10/15/2026
As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, Mariana Gama, CWS Executive and Internal Communications Manager, shares a personal reflection on identity, resilience and hope:
Hispanic Heritage Month came to an end this past month and I can’t help but notice how it came and went so quietly. Historically, this is a month of celebration but in a time when so many of our Latino neighbors are under attack and pushed into hiding, celebration doesn't feel quite right.
This country has a long history of silencing its most radiant, culturally rich and joyfully loud communities. But our people have an equally long history of pushing forward and refusing to let others determine our story.
In my family, there is a word we use often: berraquera. It means exceptional courage, strength, determination and the ability to achieve great things. This is something we can celebrate this month. Despite the tremendous effort to crush our spirits, Latinos are berracos. When tragedies against our community occur, we still show up. With our voices, our art, our music, our camaraderie and through our civic rights.