In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15), “Team Unidos”, our Hispanic-identifying Employee Resource Group at Momentum Worldwide, share their personal experiences and some of their top recommendations!
Keep reading to discover more…
Adriano Lombardi – SVP Executive Creative Director, Atlanta
Adriano Lombardi – SVP Executive Creative Director, AtlantaTell us about your own Hispanic/Latin cultural identity.
I was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, but I lived in Peru for five years and Mexico for four. So, if we’re talking about Hispanic/Latin culture, it doesn’t get more Latino than that.
What are your top Hispanic/Latin recommendations?
For books and movies, I’d suggest watching ‘El Secreto De Sus Ojos’, the original Argentine version. It’s one of the two movies from my country that has won an Oscar. If you want to watch another great show, tune in the next time Argentina plays soccer with Messi (lol).
Why do you feel it’s important to be part of Unidos @ Momentum?
As Latinos, we value being close to ‘la familia,’ and as an expat, you miss that feeling almost daily. Having Unidos is a great way to share experiences, meet people, and, most importantly, feel connected to something bigger. Unidos makes you feel at home.
Sofia Gomes – Art Director, New York
Sofia Gomes – Art Director, New YorkTell us about your own Hispanic/Latin cultural identity.
I was born and raised in Brazil and I’m super proud to be Brazilian! I try to bring my culture alive on everything I do, especially being far away from home… From the music I hear to the food I cook, I carry Brazil with me (and probably talk way too much about it).
What are your top Hispanic/Latin recommendations?
I would definitely say my favorite book ever is Captains of the Sand, by Jorge Amado. I would definitely recommend watching City of God, which is a very famous and impactful Brazilian movie. And for restaurants check out Berimbau in Manhattan for some delicious Feijoada and Strogonoff.
Why do you feel it’s important to be part of Unidos @ Momentum?
It’s important to be part of a community where I get to share my Latin roots and also learn about other cultures!
Raul Luna – Senior Associate, BL, Chicago
Raul Luna – Senior Associate, BL, ChicagoTell us about your own Hispanic/Latin cultural identity.
I identify as a proud first-generation Mexican American. My family hails from Zacatecas, Mexico, and our traditions and values have always been deeply embedded in my life. From celebrating Día de los Muertos to Sunday family gatherings, these traditions shape how I approach everything I do, both personally and professionally. Being raised in the U.S. also introduced me to a diverse range of experiences that have shaped who I am today. Embracing both sides has given me a unique lens through which I see the world and has made me appreciate the beauty of cultural fusion.
What are your top Hispanic/Latin recommendations?
The Devil’s Backbone – A haunting film set during the Spanish Civil War, blending themes of war, loss, and the supernatural.
Why do you feel it’s important to be part of Unidos @ Momentum?
For me, being a co-lead of Unidos @ Momentum means being part of a team that is helping create a support system that values the contributions of the Hispanic/Latin community. Through Unidos, we can drive meaningful change and create an environment where our cultural backgrounds are celebrated and integrated into the work we do. Unidos helps me feel connected to my roots while also empowering me to contribute to the company’s growth. Unidos allows us to celebrate our culture, give back, and pave the way for future generations.
Lidia Gonzalez – Senior Associate, BL, Chicago
Lidia Gonzalez – Senior Associate, BL, ChicagoTell us about your own Hispanic/Latin cultural identity.
I was born and raised in the south-side of Chicago and best identify as Mexican American. My parents moved to Chicago from Guadalajara, Jalisco – Mexico and that’s what I call my other home apart from Chi city! Guadalajara is known for their production of tequila, mariachi music, charrería and of course delicious foods. I feel very lucky to get to experience my Mexican heritage through my family and community with tasty foods, traditions around holidays, and being surrounded by art or murals in my neighborhood.
What are your top Hispanic/Latin recommendations?
Pan’s Labyrinth is a dark fantasy film by fellow Tapatio (not the hot sauce! this means he is also a person from Guadalajara and a way to call people from this city) and Mexican director Guillermo del Toro.
Why do you feel it’s important to be part of Unidos @ Momentum?
I feel it’s important to be a part of Unidos @ Momentum to find and feel connected to my Hispanic/Latin identity and community. As a co-lead of Unidos, I hope to cultivate this feeling for others as this is something I want myself at Momentum. I want to feel empowered, taken care of, advocated for, supported, related to, celebrated and want that for other members as well.
Alana Hernandez – Receptionist/Office Services, New York
Alana Hernandez – Receptionist/Office Services, New YorkTell us about your own Hispanic/Latin cultural identity.
I am proud to be called a “Nuyorican.” A New York born Puerto Rican. My parents were born and raised in Santurce, Puerto Rico and migrated to New York City during their early childhood years. Growing up in Spanish Harlem aka El Barrio has instilled a strong sense of cultural pride, identity and belonging.
What are your top Hispanic/Latin recommendations?
The infamous Cuchifrito’s Restaurant in Spanish Harlem – They have traditional foods such as, pernil, arroz con gandules, mofongo and all the frituras you can dream of. La Fonda Boricua in Spanish Harlem – another staple in the community that has traditional foods but also likes to expand their horizons switching out their menus each week, so you try different foods, and no menu stays the same.
Why do you feel it’s important to be part of Unidos @ Momentum?
it allows me to connect with different colleagues in the Hispanic community all over our different offices and to be able to just truly be my loud and proud self. When you can engage with a diverse group of people like us and just talk about anything and everything it allows me to feel right at home.
Rodrigo Jaime – Manager, BL, Chicago
Rodrigo Jaime – Manager, BL, ChicagoTell us about your own Hispanic/Latin cultural identity.
I was born and raised in Lima, Peru and only moved to the US at age 19, so you can see how I feel a strong connection with my Latino roots. After moving to the US, it was honestly tough at the beginning to find my place as a Latino. I had what one could call an identity crisis: should I act more “traditional American” to fit in or should I remain true to my Latino qualities. It was finding a Hispanic community that allowed me to understand that in reality it’s a mix of both and since that day I have been able to feel a greater sense of belonging anywhere I go.
What are your top Hispanic/Latin recommendations?
I am certainly biased to Peruvian movies, like Asu Mare, but something that I think is great to highlight is the Spanish/Latino dubbed shows that the rest of the world got. I grew up watching Shrek, SpongeBob, and The Emperor’s New Groove all with Latino dubbing and it made all the difference to me. Regarding restaurants in Chicago I will always recommend Tanta, but also the newer Peruvian restaurant called Kayao out of Oldtown.
Why do you feel it’s important to be part of Unidos @ Momentum?
Being a part of Unidos @ Momentum expands my sense of belonging as a Latino within the company, and provides me and others with a safe space to have courageous conversations while looking out for each other.
Daniela Sepulveda – Field Marketing Manager, New York
Daniela Sepulveda – Field Marketing Manager, New YorkTell us about your own Hispanic/Latin cultural identity.
I was born in Santiago, Chile and my family migrated to the United States when I was one year old. While my family did an incredible job of inspiring us to embrace our deep Chilean roots, there were moments of feeling like an ”in-betweener”, not fully belonging to one culture or the other. Chilean-American communities are smaller compared to other Latin American groups in the U.S., so this sometimes created a sense of being less visible. However, the beloved traditions of family asados, celebrating Las Fiestas Patrias every September, and our passion for fútbol instilled in me a deep appreciation for my Chilean heritage and its values.
What are your top Hispanic/Latin recommendations?
I highly recommend Pablo Neruda’s “Veinte Poemas De Amor y Una Cancion Desesperada” (“Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair”). It’s a beautiful collection of poems that portray love in all its forms – joy and pain. It will break your heart in the best way.
Why do you feel it’s important to be part of Unidos @ Momentum?
Being a part of Unidos allows me to connect with colleagues who share a similar background and experiences. It creates a more inclusive work environment that not only benefits Latin employees but also fosters a workplace where diverse perspectives are valued and heard.
Joe Smith – Office Manager, New York
Joe Smith – Office Manager, New YorkTell us about your own Hispanic/Latin cultural identity.
Many people identify as Puerto Rican American, but here in New York, we call ourselves Nuyoricans. My mom was born in New York, but she was created in Puerto Rico. Even though I live in New York surrounded by vibrant Latin communities, I regret to admit that I haven’t had much time to connect with my fellow Nuyoricans outside of enjoying the occasional meal or party.
What are your top Hispanic/Latin recommendations?
If you’re looking for recommendations on Latin food, here are some of my favorites: Zona de Cuba (Cuban), Don Coqui (Puerto Rican), Jimmy’s Grand Café (Puerto Rican), Estrellita Poblana III (Mexican), and Pio Pio (Peruvian).
Why do you feel it’s important to be part of Unidos @ Momentum?
Staying connected to your roots is important; otherwise, you risk losing touch with who you are or becoming someone else entirely.