A Message from the Strategist
Join EDI in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 2023 with the theme, “Todos Somos, Somos Uno: We Are All, We Are One!”
From September 15 through October 15, we will focus on elevating the voices and contributions of our Latinx colleagues at the NIH. This theme encapsulates an unwavering strength, resilience, and grit, which are deeply ingrained within our community.
In the words of Dinos Christianopoulos, “They tried to bury us, they didn’t know we were seeds.” These words resonate deeply with me and speak to the experiences of my community. Despite the myriad of challenges, from discrimination to economic stressors, our spirit remains unbreakable. Our rich cultural diversity provides a foundation of unity, optimism, and deep bonds that span generations.
Indeed, we are seeds, deeply rooted in love and unity, and with a fervent drive to rise above any challenge.
I invite you all to stand with us, learn from us, and celebrate with us during Hispanic Heritage Month. There are many events in store, and I hope everyone will embrace the power and strength of our stories.
Patricia Sauceda Kramer
Hispanic Employment
Portfolio Strategist
A Message from Leadership
Dear Colleagues,
We invite you to join the NIH community in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from September 15 to October 15. This year’s national theme is: "Todos Somos, Somos Uno: We Are All, We Are One." The theme highlights the idea that despite our differences, we are all interconnected and share a common humanity.
For the Hispanic/Latino (H/L) community, part of that shared common bond is Latinidad, a Spanish term that refers to the cultural and ethnic identity of individuals with Latin American heritage. When we listen to and amplify the voices within the H/L community, we can start to build bridges of understanding and empathy. When voices are united, they can become a powerful voice for change.
For instance, during last year’s heritage celebration, NIH held a listening session in which employees shared suggestions on how we can improve our ability to hire, promote, and retain members of the H/L community. Those insights were utilized in the creation of a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Strategic Plan for the fiscal year 2023-2027, as well as other agency-wide DEIA initiatives. Thank you to everyone who played a role by using your voice and sharing your concerns.
This year, we welcome you to attend an Open Stage Seminar hosted by Hispanic or Latin/LatinX Ambassadors and Allies to NINDS (HOLA NINDS) on September 19. In addition, on September 29, HOLA NINDS will host an in-person Mini-Symposium in Building 35. Then, on October 4, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will host a virtual panel on the Sense of Belonging in the Workplace.
Each of these events, along with content available for you this Hispanic Heritage Month, aims to help us broaden our cultural understanding and challenge our perspectives. By observing and uplifting the voices of the H/L community, we honor the principles of DEIA that form the bedrock of a thriving and harmonious workplace. We encourage you to find time to participate in the events, discussions, and activities in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Please visit EDI’s website, follow the Office on LinkedIn and Twitter, and watch EDI’s YouTube channel to keep informed of the exciting things that are happening this month.
Celebrating the spirit of Latinidad is not confined to a specific time frame; it is a continuous journey that we embark upon, together, 365 days a year.
Thank you for all that you do to help make the NIH an even better place to work.
Sincerely,
Lawrence A. Tabak, D.D.S., Ph.D.
Acting NIH Director
Kevin D. Williams, Esq.
EDI Director
#HearOurVoices #EDICelebratesLatinidad #LatinidadEDI
Events
Open Stage Webinar with NINDS
Tuesday, September 19, 2023 | 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm EDT
Curious about the paths leading diverse talents to the NIH? Join us for a captivating webinar organized by NINDS’s OPEN and HOLA NINDS as we delve deep into our commitment to Learning and enhancing workforce diversity in neuroscience. Hear firsthand from our panelists about their unique journeys and experiences. Our Hispanic / Latino/a/x Employee Portfolio Strategist, Patricia Sauceda Kramer, will share her experience as an Army veteran and her path to NIH. This a not-to-bemissed opportunity to gain insights and be inspired!
HOLA NINDS Mini-Symposium
Friday, September 29, 2023 | 11:00 am to 2:00 pm EDT
Get ready for the HOLA NINDS Mini-Symposium! Presented by the HOLA NINDS Employee Resource Group; we’re spotlighting the remarkable contributions of NIH’s Latino and Hispanic workforce. Join us at Bldg 35, room 610, from 11am to 2pm for an insightful session featuring a stellar lineup of panelists. We will share stories, achievements, and inspirations that have enriched NIH’s journey. Don’t miss this opportunity to honor, learn, and connect!
Sense of Belonging in an Organization
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 | 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm EDT
Mark your calendars! The Department of Health and Human Services is hosting a must-attend virtual panel discussion on the ‘Sense of Belonging in an Organization.’ Join us on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, from 1 pm to 2 pm ET and immerse yourself in conversations that resonate with the 2023 National theme: “Todos Somos, Somos Uno: We Are All, We Are One.” Let’s dive into the richness of the Hispanic community’s diversity and the strength that unity brings—a perfect opportunity for all HHS members and its Operating Divisions to connect and engage.
It is important for all of us to appreciate where we come from and how that history has really shaped us in ways that we might not understand.
— Sonia Sotomayor
About the Artwork
The artwork for our 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) observance includes flags from 28 countries linked to the Hispanic/Latin American diaspora. In celebration of “Todos Somos, Somos Uno,” our team made the conscious decision to represent countries that are geographically located in and have deep roots in Latin America. These countries, like Suriname, French Guiana, and Haiti are all part of the Latin American mosaic.
Our Latinidad exists beyond boundaries, and this year we celebrate as one. Four key indigenous groups ― including Mayan, Inca, Aztec, and Olmec cultures ― are represented by deities in the banner. Animals with cultural and spiritual significance are also included to honor the Latino and Hispanic community's history and heritage.