Last modified on October 12th, 2021
By Jessica Garcia
AppFolio is proud to celebrate the diverse cultures of our Latinx team members during Latinx Heritage Month. We know great people make a great company, and always appreciate the opportunity to come together to share our rich backgrounds and perspectives.
During a recent employee-led Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion event, our team members shared Mi Cultura Viva en Mi or My Culture Lives in Me — the ways in which their Latinx culture is expressed through shared experiences and traditions. Get to know them by learning about the meaningful Latinx traditions celebrated in their families and cultures.
Erik Gutierrez, Risk Analyst
“Sports are an important part of Mexican culture, particularly boxing and soccer (aka fútbol). These events bring us together to celebrate, have fun, and of course, enjoy really delicious food. Growing up as a Mexican national soccer team supporter, I have many great memories of my family getting together to watch the World Cup at all hours of the night, all of us wearing our jerseys, and cheering for our team with heartfelt emotion.”
Cynthia Madrigal, Training Programs Manager
“Every November 2, we celebrate Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Back home in Mexico, my family and I would spend this day at the cemetery visiting our loved ones, adorning their graves, eating, and listening to music together. We dedicated the entire day to enjoying the company of our loved ones – both those present and those no longer with us.”
Erika Martinez Garcia, Business Development Team Manager
“A quinceañera is a coming of age tradition for a girl’s 15th birthday. Looking back at my own quinceañera, it was really a celebration for my entire family. The occasion marked 15 years of my family living in this country, and for many families like mine, I believe quinceañeras are also a time to acknowledge the next generation of the family growing up and creating a better future for themselves.”
Will Moxley, Senior Vice President, Product
“Growing up Mexican American, my birthday celebrations were always a special opportunity to share both sides of my heritage with family and friends. I loved having everyone come together to enjoy a blend of my culture, which often included my mom’s delicious Mexican food, breaking a piñata, and even singing happy birthday over a Star Wars R2-D2 cake.”
Diana Rodriguez, Total Rewards Coordinator
“Christmas Eve is a special time in many Mexican households, often even more celebrated than Christmas Day. In my family, our Christmas Eve tradition includes coming together to make tamales. Making a meal is an important way we spend time together, and as an added bonus, we always have breakfast ready for everyone the next morning!”
Comments by Jessica Garcia