Hispanic Heritage Month | Emory School of Medicine

2023 Features

Hispanic Heritage Month starts September 15 and runs through October 15. Each Affinity Month, we will unveil new Zoom backgrounds for use by affinity group members and allies during their respective affinity month. Zoom backgrounds for Hispanic Heritage Month are available at the link below.

Many Cultures, Common Ancestors

While National Hispanic Heritage Month is a 30 day celebration of the people of Latin American descent and their history, culture, and accomplishments, it does not span a month in the traditional sense. Initially, observed as Hispanic Heritage Week by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968, it officially became a month when President Ronald Reagan signed it into law in 1988. The unusual mid-month start on September 15 was chosen specifically as it corresponds with the independence days of 5 Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Additionally, Mexico celebrates their independence day on September 16 and Chile on September 18.

Women wear traditional outfits and hold their countries flag at a Hispanic Heritage Month event

Vanessa Fleites Office of Multicultural Affairs

I am proud of my Cuban-American background, highlighted by my unique perspective of being born and raised in Miami, Florida. My grandparents had to make the difficult decision to leave their home in Cuba with the hopes that coming to the United States would give their families the freedom and opportunity to better themselves. Growing up in Miami kept me close to my Cuban roots and exposed me to a diverse Hispanic/LatinX community from all around the world. I was surrounded by hard-working, intelligent, and passionate like-minded individuals that never made me doubt that I was able to achieve my aspirations. My family’s emphasis on education, and their determination and resilience inspired me to advance my career in STEM and ultimately complete my PhD in Neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania.

Even while I lived in Philadelphia, and after moving to Atlanta, I continued to seek my community. At Emory, I am the liaison to the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA), and continuously partner with the Latina/o/x Faculty Affinity Group and the Emory LatinX Employee Resource Network (eLERN). In addition, I am passionate about serving as a mentor and helping students from underrepresented backgrounds reach their goals in higher education. In my current role at Emory as Assistant Director, Learner Diversity Programs – Academic Health and as the manager of HealthPREP, I hope to be an ally to all learners and remind them that YES they can do it and YES they belong, just like many of my mentors have done (and continuously) do for me.

Elena Cabb Geriatrics & Gerontology

As a sugar cane farmer's child born in Belize, I learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and the deep-rooted connection between our family and the land. While others may see Belize as a picturesque Caribbean vacation spot, for us, it is a place that holds generations of tradition and sustained our livelihood. My parents knew career choices were limited for their children and brought us to the United States with hopes that we would have more opportunities.

Now as a female Latina physician working in Geriatrics, I am proud to say my parents’ hard work paid off. My identity is a testament to the rich cultural heritage that has shaped me, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of representation in the medical field. By being a healthcare professional, I have the privilege of interacting with patients from various walks of life, with their unique stories and perspectives. This diversity allows me to gain a deeper understanding of different cultures, traditions, and belief systems, which ultimately enhances my ability to provide compassionate and culturally sensitive care. It is through this exchange of knowledge and experiences that I continue to grow both as a physician and as an individual committed to promoting inclusivity and equity in healthcare. I am active in Atlanta’s Latin American Association as well as the Latino Medical Student Association in order to recruit more minorities in healthcare. Through my work, I strive to inspire others to embrace their heritage while pursuing their dreams.

Nerlyne Jimenez

As a Dominican American that grew up in South Florida, I was surrounded by various beautiful Latino cultures, cuisine, music, and history. Living in Miami as a child, I was fortunate to have friends, teachers, and neighbors from many different nationalities and backgrounds; I understood the importance of learning from diverse groups of people from a young age.

During medical school at the Medical College of Georgia, I worked at many health fairs and free clinics that provided medical care to migrant farm workers and low-income families that were mostly Spanish speaking. I felt connected to my Hispanic culture through these volunteer opportunities; however, I had not found a mentor that connected my experience growing up in a Latino community and my medical career. Fast forward through residency and my early years as faculty at Emory University School of Medicine, I was fortunate to have found mentoring medical students through EMPACT and LMSA (Latino Medical Student Association). Mentorship is one of the most fulfilling parts of my academic career where I can share my journey as a Latina, a proud mother of four wonderful children, an Anesthesiologist, and an academic faculty member. Gracias!