group photo at Project 150 warehouse

Culture and connection: Hispanic Heritage Month recap

group photo at Project 150 warehouse

Nevada National Security Sites (NNSS) proudly celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a series engaging events that honored the rich cultural contributions of the Hispanic and Latino communities. The month-long celebration provided employees with opportunities to learn, connect, and celebrate the diverse heritage that shapes our shared experience. Each event, led by the Hispanic Employee Resource Group (HERG), was designed to foster inclusion and build cultural awareness. Here’s a look at how the NNSS came together to celebrate.

Show Your Pride

As part of the Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, employees showed their support by wearing red and green, colors that symbolize the vibrant spirit of Hispanic culture. These colors, often associated with many Latin American flags, represent unity, pride, and the rich cultural heritage we honored throughout the month.

Lunch Events

The owner of a Las Vegas food truck shared his inspiring journey of becoming a successful Latino business owner, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of building his dream from the ground up.

Additionally, the HERG partnered with the Health & Productivity department to offer Raspatlan Raspados and play a few interactive games during lunch. Raspados, also known as shaved ice, are a popular Latin American treat, particularly in Mexico and other parts of Central and South America. The HERG at the Livermore Operations satellite location also hosted a luncheon and raspados event for employees.

Rhythms Dance Studio

Employees also took part in lively dance classes where they learned the merengue and the bachata, two popular Latin dances. With expert instructors leading the way, participants embraced the rhythm, learning the steps and connecting through the joy of movement. These classes not only offered a fun break from the workday but also
deepened our appreciation for the rich musical and dance traditions within
Hispanic culture.

Volunteer Event

In the spirit of giving back during Hispanic Heritage Month, HERG members volunteered with Project 150, helping support local families in need. Employees came together to pack family meal bags filled with non-perishable goods, sort through both used and new donations, and replenish and organize Betty’s Boutique, a space offering essential items for students. The effort strengthened the NNSS’ connection to the community and highlighted our commitment to making a positive impact beyond the workplace.

Project 150 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting homeless, displaced, and disadvantaged high school students by providing them with essential resources like food, clothing, school supplies, and hygiene products. Their mission is to help students stay in school and graduate, empowering them to build a brighter future.

group of volunteers putting their hands together

Dia de Los Muertos: Ofrenda Locations

For the first time, the NNSS introduced ofrenda locations in honor of Dia de los Muertos. These beautifully crafted altars, filled with traditional elements such as candles and photographs, offered employees a meaningful way to celebrate and remember loved ones who have passed.

“As we celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month, we not only honored our rich cultural traditions but also recognized the incredible contributions of Hispanic and Latino individuals within our workforce and beyond,” said HERG Group Administrator Ariel Ramos. “This month was a reminder that diversity strengthens us, and together, we continued to build a more inclusive and vibrant community.”

The success of this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month events showcased the power of coming together to celebrate culture, diversity, and community. NNSS is already looking forward to next year’s festivities, eager to build on this year’s momentum and continue fostering an inclusive environment that honors the traditions of all cultures.