At VHB, we’re proud to celebrate Hispanic and Latin Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. Employees across our company are sharing their personal stories, traditions, and reflections that embody this year's theme: "Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future." Their perspectives highlight the rich diversity, resilience, and contributions that strengthen our communities and shape our shared future.
Let’s get to know some of our VHB employees and how their heritage continues to shape who they are today.
Adrian Santiago
For Adrian Santiago, Community Planner, this month shines a light on the resilience that defines his community. “Hispanic and Latin Heritage Month represents a hard responsibility and inherent resilience,” he said. “I celebrate my heritage every day I can by honoring those who sacrificed before me. I honor them by carrying forward their legacy.”
Adrian’s heritage has had a direct influence on his career path. “Being part of the Caribbean and Mesoamerican diaspora, resilience is inherent,” he said. “In pursuing equity and restitution for my community, I found myself becoming deeply involved in resilience planning,” he said.
He lives by a powerful family motto: Hacerlo para valer la pena sin miedo—do it to be worth it without fear. In other words, make it count and be fearless, or even bold. Adrian admires historical figures Pedro Albizu Campos and Augusto César Sandino, drawing inspiration from their commitment to Latin American reform and justice.
Becca Colone
Honoring Hispanic and Latin Heritage Month, Becca Colone, Senior Communications Specialist, embraces both her Costa Rican and Puerto Rican heritage. “I love that this month gives a chance to celebrate all the wonderful things about being Hispanic or Latin and the contributions of so many incredible figures,” she said. “My heritage shapes everything about me. It impacts my work ethic, my sense of humor, and makes me a little more empathetic.”
From Costa Rica, she carries the philosophy of pura vida. “For my family, pura vida reminds us to be grateful for the good things in life and live with positivity.”
She draws inspiration from Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic justice to serve on the court. “She’s always been an example of how far you can go when you trust yourself, your instincts, and stay true to who you are,” Becca said.
Bryan Rodriguez
For Bryan Rodriguez, Highway Designer, the month is a meaningful time to reflect with his family. “Hispanic and Latin Heritage Month means a lot to me and my family because it allows all of our cultures to shine in many different ways,” he said. “My family and I always try to go to each festival in our city, and we explore the different types of foods and enjoy the amazing cultural dances that are presented.”
Although Bryan was born and raised in the United States, he said he has always felt a strong connection to his heritage. “It has helped me gain a different perspective on life in general.”
Bryan treasures Puerto Rican holiday traditions, especially La Parranda. “We go door to door singing La Parranda, which is similar to Christmas caroling, but usually involves gatherings in between. There’s hot chocolate, cookies, and other treats served in each home we visit. This is one of my favorite moments because we reunite with the people we love in a way that brings so much joy and laughter.”
Bryan also shares his Puerto Rican culture through his Zumba classes. “My favorite dance to share with my students is plena.”
Hazel Lopez
For Hazel Lopez, Senior HR Generalist, being Latina is something she honors daily.
“As a Latina, I feel I celebrate my heritage every day and don’t need a particular month. Being Nicaraguan is a source of pride, and I try to reflect that in my daily life,” she said.
Hazel credits her family for her strong work ethic. “I learned the importance of hard work by watching my parents, uncles, and grandparents hustle, make sacrifices, and always find a way forward. My work ethic comes directly from them.”
She especially loves traditional celebrations like La Purísima and La Gritería. “They involve setting up altars, singing hymns, and offering treats or small gifts in honor of the Virgin Mary. These traditions bring neighbors together and create a beautiful sense of community.”
Her greatest inspiration is her grandmother. “She taught me to treat everyone with kindness and respect, whether it’s the janitor or the CEO. She’s both kind and feisty, always ready with advice and sayings passed down from my great-grandmother. Her deep faith showed me the importance of having a relationship with God. Even today, I call her for guidance, and she remains one of my greatest sources of wisdom and inspiration.”
Jorge Luna
Jorge Luna, South Atlantic Director–Transit & Rail, sees this month as a time for reflection and connection.
“To me, this month offers a time to cut through the noise and pause to reflect on the journey, experiences, traditions, and values that I carry with me, and which touch every aspect of my daily life,” he said.
Coming from Nicaragua has shaped Jorge’s leadership approach. “Coming from the second-poorest country in the Western Hemisphere has given me a unique lens through which I view the world, especially when it comes to caring for others and being resourceful,” he said. “That mindset has instilled in me a deep sense of purposeful empathy.”
He honors Nicaraguan poet Rubén Darío. “He was a notable journalist, diplomat, and, above all, poet who kicked off the Modernismo movement. He influenced writers such as Pablo Neruda, Gabriel García Márquez, and Federico García Lorca. He was born in a small town in Nicaragua called Metapa, which is now known as Ciudad Darío.”
Collective Strength
Together, these VHB employees demonstrate how personal heritage and diversity enrich our culture, creating collective strength. As we honor Hispanic and Latin Heritage Month, we celebrate how these rich traditions continue to inspire innovation, leadership, connection, and community.
Discover how VHB actively fosters a culture of belonging across our company and throughout the industry.
