National Hispanic Heritage Month 2023
September 18th, 2023
Every year, Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated to commemorate the rich history and culture of the Latino and Hispanic communities in the United States. The event serves as a reminder of the significant contributions these communities have made to American society at large.
At Montrose, we take pride in recognizing and celebrating the achievements of our team members. This month, we are honored to pay tribute to our Hispanic team members and acknowledge the importance of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Meet some of our amazing team members below.
Hector Rivera
Hector Rivera
Assistant Controller | Montrose Environmental Group
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time of great importance and reflection for me. It’s a dedicated time to celebrate the rich and diverse Hispanic culture, history, and societal contributions. It’s a time to celebrate the art, music, literature, traditions, and cuisine integral to our heritage and passed down through generations. As someone with Hispanic heritage, this month holds deep personal significance.
What motivations fueled your career path?
I believe the world of Accounting and Finance is a cornerstone of every organization, regardless of its size or industry. It’s the language of business, and I’ve always been drawn to understanding and interpreting financial data to help decision-makers make informed decisions.
Who inspires you the most within our organization?
What I find truly inspiring is our colleagues’ passion and dedication. Whether it’s the innovative ideas brought forth by operating and development teams, the unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction from our support staff, or the leadership and vision demonstrated by our executives, I am constantly motivated by my colleagues’ incredible talents and contributions. The sense of unity and shared purpose drives us to achieve remarkable results and overcome challenges as a cohesive team.
Stephanie Rodriguez
Stephanie Rodriguez
Human Resources Manager | Enthalpy Analytical
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
It’s an opportunity for others to learn about the diversity of Hispanic and Latino cultures. It means to be acknowledged for how we’ve contributed to US and World history, how we will continue to contribute in the future and to not forget challenges still faced in the present.
What motivations fueled your career path?
Coming from a very large blue-collar and agricultural Mexican family, I wanted to set an example and be influential to my younger female cousins and nieces. Show them that we have opportunities as minority women to become successful professionals. Inspire them to take initiative, be dedicated, passionate, kind, willing to listen and learn, ask questions, and self-reflect.
Who inspires you the most within our organization?
The team of HR professionals across MEG. They’re remarkable problem solvers, and their willingness to take on a challenge and develop solutions at a moment’s notice is spectacular. HR is an ever-changing industry and our team is constantly learning and evolving. It’s been inspiring to see our HR team’s contribution to our organization and each of the businesses.
How did you find your way to where you are today at Montrose?
I started my career in operations and decided to take on an opportunity in HR. After almost 15 years at my previous employer in Ops & HR I decided it was time to take a chance and make a leap of faith into an industry I was unfamiliar. Steve Eckard hired me as an HRBP to support Enthalpy Analytical. Through Kevin Gill’s mentoring, coaching, and leadership, I’ve been leading Enthalpy HR team for 3 years.
Joe Espinosa
Joe Espinosa
Business Development Manager | Enthalpy Analytical
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
It’s very special to me to recognize my roots and remember the obstacles, barriers, and challenges my parents (and grandparents) faced. My dad especially overcame tremendous challenges migrating to Houston, TX, from Saltillo, Coahuila, in Mexico, to earn his citizenship, establish himself as an entrepreneur, and provide for a large family. It is also very important to me to ensure my children carry on this appreciation.
I am extremely proud of my heritage. I still have family that I am very close to in Monterrey, Neuvo Leon, and my dad’s hometown of Saltillo, Coahuila, in Mexico. My maternal grandmother was also from the Mexican state of Michoacan. I do not go back very often, but Saltillo is a beautiful city, and Monterrey is a sprawling city surrounded by impressive mountain ranges.
What do you like best about Montrose?
I really enjoy the people I work with. I feel I am part of an incredible team that encompasses a total package solution for our clients and prospective clients.
Who (in general) inspires you the most and why?
As I get older, I have more and more family members and friends who have had to deal with health challenges such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, and in one case – a friend who was in a bad car accident and is now a paraplegic. I think it’s a constant reminder to be thankful for what you can do and to live every day to the fullest. Life can change instantly, which inspires me to make each day count.
Denise Casares
Denise Casares
Field Project Manager | LDAR
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to come together, celebrate my Mexican heritage, and foster a sense of pride and unity. Commemorating the achievements and the impact of Hispanic individuals and communities throughout history. It brings me great pride and joy to share and experience the beautiful traditions that the Hispanic and Latino cultures have passed down through generations.
Who (in general) inspires you the most and why?
Seeing women out in the field performing LDAR inspections and making repairs on equipment inspires me, knowing that I’m not alone in this male-dominated industry.
What motivations fueled your career path?
Through hard work and a strong work ethic, I was ready for a change in my career, and to be part of this team has been a great learning experience!
What are your favorite parts of your job?
Keeping good relationships and collaborating with our clients and neighboring regions to work towards safety and clean air for all. Knowing that at the end of every day I’ve done my best at keeping our air clean by finding and repairing leaks.
Montrose Reflections: A note from Jose Revuelta
Chief Strategy Officer | Montrose Environmental Group Co-Founder
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.
September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of the independence of Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day, which is October 12, falls within these 30 days.
Hispanics are not just a significant part of the United States’ origin but essential to its future. Hispanics in the United States are a diverse group who bring a rich combination of language, culture, educational backgrounds, and experience. This diverse background brings with it a wealth of ideas and perspectives. One uniting factor within the Hispanic community is our desire to be included and represented in all aspects of society. Whether it be education, government, business, or the environment, ensuring that all voices are represented provides results in better and more thoughtful decisions.
I am filled with gratitude and pride for the resilience, resourcefulness, and innovation that define the Hispanic community.
