Get to know a few of our inspiring employees who share their perspectives on Hispanic Heritage Month and how their own heritage has shaped their unique journeys.
John – Vice President, Talent Management and Acquisition
John brings 38 years of well-honed managerial skills to his role as 7-Eleven’s Vice President of Talent Management and Acquisition. As he prepares to celebrate his first year with the company, he looks back with satisfaction on his experiences across a wide variety of industries around the world. But he’s also looking forward to what the future holds, both professionally and personally. He and his wife of 29 years dote on their two grown kids. In fact, they just returned from a trip to Disneyland and are planning a Hong Kong visit next year—their daughter was born in the fabled city 25 years ago and this will be their first visit back.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
“For me personally, Hispanic Heritage Month is a time of discovery. I grew up in Phoenix, Arizona and at that time, “Hispanic” was synonymous with Mexican heritage. And since I didn’t have Mexican roots, I didn’t think of myself as Hispanic. In fact, it wasn’t until much later in life, when we started talking about Hispanic people in more detail, that I understood that “yes, I am Hispanic.” My father’s parents were from Spain and Colombia, so I’m 50% Hispanic. We never knew much about his side of the family as my grandparents both passed away very young and he was very stoic, never really talking much about his heritage. Our running family joke was that maybe he was a spy!”
Why do you feel it’s important to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month?
“I think it’s important for all of us to understand our heritage and what makes us both unique and fully us. Hispanic roots and influences run deep in the U.S., and we need to understand that Hispanic culture is part of American culture. Western European influences are strong, of course—England, Germany, France, Ireland and so on—but Spain and Mexico were, and are, a vital part of shaping our culture as well, both from our founding and, of course, today. And obviously, Native American cultures were here first, and they’re also part of the American story. My point is that all these cultures are united in making us who we are today and all deserve our respect.”
Why is it important that 7-Eleven supports diversity, equity and inclusion and recognizes commemorations like Hispanic Heritage Month?
“The power of 7-Eleven is the power of all of us. We’re all unique and bring different perspectives to our work and to the ideas we share with the company. Often, our ideas and perspectives stem from our upbringing, our heritage and the impact our families and communities have had on us. The benefit to 7-Eleven is twofold. First, the diversity of thought that comes from a diverse workforce makes us better and helps us understand our customers better. Second, embracing all of us and all of our differences makes 7-Eleven a welcoming place to work for everyone… a place where we’re all valued.”
Any role models you’d like to mention?
“In my family, we’re all huge theater and Broadway fans, so Lin-Manuel Miranda is a clear choice. He obviously honors and uses his Hispanic roots in his work, but he also makes it into part of a new style. He blends and weaves the cultural aspects into everything he does, whether it’s “Hamilton” or “In the Heights” or the “Moana” soundtrack. The thing I admire most about him is that he pushes boundaries that may feel odd or uncomfortable at first but helps reset perspectives. He weaves in and honors different cultures and embraces all of it.”
What are the top three takeaways you’d like people to know about Hispanic Heritage Month?
“First, Hispanic heritage is foundational to U.S. heritage. Second, as the world gets more open and countries more diverse, Hispanic cultures are a rich and vibrant source of traditions, arts and ideas we can learn to understand and embrace. Third, a large part of the world is Hispanic, so learning more about the heritage and culture opens up so many countries that we can explore and get to know and fully appreciate.”
Juan – Regional Human Resources Business Partner
A 13-year 7-Eleven veteran, Juan is one of the friendly faces that job applicants meet when considering a position with corporate operations. He handles every step of the staff employment process, from initial candidate recruiting to arranging developmental training for new employees and following up to make sure expectations are met. He’s also the proud father of three “amazing, beautiful” kids. His daughter currently attends nursing school, and his two sons are both working toward engineering degrees. “They’re my life,” he states humbly.
When not working or spending time with his family, Juan can often be found indulging his love of watersports including surfing, kite surfing and paragliding. For relaxation, he likes reading his well-thumbed copy of “Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman,” by Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
“It's kind of funny, because when I was younger, I really didn’t pay attention to it. You’re busy with just living. But now that I’m older and a father, I’m more aware. I’m from Puerto Rico and my wife is from Mexico and we both have our stories of what we went through to get here, getting acclimated to the different culture and to start working to set our roots. Our kids also have very Spanish names and I like to think that we’re all attuned to our heritage because it has so much to do with who we are as individuals. We’re proud of our family’s legacy and how it will serve as an example for the generations to come.”
Any personal stories that might help people understand why Hispanic Heritage Month is so important?
“My grandmother came from Spain. Seeing the sacrifices she made to ensure that the next generation didn’t have to go through what they went through, was and is inspirational.”
Do you and your family mark Hispanic Heritage Month with any sort of observance?
“We do Sunday dinners religiously, even if it’s just for an hour, and Hispanic Heritage Month is part of that scene. We make traditional Puerto Rican dishes like Pernil, which is beautifully seasoned, fall-apart tender, mouthwatering pork, either roasted or barbecued. You’ve got to try it! Arroz con gandules is a typical side dish of seasoned rice and peas, and then there’s mofongo, which is mashed green plantains with garlic, broth and olive oil. Most people in Latin America know that we’re pretty much the kings of these dishes. And if something goes wrong in the kitchen, it’s pizza time!”
Any quotes from role models you’d like to highlight?
“The great Roberto Clemente, a Puerto Rican baseball superstar right fielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates, once said, ‘Any time you have an opportunity to make a difference in this world and you don't, then you are wasting your time on Earth.’ He was taken away from us far too early in a plane crash.”
Why is it important that 7-Eleven supports diversity, equity and inclusion and recognizes commemorations like Hispanic Heritage Month?
“Awareness, first and foremost. When we look at the landscape of the communities where we operate, as well as our workforce, there’s a lot of Hispanic representation. They’re literally part of the 7-Eleven family, as well as our community family. So, I think it’s a good opportunity to not just celebrate Hispanics but let them know how important they are to our country and to our communities and to provide that validation, to give them peace of mind that we can be their home away from home.”
Jose – Director, Financial Planning
Born in Tanhuato de Guerrero, a municipality in the Mexican state of Michoacán, Jose came to Texas with his mom, dad and two youngest sisters when he was nine years old. Adapting quickly, he graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Finance degree. After two years with JP Morgan Chase, he joined 7-Eleven as a Fuels staff accountant. Twelve years later, he’s now Director for Financial Planning as well as the proud father of three daughters and a son.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
“The U.S. is the most diverse country in the world and that’s what makes it so great. Having spent most of my childhood in Mexico, seeing the celebrations carried on outside of Mexico helps me stay grounded with my roots. Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to acknowledge Hispanic contributions to our shared culture as well as recognize the challenges that Hispanics have faced and overcome.”
Are there any personal stories that might help people understand why this is so important?
“Before we moved to the U.S., I spent my childhood in Mexico, going to school for five-hours a day and then helping my parents’ businesses in the afternoon. My mom had a store selling food for cattle and my dad had acres of land where he would grow various crops and vegetables for export to the US. I’d work as a cashier some days and on other days I’d help the crews unload manure to fertilize my father’s land – always earning my weekly allowance. I was the oldest of my siblings and the “get it done” kid! My parents sold their businesses and moved here so that their kids would have access to better education and ultimately seek a different life in this land of opportunity. However, as we uprooted and moved, my parents always reminded me of my roots, our traditions and culture. To this date, I hold those traditions, values and culture close to my heart and make sure my kids understand and value them too.”
Do you and your family celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with any special observances?
“Hispanics hold family at the center of all and “fiestas” are part of our DNA. It’s not uncommon for a kid’s birthday party to turn into a grand fiesta on any given weekend. However, for September specifically, given all the celebrations in workplaces and schools, my mom brings us all together for traditional dishes, which include our special recipe for enchiladas from Michoacan. The kids get to break pinatas, which they love! We usually all gather at my parents’ house on Mexican Independence Day, which is September 16.”
Why is it important that 7-Eleven supports diversity, equity and inclusion and recognizes commemorations like Hispanic Heritage Month?
“Different perspectives are always good to help create a broader understanding of people and cultures and how best to solve problems. Combining different perspectives gives a much better output, giving us the opportunity to challenge the status quo. People on my team always say there are always different ways to get to the right answer.”
