Latin American and Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to recognize the diverse cultures, traditions, and contributions of Latin American and Hispanic communities.
At the Society of United Professionals, our members bring a wide range of experiences, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds to their workplaces and our union. These connections strengthen our communities and contribute to the diversity of our membership.
This year, we're highlighting some of our Latin American and Hispanic members who have shared what their heritage means to them, the traditions they value, and the importance of celebrating their cultural identities.
Meet Our Members
Keyla Yonfa Cantos
Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) | Operation Advisor, Advance Readiness
Originally from Ecuador, Keyla maintains a deep connection to her Latin American heritage. She speaks both Spanish and English and appreciates the many foods and traditions shared across Latin America.
For Keyla, Latin American and Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to share and celebrate the traditions that are an important part of her identity.
Jader Meireles Ronconi
Ontario Power Generation | Senior Procurement Specialist, Supply Chain
Born in Brazil, Jader values the connections between language, culture, and personal identity. His native language is Portuguese, and he also speaks French, English, intermediate Italian, and has studied Spanish.
Jader enjoys the arts, including books, painting, and theatre, and believes cultural traditions remain meaningful wherever life takes us.
Reflecting on Latin American and Hispanic Heritage Month, he shares:
"It means that it does not matter where you are, your culture is still present and celebrated."
Lisa Robles
Ontario Power Generation | Senior Performance Improvement Officer, Integrated Fleet Management
Born and raised in Canada to parents from Ecuador, Lisa reflects on the experience of navigating cultural identity as a first-generation Canadian. She values the growing connections among Latin American communities and the importance of supporting one another.
Her cultural traditions include celebrating Christmas Eve, participating in novenas, attending Latin American cultural events, and enjoying Latin American music, particularly Andean music.
Lisa is also actively involved in her community and union. She serves as a delegate for the Society's OPG Local and is a member of the Society's Black and Racialized Professionals Committee. She also founded Lean In Latinas, Toronto, to bring professional women together for connection and mutual support.
For Lisa, Latin American and Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to connect with others, learn about different cultures, and recognize the contributions Latin American communities make across Canada.
Carlos Carrillo
Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) | Senior Analyst, Contracts and Initiatives, Contract Management
For Carlos, Latin American and Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to reflect on the cultural connections he shares with others, particularly through language and traditions.
He sees the month as a time to recognize and celebrate the shared experiences that connect Latin American and Hispanic communities.
Celebrating Our Shared Connections
Across our membership, Latin American and Hispanic heritage reflects a wide range of cultures, languages, experiences, and traditions.
For many, cultural identity is closely connected to family, community, music, food, art, and the traditions passed between generations. Heritage celebrations provide opportunities to share these connections, learn from one another, and recognize the many perspectives that strengthen our workplaces and communities.
Through these stories, we're reminded of the importance of making space for members to celebrate their identities and share the experiences that shape who they are.
We extend our sincere thanks to the Black and Racialized Professionals Committee and Lisa Robles for their dedicated work in bringing this initiative together. Their efforts made it possible to share these stories, celebrate our members’ diverse backgrounds, and recognize the experiences and traditions that enrich our union.
