What Hispanic Heritage Means to Me

As the end of National Hispanic Heritage Month grows near, we are shining a spotlight on Director of Business Development, Nereida. We asked her what Hispanic heritage means to her. Thank you, Nereida, for sharing your story with us!

Nereida’s Story

Hispanic/Latin/LatinX heritage and culture, to me, means family.

I was raised with a large, loving family. Food, music, and family created a sense of warmth, love, and good times. At the center of it all, our matriarch, my Abuela Juana. She moved to the United States from Puerto Rico in the 60’s. She was always in the service of others. From being a social worker to a home health aide, she was love, selflessness, and caregiving exemplified.

I became a nurse because of her. After her stroke, I experienced first-hand the weight of not having advance care planning in place. 9 children, 46 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren had to come together to make decisions on her behalf.

After a long illness, she needed hospice. Seeing how hospice allowed us to be family and experiencing that gift, I was drawn to hospice after 19 years of nursing.

My passion, drive, advocacy, and love for hospice is fueled by the love for and from my Abuela. I am honored to carry on her legacy in the service of others while assisting people and families at a pivotal moment in their lives.