Honoring Latiné and Hispanic Heritage Month: Celebrating Culture, History, and Identity at Work

Every year from September 15 to October 15, the United States observes Latiné and Hispanic Heritage Month, a dedicated time to recognize and honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. This month-long celebration offers a valuable opportunity not just to acknowledge the past and present of Latiné and Hispanic communities, but also to inspire a more inclusive and culturally aware future.

Why Latiné and Hispanic Heritage Month Matters

The Latiné and Hispanic population represents a vibrant and growing segment of the United States. As of 2025, over 19% of the U.S. population identifies as Hispanic or Latiné, bringing with them a rich diversity of language, tradition, food, art, music, and history. From political leaders like Sonia Sotomayor and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, to innovators like Ellen Ochoa (the first Latina astronaut), and artists like Lin-Manuel Miranda and Selena Quintanilla, Latiné and Hispanic individuals have left indelible marks on American life.

Yet, despite these contributions, the communities represented by this heritage month often face systemic challenges - such as underrepresentation in leadership roles, language bias, and limited access to economic and educational opportunities. Celebrating this month is not just about festivity; it’s about visibility, equity, and education.

What’s in a Name? Latiné, Latino/a, and Hispanic

Before diving into how workplaces can observe this month meaningfully, it’s important to acknowledge the evolving language used to describe these communities.

• Hispanic generally refers to people who speak Spanish or are descended from Spanish-speaking populations.

• Latino/a refers to people from Latin America, regardless of language.

• Latiné (or Latinx) is a more inclusive term designed to be gender-neutral, encompassing all people of Latin American origin regardless of gender identity.

Not everyone identifies with the same label, so when discussing or celebrating these communities - especially in professional settings - it's respectful to listen, ask, and use the terms individuals prefer.

The Importance of Honoring Heritage in the Workplace

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) aren't just buzzwords—they're essential to creating healthy, innovative, and sustainable workplaces. When organizations recognize and uplift the cultural identities of their employees, it:

• Builds stronger teams through mutual understanding and shared respect.

• Boosts engagement by showing employees that they are seen and valued.

• Inspires innovation by encouraging diverse voices and perspectives.

• Strengthens brand reputation through meaningful investment in community and culture.
  

Latiné and Hispanic Heritage Month provides a clear framework for deepening these values. But how can workplaces go beyond surface-level acknowledgment and truly honor the spirit of the month?

Meaningful Ways to Celebrate at Work

Here are some thoughtful, inclusive, and impactful ways to recognize Latiné and Hispanic Heritage Month in the workplace:

1. Educate and Elevate

Create opportunities for learning throughout the month:

• Host panels or lunch-and-learns featuring Latiné and Hispanic speakers.

• Share educational resources (books, podcasts, documentaries) that highlight historical and contemporary contributions.

• Publish internal spotlights or newsletters on employees who identify as Latiné/Hispanic, if they wish to be featured.
  

This not only highlights accomplishments but also challenges stereotypes and builds awareness.

2. Celebrate Cultural Expression

Encourage joyful engagement with Latiné culture:

• Organize potlucks or tastings featuring traditional foods.

• Invite local musicians or dancers to perform at events.

• Share playlists of Latin music or suggest Latin American films for company movie nights.
  

Make sure these celebrations are inclusive and educational - not just performative or focused solely on food and entertainment.

3. Support Latiné-Owned Businesses and Creators

Use the company’s purchasing power to uplift Latiné entrepreneurship:

• Cater from Latiné-owned restaurants.

• Feature Latiné artists, authors, or designers in employee giveaways.

• Promote and support community partnerships with Latiné organizations.
  

4. Foster Inclusive Conversations

Create safe spaces for open dialogue:

• Host discussions around identity, representation, and intersectionality.

• Offer affinity groups or ERGs (Employee Resource Groups) for Latiné employees and allies.

• Encourage managers to check in with team members and learn how they’d like to engage during the month.
  

5. Commit Beyond the Month

True inclusion isn’t about a single month. Use this time to:

• Reassess recruitment and promotion practices to ensure Latiné representation.

• Invest in DEI initiatives and mentorship programs tailored to underrepresented groups.

• Advocate for language accessibility, flexible holidays, and culturally competent benefits.
  

Celebrating Latiné and Hispanic Heritage Month should be a catalyst, not a checkbox.

What Employees Can Do

You don’t need to be in HR or on a DEI committee to make a difference. As an individual contributor or manager, you can:

• Educate yourself and encourage your team to do the same.

• Attend and promote events during the month.

• Share your heritage or ask colleagues about theirs—if they’re open to it.

• Amplify Latiné voices in meetings, projects, and strategy sessions.

• Be curious, humble, and open to growth.

Small, consistent actions often make the biggest difference.

Latiné and Hispanic Heritage Month is a powerful reminder of the diverse stories that shape our world. In the workplace, it’s a chance to honor the cultural richness and lived experiences of colleagues, customers, and communities—and to recommit to creating environments where everyone belongs.

When companies take the time to celebrate authentically and inclusively, they don’t just build stronger teams—they build better futures.

Let this month be more than a moment. Let it be a movement toward lasting inclusion and celebration. For a workshop celebrating Latiné and Hispanic Heritage Month customized for your workplace, schedule a complimentary consultation with Altogether Agency.