As I think about the contributions of Latino/a/x people to U.S. culture and history, I feel gratitude. I grew up in a suburb of southwest Houston, TX, in one of the most diverse towns in the country (Alief, TX – more on that in a subsequent issue). My daily reality has always been shaped by the contributions of Latino/a/x people to culture by way of language, food, dance and family values, although it took me a bit longer to learn of the many contributions to scientific endeavors. The contributions of Hispanic scientists like pioneering botanist Ynes Mexia and Nobel Prize winner Dr. Mario Molina were never mentioned in any of my biology or chemistry courses. Learning about these and other incredible scientists later in life left me wondering what else I missed out on. It is up to all of us to explore and learn on our own (perhaps with a little help from this blog) about the contributions that are often left out of our textbooks.
As is true with this and other groups who are underrepresented in various scientific fields, it is important to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of those who are fulfilling their dreams and reaching their true potential. For this edition of Aligned, I thought I would celebrate some of my Latino/a/x friends and colleagues here at the Center for Cancer Research who are doing just that. I asked each of them to “Tell me why your Hispanic Heritage is important to you (and something you love about it).” I hope they inspire you to learn more about the many ways in which we have all benefitted from their Hispanic Heritage.
Dr. Andrea Apolo is a Senior Investigator and Lasker Scholar in the Genitourinary Malignancies Branch
During National Hispanic Heritage Month, I reflect on what it means to me to be Latina. It encompasses my self-identity, my obstacles and struggles, and my community. This community includes immigrants whose families came to the U.S. in search of a better life. Immigrants who were limited by their language and their lack of resources and education. My mother, an immigrant from Ecuador, came here in search of work. As a child, I associated being Latina with poverty but also with pride, hard work, and community. Through these influences, I learned to work hard, to be resourceful, and to dream the impossible. Today I associate my Latin heritage with strength and resilience, and I am honored and proud to be part of this amazingly talented and diverse community.
Chabelis Byamana is a Communications Specialist in the Office of the Director
My Hispanic heritage touches and shapes all aspects of my life. It is a reminder of my family’s sacrifice, an understanding of the immigrant experience and a deep pride in our values and my Dominican culture. One of the things I love most is the importance of family and community care, both of which are pillars of mine. To me, being Hispanic is being proud to be part of a community that is dynamic, diverse and resilient, not just during a designated month, but every day.
Dr. Freddy Escorcia is an Investigator, Lasker Scholar and NIH Distinguished Scholar in the Molecular Imaging Branch
I am indelibly shaped by the fact that I am an immigrant from Nicaragua who arrived in North America as a political refugee. The type of Spanish I speak, the types of food I favor, how I engage with the world and how the world has and will continue to perceive me are colored by this fact. As a radiation oncologist and scientist at the National Cancer Institute, I love having the ability to comfort my patients and their family members in their mother tongue and alleviate at least that aspect of the stress of diagnosis and treatment.
Paola Massa is a Patient Care Coordinator in the Office of the Clinical Director
I am a Patient Care Coordinator who provides support to the Center for immuno-oncology and its patients. I was born in Santiago, Chile and moved to the US when I was 9 years old. My Hispanic heritage is important to me because it allows me to deeply connect with our Spanish-speaking patients. As soon as I greet them in their native tongue, we are able to build a sense of familiarity and it can help relieve some of the stress and anxiety patients sometimes feel due to language barriers – especially when it is their first time visiting the NIH campus. One thing I love about my Hispanic Heritage is that it is so full of colorful culture – from the arts, music, and even the food! Though we may come from different places, I always feel in tune with my Hispanic heritage when eating any of the yummy dishes – especially empanadas!
Additional Resources:
NIH EDI Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Americans’ Trust in and Engagement with Science by Pew Research Center
Examining Differences in Cancer Among Hispanics- AACR
SACNAS- Advancing Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science
Aligned is a blog written by the Center for Cancer Research's Office of Equity and Inclusion discussing diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility and highlighting various ways we can all be more involved in creating a more diverse scientific workforce.