Hispanic Heritage Month: voices from Hyve

At Hyve, we truly believe that diversity makes us stronger, more innovative, and helps us thrive.

Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from 15th September to 15th October in the United States, offers us a great opportunity to pause, learn, and celebrate the contributions and histories of the Hispanic and Latinx communities. 

To mark the occasion, I chatted to Director of Talent Acquisition, Rose Alvarez, and Sales Director, Danny Eyzaguirre, based in New York, who shared their personal stories and reflections on what it means to be Hispanic, the impact of family, and their vision for the future.  

Rose, Danny, let’s start with a simple but powerful question: what does be Hispanic mean to you? 

"Being Hispanic is a source of immense pride for me,” shared Rose. "I had the privilege of experiencing and learning from a culture beyond the US. Each summer, until they passed away, I lived with my grandparents in Spain. This experience allowed me to immerse myself in the culture my dad was raised in and gain a deeper understanding of our heritage. The fluent Spanish didn't stick though, and my dad always likes to remind me of that!"

"It means everything to me - it's just who I am," said Danny. "Very few people in this world can say they're half Chilean, half Ecuadorian, and a 1st generation American, and I’m proud of that. Being born and raised in a Spanish-speaking household shaped me into who I am today. I'm forever grateful for my parents teaching me both cultures and the Spanish language from Day one. It’s made a positive impact on my life, both personally and professionally." 

It’s incredible how much our heritage defines us, in the best way possible, and how important it is to embrace every part of who we are. Who has had the biggest impact on your life? 

"My Father!”, said Rose without hesitating. “He was born in Spain and quit school in the 3rd grade to help my grandfather support the family. He moved to America when he was 18, and started his own business and ran it for 50 years. Growing up, I saw his dedication and pride in his work, and that remarkable work ethic is something I’m grateful to have witnessed and believe he passed on to me and my siblings." 

For Danny, his family has had the biggest impact on his life, too. "My parents left their countries as teenagers, not knowing the English language, leaving loved ones behind in search of a better future," he said. “I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for their love, patience, sacrifice, and guidance." 

I can feel the admiration in your words, and this reminds me of how much we learn from the generations before us. Now, the theme for this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month is ‘Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.’ What is one way you are trying to shape the future in your community? 

Rose shared: “As we grow older, it’s crucial to uphold traditions and share the lessons we've learned from our culture. This means recounting the stories we've heard and continuing to educate ourselves and the next generation about our heritage. Here is a photo from one of my past trips to Spain picturing my dad and me in a local café in Orense, a small city near his hometown." 

 "It's all about living authentically and embracing who I am,” Danny said. “I try to be a role model for younger generations – both in the workplace and in my community -showing them that it’s okay to embrace both your Hispanic roots and your identity as an American. It’s not about choosing one over the other; it’s about being proud of all the pieces that make you whole."

This interview left me feeling so proud to be part of a team where these incredible stories are shared and celebrated. Rose and Danny’s journeys are a beautiful reminder that our heritage is something we carry with us every day, and that you don’t have to choose between identities, but instead, celebrate them all.