Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15.
To honor this National Hispanic Heritage Month, BGS would like to highlight some of our employees who are of Hispanic and Latino descent.
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Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Tina Davis – HR Manager for BGS. I was born and raised in Bayamon, PR.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
It’s a celebration of our culture, the recognition of our contributions not only in the US but also around the world. Hispanics bond through music, dance, and food. It’s a great way to celebrate our heritage.
What was the greatest influence or inspiration for your career?
During my years as a Federal employee, I supported the HR Director for the US Navy in Sigonella, Sicily, Italy. Even though my role was supposed to be that of an Executive Assistant, it evolved to HR Assistant. I started helping military spouses trying to enter the workforce. The HR director played a crucial part in allowing me to learn and grow professionally.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I lived in Sicily, Italy, for almost three years. During my time there, I spoke three languages – English, Spanish, and Italian. I love the Italian culture and their delicious food – one of the best experiences I have had in my life.
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Who are you and what do you do?
I am Pedro (Peter) Rivera, born in New York City, Manhattan. I’m of Puerto Rican lineage. My role is Human Resources Coordinator with the HR Recruitment Team for BGS.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
For me, it is honoring and remembering the traditions and a way of life of the Hispanic culture. In my family the women are the center of the family culture. I have had the honor to have met and spent time with my great grandmother, grandmother, and mom all together – three independent women that ruled with a sandal! The men, well, they ate and ducked when sandals would fly! 😊JK
What was the greatest influence or inspiration for your career?
Working as a contractor for the US Department of Energy for 8 years; 6 of those years was as a contractor of Boston Government Services at DOE Oak Ridge Training Center as a Senior Technical Training Coordinator. Thank you, Harry!
I get inspired working with a fantastic team of professionals that share the same passion and commitment to providing exceptional service and support to our organization.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I am a husband and a dad to 23-year-old twins and a 22-year-old.
I am a dog owner to Hazel, our Security Specialist Shih Tzu. Hazel literally looks at our surveillance monitor for intruders (for real) and barks a lung out when anything moves in the screen. Darn those bugs and birds!
I love music, theater (yes, they sing, frolic and dance away), holidays and family time.
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Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Diana. I was born in South America and have been living in the USA for about 11 years. I am a Technical Project Monitor supporting the Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO). My technical background is in Earth Sciences focusing on exploration for energy resources. I have two beautiful nieces and a lovely family.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
My heritage defines who I am and what I feel proud of. When my culture is celebrated, I feel that I belong and my diverse background is valued. Having a month that recognizes the contributions of Hispanics builds strong communities. The remembrance of Hispanic history shows challenges that have molded resilient people. Respectful representations of vibrant art, rooted traditions and delicious food keeps me connected to my ancestors.
What was the greatest influence or inspiration for your career?
Numerous female scientists keep inspiring me every day, my mentors, mentees and teammates. Historically, female characters inspire me greatly, and in many cases, they have overcome technical challenges, inequality struggles, and obstacles by their own families but regardless, they still accomplish admirable achievements.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
A fun fact about me is I love music – to the point that when I get into my car, I can’t start driving without setting up a radio station or my own playlist. My favorite songs are those in Spanish that I can sing at the top of my lungs.
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Who are you and what do you do?
Here in the U.S. my name is Jonathan Andrew Hartman. In Costa Rica, my full name also includes the surname of my mother, Carranza. I work at the Department of Energy’s Golden Field Office, as an Environmental Specialist, where I review projects receiving federal funding for potential environmental impacts.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
It’s a space to reflect on the many great achievements realized by Latino/a individuals in our society and the adversity that often entails. My mom serves to me as a living example of this. At her job, she has often had to contend with bigoted remarks from customers because of her accent. Although these moments hurt and leave their mark, she has always succeeded in moving past them and proving her worth. On numerous occasions, she has been awarded employee of the month and is loved and respected by her peers. In putting her best foot forward always, she serves to inspire me in my own outlook and in how I work with others.
What was the greatest influence or inspiration for your career?
In my university years I studied public policy and worked in areas focused on economic development. There’s no single moment that guided my trajectory, but over the years I’ve developed a strong belief in the power of government to enact positive change for society. Renewable energy was something I kind of stumbled into as a sector, but it is an area that I am proud to work in and I’m happy to count myself amongst the people assisting the DOE move its mission forward.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
Way back in the day I used to play in a ska band in Costa Rica… Union Flags. Our video “Cantar para ti” is still up on YouTube for anyone who wants to check it out!
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Read stories of Latino American Heritage here.