HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
We’re celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at QUAY. Get to know our squad with mini Q/As that highlight some of our Latinx employees—COMMUNITY IS QUAY.
MARIBEL
What is your Hispanic heritage?
I am Mexican and Honduran.
Retail - Shops
What would you say is one of the biggest misconceptions people have about your culture?I think one of the biggest...is that all we eat is tacos and burritos. Mexican cuisine has so many different amazing foods! 😍
Help drop some knowledge: What is one thing you would like to share about your heritage?
One thing I would like to share would be Mexican culture is the fusion of European, African, and Indigenous culture...This mixing, known as mestizaje, produced a unique cultural identity that makes up the basis for modern-day Mexico, and can be seen in every aspect of Mexican life, including food, clothing, art, music, and even language.
One for fun: What is one thing you could not live without?
One thing I could not live without would be music. I love music, it helps me get through the day and gets me energized and motivated with whatever I am doing.
MARIA
What is your Hispanic heritage?
I am Nicaraguan.
What department do you work in?
Finance
What would you say is one of the biggest misconceptions people have about your culture?
That we are lazy people, which is completely wrong. I have traveled to Nicaragua more than 20 times and everyone I’ve met there is extremely hard working and friendly.
Help drop some knowledge: What is one thing you would like to share about your heritage?
Every year, around Christmas, families come together to celebrate La Purisima. It is both a religious and cultural event to celebrate the Virgin Mary. Everyone sings and passes party favors, which always include typical Nicaraguan food and drinks. It’s a remembrance of our culture and an opportunity for us to enjoy our nation’s treats.
One for fun: What is one thing you could not live without?
Family.
BRENDA
What is your Hispanic heritage?
I am Mexican and Spanish.
What department do you work in?
Retail - Shops
What would you say is one of the biggest misconceptions people have about your culture?
Biggest misconception of Mexican women is that we’re limited to be housewives/stay-at-home moms, and marry “macho men.” That’s quite false. My mother is a psychologist, and I was taught to be very independent. She really enforced to break that glass ceiling and use my bilingualism to advance in my career.
Help drop some knowledge: What is one thing you would like to share about your heritage?
Not all Mexicans eat spicy foods. Although, the use of chili is quite common, not all of us like the spicy-ness.
One for fun: What is one thing you could not live without?
I cannot live without coffee! Especially “cafe con leche,” which is delicious! And Salsa dancing!
NYDIA
What is your Hispanic heritage?
I am Puerto Rican and Mexican.
What department do you work in?
Inventory Control
What would you say is one of the biggest misconceptions people have about your culture?
Not all Latinx are Catholic, I was raised Pentecostal.
Help drop some knowledge: What is one thing you would like to share about your heritage?
Puerto Ricans are U.S. Citizens but aren’t allowed to vote for president.
One for fun: What is one thing you could not live without?
My Grandma Nydia’s Puerto Rican cooking (I was named after my grandma).
ROB
What is your Hispanic heritage?
I am Puerto Rican.
What department do you work in?
IT
What would you say is one of the biggest misconceptions people have about your culture?
That we’re all “Spanish.” Puerto Rico is actually part of Latin America and the indigenous people are actually called Taíno and are thought to have come from the Amazon Basin. If you look at the DNA of anyone from Puerto, it’s a mix of many cultures including Spain and Africa that made Puerto Rico as amazing as it is.
Help drop some knowledge: What is one thing you would like to share about your heritage?
I have DNA from Europe, Africa, Asia and Native Americans! It’s quite amazing to look at all the sources of what makes me, me.
One for fun: What is one thing you could not live without?
Photos of my family! I thought at first about a piece of technology like my phone, but photos and memories are irreplicable.
MIGUEL
What is your Hispanic heritage?
I am Mexican.
What department do you work in?
Retail Operations
What would you say is one of the biggest misconceptions people have on your culture?
That people in Mexico all wear sombreros.
Help drop some knowledge: What is one thing you would like to share about your heritage?
People in Tepatitlan have a traditional festival every year in April called Tepabril, in honor of the Lord of Mercy, and the festivities go on for 2 to 3 weeks. A sanctuary was created for the Lord of Mercy in Tepatitlan, Jalisco, and his story is displayed on the walls of the sanctuary describing how he was founded and his significance for the town.
One for fun: What is one thing you could not live without?
Tamales!
RAQUEL
What is your Hispanic heritage?
I am Mexican.
What department do you work in?
Global Brand
What would you say is one of the biggest misconceptions people have on your culture?
That Mexico is a very dangerous place to visit.
Help drop some knowledge: what is one thing you would like to share about your heritage?
In Mexico, we greet everyone with a kiss on the cheek, even people you just met. 😘
One for fun: What is one thing you could not live without?
Limes!
BRIANNA
What is your Hispanic heritage?
I am Mexican.
What department do you work in?
Global Brand
What would you say is one of the biggest misconceptions people have on your culture?
That any successful business or family is associated with the cartel. It's sad, but it was a thing my family/friends heard growing up.
Help drop some knowledge: What is one thing you would like to share about your heritage?
Mexico has 68 official languages that are officially recognized, but there are even more spoken by smaller communities around the country.
One for fun: What is one thing you could not live without?
Family, they are a crazy bunch, but man, do I love them!
TESS
What is your Hispanic heritage?
I am Honduran and Nicaraguan.
What department do you work in?
Global Brand
What would you say is one of the biggest misconceptions people have on your culture?
For me, it's upsetting when others aren't understanding or get frustrated to non-English speaking individuals. Growing up my Mom barely knew any English, so she relied on my brother, dad, and myself to translate. It's also upsetting when non-Spanish speaking people make fun of any latin culture because they find it “weird.” It truly does take a toll on a child growing up because you end up being embarrassed about who you are, when it should never be like that.
Help drop some knowledge: What is one thing you would like to share about your heritage?
We don't all have the same food! I grew with native food from Honduras and Nicaragua. For example, although we have tamales, they aren't the same as a mexican tamale everyone learns and eats.
One for fun: What is one thing you could not live without?
My film cameras. They're my form of therapy, and I enjoy seeing life through a viewfinder.
CESAR
What is your Hispanic heritage?
I am Colombian, Puerto Rican, and Mexican.
What department do you work in?
Retail-Shops
What would you say is one of the biggest misconceptions people have about your culture?
It’s silly, but I always hear, “Oh, you’re from Colombia...What do you guys eat?”
Puerto Rico and Colombia are both so rich in culture and have amazing cuisine that doesn’t revolve around beans and tacos. If you’re ever in Puerto Rico or at a decent PR restaurant, try Mofongo (staple), Tostones, and always order the Arroz Con Gandules. 🤤
Help drop some knowledge: What is one thing you would like to share about your heritage?
Being Puerto Rican means that I am not only Puerto Rican, but I am also a beautiful mix of indigenous Taínos, African, and Spanish ancestry.
One for fun: What is one thing you could not live without?
I can never live without MUSIC. Puerto Rico is the birthplace of SALSA. 💃
The belief that COMMUNITY IS QUAY and that all people—regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, or creed—deserve respect, opportunity, and love is central to everything that we do at Quay. We are nothing without the unique, diverse group of individuals internally + externally who have allowed us success over the years.
