Hispanic Heritage Month 2025: Reflections and Insights

The 2025 theme is “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future.” 

As part of our ongoing commitment to understanding and celebrating diversity across our markets in North America, we will be talking with Hispanic and Latino leaders to learn what this celebration means to them. In the meantime, here is a recap of the conversations we had last year – insights, reflections, and stories that still resonate. 

What Does Hispanic Heritage Month Mean to You? 

For many leaders, Hispanic Heritage Month is both a celebration and a moment of reflection. It is a chance to honor the diversity within Hispanic and Latino communities, while also recognizing the shared values that unite them. 

Some described it as a time to celebrate resilience and contributions. Adrián Almeida, CEO of I Love Produce LLC, emphasized that it is an opportunity to “celebrate and recognize the incredible contributions that people from Latin America have made to this great country.” Others, like Alvaro Cantillo, SVP Head North America Supply Chain & Quality E2E at Haleon, connected the celebration to the immigrant journey, describing it as “a way to recognize our rich Latin diversity, the courage of our journey… and our core values of strong bonds, joy for life and passion for what we do.” 

Several leaders also highlighted the importance of education and awareness. Natalia Bravo, Vice President Procurement Americas at Campari Group, reflected that the month allows people to “help educate others about our cultural background, the huge diversity we have amongst Hispanics and the unique value we bring to our communities and the labor market.” 

And of course, celebration itself plays an important role. Pablo Cussatti, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Shearer’s Foods, pointed out the joy of gathering together – complete with the richness of food and traditions – as part of honoring the journey of so many Hispanic families. 

How Has Your Heritage Shaped Who You Are Today? 

Across the conversations, one theme stood out: heritage is deeply tied to resilience, adaptability and pride. 

Growing up in Mexico, Adrián explained that his upbringing instilled a strong sense of pride in family values and culture, something he continues to carry forward. Similarly, Ricardo Alvarez, CEO of Häns Kissle, described how his Chilean and Puerto Rican roots gave him a sense of purpose, resiliency, and family unity. 

For others, heritage meant learning to navigate constant change. Alvaro reflected on his childhood in Colombia, where resilience and agility were essential. “The agility, resilience and anticipation that you develop growing in a country like Colombia in the 80s has been an asset for me,” he shared. 

Several leaders also credited their bicultural or multicultural experiences with shaping an open mindset. Larry Kruguer, Managing Partner and former COO of Wingstop, described his bilingual and bicultural background as “a major basis of my success,” giving him the ability to embrace different cultures and approaches in his global career. Alexander Gregorian, SVP Global Supply Chain – Manufacturing at Estée Lauder, raised in Brazil, shared a similar perspective: growing up in a diverse, complex country taught him inclusivity, adaptability, and optimism. 

In What Ways Has Your Cultural Background Influenced Your Career? 

When reflecting on their careers, leaders emphasized how heritage shaped their leadership styles, work ethic, and approach to challenges. 

For many, optimism, resilience, and adaptability were key. Natalia credited her cultural background with teaching her to stay calm under pressure and view challenges as opportunities. “Coming from a different culture, one that is empathic, has allowed me to relate to other people and create connections quickly,” she said. 

Alvaro spoke about learning “how to learn, and do it fast” as part of thriving in new environments and challenges. Similarly, Alexander highlighted how the Brazilian tradition of valuing relationships helped him build networks and collaborate across global teams. 

Work ethic and entrepreneurship were also central. Jose Antonio Gomez Bazan, Board Member and CEO of AgroValue Inc, reflected that Latin Americans often carry a strong drive to provide for family and pursue opportunities, even if it means taking on multiple roles. “Most of us have overcome significant challenges in life and we have built resilience and determination in our character,” he said. 

For Ricardo, heritage influenced leadership in another way: it made him more empathetic and grounded. “It has made me a better leader because of our family unity, and a better listener,” he shared. 

Conclusion 

From these conversations, several themes consistently emerged: pride in heritage, resilience in the face of challenges, a strong work ethic, and the ability to connect with others. These qualities not only enrich personal lives but also drive success in professional journeys. 

As we enter Hispanic Heritage Month 2025, under the theme “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” these reflections serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of Hispanic and Latino heritage. We look forward to building on them this year – hearing fresh perspectives, expanding the dialogue, and continuing to celebrate what Hispanic and Latino leaders bring to our communities, workplaces and shared future.