October 6, 2006

MGHers celebrate Latino Heritage Month

Hundreds of MGHers marked Latino Heritage Month with a celebration coordinated by the Latino Heritage Planning Committee, a volunteer group of MGH employees. The lively event took place Sept. 22 and included a jazz reception under the Bulfinch Tent and a keynote speech from renowned Puerto Rican writer and documentary film producer Esmeralda Santiago in the O'Keeffe Auditorium.

Santiago is the acclaimed author of When I was a Puerto Rican, Almost a Woman and The Turkish Lover. She shared her inspirational story of emigrating to the United States from Puerto Rico when she was 13 years old and living between two cultures. She described how she became a writer and how important it was for her to share her experiences and stories with others. Santiago encouraged those in the audience to volunteer in their communities and advised listeners to always be brave in the face of adversity. More than 100 people attended Santiago's presentation.

Following the talk, close to 800 employees gathered under the Bulfinch Tent to enjoy Latino food including paella, empanadas, yucca chips and sweet plantains. Guests also enjoyed listening to Venezuelan jazz music by Leo Blanco. "The event was a special way to celebrate the Latino heritage," says Carmen Vega-Barachowitz, director of Department of Speech, Language and Swallowing Disorders and a member of the planning committee. "Many people from dozens of MGH departments stopped by the event to hear Esmeralda Santiago and enjoy the music, fun and food."

Above, MGHers enjoy the Latino festivities.