National Hispanic Heritage Month

PECO MORE (Multicultural Opportunities, Resources and Education) invites you to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with us! Hispanic Heritage Month, or Latinx Heritage Month, is an opportunity for us to honor the everyday contributions of all Latinx people, while commemorating the independence of many Latin American countries and praising the achievements of the Latinx community at large.

In honor of this special month, PECO MORE is spotlighting one of its members – Anna Sevier. We asked her to share why this month is important to her and some other “fun facts” about herself. Here’s what she had to say:

Why is Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month important to you?

Hispanic Heritage Month is important to me because understanding my culture gives me a sense of personal identity, and a better understanding of my previous generations. My parents and grandparents spoke Spanish to us, and I learned and understand Spanish – only I understand it way better than I speak it!

What is one of your favorite traditions that relates to your heritage?

My favorite traditions that relate to being Hispanic is 100% the food! Who doesn’t love tacos or chips and salsa?! All family gatherings revolved around the food prepared by the best cooks ever! 

What would we be “surprised” to know about you?

People would be “surprised” to know that by the time I was in 2nd grade I had already started and transferred through four different schools because my dad was in the Air Force and we traveled a lot! 

Tell us about someone you look up to and why?

The person I look up to the most is my mom. My mom was a very big personality in a tiny package. She was 4’11. She had an inner strength I am in awe of to this day. She went back to school, worked full time, had four young kids, and made it look easy. She never complained about anything. 

What was your first “real” job? What did you learn in that role that you carry with you in your career?

My first real job was in a bank. I worked there for about 15 years and I left as a Branch Manager. What I learned and took away from that role is regardless of how much money you have or the status you claim, at the end of the day, we are all still human beings. 

What is the best advice you were given?

The best advice I was given are three things: be kind, be kind and be kind.