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From September 15th to October 15th, the United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month and the month of October for Latin American Heritage Month in Canada. During this time, we honor the diverse cultures, history, and contributions of the American Latino and Canadian Latino communities.
At DB SCHENKER, we are proud to pay tribute to our talented Hispanic team members who support our organization through various job roles and play a big part in making our organization successful. Today, we are highlighting some of our DB SCHENKER heroes by learning about their cultures and celebrating their heritage.
Alejandra Yackanin – National Account Executive/Cross-Border
Alejandra Yackanin loves that because DB SCHENKER is a global organization, she gets to interact with people from all over the world. As a result, she feels that this enriches every project. That’s because the world of logistics is not only about moving freight from point A to point B. She explains it is also about people and knowing how to communicate with others from many diverse backgrounds. Additionally, “not only for Hispanic/Latino culture but in general, DB SCHENKER has done an amazing job at making people feel safe being themselves while working for our company.”
To Alejandra, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month is a reminder that Latino culture is filled with life and that sharing that with the world is important. “Where we come from, matters. What our ancestors did for us to be here today matters. That is why it is important to honor our roots every day by being the best version of ourselves.”
As a proud Mexican, Alejandra shares her love for food and music. She highlights street corn and chiles rellenos with rice as true staples that everyone should try. When it comes to music, her favorite is Selena Quintanilla. A true icon, not only in her country but for Latinos across the world.
Ricardo Hernandez – YUL Air Supervisor
Ricardo Hernandez highlights how DB SCHENKER has opened the doors to many cultures. It is the mixture of histories and experiences that make his workplace a unique one. He says this is 
especially important in the world of logistics, where having a global perspective is necessary to function efficiently.
To Ricardo, Latin American Heritage Month celebrates “these lands that adopted us and how, in return, we have contributed the richness of our culture and shared our traditions” creating a beautiful combination.
He enjoys cooking dishes that remind him of his childhood in Cuba with his grandmother and parents. Ricardo recommends a good plate of frijoles negros, tostones and yuca with mojo for a delicious feast. Baseball is his passion, and as for music, the queen of salsa, Celia Cruz, takes the lead in his book. “If I wasn’t Cuban, I would pay to be. Although I do have to add one last sentence: Thank you Canada for adopting me.”
Jessica Pagan – Sr. Ocean Import & Export Coordinator
Jessica Pagan believes diversity and inclusion play a crucial role in any company, no matter the sector. Both “allow employees to learn from each other and understand that no matter where you’re from, you can work together.” This is precisely what she loves most about working at DB SCHENKER.
For her, Hispanic Heritage Month is the month that Latinos can highlight their culture and celebrate their contributions around the world. As a Puerto Rican working in logistics, she loves teaching others about her island and everything her country has to offer.
Jessica’s family celebrates everything, but to her, the best time is Christmas. During this season, all her favorites combine. From salsa music playing in the air to delicious meals including arroz con gandules, pasteles and pernil. “I love being Latino, specially from my beautiful island Puerto Rico.”
Gerardo Rodriguez Morris – Air Import Coordinator
As Air Import Coordinator, Gerardo Rodriguez believes diversity and inclusion play a key role in the world of logistics. He says learning from other 
cultures and languages can help logistic professionals understand the industry better, build new relationships with customers and even make current partnerships stronger.
Latin American Heritage Month makes Gerardo feel even prouder of his origin and traditions. “My culture is synonym of happiness and celebration.” He believes “celebrating Hispanic heritage allows Latinos to share that happiness with others from different communities, spiking interest in our countries, food, music, and amazing people.”
Gerardo shares that the way his country celebrates Christmas is his favorite tradition. In Colombia, the holiday season starts with “novenas.” This “means nine days before Christmas Eve we meet with family, friends, and neighbors to pray, sing, and share food.”
He recommends his ultimate favorite dish “cazuela de mariscos” which is a rich seafood casserole made in his region (Colombian Caribbean). As for music, salsa is king he says, especially romantic salsa songs. “Visit Colombia once you have the chance. You won’t regret it.”
Stephanie Guzman – Key Account Manager
Stephanie Guzman believes “international trade works best if differing points of views are recognized and used to create meaningful exchanges.” As a Latina working in the world of logistics, she is proud that her background allows her to do just that by bringing different points of view to the industry.
Latin American Heritage Month celebrates the contributions and influence of Hispanic/Latino Canadians to the history, culture, and achievements of Canada. However, Stephanie says, the reality is that all throughout the American continent different cultural and ethnic groups fall under this Hispanic “title”, but each group may be as diverse and as different as other cultures.
To Stephanie, that’s the real celebration and true meaning of Latin American Month. It is understanding and celebrating the richness of the Latino culture. “The diversity in how we speak Spanish, in how we cook our foods, in our contributions to engineering and science, in literature and philosophy, and in the recognition of the struggles of our indigenous people. That’s where our richness and our strength lie.”
Personally, her favorite tradition is to share “Mate” with her family, a green tea from south America.
Ricardo O. Segovia – Air Export Supervisor
Ricardo Segovia’s favorite part of working for a global company is the melting pot of cultures that can be found among team members. “The more cultures involved means the more ideas being 
brought to the table. I’m proud to bring my Hispanic Heritage to the team.”
He believes Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to give remembrance to those great past and present Hispanic/Latino leaders and their contributions. Personally, Ricardo’s heritage has taught him that there is no replacement for hard work. His parents’ work ethic and ingenuity are the pillars that drive him every day.
Family always comes first in a Latino household and to Ricardo being part of a large extended family means lots of great times. Proud to come from two different Hispanic nationalities, Ecuadorian and Mexican, Ricardo shares some of his favorites from each heritage. Seco de chivo (braised goat stew) is his all-time favorite Ecuadorian dish, although ceviche con curtido is not too far behind – especially in the summer heat. As for the music, cumbia is a staple at all Ecuadorian family gatherings. As for his Mexican heritage, tacos, chilaquiles and frijoles (beans) are his go-to.
Mila Leon – Manager, Customs Compliance
Diversity in the workplace brings innovation and creativity for problem-solving, both of which are helpful in navigating today’s complex business world, says Mila Leon, Customs Compliance Manager. She credits her own Latino heritage to have made a significant impact on her work. “My heritage has driven in me a strong sense of adaptability, resilience and appreciation for deep relationships. These traits have been key in navigating the ever-changing logistics industry, effectively managing teams, and fostering connections with people all around the globe.”
Besides her values, Mila honors Hispanic Heritage Month by sharing her favorite staples of Venezuelan culture. When it comes to food Hallacas and Arepas are high on her list. Hallacas are a traditional Venezuelan dish that consists of corn flour, filled with a mix of veggies and meats, olives, raisins, and other ingredients. These are normally prepared as a family during the Christmas season, making it her favorite tradition.
For a day-to-day go-to, arepas are a must, says Mila. These are normally eaten for breakfast just like we would bread in American culture. As for music and art, she highlights Joropo Llanero, a traditional music from her hometown Barinas, and any paint/art installation by the great Maestro Carlos Cruz-Diez.
Agustin Herrera, Jr – International Manager
Our International Manager, Agustin Herrera Jr., reflects on Hispanic Heritage Month as a time to honor, embrace, and reflect on our culture and traditions. “It serves as recognition of the 
Hispanic/Latino influence and its vast contributions made throughout U.S. history.” Personally, Agustin believes his heritage has influenced his work ethics, as he takes great pride in the quality of his work. “I’m always encouraged to take on any task regardless of its difficulty and never give up until the task is complete.”
Latino culture is big on family and togetherness. For Agustin, family celebrations are a big part of his life as he loves spending time together, especially with his two sons. “I enjoy eating all of our traditional foods, listening and dancing to our music, and most of all spending time with my family.” Homemade Tamales, Mariachi music and Catrina Art styles are three of his favorite staples. Regardless, he shares a love for American culture as well since watching American Football and rooting for his home team, the Chicago Bears, is a pastime he enjoys.
Fatima Villacreses – Special Account Coordinator
Hispanic Heritage Month, as Fatima Villacreses explains, is a time to celebrate and connect with your cultural roots, honor your family’s traditions, and share the vibrant aspect of your heritage with others. It can also serve as a reminder of the accomplishments and contributions of Hispanic/Latino individuals throughout history.
This is a special time for Fatima as she celebrates two beautiful Latino cultures, both her Ecuadorian heritage and her husband’s Salvadorian culture. Personally, she loves cooking Ecuadorian food and having her family together. “Family is everything in my heritage. Our family is not just considered ‘mom, dad, and baby’ but also extended family like grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and sometimes even close friends of the family (compadres). So, whether we’re eating, or dancing, we just enjoy being all together as a family.”
During these get-togethers, Fatima highlights Encebollado de Pescado (fish soup) as her Ecuadorian staple, and Pupusas Revueltas (stuffed masa cakes) as a Salvadorian dish you can’t miss. Of course, no Hispanic gathering is complete without music. For Fatima, Cumbia and Salsa take the lead in this category.
Rodrigo Hernandez Navarrete – Air Import Coordinator
Rodrigo Hernandez Navarrete shares his love for tacos and Mariachis, both a big part of Mexican culture. Although, he highlights there is so much more to his home country. “If you have the
chance to go to Mexico, you must visit not only the beaches of Cancun, but also Chichén Itzá (one of the seven wonders of the world), and the pyramids of Teotihuacan located near Mexico City.”
For those not planning a trip to Mexico, Rodrigo suggests experiencing a little bit of his culture from the comfort of home by watching the movie Coco. “If you haven’t already, do yourself a favor and watch it. You won’t regret it.”
Proud of his heritage, Rodrigo is happy that Latin American Heritage Month dedicates time to celebrating the rich Latino cultures. For this same reason, he loves working for a company with a diverse workforce like DB SCHENKER. “Speaking a second language was not easy at the beginning, but here in Canada being Bilingual opens more than just one door and that one for me was the current position I’m proud to have.”
In celebrating Latin American Heritage Month, we salute our DB SCHENKER heroes whose rich Hispanic heritage enriches both our workplace and our lives. Through their stories, we embrace the value of cultural diversity and unity. As we enjoy traditional dishes, dance to vibrant music, and learn about their customs, we are reminded that our differences make us stronger. Let us cherish our heritage and shared values, finding strength in unity as a global community. Thanks to our DB SCHENKER heroes for their daily reminder that celebrating heritage is a treasure.
