National Hispanic Heritage Month
GumGum Spotlight: Vanessa Rivero, Bolivia
Your name and the Latinx community you represent!
Bolivia, one of two land-locked countries in South America! Famous for their biodiversity and home to the world’s largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
Being Bolivian and part of the broader Hispanic community reminds me of the importance of my latin roots and what it means to be a Bolivian descendent in America. Hispanic Heritage Month is actually a new month of celebration for me — one I’ve grown to appreciate in 2020, when we’ve experienced so much divisiveness towards minorities and communities of color.
This month means recognizing the ongoing efforts of our migrant families who have helped pave the way for a brighter future in the states — an opportunity to achieve the American Dream. Although this year has been plummeted with grief, it’s a reminder to remain empathetic, give back to our communities and provide support where we can.
I think a lot about the recent California wildfires that have devastated beloved farming communities — and I think about the farmers (14,000 of them are Latino in California), who have disproportionately been affected by COVID. I might not know their background or their stories, but they are me, they are Latino. They are honest, hard working folks from across Latin America, whose laborious work is so impactful in ensuring we all have access to a meal at dinner time. If anything, this month reminds me that I, too, can spread awareness about their challenges, share their struggles, donate, and support wherever possible.
How has your family & heritage shaped your perspective and influenced your life?
Growing up in a Latino family, being a proud hispanic was ingrained in my life at a young age. Spanish was actually my first language, and as I got older, my dad was determined that I speak only Spanish at the dinner table. Now as an adult, I have grown to appreciate so much about my heritage that I dismissed as a young kid in America. I wanted to be like the “others”, a true born-in-the-U.S.A kid with a tuna sandwich and a lunch pail, but my mom had other plans — she’d pack me a full-on Bolivian meal (rice, chicken, plantains). I desperately tried to assimilate to the American culture, and would shy away from sharing my roots, my language and my customs at school. But then I’d invite friends over for dinner, and their mouths would drop when they saw the latin feasts my parents would prepare. In high school, I finally grew to appreciate what made me different. I also formed friendships with other kids from Latin backgrounds — Peru, Mexico, Argentina, and found a kinship in learning about their experiences as minorities.
I’m grateful to my parents and extended family for teaching me about their cultures, sharing stories, recipes — for being proud of their heritage, and ensuring I took a piece of their Bolivian & Nicaraguan roots with me in life — especially at the dinner table.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self navigating hardships or challenges you faced as a minority in the Latinx community?
Never forget your roots. And don’t be afraid to speak up. It’s hard to grow up as a minority because sometimes you’re not sure where you fit in.. or if you want to fit in.
I remember a handful of times people would be confused if they heard me speak Spanish, and some would immediately assume I was Mexican, or some other background. I now look back and think those were great opportunities for a teachable moment — to share, educate and inspire people. Bolivia is not well known, in fact it is one of the poorest countries in South America. I’ve had the privilege of traveling there a handful of times to meet family, learn about my heritage, and experience a different way of life and it’s a truly beautiful, unique and biodiverse country I’m proud to be from. They value family over everything and that’s a lesson I take with me every day.
If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be to not shrink to make others feel more comfortable. It’s important to be proud of where you come from — and it’s a source of pride for me now to feel like I can bring a different perspective to the table.
