This year, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the theme 'Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.' What better way to understand cultural transformation and inspire future generations than by reflecting on the past? Our elders, as keepers of history and tradition, offer valuable lessons that can guide us in building a future that embraces our shared heritage.
The Role of Family and Abuelas: The Thread Connecting Generations
Many people from Latin American cultures have close-knit families. The common image is having large, warm extended families, and many live in multi-generational households or want to stay geographically close to family members. The U.S. Census Bureau’s 2021 data shows that approximately 17% - or one in six - children of Hispanic or Latino descent live in households with their grandparents.
Hispanic grandparents often play traditional roles and are an important connection in the lives of their grandchildren. An abuela is a role model, mentor, care giver, and a friend. They are a vital source of care and emotional support for both their children and grandchildren. They ensure a family’s heritage is passed down and embraced by future generations. They ensure the stories and traditions are carried on and are the thread that connects the generations.
We asked GoGetters about their fondest or most impactful memories with their own Abuelas.
Memories with Our Abuelas: Generations of the Past
Three of our Hispanic GoGetters opened up and shared a meaningful memory or lesson with their abuela and how their relationship has influenced who they are today.
Ana Garcia, Sr. People Operations Generalist:
“Remember mija,’ Ana Garcia’s abuela would remind her as the scent of garlic drifted in from the kitchen, leftover from the traditional Guatemalan breakfast she had served. “Accept people as they are and try to understand them, so you’ll know how to approach them, forgive them, and love them.”
Ana’s grandmother always sat down last at the dinner table, insisting that everyone start eating before her while she carefully surveyed their plates, making sure they never went empty, scooping warm scrambled eggs, black beans, and tortillas onto them. Despite their insistent attempts to get her to join them, they knew better than to push too hard. They recognized the pleasure and saw the smile on her face as she served her family. These family gatherings had been non-negotiable during Ana’s childhood, and in keeping with the tradition, she now stays connected with her family using virtual conference tools like GoTo Meeting, as she moved to Germany from Guatemala this year.
Evelyn Castillo, Account Resolutions Specialist:
Pedro Infante is one of the most iconic and beloved musicians and actors in Mexican cinema and music. He’s known for his boleros, rancheras, other traditional Mexican music styles that convey deep emotion. The lyrics of “Mi Cariñito” express a loving sentiment, praising God for His love and comparing it to the heart of a lily, fresh dew, and a small bird - all pure and white:
Cual lirio ha de ser mi corazoncito,
Cual fresco rocío, cual un pajarillo,
Tan blanco, tan puro, chiquito así...
Alabando a Dios por su amor para mí.
These lyrics became the soundtrack of nostalgia, as Evelyn’s abuela would sing them when she was a child, and now sings them to her own children. The warm, comforting hum of her voice washes over their hearts whenever they get the chance to be together, since they no longer live nearby.
Crystal Diaz, Sr. Manager, Global Talent Brand and DEI
No matter the occasion, a cold Coca-Cola became an unspoken tradition, a bubbly bond that turned everyday moments into some of the sweetest memories between Crystal and her Abuela. It was a simple pleasure, a special ritual that brought them together and made ordinary moments feel fizzy with joy. Despite the half-filled cups around her house, her Abuela was a glass-half-full person, always seeing the positive in life. She would often say, “If you’re going to do something, do it right, or don’t do it at all,” and reminded Crystal not to worry about failing as much as trying her best and giving her best the first time.
Connecting Hispanic Culture in the Modern Workforce
GoTo has seven employee-led Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), including HOLA, (Hispanics and Latinos Everywhere). Historically, this group has hosted virtual cooking classes, shared successes, and celebrated cultural traditions. Our GoGetters come together to form a stronger, united community, weaving a vibrant tapestry of expertise, innovation, and insight. Through these celebrations, we inspire one another, bring communities together, and strengthen our connections.
The love between an abuela and her family is boundless. This love honors Hispanic heritage shapes their identities and guides them along the path of life. These unbreakable bonds are celebrated, and the memories are cherished. As Ana Garcia’s abuela said, “The love of a family is infinite.”