Mirastar Celebrates Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month

What does Latin X & National Hispanic Month mean to you?

Latinx and National Hispanic Heritage Month are about pride, culture, and community. It’s a time to honor our roots, celebrate our contributions, and embrace the diversity within our heritage. The term Latinx reflects inclusion, making space for all identities in our shared story.

How do you celebrate Latin X & National Hispanic Month? How can others celebrate it?

I celebrate Latinx and National Hispanic Heritage Month by embracing and sharing my culture through food, music, stories. It’s a time to reflect on our heritage and honor the contributions of those who came before us.

Others can celebrate by learning about Latinx history, supporting small Latinx-owned businesses like your local food vendors such as “The Platero” or the beloved “elote guy” who walk until sundown to reach those craving a delicious snack at the comfort of their doorstep!  It’s all about connection, appreciation, and respect.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today? How has it influenced your career?

My heritage has shaped me into someone who values hard work, resilience, and community. Growing up with Mexican traditions taught me the importance of respect and perseverance, which guide how I face challenges and build relationships. I witnessed my family tackle obstacles with determination while finding joy in even the smallest victories. These lessons have shaped how I approach my career—staying adaptable, finding solutions under pressure, and treating people with respect and understanding, regardless of titles or social positions.

Who are the role models or mentors that have influenced you or helped guide you?

I’ve been fortunate to have both personal and professional role models. In my personal life, my family has been my greatest influence showing me what perseverance, humility, and kindness look like in action. Professionally, I’ve had mentors who not only shared their knowledge but also encouraged me to take risks, trust my instincts, and never stop learning. Their guidance has shaped the way I lead, problem-solve, and support others in their own growth.

Does your family have any traditions that are especially important to you?

We have many traditions but one tradition that’s especially important to me is gathering with family to celebrate Día de los Muertos.

It’s a time when we honor and remember our loved ones who have passed, creating altars with their photos, favorite foods, and marigolds. It reminds me of the importance of family, storytelling, and keeping our history alive. Another is sharing meals together, whether it’s tamales at Christmas or pozole on special occasions because food has always been our way of showing love and staying connected.

Which Latin X & National Hispanic figure inspires you and why?

A figure who inspires me is Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz. She defied societal expectations to pursue knowledge, write boldly, and express ideas that challenged the norms of her time.

Her courage, intellect, and unwavering commitment to truth reminds me that pursuing my passions and standing up for what I believe in can create lasting impact not just for myself, but for the community around me.  It is possible to claim your voice, pursue your passions, and make an impact even in the face of obstacles. Sor Juana inspires me to approach my own life and career with the same dedication, resilience, and belief that what I contribute can resonate beyond myself and uplift those around me.

What are your favorite traditional dishes? Do you have recipes for any of them to share?

Some of my favorite traditional Mexican dishes are tamales, pozole, and enchiladas. Tamales are a family favorite during holidays, wrapped in corn husks and filled with meat or sweet fillings. Pozole is a hearty hominy soup we often enjoy at celebrations, and enchiladas are perfect for gatherings with family and friends.

I don’t have an official recipe, but for tamales, my family’s approach is simple: prepare a masa dough with lard and seasonings, fill with your favorite mole whether it’s pork, chicken or even a sweet filling, wrap in corn husks, and steam until firm. The best part is making them together as a family, it’s just as much about the memories as the food!