Hispanic Heritage Month: Honoring Our Roots, Strengthening Our Future

We believe that stories shape the way people see themselves and each other. Every campaign, partnership, and conversation we’re part of is rooted in the belief that representation matters and that honoring where we come from is essential to moving forward together.

Each year, from September 15 to October 15, the United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Spain. The dates are significant: They encompass the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile.

But more than dates on a calendar, Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration of identity, one that is both collective and deeply personal. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the communities whose stories, strength, and innovation continue to move our country forward.

This year, our team at SE2 took time to reflect on what this month means and how it connects to the work we do every day.

Elizabet Garcia Hernandez | Public Relations & Community Outreach Specialist

As I think about Hispanic Heritage Month this year, I find myself sitting with a mix of emotions. On one hand, it’s hard to ignore the ways in which our communities continue to face resistance, moments when our contributions aren’t fully seen or valued. But alongside that tension, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. Working at SE2 has given me the opportunity to stay connected to my roots and to uplift the very communities that raised me.

This past year, I’ve had the privilege of helping distribute mini-grants and building partnerships for SE2’s work with the Behavioral Health Administration’s 988 Colorado Mental Health Line marketing campaign. Through that work, I’ve collaborated with incredible community partners who are making a real difference in people’s lives, especially in moments when access to care and understanding truly matter.

I also had the chance to take part in community events across Colorado, including Fiestas Patrias and the Greeley Stampede, events that mean so much to me personally because I grew up in Greeley. Standing there, surrounded by the same kind of energy and pride that shaped my own story, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. It reminded me that representation is not just about visibility; it’s about belonging.

Another meaningful project this year was SE2’s alcohol moderation campaign in the Yampa Valley, where I worked directly with Spanish-speaking community members to gather their stories. Hearing them share their experiences and emotions in their native language was incredibly powerful. It reminded me how essential it is to create space for people to express themselves authentically, to give agency to their voices, not shape them for convenience.

This year has reinforced why I do this work. Despite the challenges, it’s moments like these, standing in community spaces, listening to people’s stories, and seeing them reflected in campaigns that honor their experiences that keep me going.

Willy Chamu | Graphic Designer

As a recent addition to the SE2 team, I feel so honored to be part of such a talented group of people whose values and commitment to positive change are at the forefront of all the work they do. As a recent graduate of MSU Denver, at the start of my career, being part of this team is a huge honor and privilege.

My new role as SE2’s graphic designer is invaluable for helping me stay connected to what’s going on with the diverse communities around me.

Having people within my family and community – whose stories and contributions have impacted not only me, but others whose stories are woven into the history of this country – serves to encourage reflection on how their stories can continue to be told through the work I produce in this role.

As a graphic designer, I am fully aware of the importance of written and visual language within design. With the perspective my diverse background brings, I am able to create visuals that convey narrative, inform and resonate with audiences in ways that go above and beyond simple, written language.

I am grateful for projects like Adelante Connect, where I can look to people within my own community who struggle with language and technology. I see first-hand how limited access to the technological knowledge, and common grasp of the English language, that we take so much for granted make life increasingly difficult for these people in a world that is becoming more and more digital.

Working on deliverables for the Safe Yakima Valley County schools in Washington brings to mind my personal experiences in my local public middle and high school. I consider how I can utilize my background to create items that will leave a lasting impact on these students to make better choices that will positively influence their future.

This position serves as a powerful reminder to appreciate my Latino heritage and unique life experiences, which serve as a wellspring of inspiration and an opportunity to connect with the audiences I intend to help serve.

Alvina Vasquez | Principal

My commitment to Community is rooted in generations of resistance and resilience. The challenges Latino families face today are not new—they are part of a long, ongoing struggle for equity and dignity. My ancestors fought colonialism and oppression; Colorado Civil Rights leaders like Rudy Gonzales, Nita Gonzales, and former State Senator Polly Baca paved the way; and my grandparents and parents stood up to everyday racism. I honor their legacy by dedicating my work to advancing children, women, Latine, and other under-resourced and at-risk communities.

At SE2, our mission is to move people to action through powerful, purpose-driven communication—and that begins with truly listening to the communities we serve and understanding their lived experiences. Through our work in behavioral health, substance use prevention, and public health, we’ve seen how culturally relevant storytelling can break down stigma and build genuine connection.

Language equity, cultural representation, and authentic partnership aren’t seasonal values for us—they’re the foundation of everything we do. Whether we’re collaborating with local nonprofits, uplifting bilingual voices, supporting grassroots organizations, or learning from the wisdom and leadership of community trailblazers like Polly, Nita, and many others, we are grateful to work alongside leaders who continue to shape and strengthen our communities. SE2 remains deeply committed to ensuring that every story we tell reflects the richness, resilience, and diversity of Colorado’s people.

The Celebration Doesn’t End Here

As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, we’re reminded that this celebration doesn’t end here. The spirit of la comunidad—of resilience, pride, and solidarity—continues in every campaign, every partnership, and every story that moves someone to act.
At SE2, we carry that spirit forward. We celebrate the people who make this work possible, the partners who inspire us, and the stories that connect us.

Because honoring heritage isn’t just about looking back. It’s about shaping a future where every community sees itself represented, respected, and heard.