Complete Story
09/13/2024
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
Profile of CASA Member Cindy Vasquez, Center Administrator
National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year from September 15th through October 15th to recognize the history, culture, and contributions from Americans who have ancestors from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. As healthcare providers, CASA members can work to provide culturally competent care for the growing population of Hispanic and Latinx patients, which make up about 19% of the U.S. population. CASA is celebrating this year by sharing some of our members’ stories.
Member Spotlight
Cindy Vasquez, Center Administrator, Central California Endoscopy Center and Clovis Endoscopy Center
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
In these busy and hectic times, Hispanic Heritage Month is a reminder that our roots support our growth. We are standing on the shoulders of great people who did a lot of things and made a lot of sacrifices so that we could carry forward the next generation of our Hispanic culture. We are carrying on traditions so that they are not forgotten.
What does it mean to you to represent a minority community in the U.S.? What does it mean to you to represent a minority community while working in the healthcare industry?
I am proud to be born in the U.S., but my Mexican roots are my foundation. It grounds me when I gather with my immediate and extended family. Sharing my roots and culture with my own children and with my nieces and nephews increases my pride.
Growing up surrounded by farm labor family members made me develop a drive to want more, and I knew that education would be my key to achieving it. Healthcare needs diversity to ensure that all cultures and backgrounds are understood. Developing trust with your patient sometimes starts with just understanding their culture.
What do you wish people understood more about Hispanic cultures?
Hispanics are hard-working people. Did you know that all Hispanics are Latino but not all Latinos are Hispanic? Although they are often used interchangeably, the terms “Hispanic” and “Latino” have different meanings. Hispanic refers to someone who comes from or is a descendant of a Spanish-speaking country (Mexico, and most of Central America). Latino refers to someone who comes from Latin America or is a descendant from any Latin American country whose native language is not Spanish. Portuguese is the official language of Brazil making its population Latin, but not Hispanic.
Will you be doing anything to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month? How do you suggest other non-Hispanic people could embrace or honor this month?
During this Hispanic Heritage month, I will be joining my local dance studio to have a little fun and learn some Salsa dance moves. I will be embracing the music and spending time with family.
I encourage all to go out and find a local dance studio offering Salsa or one of the many other Latin dance classes. There is so much fun to be had by all!
Have you seen any noteworthy programs or projects in the healthcare industry that are aimed at encouraging equity and diversity in the workplace or in patient care?
Currently, my favorite program that has really helped motivate me during my healthcare journey is the Clovis Unified School District (CUSD) High School Career Technical Education (CTE) Healthcare courses that are offered to high school students. As a volunteer for this program, I got a chance to see the wonderful diversity of the students that will be working towards healthcare careers in Nursing, Radiology, Respiratory, and much more. What a wonderful opportunity for a head start!
Below is a picture of me and my sister getting ready to participate in our school’s local Folklorico dance group. This is a traditional dance from our Hispanic culture:
I began my nursing career as a Unit Clerk. That led me to an opportunity to become an Endoscopy Technician, which offered a path to many more growth opportunities in healthcare. With every opportunity came a moment of growth.
