Department Resources

Hispanic Heritage Month

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Awareness Month

Hispanic Heritage Month is observed each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 to celebrate the histories, culture, achievements, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. This time period encompasses the Independence Day celebrations of multiple Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile. It also includes Día de la Raza on Oct. 12, a holiday celebrating the combining of Spanish and indigenous culture in Latin America. National Hispanic Heritage Week was first observed in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson and was expanded to a full 30-day period by President Ronald Reagan in 1988.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Awareness Month with NCS

NCS centers and programs celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a number of events that shared the vibrant history, culture and diversity of the Hispanic community. Check out our Hispanic Heritage Month photo album:

NCS Employees

NCS employees reflect the diversity of the community we serve. Their efforts to make the county a place where all are welcome is a crucial part of how One Fairfax, the countywide racial and social equity policy, is practiced every day. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, meet some of our NCS employees and learn about their insights on aspects they love about their culture.

Nandred Navarro, Community of Practice Manager

Inclusive Engagement Targeted Interventions, 4 years with Fairfax County.

What are some of the things you love most about your Hispanic heritage? Or what are you most of proud of regarding your Hispanic heritage?

The term Hispanic represents the language we speak, but to me, it means so much more. Being Hispanic often means having roots in the Caribbean, Central America, or South America—places that have faced struggles like slavery and colonialism, welcomed refugees during WWII, and grown into cultures rich with diversity.

Our ancestry is a blend that has shaped our foods, music and traditions. I came to the United States at age 19, and I will always be grateful for growing up surrounded by diversity. Those experiences taught me to embrace differences, to learn from others, and to cherish what makes each of us unique.

Olga Carrillo, Community Developer

Inclusive Engagement Targeted Interventions/Community of Practice, 10+ years with Fairfax County.

What is something you wish others knew about Hispanic heritage?

I recently learned about John Leguizamo’s work “American Historia: The Untold Story of Latinos.” In it, Leguizamo highlights a Johns Hopkins University study showing that “87% of key topics in Latino history are either not covered … or mentioned in a five or fewer sentences” across the books assessed. Leguizamo’s goal with the series is to help foster a stronger sense of belonging for Latinos by bringing these facts to light.

Chris Galindo, Regional Supervisor

Culture, Recreation and Community Connections, 21 years with Fairfax County

What is something you wish others knew about Hispanic heritage?

I would want people to understand that neither Latine nor being a US citizen is my whole identity. I am much more than the characteristics traditionally placed on a person of color. Being of Hispanic heritage can have so many different dimensions depending on what country the person is from – for example, we don’t eat the same things and we don’t have the same traditions or dances. But we do hold similar values that transcend countries.

Nancy Nunez Medina, Center Lead, Hybla Valley Community Center

Culture, Recreation and Community Connections, Two years with Fairfax County

What does Hispanic heritage mean to you and how has your heritage shaped who you are today?

Hispanic Heritage is a deep connection to family, culture and community. It is about honoring languages and histories that shaped who we are. My heritage has shaped me by instilling resilience, a strong work ethic, and the belief that helping others is a core value. These qualities have guided me in my role, where I work to empower and uplift my community.

Javier Alarcon-Ramos, NCS CareVan Coordinator

Inclusive Engagement and Targeted Interventions/ Social Impact, 15 years with Fairfax County

What are some of the things you love most about your Hispanic heritage? Or what are you most of proud of regarding your Hispanic heritage?

I love that Hispanic Heritage is well celebrated in Fairfax County, there is buy-in from our county officials because they know Hispanics are a big part of the workforce. Hispanic Heritage Month reminds us of our contributions to this community, we are part of One Fairfax.

At home, it reminds me of my father, the first Alarcon who came to the United States. His sacrifices to his family and hard work allowed us to come to the country in 1997. We came with all our hopes and dreams to the land of opportunities. After 27 years, I am still here but now with my beautiful wife and my three boys. My father passed in 2007, but his legacy lives through me. It is my job and the job of this new generation to pass along our history to our children so they never forget where we come from.

Neighborhood and Community Services

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