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Bio-Rad Employees Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

September 27, 2023

From September 15 to October 15, Bio-Rad is honored to join countless others in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States. As part of our celebration this year, we asked Bio-Rad employees to tell us why they are proud to be Hispanic or Latino American, and what cultural or family traditions that they value most. 

These are just a few of the amazing people from this community who make up our workforce, and we are honored to spotlight them today. Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! 

Jerilyn Woodson, Chemist II (Texas)

What makes you proud to be Hispanic or Latino American? My large, supportive, amazing family - we are always there for each other no matter what! 

What is one cultural or family tradition that you hold dear, or what is something you do to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month? Making tamales with my Nana will always hold a special place in my heart! 

Alice Valentin-Torres, Field Application Specialist II (Ohio)

What makes you proud to be Hispanic or Latino American? I take immense pride in my Puerto Rican heritage, cherishing the island for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural legacy and history, but above all, it's the resilient and compassionate people of Puerto Rico who fill me with pride. Growing up on the island instilled in me a profound sense of fortitude and determination, qualities that have proven invaluable, especially during the demanding journey of graduate school. 
 
What is one cultural or family tradition that you hold dear, or what is something you do to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month? The cultural tradition that I hold dear is " Los Tres Reyes Magos" celebrated on January 6th. On the evening of January 5th, children gather grass and water placing them by their Christmas tree or beside their beds for the horses (or camels) that carry the Three Wise Men. In return, the Reyes Magos provide gifts for the children. I feel fortunate to visit Puerto Rico annually during this period, partaking in the grass-gathering tradition with my nieces.

Jim Garcia, Sr. Video Producer (California)

What makes you proud to be Hispanic or Latino American? La musica! The music I've heard for as long as I can remember. From large family parties to special occasions, it's always there and I always enjoy it.

What is one cultural or family tradition that you hold dear, or what is something you do to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month? Christmas eve tamales! My maternal grandparents made them for our very large extended family instead of presents and we still try to do it every year.

Tania Mijas, Supply Assurance Manager (California)

What makes you proud to be Hispanic or Latino American? The Latin America heritage emphasizes the power of perseverance and resilience, never give up. The culture puts much value on hard work, even more when times get tough. Being a Brazilian is not just about the food, parties and carnival, there is so much history behind it, including the hard work and struggles that remind us of where we came from.
 
What is one cultural or family tradition that you hold dear, or what is something you do to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month? We have two big events when we celebrate our culture. One, June Traditional Festivals where we celebrate three catholic saints: Saint John, Saint Peter and Saint Anthony with lots of regional foods and music.  Two, our beautiful Carnival tradition where we celebrate the most beautiful Samba Schools with their history and music in the avenue. The Carnival of cultures exists for the purpose of promoting the creativity and artistic expression of artists whose works give new meaning to the folk arts.

Ray Aguilera, Social Media Manager (California)

What makes you proud to be Hispanic or Latino American? The history and richness of the culture. Even as a second-generation Mexican-American in California, Latino histories weren't taught in school so it's something I've enjoyed learning and connecting with on my own. 

What is one cultural or family tradition that you hold dear, or what is something you do to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month? My family is very close and we've been able to take several trips together, which are always a great time. My dad & I always make a point to go on at least one adventure on our own. We've explored Mayan pyramids, swam in underground cenotes, taken cooking classes from a Mexican chef, and walked across active volcanoes. It's the highlight of every trip for me.

Mariela Vega, Quality Control (California) 

What makes you proud to be Hispanic or Latino American? What makes me proud to be Latino American is that being Latino is not just adopting one set of cultures and traditions; it is a combination of many. I am proud to have European, American, and Indigenous identities. 

What is one cultural or family tradition that you hold dear, or what is something you do to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month? My favorite time of the year is Christmas. Every year my immediate and extended family get together to catch up...but only after we make a giant pot of tamales, Abuelita hot chocolate, Champurrado, and other traditional goodies. The day after Christmas we meet up again to eat homemade Menudo. These will be the memories I will miss as time goes on.

Elane Reyes-Aviles, Account Executive III (Washington/Utah)

What makes you proud to be Hispanic or Latino American? I am proud of being Puerto Rican because I grew up in a small island with a big heart and a strong sense of community. I remember growing up when natural disasters hit us such as hurricanes, neighbors would mobilize to clean up roads, share supplies such as food and water, and check on the wellbeing of neighbors. My dad is a retired National Guard officer, and he took the lead after the devastation of hurricane Maria to clear out roads by cutting down trees, checking on his neighbors, and sharing his expertise on survival. The motto was always, the little that we have, we share, because we are all in the same situation and we stick together.

What is one cultural or family tradition that you hold dear, or what is something you do to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month? One tradition that I hold dear is el Dia de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day) which is our traditional Christmas that occurs in January. Typically, children get grass on January 5th and put it in a shoebox so they can “feed the horses of the Three Kings”. It was always exciting growing up to see the grass spread out near our Christmas tree and see all the toys. I have two kids and I look forward to starting this tradition with my three-year-old son this year.😊

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