of all businesses are owned by Hispanic and Latine individuals.
The number of Hispanic and Latine individuals (ages 18-24) pursuing higher education has increased from 2.4 million in 2021, up from 1.2 million in 2005
Latine and Hispanic people are amongst the fastest-growing demographic in the U.S., and have a generally young population, indicating that their economic and social contributions will continue to grow and build.
Regardless, a pay gap still exists. For example, college-aged Latinas make approximately $0.59 for every $1 earned by white men.
Influential Hispanic Figures in American History
Historical Trailblazers
César Chávez – Civil rights activist and co-founder of the National Farm Workers Association.
Dolores Huerta – Labor leader and co-founder of the same organization, advocating for farmworker rights.
Sylvia Rivera – Pioneering LGBTQ+ activist and participant in the 1969 Stonewall riots.
Ellen Ochoa – First Hispanic woman in space and former director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
Sonia Sotomayor – First Hispanic and Latina Supreme Court Justice.
Modern Leaders & Changemakers
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez – U.S. Representative and progressive policy advocate.
Lin-Manuel Miranda – Award-winning playwright, composer, and actor known for Hamilton and In the Heights.
Julissa Arce – Author and activist advocating for immigrant rights and equity in education.
Afro-Latine voices like Amara La Negra and Gina Torres highlight intersectionality in media representation.
“There is no beauty like the beauty that comes from authenticity, from daring to be ourselves.”
Examples of Companies that Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Many organizations are moving beyond performative gestures to create lasting impact:
Microsoft spotlights Hispanic and Latine creators through its digital storytelling platform.
Spotify curates exclusive playlists showcasing Latin music genres and emerging artists.
Netflix highlights Latine filmmakers, writers, and actors across their platform.
PepsiCo partners with nonprofits to support digital literacy and education in Hispanic communities.
Target and Walmart feature products from Hispanic- and Latine-owned brands year-round.
“You can cut all the flowers but you cannot keep spring from coming.”
12 Ways to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Work
To make celebrations impactful and inclusive, blend education, community, and connection:
Host Educational Workshops & Panels
Workshops, Training and Panel Discussions are great ways to both educate and engage your team at work. Inviting speakers with lived experiences can be positive & interactive, while still educational for the entire organization.
Curate Visual Displays
Highlight Hispanic and Latine creators, artists, and innovators in communal spaces or digital newsletters.
Organize Trivia or Interactive Quizzes
Trivia and quizzes are both a fun and accessible team event that your entire organization can join in-person or remotely. It can be a small part of an overall event or be the weekly centerpiece of a month-long celebration.
Host a Cultural Potluck or Tasting Event
Whether your workplace is big or small, commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month by organizing a potluck lunch encourages employees to collaborate and interact with each other.
Create a Hispanic & Latine Music Showcase
Hispanic culture is rich in music history and creates an opportunity for employees to come together, show support for the Hispanic community and engage in meaningful conversation.
Support Local Community Events
Encourage employees to join local Hispanic Heritage Month Parades and events as representatives of the company. Provide branded merchandise, such as t-shirts or banners, to show solidarity and support.
Screen Films or Documentaries
Organize a film screening featuring Hispanic movies or documentaries followed by a discussion. Film has a unique way of bringing people together at all levels of an organization.
Provide Inclusion-Focused Workshops
Offer training on unconscious bias, allyship, and equitable workplace practices.
Celebrate Employee Voices
Feature stories from Hispanic and Latine team members in internal communications.
Support Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
Offer broader workshops or training that focus on inclusion at the workplace, without necessarily putting Hispanic team members in the spotlight.
Organize a Fundraiser or Donation Drive
Organize and support Hispanic Employee Resource Groups within the company. Provide resources, funding and leadership support to foster their initiatives and activities.
Play Lotería Together
Games are always a cornerstone of every event. Even for those who have never played Lotería, as it is quite similar to Bingo, it’s something that everyone in your company can get behind.
Final Thoughts: Keep the Celebration Going Year-Round!
While Hispanic & Latine Heritage Month is an important annual recognition, honoring these communities should never be confined to just 30 days. Representation, equity, and belonging require sustained commitment.
Recognize contributions year-round.
Foster inclusive workplace policies and practices.
Ensure Hispanic and Latine employees feel empowered to bring their authentic selves to work.
Hispanic & Latine Heritage Month should serve as a reminder, not the starting point, of inclusion efforts. True equity comes from weaving belonging into the everyday culture of your workplace.
Celebrating heritage month is a step forward, but lasting impact comes when companies commit to equity every day of the year.
FAQ: Quick Answers to Your Hispanic Heritage Month Questions
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“Hispanic” generally refers to people with origins in Spanish-speaking countries, while “Latine” (a gender-neutral alternative to Latino/Latina) refers to people with roots in Latin America, regardless of the language. Many people identify with one or both.
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Companies can host educational workshops, highlight employee voices, support community organizations and initiatives, and feature Hispanic-and Latine-owned businesses. Go beyond symbolic gestures and make inclusion part of the organization’s year-round culture.
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Celebrating heritage months help employees feel seen, valued, and respected. It also educates the wider workforce, builds cultural awareness, and cultivates a stronger sense of belonging. All of these things contribute to more inclusive, innovative workplaces.
