By Marilou Gorospe, Electronics Test Technician & Multicultural ERG Member
When people think about cultural celebrations, they often think about food, music and decorations.
Those elements are certainly important, but after helping organize Bedford’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, I have come to believe that the real value of these events is something bigger: connection.
When I joined the Multicultural Employee Resource Group (ERG) last year, there were only two members and no active leader. I felt strongly that our site would benefit from creating more opportunities for employees to learn from one another and celebrate the unique experiences that make us who we are. Since then, our membership has grown to 34 people who share that vision.
Our recent Hispanic Heritage Month celebration was the clearest example yet of what can happen when people come together with curiosity and an open mind.
Nearly 200 employees attended the event. While we hoped for a strong turnout, the response exceeded every expectation. Throughout the celebration, people were laughing, dancing, learning and engaging with one another in ways that felt authentic and meaningful. It seemed like happiness was everywhere.
Food became one of the first ways people connected. Employees experienced authentic dishes from Mexico, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic and other parts of Latin America. Many attendees tried foods they had never tasted before, and several asked for the names of the restaurants because they wanted to return and experience those flavors again.
Music created another powerful bridge between people. Coworkers shared favorite songs from their countries and cultures, helping us build a playlist that reflected a wide range of traditions and experiences. Throughout the event, employees learned about musical styles such as Merengue, Bachata and Reggaeton.
One of my favorite moments came from an activity that required very little preparation but generated tremendous enthusiasm: Pin the Tail on the Donkey. As soon as the first employee volunteered, the room erupted with laughter and cheering. People recorded videos, encouraged one another and lined up to participate. It reminded me that shared experiences often create the strongest memories. Sometimes the simplest activities can help people step outside their comfort zones and connect in unexpected ways.
We also focused on education. Employees explored fun facts about Hispanic cultures, traditions and history. Some took the materials home to continue learning. One employee became so inspired by what he learned that he joined the Multicultural ERG after the event. For me, that was a powerful reminder that cultural understanding often begins with simple conversations and curiosity.
What impressed me most, however, was what happened after the celebration ended. Coworkers who had never spoken with me before stopped by my workstation to talk and people seemed more comfortable approaching one another. Conversations continued long after the event was over and it felt as if new relationships had formed across departments and teams.
That outcome reinforced something I have always believed: celebrating culture is not only about recognizing heritage. It is about creating opportunities for people to understand one another better.
We all come from different backgrounds, but we share many common experiences through family, food, music, traditions and history. When people take time to learn about those experiences, they build trust and stronger relationships.
I am incredibly grateful to the volunteers and Multicultural ERG members who made this event possible by helping prepare for and support the celebration.
Most of all, I hope employees walked away feeling included and appreciated. If they left with a new understanding of another culture, a new friendship or a broader perspective, then we accomplished exactly what we set out to do.
At its heart, cultural celebration is really about human connection. That is something worth investing in.