Raíces de Nuestra Gente: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with stories of culture, impact, and inspiration
Hispanic and Latino Americans have been trailblazers throughout history. Civil rights leader, César E. Chávez championed for migrant farmworkers, who labored under hardships and injustices.1 Actress and singer, Rita Moreno made Hollywood history as the first Latina to achieve the prestigious E.G.O.T (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) title through her various works.2 In 1989, Ilena Ros-Lehtinen became the first Latina elected to the United States Congress. 3
Between September 15 and October 15, these achievements, along with countless others are celebrated as part of Hispanic Heritage Month. The period also marks a time to reflect on tradition and culture. Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas Inc. values its diverse team members and their respective roles and contributions across communities. During Hispanic Heritage Month, Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM) will highlight some of these caring servants and their stories of impact and inspiration.
One of the largest departments within MHM is led by hygienist, Jo Ann Diaz Jordan, who serves as the Director of Dental Operations. Her father was a first-generation American and her mother an eighth-generation. She was raised to have a strong work ethic, and they taught her to hold faith and culture sacred, “My dad made sure that Spanish was my first language, and he always taught me to never forget about my Mexican American heritage.”
Those lessons remained with Diaz Jordan throughout her life and career. “People usually feel anxious when they come for dental appointments, but they feel a sense of peace when they see another Hispanic person who can speak the language.” She describes patients as “humble and grateful” and believes Latino representation is essential in forging trust with some patients. “Every month I read the comments from the patient survey and the patients comment on how grateful they are for our services, the docs, the assistants, the front staff, and the hygienists. We value our patients, and they value us. It is a beautiful relationship.”
Diaz Jordan feels a strong connection to MHM’s commitment to advance health equity. She did not grow up with health or dental insurance; instead, her parents worked long hours and second jobs to ensure there was enough money in the event she needed care. This is a common trend among Hispanics and Latinos, who often experience a variety of barriers.4 Diaz Jordan said her own life experiences and strong faith inspired her to join MHM, “I knew it was the place for me. I wanted to be the one to work hard to help make a difference in people’s access to care, especially for those who cannot afford it.” Diaz Jordan is living out her purpose and credits her parents for the values they instilled in her, which she hopes to pass on to the next generation. “I have vowed to not let my culture be forgotten by teaching my 2-year-old granddaughter how to speak Spanish and to learn about God so that she knows about her heritage.”
Hispanic and Latino Americans are steadfast in tradition and culture. These inherent values are a driving force in how people interpret and interact with one another. However, values can also be a source of influence. Diaz Jordan’s upbringing and lived experience helped her cultivate a deeper understanding of the diverse communities MHM serves. This connection to culture is significant at all levels of the organization. While many reflect and celebrate during the time of Hispanic Heritage Month, it is important to look toward the future, as representation opens the door to possibilities and change.
