What does National Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
Soho House staff members across North America reflect on its significance this year and how they celebrate
Tuesday 27 September 2022 By Soho House Photography by Grace Bukunmi and Reggie McCafferty
Jose Dozal, Holloway House
Executive Chef
What does National Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
‘As a family we like to go to local events in the community. I live in the city of Alhambra and they have a local event called Fiesta Alhambra celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month.’
How do you celebrate?
‘Live music and entertainment, Latin food, local craft vendors and fun activities to do with my little toddler. I will also be hosting a chef’s table event at Holloway House – the theme is Hispanic heritage and culture, showcasing classic Latin food with a modern “Soho” twist. I love my heritage, and try to educate those who are unaware of the profound culture that my ancestors brought to this country. The best way I can do that is through food.’
What makes you feel seen in your community?
‘Supporting local events, restaurants and businesses in my community is something that I take joy in.’
Jose Lopez, Soho House Chicago
Bartender
What does National Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
‘It means that my roots and culture as a Latino can be different from another Latin country, but I feel proud about all [of them]. We give more value [altogether].’
How do you celebrate?
‘Cooking food from difference Latin countries.’
What makes you feel seen in your community?
‘Being a hard worker.’
Chantal Montilla, DUMBO House
Food and Beverage Manager
What does National Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
‘It means celebration. To commemorate our Latino culture, food, dance music, and art.’
How do you celebrate?
‘By gathering with the women in my family and sharing/ cooking traditional Dominican recipes, cleansing the home with incense, praying to the santos, and showering them with dark rum. During these gatherings, we engage in storytelling regarding memoirs, historical debates, and cultural rituals.’
What makes you feel seen in your community?
‘Actively pushing to create spaces for Latinos to have opportunities and educational tools to continue to showcase our cultures, values, and excellence.’
Pedro Ramirez, Soho House New York
Server
What does National Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
‘The roots that I grew up with. Having the opportunity to tap into my heritage was a big deal for me growing up. I’m most grateful for my surrounding environment for keeping my culture alive.’
How do you celebrate?
‘I go to the hookah bars in The Heights with my friends.’
What makes you feel seen in your community?
‘Living in New York. It has given me the opportunity to feel noticed and acknowledged without any regard.’
Marcos Carino, Soho House New York
Server
What does National Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
‘It means celebrating a part of what makes me who I am. I think about my great-grandmother's cooking; making pasteles with her, my grandmother and aunt for Christmas Eve. I think of the way sometimes my grandmother would play salsa music to clean on Saturday mornings, and how my great-grandmother would sing to me in Spanish before bed.’
How do you celebrate?
‘I celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month the way I celebrate every other day, by being who I am completely. Embracing all that makes up who I am. I feel grateful to have grown up learning about what it means to be Puerto Rican – hearing about the Indigenous people of the Caribbean and the Taíno to our African roots, and how we are a combination of all these things. And even as I grow and continue to find myself, I’m learning that there isn’t one way to be Hispanic, Latinx or even Puerto Rican.’
What makes you feel seen in your community?
‘When I feel I can be myself completely, when I feel safe, understood. When I’m not made to feel less than or have my experiences invalidated, because of my lack of Spanish or the fact that I was born here. I feel seen through shared experiences. I feel seen when I feel I’m accepted for all that I am.’
Annette Cruz, Soho House New York
Member Events Coordinator
What does National Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
‘It means party time. I love having a month to celebrate and recognise the diverse cultures and many contributions of the Latin American community.’
How do you celebrate?
‘It’s Hispanic Heritage Month for me all year round. Being Dominican raised in Yonkers New York, my culture is brought with me everywhere from what I eat every day to having full-blown conversations in Spanish. I do love showing extra love to my heritage this time around by attending and curating events that not only I would enjoy, but also others around me can get a glimpse of what we’re all about.’
What makes you feel seen in your community?
‘When people enjoy and appreciate the art and beauty of it all.’
Lizette Francis, Soho House New York
Server
What does National Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
‘It’s a time to exalt our history, culture, and vast diversity. It means we are seen and celebrated.’
How do you celebrate?
‘Every year in early October, I attend the Panamanian Day Parade in Brooklyn. I’ve been going my whole life and it’s almost like a family reunion. We eat, dance, and enjoy the parade full of music and bandas.’
What makes you feel seen in your community?
‘Whenever I meet another Panamanian or Afro-Latinx person, I feel like we are instant family. Even when I meet those who don’t fall into those demographics, I enjoy sharing and comparing food, music, and experiences. Different countries have different translations for different words, and I like learning more and more about other countries. We’re all different and very the same.’
Ramon Campuzano, Soho Beach House Miami
Front Office Manager
What does National Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
‘Passion, love, hard work and azúcar.’
How do you celebrate?
‘By embracing my Ecuadorian ethnicity with my three daughters and beautiful Cuban wife. We combine our two worlds and celebrate our cultures as one.’
What makes you feel seen in your community?
‘To be a committed member of our neighbourhood watch and lending a helping hand during any crisis. And, above all, being a role model to the children in our community.’
Tatiana Meira, Soho Beach House Miami
Head of Membership and Communications
What does National Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
‘A celebration of ways to honour all the cultural richness and diversity in our community.’
How do you celebrate?
‘At work, by partnering with Hispanic brands and creating diverse programming. In my personal life, by visiting different Hispanic restaurants, listening to different music, and watching Hispanic movies.’
What makes you feel seen in your community?
‘Being involved, volunteering and being supportive.’
