[Article freshly updated for 2025]. National Hispanic Heritage Month is annually celebrated from September 15th to October 15th in the United States. It was created to recognize the invaluable contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans on the country's history, culture, and achievements.
Why observe National Hispanic Heritage Month?
It is not just a cultural celebration but also a strategic business move. By actively recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month, your business can promote cultural awareness, foster inclusivity, and enhance employee engagement. Here’s how:
- Promote Cultural Awareness. Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month demonstrates your commitment to valuing diverse cultures. This can lead to a more inclusive work environment, attracting and retaining a diverse workforce.
- Enhance Employee Satisfaction. Acknowledging and celebrating Hispanic Americans' rich history and contributions can boost employee morale and satisfaction. Employees feel valued when their cultural heritage is recognized and celebrated.
- Improve Business Performance. Inclusivity can lead to better business performance. A diverse and satisfied workforce is often more innovative and productive, positively impacting your bottom line.
- Strengthen Business Relationships. Increasing awareness and understanding of Hispanic experiences can enhance your business relationships and improve customer perception. Clients and customers appreciate businesses that demonstrate cultural sensitivity and inclusivity.
By observing Hispanic Heritage Month, you honor the Hispanic community and strategically position your business as a leader in fostering a culturally aware and inclusive workplace.
Ideas to Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month in the Workplace
Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month in the workplace is a meaningful way to promote cultural awareness and inclusivity. Here are some effective ways to celebrate:
- Organize a Potluck. Encourage employees to bring dishes from their cultural heritage or try something new from Hispanic cuisine. This can be a fun and tasty way to explore different cultures.
- Volunteer with Hispanic-Focused Organizations. Arrange volunteer opportunities with organizations that support Hispanic communities. This will not only help the community but also educate employees about Hispanic concerns.
- Host a Book Club. Choose books by Hispanic authors to read and discuss. This can provide insights into diverse perspectives and enrich understanding of Hispanic cultures. Here's a selection of hispanic heritage books from GoodReads to start a reading list.
- Conduct Workshops. Organize workshops on cultural activities such as Mexican papel picado, Puerto Rican vejigante mask-making, or Peruvian dance. These activities promote team building and cultural exchange.
- Book a Keynote Speaker. Invite a speaker to talk about Hispanic heritage and experiences. This can be a powerful way to engage employees and deepen their understanding of Hispanic issues. At PepTalk we have a huge number of speakers on our books — and not all of them are on the site, so please reach out.
- Support Local Hispanic Businesses. Encourage employees to visit local Hispanic-owned businesses or purchase products online. This supports the community and introduces employees to new cultural experiences.
- Learn a New Language. Time to start a new Duolingo streak... Offer language learning sessions focusing on Spanish or other languages spoken in Hispanic countries. This can be an engaging and educational activity for employees.
- Highlight Hispanic Employees. Share stories and experiences of Hispanic employees in your organization. This recognition can foster a sense of belonging and appreciation.
- Practice Allyship. Encourage employees to stand up against injustices Hispanic individuals face and continue celebrating Hispanic culture beyond September and October.
By implementing these activities, your workplace can meaningfully celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, fostering inclusivity and enhancing employee engagement. For more inspiration, check out NPR’s archive of brilliant Hispanic Heritage Month shows, including music from around South America and information from The National Museum of the American Latino.
By celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, your business not only honors the Hispanic community but also cultivates a more inclusive and culturally aware workplace. This celebration can attract a diverse workforce, enhance employee satisfaction, and improve overall business performance.
Top Hispanic Heritage Month Speakers
Ashley Stoyanov Ojeda
Ashley Stoyanov Ojeda is a compelling speaker for Hispanic Heritage Month thanks to her unique perspective as a multicultural business strategist and first-generation Latina. She offers powerful insights on entrepreneurship, identity, and navigating cultural expectations, all grounded in lived experience. Her Spanglish business toolkit, Jefa in Training, has become a cultural touchstone for Latina entrepreneurs. Ashley’s talks inspire audiences to embrace heritage while building bold, purpose-driven careers.
PepTalk Fact: Ashley has led strategy sessions for Google, Pepsico, and Adidas, all before turning 30 🎯
⮕ Learn more and book Ashley Stoyanov Ojeda as a speaker.
Anthony Robles
Anthony Robles brings an unmatched level of inspiration to Hispanic Heritage Month events. A proud Latino and NCAA wrestling champion born without a leg, his story challenges assumptions about ability, identity, and perseverance. He’s a master storyteller who weaves grit and motivation into every keynote, leaving audiences energised and empowered. His experience overcoming adversity resonates deeply, especially in conversations around resilience within the Latino community.
PepTalk Fact: Anthony holds multiple Guinness World Records, including one for the most pull-ups in one minute with a 40 lb pack 💪
⮕ Learn more and book Anthony Robles as a speaker.
José Morey
José Morey brings an extraordinary blend of science, innovation, and Latino pride to Hispanic Heritage Month. Known as the “Intergalactic Doctor,” he offers a vision of Latino excellence in tech and medicine that’s both aspirational and practical. His talks explore the future of AI, healthcare, and space exploration through the lens of representation and inclusion. José makes complex ideas accessible—and reminds audiences that Latino heritage and innovation go hand in hand.
PepTalk Fact: José has advised NASA, the White House, and even helped design the future of space travel 🚀
⮕ Learn more and book José Morey as a speaker.
Mark Travis Rivera
Mark Travis Rivera is a bold, thought-provoking choice for Hispanic Heritage Month. As a queer, disabled Puerto Rican storyteller and trailblazing choreographer, he speaks candidly about intersectionality, identity, and artistic expression. His talks encourage audiences to embrace their full selves and challenge outdated narratives. Mark’s lived experience brings unmatched depth and authenticity to discussions about Latinx heritage, inclusivity, and belonging.
PepTalk Fact: Mark was just 17 when he founded a pioneering dance company for disabled and non-disabled performers 💃
⮕ Learn more and book Mark Travis Rivera as a speaker.
Laura Sgroi
Laura Sgroi connects deeply with audiences through her warm, reflective storytelling and multicultural background. As a Dominican-born coach and author, she brings a fresh perspective on personal growth, wellbeing, and identity. Her talks during Hispanic Heritage Month explore what it means to honour your heritage while evolving through life’s transitions. She offers practical insights that speak to heart and mind alike.
PepTalk Fact: Laura once helped produce live events for artists like Ricky Martin and Santana before pivoting to coaching 🎤
⮕ Learn more and book Laura Sgroi as a speaker.
Daniela Herrera
Daniela Herrera is an energising voice for equity and inclusion, especially during Hispanic Heritage Month. As a bilingual Latina immigrant, she shares practical tools for building workplaces where diverse talent can thrive. Her sessions blend sharp insights with personal stories about navigating systems not built for people like her. Dani doesn’t just talk inclusion—she lives it and teaches others how to embed it into culture and process.
PepTalk Fact: Dani was invited to join NASA’s Astrophysics IDEA Practitioners Database for her leadership in inclusion 🌌
⮕ Learn more and book Daniela Herrera as a speaker.
Carvajalino Sisters
Carvajalino Sisters —Daniela, Karen, and Stephanie—are a dynamic trio who make entrepreneurship feel possible for all. These Colombian innovators have trained over 500,000 Latino entrepreneurs and bring unmatched energy to every stage. Their sessions during Hispanic Heritage Month are full of practical advice, powerful storytelling, and genuine connection. They show what’s possible when youth, passion, and heritage meet business.
PepTalk Fact: The sisters began their entrepreneurial journey selling chocolates when they were just six years old 🍫
⮕ Learn more and book Carvajalino Sisters to speak.
Monica Rivera
Monica Rivera is the ideal speaker for leaders who want to unlock their voice and presence, especially during Hispanic Heritage Month. With two decades of corporate experience and a gift for storytelling, Monica delivers insights on visibility, confidence, and communication that resonate across cultures. Her sessions are clear, empowering, and leave audiences with tools they can apply immediately. She champions representation without losing sight of practical leadership growth.
PepTalk Fact: Monica has spoken on over 100 stages, including TEDx, NPR, and The New York Times 🎙️
⮕ Learn more and book Monica Rivera as a speaker.
💡 Would you like to mark Hispanic Heritage Month with an expert speaker? Let us know, and we’ll find the perfect PepTalk expert for your organisation. Email us at hello@getapeptalk.com or send us a message via the chat. You can also call us on +44 (0)2038352929. Remember, it’s never too early (or too late) to get a PepTalk!
