Hello all,
On behalf of your Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee and your Washington Department of Veterans Affairs, we would like to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month and this year’s hopeful theme.
From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, we celebrate the histories and cultures of American citizens whose ancestors came to the United States from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The contributions of these citizens to the country are innumerable and far-reaching.
This year, the observance of Hispanic Heritage Month is not just a celebration of cultural legacy, but of a spirit of resilience. The 2021 theme of “Esperanza: A Celebration of Heritage and Hope” invites us to think about how bright the future will be so long as we hold fast to hope and our own inner strength. It’s a reminder many of us might need.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve been in short supply of many things – perhaps most impactful of all, the comforting warmth of each other’s company. We’ve been kept apart by quarantines and hidden away by PPE, and many feel uncertain about the future.
But hope comes in many forms. To those serving residents in our homes, those connecting veterans with services and programs, and those working in support functions throughout the agency: you have kept our hope alive. Our future, and that of our residents and clients, is far, far bright today because of your work over the last 18 months. Your dedication to Serving Those Who Served, especially during times of such hardship, is inspiring.
Just as the United States is enriched by the diverse cultural heritage of its citizens, WDVA is strengthened by its staff and their individual talents.
Thank you for all your contributions to the agency and our missions – salud!
Want to learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month? Visit the National Hispanic Heritage Month site.
Interested in building relationships, connecting with Latinos and allies in Washington State government, and inspiring your peers to join public service? Learn more from the Latino Leadership Network!
- Learn more about the Sept. 28 webinar on influential Latin American films
- Add the Oct. 7 Lunch & Learn to your calendar
- Add the Oct. 12 general membership meeting to your calendar
If you’re interested in becoming involved with WDVA’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, please reach out via email: DEI.committee@dva.wa.gov
Kristin Kaphan
pronouns: she/her/hers
Professional Development Manager, Office of Human Resources
Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs
Cell: (360) 791-8736