Houston Airports proudly spotlights and celebrates the Hispanic traditions and heritage of its employees. From their favorite foods to the ultimate travel destinations, listen as employees tell Houston Airports why they are beaming with pride during Hispanic Heritage Month.
From Tex-Mex fajitas to Puerto Rican pasteles and Colombian patacones, food may be one of the easiest ways to bring people together, but it’s the common ground found in culture, tradition and experience that allows so many to connect with their Hispanic neighbors during the annual month-long celebration.
“It’s great to be Hispanic. It’s a very dynamic culture. It’s very family-oriented, very service-oriented, which is great for the airport,” said Ron Parra, Landside Airport Operations Supervisor for George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
Houston Airports is proud to spotlight team members by celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15, 2022 – Oct. 15, 2022.
During the month, people are invited to learn more about the histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
“It’s a celebration of our diversity and inclusion,” said Luci Rodriguez, Internal Communications Manager for Houston Airports. “And it allows us the opportunity to recognize that we’re all different, but we all can be one.”
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon B. Johnson and was expanded to cover a 30-day period by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. The day of September 15 is significant, because it’s the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days September 16 and September 18, respectively.
“It’s about discovering who I am, discovering my roots. Not only just as a person, but as part of a community,” said Douglas Ramirez, a retired Houston Police Officer and Airport Services Representative.