As we celebrate Hispanic and Latin Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, we pay tribute to the cultures that have influenced our nation’s history, arts, and progress. This year’s theme, "Pioneers of Change," honors the trailblazers within the Hispanic and Latin communities who have shaped our world through their creativity, resilience, and vision for a better future.
Voices of VHB
At the heart of this celebration are the voices of those who live these experiences daily. At VHB, the stories of our Hispanic and Latin colleagues offer a window into how heritage shapes personal lives, professional trajectories, and community contributions.
Bridging Cultures Through Engineering
Alvaro Calle, a Transportation Engineer in Tysons, Virginia, brings his Peruvian heritage to the forefront of his life and work. Born in Lima, he moved to the U.S. in the early 2000s, carrying with him a love for soccer, family gatherings, and the traditions of Peru.
“Always being fluent in Spanish, watching and playing soccer, cooking traditional meals, and celebrating Christmas Eve with family are essential parts of my life,” he explained. His strong work ethic, influenced by his heritage, has been instrumental in his career.
"Being bilingual has provided significant advantages in my professional life and has opened up many exciting opportunities," he said. “I have translated public documents for projects, and I have even led technical meetings in Spanish for our client, Indra, to teach their staff VDOT standards in MicroStation for the I-66 ITS Tolling Project."
Heritage-Inspired Leadership
Marisol Castro Aguilar, Transportation Infrastructure Lead in New York City, traces her roots back to Italy, Spain, and Panama. She keeps her heritage very much alive through food, music, and dance.
"Preparing traditional dishes like empanadas, sancocho, arroz con pollo, and ceviche not only brings the family together but also serves as a beautiful reminder of my heritage," she shared.
At VHB, Marisol’s multicultural background has profoundly shaped her professional journey, instilling in her the values of communication, adaptability, and empathy – all essential for fostering a safe and inclusive environment.
“My Hispanic identity is a source of pride and greatly influences my journey. It brings a unique perspective, enhanced by the values of community, hard work, and familial support inherent in Hispanic culture,” she explained.
Her passion for equity fuels her ongoing commitment to helping Hispanic professionals achieve success as well.
“My heritage drives me to advocate for representation and equity, paving the way for future Hispanic professionals,” she said. “Balancing peer support and drawing strength from my identity has deeply enriched my personal and professional life.”
Embracing Heritage in Design
JL Coelho, a Transportation Designer in Providence, Rhode Island, reflects the spirit of family and culinary tradition that is central to his Brazilian roots. Having migrated to the U.S. at the age of six, JL cherishes the lively cookouts and family gatherings that are an important part of his culture.
His favorite tradition? "Making (and eating!) Pão de Queijo, which are small cheese balls that are baked in the oven. It is a popular snack and breakfast food in Brazil," he explained.
JL's love for building and designing was nurtured in his childhood in Brazil, and those early interests have evolved into a thriving career.
"My culture influences my professional life by inspiring me to create a better future for my family, just like they have done for me," he reflected.
Despite facing occasional challenges that come with speaking English as a second language, he embraces these moments, recognizing that they are simply representative of him and his culture – one he will always be proud of.
“I look up to immigrants who come to America and are able to become leaders in their fields, overcoming the obstacles of starting anew and building a better life.”
Connecting Across Continents
Fabricio Ponce, Managing Director in Atlanta, Georgia, is proud of the fact that his heritage is intrinsic to who he is, influencing his professional journey and shaping his identity.
While his professional life is firmly rooted in the U.S., he maintains strong ties with Argentina through weekly family calls and passionate soccer-watching rituals.
His connection to Argentina and multicultural background allows him to see things from a unique perspective.
"There's a common misconception that Hispanic culture is monolithic," he pointed out. "In reality, it encompasses nearly 600 million people across over 20 countries, with some commonalities, but also a lot of differences that make them interesting and unique.”
With this understanding of diversity, he champions inclusivity through his approach to leadership.
Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future
As we celebrate this month, we're reminded of the importance of recognizing and honoring the diverse experiences within our community. At VHB, we're committed to fostering an environment where all voices are heard and valued, understanding that our differences are our strengths.
The stories of Alvaro, Marisol, JL, and Fabricio are just a few examples of the many Hispanic and Latin Americans who are shaping our nation's future. These stories prove that heritage can drive progress and inspire us all to be pioneers of change.
Discover how VHB actively promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within our firm and throughout the industry.