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Celebrating Latinx Heritage Month at Aledade

October 14, 2024

Happy Latinx Heritage Month! As part of our celebration, we’re spotlighting three amazing Aledaders who are all members of our Latinx Employee Resource Group. Learn more about Juan Carlos-Campos, Erica Munoz-Rumsey and Jillyan Bacallao below.

Juan-Carlos Campos, Implementation Specialist

Can you share a bit about your own cultural identity? 

I am Mexican-American. My mother came to the U.S. at age 15 from Guadalajara, Jalisco, but was born and raised in El Tulillo. My father’s family lived in Coahuila y Tejas (before Texas became its own republic) and then migrated from Saltillo to New Braunfels, Texas. Our family has lived in New Braunfels for six generations.

What does this month mean to you personally?

Latinx Heritage Month is a chance to tell our stories and share our cultures. I find that other Americans love our foods, our music, our celebrations, but they don’t know much about our histories or our contributions to the American tapestry. The more people hear from us, the more we gain adequate representation. The more representation we have, the more we become rightfully included in the American “default” – the internal idea of who is American, what does an American look like or what is an American story.  

I also find it is a great time for Latinxs to learn about other Latin American cultures. We are not monolithic, and there is so much variation in our common words, our foods and even our languages.

Why did you join the Latinx ERG?

The Latinx ERG has given me a place where I belong, where I can unmask for a little while and talk to people with similar experiences. And oh boy was I surprised at how similar my life and work experiences were to other Latinx cultures and teammates. One of the best things about being in the Latinx ERG, though, is being able to welcome new people in and give them a place where they can feel included. Belonging to an ERG and participating in an ERG strengthens the team and truly glues us together. And I believe that teams that have strong glue can weather any changes, overcome any difficulty, repurpose their skills and succeed where others cannot. 

Erica Munoz-Rumsey, Practice Transformation Specialist

Can you share a bit about your own cultural identity? 

I identify as Latina – as half-Colombian and as a daughter of an immigrant. My dad came to the States to pursue a Masters degree, and most of his family is still in Colombia. For me, being Latina has been a privilege, and speaking Spanish was seen as a special skill that opened doors – helping me get my first job as an interpreter. 

Being Latina has also made me different in my predominantly white Iowa hometown, but it made me special and it has always made me proud. All of that said, navigating the world as a Brown woman has meant many moments of discomfort, but in ways that usually left me questioning my own actions, unsure if I had faced racism or a misunderstanding.

What does this month mean to you personally?

Latinx Heritage Month is about celebrating and recognizing the vast array of experiences with being Latinx in the States. It’s shining a light on the past and current discrimination faced in this country, as well as grappling with what it means to throw so many different groups of people together and call them all “Latinos” (or Hispanics or lots of other names).

But it’s also about having fun! Bringing the food, music and joyful celebrations that each culture is so proud of to celebrate how far this community has come in the United States. I use this month to learn about all the other cultures that make up this group, and to lift up the people and organizations trying to build a country that sees all of these people and groups as valued members of our community.

Why did you join the Latinx ERG?

I joined the Latinx ERG to meet other Aledaders outside of my team. As a practice transformation specialist, it is easy to build one picture of how Aledade works and what we do without grasping the full range of work it takes to make our company run. I also joined to meet others who had similar experiences to me, so I could ask that age old question of “is it just me?” No two Latinx folks will have the same story, but we will typically have the shared experience of being children of immigrants, or of navigating two languages or of understanding Latinx traditions and values and biases…and that leads to rich and interesting conversations. I am so grateful to the Latinx ERG for welcoming me with open arms, and I have great hopes for the group!

Jillyan Bacallao, Lead, Compliance

Can you share a bit about your own cultural identity? 

Growing up as a first-generation Cuban American in Miami was like living in two worlds at once. I was immersed in the vibrant energy of Cuban culture – from the infectious rhythms of salsa music to the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked Pan Cubano – but I also experienced the unique challenges of navigating two cultures, trying to find my place between the old and the new.

Nochebuena (or Christmas Eve) was a time when these two worlds collided in the most beautiful way. Our home would be filled with the laughter of family, the smell of roasted pork and arroz moro and the sound of salsa music. It was a night of tradition, of honoring our Cuban heritage and of celebrating the resilience of my grandparents who fled the Revolution.

Their stories have shaped who I am today, teaching me the importance of perseverance, family, and the power of hope. I am forever grateful for my Cuban roots and the rich cultural tapestry that has woven itself into my life.

What does this month mean to you personally?

Latinx Heritage Month is more than just a celebration – it’s a time for reflection, gratitude and a renewed commitment to our community. For me, it’s an opportunity to honor the sacrifices of my grandparents, who risked everything to give our family a better life. Their journey inspires me to be grateful for the opportunities I have today and to work towards creating a more equitable future for all Latinx people.

It’s also a chance to connect with my roots and share my culture with others. Whether it’s through cooking traditional Cuban dishes, dancing to salsa or merengue music or simply sharing stories about my family, I strive to keep our heritage alive. By celebrating our culture and passing down our traditions, we ensure that the sacrifices of our ancestors are not forgotten and that future generations can continue to thrive.

Why did you join the Latinx ERG?

Joining the Latinx ERG was like finding a piece of home within the workplace. After years of feeling like a minority in the health care compliance field, it was incredibly refreshing to connect with others who shared similar experiences and backgrounds. The ERG has become more than just a group – it’s a community where I can be myself, celebrate my culture and learn from others.

Being part of the ERG allows me to contribute to creating a more inclusive and welcoming workplace for all employees. By cultivating a sense of belonging and providing a platform for Latinx professionals to thrive, we can help break down barriers and create a more equitable environment. It’s a privilege to be part of such a meaningful organization, and I’m excited to continue making a positive impact.