Hispanic Heritage Month 2024
Principal Strategist Hispanic Employment Portfolio
Message from our Strategist
As we embark on Hispanic Heritage Month 2024, let us embrace the theme: “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.” This theme is a call to action; an invitation to embody the change we wish to see in the world or “ser el cambio que quieres ver en el mundo.”
The diverse backgrounds within the Hispanic and Latino communities are a testament to our collective strength and the unique perspectives we bring to the table. From September 15 to October 15, and beyond, let us recognize the pioneers among us who have broken barriers and forged paths of opportunity and empowerment for our communities.
NIH Director
EDI Director
Message from Leadership
Dear Colleagues,
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, we reflect on the incredible contributions and rich cultural heritage of the Hispanic and Latino communities around the world. This year’s national theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” honors those who have driven innovation, advocated for inclusivity, and demonstrated leadership here at NIH and throughout the world.
During Hispanic Heritage Month, the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) recognizes the Hispanic and Latino trailblazers who pave the way for future generations and expand opportunities for growth and empowerment. To celebrate the pioneers who inspire us, we invite you to join us on October 15 at 1 p.m. EDT for a virtual panel discussion titled “Language Access: A Decade of Progress for Hispanic and Latino Health Equity.” This exciting event will spotlight the groundbreaking efforts by NIH and HHS to enhance language access for Hispanic and Latino communities across the United States.
All NIH staff are also welcome to attend the inaugural Hispanic Heritage Month NIH Neuroscience Symposium on September 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. EDT. This event will bring together members of the NIH neuroscience community to celebrate the role Hispanic and Latino individuals play in advancing scientific research and innovation. This hybrid symposium is hosted by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), the Hispanic or Latin/a/o/e/x Ambassadors and Allies to NINDS (HOLA-NINDS), and the Neuroscience Seminar Series. Hispanic and Latino NIH employees and awardees will also share their career trajectories in an HOLA-OPEN Stage Webinar titled “Life Trajectories (Los Caminos de la Vida) of Hispanic/LatinX Neuroscientists: NIH Staff and Grantees.” This event will be October 16 at 1 p.m. EDT.
Join us this month and beyond as we give voice to the NIH’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by visiting EDI’s website, subscribing to the EDI Pulse, following EDI on LinkedIn and X, and viewing EDI’s YouTube channel to stay informed.
Featured Stories
Events
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) focuses on advancing the Hispanic population's economic, educational, political, and civil rights in the United States. Through strategic initiatives and advocacy, LULAC drives progress in critical areas such as housing, healthcare, and workforce development to promote equitable opportunities for Hispanic communities.
The National Association of Hispanic Federal Executives (NAHFE) is committed to empowering and developing Hispanic professionals from the GS-12 to GS-15 levels for advancement into Senior Executive Service (SES) roles within the federal government.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
What were you surprised to learn during Hispanic Heritage Month 2024?
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#HHM2024
#PioneersOfChange
The artwork for our Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) 2024 observance celebrates themes of inclusivity, vibrancy, and culture. Through the theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” we pay homage to Hispanic pioneers Dr. Helen Rodríguez Trías, the first Latina president of the American Public Health Association; Mexican-American Dr. Sarah Stewart, a NIH bacteriologist who served as the Head of the Human Virus Studies Section in the Laboratory of Viral Oncology at the National Cancer Institute; and Dr. Franklin R. Chang-Díaz, the first Hispanic NASA astronaut.
Each pioneer is rendered in a modern and abstract style with vivid kaleidoscopic colors. The use of bright and contrasting hues symbolizes the impact these trailblazers have had on science, medicine, and space exploration and emphasizes their ability to stand out and inspire in their respective fields. The abstractness of the forms seeks to capture the idea of breaking through boundaries and suggest a sense of movement and progress.
The papel picado banners placed across the design of the artwork are an integral part of many Latin American celebrations. Our banner showcases colorful and culturally symbolic flowers tied to Latin American cultures. The banners celebrate language and interconnectedness by alternating different translations of the greeting “hello.”