September 21, 2020
It gives me great pleasure to kick-off Hispanic Heritage month! Many of you may not know this but I am actually Hispanic! My dad's side of the family is from Spain and Puerto Rico and he was a Minister for Hispanic churches growing up, primarily in Harlem. I was raised in New York City which I always thought was the Hispanic capital of the world, until I moved to Orlando, Florida, which is actually 40% Hispanic and growing!
Cultures are often defined by things like language, food, rituals, celebrations and music. I love the Spanish language and think its actually kind-of-romantic. My dad's primary language was Spanish, and my mom's primary language was Italian so they often spoke to us in their language growing up while my siblings and I would speak back in English. That may be why I speak with my hands and throw in Spanish words when speaking at times! My favorite Spanish dish to cook is Arroz y gandules y pollo, which is yellow rice with beans and chicken. It's really good - trust me! Latin music is what you'll often hear me listening to and most weeks you'll find me Salsa dancing somewhere in the city, even if it's in the Baldwin Building fitness center on the weekends! These are just a few expressions of my heritage, and they are also expressions of love, which Latins love to show outwardly to their families and friends.
Enjoy all the planned activities our DEI team has in store for Hispanic Heritage month. We hope to you will tune in to our live Town Hall meeting on October 20th at 12:00 pm to hear from a panel of our Hispanic team members. They too will share with you their experiences about our rich culture.
Overall Rating: Comments:
beautiful
Posted by: Haywood Jones on September 24, 2020
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beautiful
Posted by: Haywood Jones on September 24, 2020
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Love this; thanks!
Posted by: Joyce Battoclette on September 23, 2020
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I loved learning about your background. I was blessed to travel to Puerto Rico on a regular basis years ago as part of my work with families and high school students considering coming to the states for college. I was treated like a member of their family and enjoyed the many welcoming, people, sites and experiences of that beautiful island. While my "23andMe" shows very little Latin blood - I am convinced that I am "latin in spirit," in my taste in food and constant talking with my hands!"
Thanks, Marla, for always bringing passion to all you do at TriHealth.
Posted by: Amy Ackerman on September 23, 2020
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Very nice getting to know you!
Posted by: Kathleen Ostermann on September 23, 2020
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Thank you for sharing your story Marla!
Proud of our shared 'Boricua' roots!
"Arroz con Gandules" is one of my favorite dishes as well!
¡Que viva la raza!
Posted by: Daniel Pacheco on September 23, 2020
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Loved reading your story- thank you for sharing Marla!
Posted by: Aminah Clark on September 23, 2020
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Thank you for sharing your story! Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! God Bless You!
Posted by: Darlene Taulbee on September 23, 2020
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR STORY . WE HAVE MANY WELL PREPARE PROFESSIONALS IN MANY JOBS IN THE USA . I GREW UP IN PUERTO RICO . MY FATHER IS AMERICAN AND MY MOM FROM PR . THEY MET IN PR WHILE HE WAS AT THE AIRFORCE . I WORK AS A TEACHER FOR 19 YEARS AND LEFT PR AFTER THE HURRICANE MARIA HIT THE ISLAND .OUR CULTURE IS A VERY HARD WORKING ONE . MANY OF US HAVE MOVED TO USA FOR MANY REASONS . I AM VERY PROUD TO BE PART OF THE HISPANIC COMMUNITY AND TO CELEBRATE WITH YOU . LOVE TO COOK MANY DISHES AND DANCE TOO .
I GUESS IS ON OUR BLOOD .
THANK YOU FOR SHARING .
Posted by: Carmen Whitehead on September 23, 2020
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Wow Marla that's a great story! Thanks for sharing that with us. Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!
Posted by: Denise Ross on September 23, 2020
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Thanks for sharing your story! My husband is from Puerto Rico and our three children have learned to navigate being in a multi-racial family and to enjoy both cultures. Your story inspires us to embrace the face of diversity!
Posted by: Naomi Colon on September 23, 2020
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Gracias por compartir!
Posted by: Holly Silva on September 23, 2020
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Thanks for sharing a little bit about you Marla and encouraging our growth in diversity and inclusion.
Posted by: Jennifer Weaver on September 22, 2020
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Thank you for sharing your story, Marla! Happy Hispanic Heritage Month, TriHealth!
Posted by: Abigail Villarroya on September 22, 2020
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Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Ana Diaz on September 22, 2020
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