Jeremiah Estrada, Payroll Specialist out of our Phoenix office and co-lead of SWCA’s Hispanic & Other Latino Amigos Employee Resource Group (HOLA ERG).We interviewed Jeremiah Estrada, Payroll Specialist out of our Phoenix office and co-lead of SWCA’s Hispanic & Other Latino Amigos Employee Resource Group (HOLA ERG). He shares his experiences leading the SWCA HOLA ERG and what his Hispanic heritage means to him.
Q: Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your career?
A: I am Mexican American, born in Phoenix, Arizona. I grew up visiting my family homestead in Chihuahua, Mexico where I have countless fond memories. I have been with SWCA for three years and have really enjoyed my time here; I have an awesome team.
Q: What does leading the HOLA ERG mean to you, and why did you choose to become involved with it?
A: This ERG really spoke to me when I came to SWCA. I was taken away by the commitment to ensuring that everybody has a space where they can go to share their experiences and feel like a part of a group.
I learn something every time I go into these meetings. Being a part of the ERG and hearing stories from a diversity of perspectives has opened my eyes to my own community.
Q: What are the goals and activities of the group?
A: Our main goals are to bring awareness to the different types of people that make up the Latino community and to build upwards mobility for Latino individuals in the company to achieve better representation in leadership.
With these monthly meetings, we try to make sure that we have something for everyone and that everyone can share their story.
Q: Could you touch a bit on what your heritage means to you? How has your heritage guided you in your life?
Jeremiah and familyA: To me it means family – blood or found. I love to be around people and share our culture, whether through music or food. It’s all about community and bringing people together.
Q: What are some things that you do to recognize and celebrate your culture?
A: I make it a point to celebrate Día de los Muertos with my daughters. It can be a sensitive holiday associated with remembrance and reverence for the dead, but I also want to recognize it as a celebration of life. Mexico has such a rich history – both beautiful and painful – and I want to make her aware of that part of our culture.
Q: What would you like people to know about your culture? How can individuals better support and be allies to the Hispanic community?
A: The Latino community is very complex and diverse. We are a group of people capable of doing amazing things!
Q: What do you like to do outside of work?
A: I’ve played piano since I was five years old – it’s a great de-stressor for me. I grew up in a very musical family, which comes from a very rich Latino musical culture. I also love hiking, playing soccer, reading classic literature, and playing Dungeons and Dragons with friends.