Heritage & Awareness: Celebrating Latine & Hispanic Roots

Each year, September 15-October 15 marks the celebration of Latine Heritage Month, a time devoted to commemorating the history and culture of the U.S. Latine and Hispanic communities that have influenced and contributed to our society. As part of the Heritage & Awareness series, the Office of Community Engagement and Dialogue spoke to Gypsy Garcia, Pamela Ventura, and Mariana Kordorsky, all members of the Executive Education team, about their connection to their culture and identity.

Tell us about your personal background.

Pamela Ventura: My parents and I were born in the Dominican Republic, where I grew up speaking Spanish. We moved to the U.S. when I was seven years old, and due to the language barrier, I had to repeat the third grade to learn English. The transition was difficult, but through sheer determination and hard work, my parents put me through college, which enabled me to live the life I do now; it’s something I remain incredibly grateful for today.

Gypsy Garcia: My parents, my little sister, and I were all born in the Dominican Republic. My mom is from Bonao, a city in the mountainous center of the country, and my dad is from Santo Domingo, the capital. He moved to the U.S. when I was a baby to ensure an easier transition when we were ready to join him, and the rest of us came when I was three.

Mariana Kordorsky: I was born in Guatemala City and moved to the United States when I was five months old. My mom has predominantly Italian roots, and my dad is a third-generation immigrant from Lithuania—hence my last name. As a result, my identity is an amalgamation of Hispanic, Portuguese, and even European roots.

How do you celebrate your heritage through your work at Yale SOM?

Ventura: Facilitating different Executive Education programs allows me to interact with hundreds of different participants from all walks of life, including many Spanish-speaking people. It’s been amazing to connect with them on a more personal level over our shared heritage and values.

Kordorsky: Leading a wide range of open-enrollment Executive Education programs has allowed me to engage with interesting leaders from across the globe. While they come to Yale to learn from our faculty, I often find myself learning just as much from them! My diverse background helps me connect with different groups on a deeper level and has made me more open to the nuances of cultural practices and expectations. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of varied cultural norms, which is an essential skill in business. In today’s echo chambers, it is more important now than ever to step outside of our own circles to listen actively and truly engage with people from all walks of life.

Q: How do you celebrate Latine Heritage Month?

Garcia: One way I celebrate my heritage and community year-round is serving on the advisory board of the Progresó Latino Fund, which empowers the Latine community in the greater New Haven region through scholarships, educational programming, and resources. We need to continue building spaces that celebrate identities outside of the binary and empower people to embrace all parts of who they are.

Kordorsky: It’s obviously impossible to distill the history, culture, and traditions of so many countries and regions into one succinct observation event. However, I also recognize the importance of carving out this appreciation nationally, especially during our divisive and insular time. I celebrate every day by listening to Spanish artists, reading books about topics directly impacting my community such as machismo or colonialism, or navigating thought-provoking conversations with my friends. I understand that this month may spark an interest in Latine culture for many, but it’s also important to continue that momentum year-round, remembering we exist outside of September and October.

Q: What advice would you offer to someone who is interested in celebrating your culture?

Ventura: I always recommend visiting the Dominican Republic. Once you see it, feel it, explore it for yourself, you will simply fall in love. If you’re unable to travel that far, I’d recommend going to New York City, specifically the Washington Heights neighborhood. There, you can tap into the reggaeton music, interact with community members, and support local restaurants. Some of my favorite dishes are Dominican spaghetti and lasagna, tostones, and locrio de pollo!

Garcia: Everyone should take the time to support local Dominican restaurants, such as Sabor Sajoma and J&J Restaurant. More broadly, on a collective action level, I recommend looking into the Progresó Latino Fund, mentioned above, and subscribing to their monthly newsletter.

Kordorsky: For those in the New Haven area, I recommend taking a class at Alisa’s House of Salsa in New Haven. It’s a really fun atmosphere to learn bachata and salsa, while also being an incredibly welcoming space for people of all backgrounds. Generally, I’d encourage everyone to engage with Latine culture; if you try things with an open mind and respectful approach, you can only become a more well-rounded person.