Honoring the Stories of Shelly Pulido, Janet D. Mendoza, and Kimberly Ramirez

As we conclude National Hispanic Heritage Month, we want to take a moment to recognize our colleagues Shelly Pulido, Janet Duran Mendoza, and Kimberly Ramirez. Their insights reflect the power of heritage, community, and resilience, which continue to shape our workplace and enrich our culture.

Shelly Pulido shares the value of community as a cornerstone to her work ethic. “There’s a strong value placed on working together and supporting each other to achieve common goals,” she explains. Shelly celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month by participating in community events and sharing her culture through food. “One of my favorite ways to share my culture is through cooking traditional dishes and hosting gatherings where we can enjoy and discuss the significance of our culinary heritage.” She encourages future generations of Hispanic professionals to “advocate for yourself and seek opportunities that align with your goals.”

Janet D. Mendoza adds how her Hispanic heritage instills pride in culture, family, and resilience. “It’s shaped our careers by instilling the values of hard work, community, and the importance of diverse perspectives.” Janet highlights how the sense of community is central to her work, adding, “The importance of working together and supporting one another for collective success is a key value I bring into my work life.” Janet also draws inspiration from Cesar Chavez, who fought for farm workers’ rights and celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month by supporting small local Hispanic-owned businesses and introducing others to Latin food and music.

Kimberly Ramirez finds inspiration close to home—her mother. “Growing up with a single mother was challenging, yet she handled it remarkably. Juggling multiple jobs, she taught me the true meaning of hard work.” Kimberly celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month by recreating traditional family recipes, like her grandmother’s chiles rellenos and capirotada, during Semana Santa (Holy Week). Her advice for future generations? “Whatever you do in life, do it with pleasure because someone else may wish for that same opportunity.”

As we reflect on their stories, we are reminded of the diverse cultural heritage that enriches our team and shapes our values. We honor Janet, Shelly, and Kimberly for sharing their experiences, and we are proud of their contributions, both in the workplace and beyond.

How has your heritage shaped your journey?