Read insights from Hispanic leaders in the ARM industry during National Hispanic Heritage Month.
09/18/2023 2:30 P.M.
6 minute read
ACA International’s membership and the accounts receivable management (ARM) industry are becoming increasingly diverse. This month, ACA is highlighting member voices as part of National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic American Heritage Month Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on Sept. 15. It was enacted into law on Aug. 17, 1988, , according to hispanicheritagemonth.gov.
Sept. 15 marks the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile also celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively. Columbus Day, or Día de la Raza, celebrated on Oct. 12, falls within this 30-day period as well.
Hispanic workers have a high rate of representation at collection agencies, making up 17.2% of total collection agents in 2021, according to recent research from Kaulkin Ginsberg in partnership with ACA.
Last year, ACA highlighted Hispanic leaders’ voices during National Hispanic Heritage Month and invited them to share how they celebrate, including what they feel is most important for developing diversity and inclusion opportunities within the ARM industry and beyond.
Here are some excerpts from those conversations.
Member Spotlight: Joseph Irizarry
Joseph Irizarry, who in 2022 was a client services manager with MRS BPO LLC, is from Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. In his interview, he shared how he celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month.
“I celebrate and honor Hispanic Heritage Month by shopping at locally Spanish-owned stores and restaurants and by teaching the younger generation about the history of Puerto Rico… It is an honor to be a part of Hispanic Heritage Month. It is a time to reflect and appreciate our culture, history, trials and successes. It gives me an overwhelming sense of pride.”
Member Spotlight: Maryrose Diaz
In her interview, Maryrose Diaz, collection and compliance manager at Grant Mercantile Agency Inc., shared how she honors her Hispanic heritage.
“My family usually finds any reason to get together, but heritage is a topic that we discuss frequently! We share old, sad and funny stories that have been passed down. My mother has a box of old photos that help us remember those who have passed. We prepare traditional recipes for special occasions.
Celebrating our heritage as a child was so fun! Piñatas, parties, traditional dishes and Mexican holidays were a big part of it. My heritage is an essential part of who I am. My Aztec roots and all the Mexican traditions cannot be forgotten: Mexican art, quinceañeras, beading, colorful decorations, tamales, games such as ‘La Loteria,’ songs and dancing, and more! I have written down my mother’s recipes so I can pass them down to my kids just like my grandma passed them down to my mother. These are just some of the traditions we will forever share and hope that our children can pass on to their children.”
Member Spotlight: Anthony Casanova
In his interview, Anthony Casanova, supervisor of operations at CBE Companies, shared the importance of remembering his family’s history and the Mexican culture he comes from.
“I love Mexican food. My mother and my grandmother were great cooks. Everyone knew all about Spanish food. I learned how to cook a lot of it, and to this day I still cook when I can for myself and my daughter. She’s finally coming around to trying Spanish food and we’ve connected over those meals.
When I started working in San Antonio, I got to pick up more of the Spanish language. I can understand when somebody is telling me something, but I just can’t speak it back. As far as the culture and celebrations, 200 to 300 people may show up at family wedding. We all like to celebrate and most of the culture in those situations is just focused on being happy.”
Member Spotlight: Ofelia Castillo
In her member spotlight, Ofelia Castillo, collections supervisor at Creditors Bureau USA, who was born in Zacatecas, Mexico, shared her heritage and background.
“I come from a family of five children and I am my parents’ only daughter. My parents taught my siblings and I the value of being a humble person and showing respect for others. We are all human beings regardless of our color and ethnicity. They also taught us to continue passing these traditions to our own kids and educate them about our heritage, beliefs, religion and humility. Our heritage is also based on religion, and festivities are performed in honor of local holy patrons (Santo Nino De Atocha). When we would gather with the whole town, everyone would bring a dish to share. The festivities also include our traditional dance, Tamborazo, which comes from the essential use of drums, trumpets and the saxophone, followed by the rodeo.”
Member Spotlight: Viviana Zapien
In her interview, Vivian Zapien, collector at Professional Credit Service, shared how she honors her heritage with her family and in the accounts receivable management (ARM) industry.
“My brothers and I use Hispanic Heritage Month to teach our children about Mexico’s independence, culture and values. My mom cooks tamales, which she only does when we are celebrating something or if there’s a holiday. We sit at the dining room table and share stories of our childhood and how things were in the past. We also discuss how things have changed and the ways our community celebrates what we’ve achieved.”
Member Spotlight: Bruno Lozano
Bruno Lozano, ACA’s education specialist, shared the importance of celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and taking the time to be thankful for connections with his family and loved ones.
“There are many things that bring me joy about being Peruvian, but the thing I want to focus on is how close family is and the culture and customs that come with having a Hispanic family. I remember talking to a lot of my friends about their family traditions and how close in proximity everyone is to each other… I go out of my way to talk to my family in Peru, and I wish I could talk to them more often, but it’s those conversations that I value. I carry that same mentality when I FaceTime with a friend who lives down the road. It’s important to connect with friends and have those authentic connections because those are the people who are there for you.”
Do you know a member you would like to see featured in ACA Daily’s Member Spotlight or Collector magazine’s Origin Story? Would you like to share your story? We are also looking to highlight our international members and new members of ACA. Reach out to our communications team at [email protected] with your ideas. We’d love to hear from you!
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