Irizarry shares about his Puerto Rican background during National Hispanic Heritage Month and why it’s important for employers to celebrate the traditions and holidays of all cultures.
10/04/2022 3:25 P.M.
3 minute read
ACA International’s membership and the accounts receivable management (ARM) industry are becoming increasingly diverse. In recognition of that growth and National Hispanic Heritage Month, ACA is highlighting members’ stories.
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, on the approval of Public Law 100-402, 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.
ACA International represents a diverse industry. 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.
In this member spotlight, Joseph Irizarry, a client services manager with MRS BPO LLC, shares why it is an honor to have Hispanic Heritage Month
Q. What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
A. I am Puerto Rican and my family and I are from Aguadilla, 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.
Q. How is your company embracing diversity and inclusion among your team and in the industry, both this month and year-round?
A. MRS, where I have worked for about four years, has always done a great job with embracing diversity and making everyone feel included while respecting everyone’s backgrounds.
Q. How do you celebrate and honor Hispanic Heritage Month on a personal level and/or at your company?
A. 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.
Q. Do you have any suggestions for other companies working on educational and inclusion programs in the industry?
A. I would say to just acknowledge holidays of all cultures. It makes an employee feel great when your employer can appreciate not only the work you do but also who you are as a person.
Additional Resources
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is celebrating this month by recognizing the part Hispanic Americans play in influencing and contributing to the American society and workforce.
The SBA has a number of resources listed on its website to help Hispanic business owners and offer assistance to firms and entrepreneurs with access to capital, mentorship and business opportunities.
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. Simply reach out to our communications team at [email protected] with your ideas. We’d love to hear from you! View our news submission guidelines here.
If you have executive leadership updates or other member news to share with ACA, contact our communications department at [email protected]. View our publications page for more information and our news submission guidelines here.