Reflections from Some of Our Latinx Team on Honoring Heritage and Inspiring Change

As the much-anticipated fall season begins, September also ushers in an important opportunity to celebrate the rich histories and vibrant cultures of Latinx communities. Latinx Heritage Month, observed from September 15 to October 15, aligns with the independence days of several Latin American countries, making it a fitting time to shine a light on the lives and voices of our Latinx team. By sharing their personal stories, goals and achievements, we aim to deepen the understanding of the diversity within our team and inspire others to recognize the value that diversity brings to organizations as a whole.  

We will highlight an amazing group of individuals throughout these next four weeks on our social sites, but we asked a few team members to share now how their heritage has impacted their professional decision to work in a non-profit. Here is what they shared: 

Guadalupe Valdivia-Perez, Giving Back for All She Has Been Given 

“The underlying principle and pillar of ‘paying it forward’—doing good without expecting anything in return—exists in various cultures and philosophies. It unites humanity by fostering a global culture of kindness, empathy, and collective responsibility. Growing up with a high value on relationships and community instilled in me a sense of responsibility to support others by being inclusive and supportive. It taught me the importance of collaboration, teamwork, and collective efforts. My religious beliefs embed the need to help those who are less fortunate inspiring me to focus on improving and building communities, advocating for marginalized groups, or providing resources to underserved populations. Most importantly, my Mexican American heritage has also spotlighted figures who fought for civil rights, such as César Chávez and Dolores Huerta. These activist role models inspire me to engage in nonprofit work and continue advancing social justice.” 

Tracy Nunez-Mercado, Working for the Health and Well-Being of Generations to Come 

“My heritage has deeply influenced my educational and professional decisions from the very beginning. Growing up in a family-orientated environment with a strong sense of community and social responsibility, I felt a natural drive to give back and support under-served communities. My community, heritage and experiences have fueled my passion to pursue higher education, occupy the spaces that once seemed out of reach, and serve as a resource and advocate for my Latinx communities.” 

Oscar Sandoval, Advocating for Change through Policy Work  

“One of the main reasons I entered the policy advocacy profession was because I didn’t see the adequate representation of our people being reflected in our decision-making government bodies. We (Latinx) are close to forty percent of our state’s population but only a fourth of its legislature. My goal was, and still is, to be someone that empowers people from our background to get involved in the legislative process.” 

Why do we call it ‘Latinx?’ 

At CHC, we choose to use the term “Latinx” instead of Hispanic or Latino/a to be more inclusive of non-binary, gender non-conforming, and gender-expansive individuals. Additionally, “Latinx” encompasses the broader experiences of indigenous people, Brazilians, and others whose heritage may not be tied to the Spanish language. Diversity, equity and inclusion are things we highly value. In practice this looks like the use of inclusive language to account for all experiences of the Latinx community. It also ensures that our celebration fully embraces the diversity within this community. As an organization connected to Chico State University and to colleges across the state, it’s equally important that we align our practices with the inclusive terminology used on campuses. 

Let this month serve as a reminder that our diversity is not just a characteristic but a powerful force that enhances our work and strengthens our mission. Together, we will continue to learn from one another, grow as an organization, and advocate for the communities we serve.