Celebrating Traditions: Evelyn and Rachel Share Their Heritage and HOLA's Impact
Kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month, coworkers Evelyn Fuentes and Rachel Ramos share the traditions that keep their culture alive. Evelyn loves her family’s nightly café con pan ritual, while Rachel enjoys making Coquito with her family during the holidays. Read on to learn more about their heritage and making connections through HOLA’s community efforts.
Evelyn Fuentes
Marketing Product Specialist at CDW, Mexican
What is a cultural tradition or custom from your heritage that you hold dear and continue to practice?
I don’t know if this is a cultural thing, but my family always made sure to have café con pan at night. No matter what time of night, or how long the day was, we connect at the end of the day with a cup of coffee (café con leche for me) and some sweet bread. I realized we all did this when I went to see family this year in Mexico. All my aunts and uncles who lived in the house would get together and we would enjoy a cup of coffee, bread, and laughter.
What has BRG HOLA accomplished that you’re most proud of?
There is so much HOLA has done so far, like launching an internal podcast, actively recruiting and launching a virtual orientation for new members and connecting with other BRGs. I have loved being a part of this BRG and I’m excited for what’s to come next year!
Is there a particular dish or food that’s significant in your culture? What’s the story behind it, and do you enjoy making or sharing it?
I think there are a lot of dishes that are significant in Mexico, like Pozole or Tamales, but for me personally, Mole is special. I grew up eating Mole during Christmas or family parties, and every year on my birthday. It’s made of spices, chili peppers and nuts and made in so many ways, but my favorite one is my grandma’s. She would add Chocolate Abuelita and a scoop of peanuts to make it sweeter. She recently passed away and this dish has kept us close to her. It’s not quite the same when we make it, but it’s something my mom and I enjoy making together and eating, even in the middle of summer.
Any fun facts you want to share?
I started drinking coffee when I was like 8 because of the family tradition also I’ve never made tamales but would like to try.
Rachel Ramos
Branch Office Administrator at CDW, Puerto Rican
What is a cultural tradition or custom from your heritage that you hold dear and continue to practice?
One of the traditions I cherish the most is making Coquito with my family. Coquito is a creamy coconut rum drink that is essential to Puerto Rican holiday celebrations. Every holiday season, my mom, dad, brother, and sister would gather to make Coquito. We would play Spanish music, dance, sing, and laugh together. In 2012, we decided to make our own branded labels with the slogan: "With coquito, you can't just have un poquito."
What has BRG HOLA accomplished that you’re most proud of?
I am particularly proud of HOLA's Community Outreach program. Through this program, I have connected and coordinated with remote offices to replicate events happening in Chicago. It's gratifying to be part of bringing coworkers and allies together. The Adams office hosted an HOLA Speed Networking Event. I coordinated with the HOLA Ambassador from Tempe to duplicate the event, which brought HOLA members and coworkers together, and the same was done for the Tampa Office. Our goal is to bring more HOLA events to Branch Offices so everyone can feel included in the BRG.
Is there a particular dish or food that’s significant in your culture? What’s the story behind it, and do you enjoy making or sharing it?
Arroz con Gandules y Pernil (rice with pigeon peas and roasted pork) is a significant dish in my culture, often served during holidays and celebrations. I enjoy making and sharing this dish with family and friends. I also make homemade sofrito, which enhances the flavor of the dish.
Any fun facts you want to share?
I am a proud dog mom of two sweet and loving Pitbulls. I have a passion for helping and caring for others, and I thoroughly enjoy all aspects of event planning. I love all types of music, especially salsa, bachata, and hip-hop. You'll always catch me on the dance floor at every gathering.
Learn more about our Business Resource Groups like HOLA.
Kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month, coworkers Evelyn Fuentes and Rachel Ramos share the traditions that keep their culture alive. Evelyn loves her family’s nightly café con pan ritual, while Rachel enjoys making Coquito with her family during the holidays. Read on to learn more about their heritage and making connections through HOLA’s community efforts.
Evelyn Fuentes
Marketing Product Specialist at CDW, Mexican
What is a cultural tradition or custom from your heritage that you hold dear and continue to practice?
I don’t know if this is a cultural thing, but my family always made sure to have café con pan at night. No matter what time of night, or how long the day was, we connect at the end of the day with a cup of coffee (café con leche for me) and some sweet bread. I realized we all did this when I went to see family this year in Mexico. All my aunts and uncles who lived in the house would get together and we would enjoy a cup of coffee, bread, and laughter.
What has BRG HOLA accomplished that you’re most proud of?
There is so much HOLA has done so far, like launching an internal podcast, actively recruiting and launching a virtual orientation for new members and connecting with other BRGs. I have loved being a part of this BRG and I’m excited for what’s to come next year!
Is there a particular dish or food that’s significant in your culture? What’s the story behind it, and do you enjoy making or sharing it?
I think there are a lot of dishes that are significant in Mexico, like Pozole or Tamales, but for me personally, Mole is special. I grew up eating Mole during Christmas or family parties, and every year on my birthday. It’s made of spices, chili peppers and nuts and made in so many ways, but my favorite one is my grandma’s. She would add Chocolate Abuelita and a scoop of peanuts to make it sweeter. She recently passed away and this dish has kept us close to her. It’s not quite the same when we make it, but it’s something my mom and I enjoy making together and eating, even in the middle of summer.
Any fun facts you want to share?
I started drinking coffee when I was like 8 because of the family tradition also I’ve never made tamales but would like to try.
Rachel Ramos
Branch Office Administrator at CDW, Puerto Rican
What is a cultural tradition or custom from your heritage that you hold dear and continue to practice?
One of the traditions I cherish the most is making Coquito with my family. Coquito is a creamy coconut rum drink that is essential to Puerto Rican holiday celebrations. Every holiday season, my mom, dad, brother, and sister would gather to make Coquito. We would play Spanish music, dance, sing, and laugh together. In 2012, we decided to make our own branded labels with the slogan: "With coquito, you can't just have un poquito."
What has BRG HOLA accomplished that you’re most proud of?
I am particularly proud of HOLA's Community Outreach program. Through this program, I have connected and coordinated with remote offices to replicate events happening in Chicago. It's gratifying to be part of bringing coworkers and allies together. The Adams office hosted an HOLA Speed Networking Event. I coordinated with the HOLA Ambassador from Tempe to duplicate the event, which brought HOLA members and coworkers together, and the same was done for the Tampa Office. Our goal is to bring more HOLA events to Branch Offices so everyone can feel included in the BRG.
Is there a particular dish or food that’s significant in your culture? What’s the story behind it, and do you enjoy making or sharing it?
Arroz con Gandules y Pernil (rice with pigeon peas and roasted pork) is a significant dish in my culture, often served during holidays and celebrations. I enjoy making and sharing this dish with family and friends. I also make homemade sofrito, which enhances the flavor of the dish.
Any fun facts you want to share?
I am a proud dog mom of two sweet and loving Pitbulls. I have a passion for helping and caring for others, and I thoroughly enjoy all aspects of event planning. I love all types of music, especially salsa, bachata, and hip-hop. You'll always catch me on the dance floor at every gathering.
Learn more about our Business Resource Groups like HOLA.
