Hispanic Heritage Month was September 15 – October 15, and we are proud to shine the spotlight on our Solidarity team member Lety, as she shares what it means to her and to learn more about her cultural identity.
What does this month mean to you personally?
This month means a lot to me. It is nice to see Hispanic culture somewhat highlighted a little more than normal. There are some ads on TV, and some businesses are promoting it on their social media pages.
How does your family celebrate this month?
My family and I celebrate always! I fit the stereotype! I love tacos! We love Mexican food! My oldest son plays the piano, and this month, he has been working on more Latin-style music. I just love hearing him play!
Who are you?
My name is Leticia, and I go by Lety…yes, like Lety from the Fast & Furious Movies…but it is a very common name in the Hispanic community. I have been married for 17 years to my wonderful husband Darrin, and we have two amazing sons! We also have a fur baby, a mini golden doodle!
What do you do at Solidarity?
I am a member service representative here. We help our members with many questions, concerns or issues related to their accounts. I am so happy that I can help with our Spanish-speaking members! I am fluent in Spanish, and I really want to make a difference!
Can you share a bit about your own cultural identity?
My mom was born in Wisconsin. Her mom, my grandma, was born in Mexico, right across the border. She moved here at a young age with her brothers. She is the strongest woman I know, and I am very proud to be a lot like her! I was born in Wisconsin but raised here in Kokomo from the third grade on. My mom always made sure that I knew who I was and where my roots came from. She taught me to be proud of who I am and embrace it…to never let anyone treat me any less because of it! My dad was born in Guanajuato, Mexico. He came to the US alone for a better life at the age of 16. He left behind his parents and siblings. Once he was established, he always made sure, even to this day, to send money to help better the lives of his family in Mexico. Every summer growing up, we visited our family in Mexico. It wasn’t the fun-partying-spring-break-vacation spots like Cancun, Mexico. It was deep in the heart…dirt-roads-cement-homes-poor-villages Mexico. It made me grateful for all I had. It always kept me grounded and reminded me of who I am by seeing where my dad came from. My parents taught me how to speak both English and Spanish while growing up, and for that gift, I am forever grateful! It has opened so many opportunities for me!
How has being Hispanic affected your life?
I have always taken pride in who I am. I am an American/Mexican woman, and with that being said, life hasn’t always been easy for me…most definitely not hard whatsoever…but like everyone, I have had my fair share of obstacles. I’ll tell you what, I’ve never let it hold me back. There has never been anything that I have come across that I haven’t been able to get through. I have dealt with the ugly racism and hate, but I have also come across a lot of favor and love! I am a blessed woman indeed! Love most definitely overcomes hate!
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