Autodesk Life
Latinx Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15) is celebrated globally in partnership with our Autodesk Latinx Network (ALN) employee resource group (ERG). This year’s theme is “Thriving Together: Community and Communication as a Path to Growth and Belonging,” which emphasizes the importance of effective communication in personal and professional development and underlines the foundation of meaningful connections that strengthen our sense of community and shared purpose.
Throughout the month, ALN will host a variety of global events under this theme, including an inclusive leadership panel discussion and guest speakers on the topics of scaling nonprofits in tech landscapes and uniting communities through soccer. There will also be many chapter events held at local offices around the world.
We recently asked a few members of Autodesk Latin Network to talk about their experience with the ERG, as well as the importance of celebrating Latinx heritage in the workplace:
David Medina is a Senior Product Manager based in Bentonville, Arkansas. As a home-based employee, David says ALN has allowed him to meet other Autodeskers who share a similar background. He loves his 1993 Volkswagen Beetle and says it serves as a reminder of where he came from and the hard work it takes to thrive in a foreign language, culture, and country.
Maria Silva is a Senior Manager of Finance Business Intelligence and the Culture Lead for Autodesk’s Finance Diversity & Belonging Committee based in California. As an immigrant who considers all Latino people part of her extended family, Maria loves being part of Autodesk Latinx Network. She loves being active and has practiced yoga for more than 30 years!
Roberto Tsuri Jimenez is an Industry Territory Sales Executive and the Chapter Lead for Autodesk Latinx Network in Mexico. He loves to travel and try new foods, and also has a passion for adrenaline – including swimming in caves, waterfalls, and parachute jumps – and enjoys hiking along the lakes and in the mountains.
Yuliana Nevarez is a Senior Finance Manager in Worldwide Marketing based in San Francisco, California. Having previously lived in Zurich, Switzerland, and Berlin, Germany for work, Yuliana loves how Autodesk Latinx Network helps her connect with her community and feel included.
The theme for this year’s Latinx Heritage Month is “Thriving Together: Community and Communication as a Path to Growth and Belonging.” What does this mean to you personally?
Yuliana: Community and communication have played a major role in my growth and development within the world of financial planning and analysis (FP&A). They have provided a constant reminder of the impact we make, what we can achieve as a community, and, more importantly, how much we can inspire one another by working together and sharing our accomplishments.
Roberto: Growth is a fundamental part of personal and professional development as a communion. It is to seek a sense of belonging at the same time in communion, not only professionally but also in friendships and family. For me, it is to focus on my Ikigai – a Japanese concept referring to something that gives a person a sense of purpose and reason for living.
Maria: Being part of Autodesk Latinx Network, along with our Finance Diversity & Belonging committee, has strengthened my connection to the Latino community. Together, we will thrive, celebrate our strengths, and promote a deeper sense of belonging.
David: When facing a challenge, my instinct is often to think I am alone and must face it on my own to move forward. I might try to tackle it in various ways, sometimes feeling discouraged and tempted to give up. However, having a community and others to bounce ideas off can be the key to viewing the problem from a different angle. In my group, there might be someone who has already faced the same challenge. This is the power of community.
Why is it important to celebrate Latinx heritage in the workplace?
Roberto: Celebrating our heritage at work allows us to understand each other’s roots. It also creates diversity and new learning, as well as new things to share or explore that others didn’t know they could access.
Maria: Latino culture often emphasizes the importance of family, community, and storytelling – values that resonate with building strong workplace relationships and open dialogue. By recognizing and celebrating these cultural values, organizations can create a space where individuals feel empowered to share their stories and perspectives, leading to more authentic communication and collaboration.
David: Celebrating and acknowledging our heritage encourages a diverse point of view when designing and making the world we live in. We bring our full selves to work – our set of ideas, the way we grew up, and our past victories and defeats have shaped who we are.
Yuliana: Celebrating Latinx heritage in the workplace highlights the existing community, which might otherwise go unnoticed by some. It also provides an opportunity for those of us looking to make connections to meet new people with similar interests and backgrounds.
What is one piece of advice you would give to young Latinx professionals starting their careers?
Maria: Embrace your cultural identity as a strength – your unique perspective is a valuable asset in any workplace. Build a strong network by connecting with mentors, colleagues, and other Latinx professionals who can guide and support you. Be confident in your abilities, and don’t be afraid to share your ideas!
Roberto: Explore the organization, be part of a group that helps you integrate in a more personal and authentic way, and create new friendships beyond your local team.
David: You are not alone. Yes, you might be the first in your family, your network, or your town, but don’t forget to look a little further. You will find a network of people willing to help you get there.
Yuliana: Make it a point to look for communities and groups you identify with – it really does make a difference.
Learn more about Autodesk’s employee resource groups here.