Starting in 1968 and then later expanded to a full 30-day celebration by President Ronald Reagan in 1988, National Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration from September 15 to October 15 that celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
As we begin to wrap of this month, get to know some of our amazing employee that were highlighted this past month.
Meet Jesus Anaya, LEED AP
Jesus is a Senior Project Manager with 23 years of experience, 8 of which have been with UJAMAA Construction.
What does National Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
It’s a celebration of my heritage, culture, and the sacrifices we’ve encountered to get us to where we are today.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself, as it relates to your heritage.
My maternal grandfather owned his own panderia (bakery), which explains my love for bread.
Who or what would you say was your greatest influence for your career?
My father influenced me in choosing my own carrier. As a union labor in a steel mill, he worked hard to give us an education that would pave our futures.
Meet Hiram Torres
Hiram is a Project Engineer with 5 years of experience, 1 of which has been with UJAMAA Construction.
What does National Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
The United States is a country built by immigrants from all over the world. In 1969 President Lyndon Johnson started the Hispanic Heritage Week, in 1988 President Ronald Reagan expanded the celebration to a 30-day period. This month is important to me because it represents the importance of the Hispanic and Latinx community in the United States. This month highlights our cultural and economic contribution to the United States.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself, as it relates to your heritage.
I am a second-generation immigrant and the first person from my family to graduate from university.
Who or what would you say was your greatest influence for your career?
I believe the greatest influence on me was my family and achieving what some would call the “American dream.” Since I can remember I have seen my father working tirelessly to take care of our family and live a more prosperous life. From an early age my mother instilled in me that we live in a country that gives people the opportunity to pursue their dreams and goals. My younger brother and sister motivated me to do my best and show them that anything is possible with dedication and perseverance.
Meet Ivan Vega
Ivan is a Project Engineer with 3 years of experience, 1 of which has been with UJAMAA Construction.
What does National Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
National Hispanic Heritage Month means a lot to me. It is month where not only Hispanics are celebrated but the cultural and heritage are celebrated nation-wide. Hispanic Heritage month provides a platform to introduce, show and accept Hispanic cultural and the traditional roots that come from the original countries where our families and ancestors have lived.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself, as it relates to your heritage.
My first language was Spanish growing up and had no idea what anyone was saying English so I would constantly ask my Mom to translate (this included having her translate movies and Tv shows for me haha).
Who or what would you say was your greatest influence for your career?
My greatest influences on my career is my family and my heritage. I am first generation and come from a hardworking Mexican family that has always showed me I have to work for what I want. My family has showed me perseverance, hard work and dedication.
My heritage was also a great influence for my career. Growing up, I visited Mexico every year to see my extended family at a ranch that we have next to the mountains. I am very proud of where I come from. As I went through college and my career, I always reminded myself that I come from a place of humility and hard work which has made me the person I am today and in return has put me in my current position for my career.
Meet Jordan Gonzalez
Jordan is a Assistant Project Manager with 7 years of experience, 3 of which have been with UJAMAA Construction.
What does National Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
Being able to grow up in a Hispanic family it really allowed me to see all the accomplishments made by our ancestors and want to continue the line of success.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself, as it relates to your heritage.
Growing up knowing that your grandparent’s owned a Mexican restaurant I knew that I would never go hungry.
Who or what would you say was your greatest influence for your career?
My family
Keep following us to learn more about some of the amazing employees who choose to build #theujamaaway here at UJAMAA Construction.
