Celebrating Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month: A Q&A with KAYAK and OpenTable team members
We asked KAYAK and OpenTable employees across the globe to reflect on what Hispanic Heritage Month means to them. Read what they had to say below.
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and the Latinx community at KAYAK and OpenTable, our teammates shared why celebrating HHM and creating space for Hispanic and Latinx voices matters to them. Check out their answers below.
Andree Gutierrez, Marketing Manager, OpenTable, Mexico City
What does Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
For me it’s a time in which we can educate different audiences on what it means to be Latinx and Hispanic, so they can understand a little bit more about our rich culture and backgrounds.
What’s one thing you would like folks to know about your culture?
Mexicans and Latinos in general are very sociable, we like hugging and we use our hands when we talk, so don’t think we are being rude if we do some hand gestures. Sometimes it’s how we talk. And also we have the best hospitality in the world — we are warm, kind and always trying to help out!
What are some common truths or misconceptions that you’d like to address?
We are hard workers and we do not immigrate to steal anyone’s job or to change the culture where we are immigrating to. We immigrate looking for a better opportunity which we are not finding in our country. Another misconception — Mexicans do not celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Our independence celebration is on September 15th.
How can people be allies to the community?
Being Latinx or Hispanic is complex, there are many different backgrounds and each country has its own particularities. I would like people outside of the community to know not to assume where we come from — and if they have a doubt just ask. Whether from Venezuela, Colombia, Mexico or Argentina — we might all be Latinx but we do have different backgrounds. I think the best way to be an ally is to ask and to not judge, we all have a story and sometimes it’s not a happy story so just try to understand and ask about something you are interested in, don’t bucket all Latinx countries into one.
Carolina Montenegro, GM & VP — LATAM, KAYAK, Miami
What does Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time where we come together and celebrate the beauty of each of our cultures within the Latin American community. It’s a time when we reflect on our own backgrounds and the struggles and successes that our ancestors have gone through.
What’s one thing you would like folks to know about your culture?
As a Cuban-American living in Miami — Cuban traditions have been something that have been very prevalent my entire life. We are a culture deeply rooted in traditions and family values — we are passionate, loud, and resilient. We enjoy a good cafecito and are always up for a party as long as there is Rum, Dominoes and a “Lechon” (aka a roasted pig) present.
What are some common truths or misconceptions that you’d like to address?
We are not a monolith, we all come from different backgrounds and cultures rooted in similar values. We all identify differently, some of us refer to ourselves as Hispanics, some as Latin Americans — others prefer their country of origin like Dominicans, Brazilians and Mexicans. It’s ok to ask what the person you are talking to prefers to be identified by, it’ll make both of you feel more comfortable.
How can people be allies to the community?
Be curious and ask questions — Don’t make assumptions and don’t lump all Hispanics into one bucket. We are all very diverse and all have beautiful and amazing stories to tell. So Be Curious!
Miosoti Pichardo, Bilingual Onboarding Specialist — OpenTable, Denver
What does Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
This is an opportunity to be extra proud of my culture and heritage and to learn more about others. This is also a great time to teach others more about all of the diversity within our communities. Showcase not only the beauty but also our struggles as an underrepresented community.
What’s one thing you would like folks to know about your culture?
That we Dominicans are lively and generous!
What are some common truths or misconceptions that you’d like to address?
One misconception is the assumption that all Latin/Hispanic cuisine is spicy!
Another thing some people are not aware of is the fact that Dominicans share the island of Hispaniola with Haiti.
How can people be allies to the community?
- Be open-minded to learning more about cultural differences. Ask more questions!
- If you can, volunteer in predominantly Hispanic communities.
- Join an Employee Resource Group (ERG)*! Participate in a cultural festival like The Puerto Rican Day Parade or Dia de Los Muertos
Oriana Tinoco, Senior Manager — LATAM Brand Marketing, KAYAK, Miami
What does Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
To me Hispanic Heritage month is a great opportunity to celebrate the cultural diversity and values that our community offers to the rest of the world. I love seeing how with each passing year, we give this month the recognition that it deserves, highlighting the voices and impact of Latinos who have contributed to what America is nowadays.
What’s one thing you would like folks to know about your culture?
We are a colorful culture with a vast variety of nuances between countries. Our love for food, dance, music and sports is what connects us and our rooted family values are strongly passed down from generations and taken with us wherever we go.
What are some common truths or misconceptions that you’d like to address?
A common truth is that the migratory experience is not an easy one. The majority of us migrate to another country in pursuit of a better life, which also means that we have to detach ourselves from friends, family and the place we called home. And even though gratitude is at the heart of the journey, it can also take a toll on the individual’s identity. On the other hand, a common misconception is thinking that being Hispanic or Latino is a racial category, when in fact it refers to a cultural distinction, indicating that someone’s country of origin is in Latin America. A Latino person can be black, caucasian, mixed raced or asian.
How can people be allies to the community?
Showing interest and being empathic are ways to guide us in the right direction. I think if we show genuine curiosity in each others’ backgrounds and cultures, it helps to understand our mannerisms and behaviors. Consequently, more awareness allows us to become more conscious of any bias and in this particular case, an instant ally of the Latino community.
Join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and the Latinx community as we reflect on the stories and perspectives shared by our employees. We strive for a culture that encourages all to bring their full selves to work each and every day.
*Employee Resource Groups, or ERGs, are voluntary, employee-led groups whose aim is to foster a sense of inclusion and community for members of underrepresented groups and their allies. For more info, check out our Diversity and Inclusion Hub.
