Each year, we observe Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. During this time we celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of U.S. residents whose ancestors, or who themselves, came from Latin America and/or the Caribbean.
We hope everyone can use this time to reflect on and gain a deeper appreciation of the enduring Latinx contributions to the fabric of the United States, and of how they’ve shaped our national experience and identity.
Latinoforce, our Employee Resource Group for the Latinx community and allies, uses this champion month to organize events to bring together our Salesforce community. In the U.S., nearly 60 million individuals trace their heritage to Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, each with distinct demographic and economic profiles.
In the US, more than 62 million individuals trace their heritage to Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America and Spain, each with distinct demographic and economic profiles. We have always believed in the power of representation and that’s why we host our annual racial equality summit — Representation Matters — to elevate luminary professionals from the Black, Indigenous, and Latinx communities who are typically the most underrepresented in the tech sector.
Below are just a few of the dynamic Hispanic and Latinx activists, innovators, creatives, and Trailblazers that have contributed towards advancing our society as a whole.
Dolores Huerta
Dolores Huerta created the Agricultural Workers Association in 1960 and co-founded what would become the United Farm Workers.
Cesar Chavez
Cesar Chavez is a labor leader that employed nonviolent means to bring attention to the plight of farmworkers.
Ellen Ochoa
Ellen Ochoa was the first Hispanic woman in space when she served on the nine-day STS-56 mission in 1993.
Jorge Luis Borges
Jorge Luis Borges is an Argentine author and arguably the father of Magical Realism, a uniquely Latin American-born genre of writing. His vocal support for the freedom of the Argentine people influenced the political landscape.
Frida Kahlo
Frida Kahlo is considered one of Mexico’s greatest artists and feminist icons. She drew inspiration from her life, nature, and the artifacts of Mexico.
Celia Cruz
Celia Cruz was internationally renowned as the “Queen of Salsa,” “La Guarachera de Cuba,” as well as the “Queen of Latin Music. She is considered an authentic symbol of Latin culture worldwide.
Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Gabriel Garcia Marquez is considered one of the most significant authors of the 20th century and is a Nobel Prize-winning novelist.
As we honor these equality heroes and celebrate their culture — we are reminded also of our role as active allies. It is on each of us to help elevate and preserve the legacies of the culture and histories around us.
“Preservation of one’s own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures,” said Cesar Chavez, the barrier-breaking labor leader, and civil rights activist.
Commit to Equality
At Salesforce, we believe we all have the power to drive change and that together as equality allies we can build a better world for all.
