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Hispanic Heritage Month Highlight - Alejandro and Mari

Lifestyle

Hispanic Heritage Month Highlight - Mari & Alejandro

Sep 14, 2023

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we're highlighting members of the Hibbett | City Gear family who represent the Hispanic community and voices in our stores. Meet Hibbett team members Mari and Alejandro!

Hispanic Heritage Month Featured Employee Alejandro Gonzalez

Meet Alejandro

Tell us about yourself!
Name: Alejandro Gonzalez
Current Position: Hibbett Store Manager
Years with Hibbett | City Gear: 10 years
Connection to the Hispanic community: I am a first-generation Mexican-American. My connection to the Hispanic community comes from my parents and grandparents. They are a big part of who I am, and I am forever grateful for all the sacrifices they made to give my siblings and me a better life.

How do you celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?

Alejandro: Being Mexican is part of my everyday life, in the ability to speak and write in Spanish, by enjoying the music and cinemas and, by enjoying the delicious Mexican cuisine (who doesn't love a good taco?)

My wife (who is also a first-generation Mexican American) and I are teaching our 3-year-old daughter the beauty of the Mexican culture just like our families taught us, for example, her ability to speak and understand Spanish, makes it easy for her to connect with her grandparents.

Also by introducing her to Mexican cuisine by making home-cooked dishes such as pozole, mole de Pollo, and her all-time favorite tacos, or as she likes to call them "tatos."

What aspects of your heritage do you feel you honor in your every day life?

Alejandro: I value hard work, because growing up my dad taught me to work hard for the things you want and need in life, to do things the right way and not take any shortcuts and, that nothing is handed to you. I also value family, taking care of one another, and being there for each other. Another aspect of my heritage is being proud of who I am. With hard work and support from my family, I am proud of who I am today.

Why do you think it is important to amplify Hispanic community member voices during Hispanic Heritage Month?

Alejandro:I believe that diversity is a beautiful thing. I enjoy teaching people things about my culture whether its sharing food, music and traditions but, at the same time I enjoy learning about other peoples cultures as well.

Hispanic Heritage Month Featured Employee Mari Pedraza

Meet Mari

Tell us about yourself!
Name: Maribel (Mari) Pedraza
Current Position: Hibbett Store Manager
Years with Hibbett | City Gear: 14 years
How do you stay connected to the Hispanic community: My international and Spanish-speaking customers who live in our community and come from across the border of Mexico to visit and shop regularly keep me connected to our Hispanic culture.

How do you celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?

Mari:I usually try to attend events put together in my community to celebrate holidays, history and our culture.

What aspects of your heritage do you feel you honor in your every day life?

Mari:My fluent speaking of our Spanish language is one way I feel I honor my Hispanic heritage every day.

Why do you think it is important to amplify Hispanic community member voices during Hispanic Heritage Month?

Mari:The younger community in our region have to keep our traditions and cultures new and old going forward for all future Hispanics to celebrate.

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