Connecting to the Heart of Hispanic Heritage Month: Stories of Passion & Pride From Our Latinx Team Members

This Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re honoring the unique perspectives and accomplishments of our Latinx colleagues, celebrating their incredible contributions to our overarching mission to honor the planet and its people. While we wish we could spotlight every single person’s story, we’re highlighting the stories of three amazing teammates across the US.

In these heart-to-heart conversations, they describe what Hispanic Heritage Month means to them, sharing the traditions, history, people, and spirit of Latinx culture that has shaped their lives in such a beautiful way. 

Chester Bautista, Guest Service Agent at 1 Hotel Central Park

Tell us about your current role and what you enjoy most about it.

I am a Guest Service Agent at 1 Hotel Central Park. What I love most about my position is meeting different people. I feel like I have traveled the world by just speaking to people and learning about where they come from.

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

Hispanic Heritage Month means a lot to me. As a first generation Dominican American I am so proud to be born and raised in NYC but also have the ability to stay connected to my roots. The most important part of Hispanic Heritage Month involves identifying the differences that make each country unique while simultaneously highlighting the similarities that bring us closer together.

Who is an inspirational Hispanic figure to you and why?

I am proud to call Mr. Junot Diaz a fellow Dominican American, who won a Pulitzer prize for his book The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. He inspires me to always be myself, work hard, and never forget what struggles my family has had to overcome to provide me a bright and happy future.

Angelica Romaguera, Marketing & PR Manager at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay

Tell us about your current role and what you enjoy most about it.

I’m the Marketing & PR Manager at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, and I love that every day is different. Whether it’s managing content productions, website updates, or reporting metrics, I enjoy that I can be both creative and analytical.

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

Hispanic Heritage Month reminds me that regardless of which Latin region we come from, we all share similar values, cultural dishes, and music tastes! This opens up conversation and connection between our community, allowing for a stronger bond.

Who is an inspirational Hispanic figure to you and why?

Celia Cruz! She is often referred to as the “Queen of Salsa” and is a fiery, passionate, and amazing artist I grew up listening to, especially on “Sundays is for Salsa” days. She is a symbol of self-confidence and authenticity who embraces her Afro-Latino heritage with pride, setting an example for others to do the same and strive to be the best version of themselves. Celia Cruz's legacy continues to inspire people to embrace their true selves and find joy in the journey of life.

Ranisha Robinson, People Operations Coordinator at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

Tell us about your current role and what you enjoy most about it.

I am a People Operations coordinator. I play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being and satisfaction of our employees. What I enjoy most about it is the opportunity to help create a positive work environment by addressing employee needs and fostering a sense of belonging.

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities!

Who is an inspirational Hispanic figure to you and why?

One inspirational Hispanic figure who inspires me is Dolores Huerta. She fought for fair labor conditions, and she exemplifies the importance of standing up for the rights of those who often go unheard.

Continue to Celebrate Latinx Culture

We hope these stories inspire you to learn more about the history of Hispanic Heritage Month, exploring the many incredible ways Latinx culture has impacted the US for generations. 

We invite you to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month across our sanctuaries with inspiring events, ranging from charitable cocktails to live poetry readings.