Liberty Bank
09/24/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/24/2021 09:08
Blog: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Hilda Emanuele
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we spoke with Hilda Emanuele, Assistant Manager of Product and Analysis, to get some insight on the significant impact of her heritage on her work and life at Liberty Bank.
Q: Tell us about yourself:
I was born and raised in Peru, and moved to the USA when I was 20 years old. The political and economic environment in Peru in the 1990s was difficult, but all of those challenges have made an impact on the person I am today. Every Peruvian can attest about the injustices they have experienced and witnessed growing up in a country dominated by political corruption. My culture has shaped me to be the strong, positive-minded woman I am today. My Hispanic heritage is the mold that shaped my upbringing and continues to influence my professional and personal life. From my early age, I understood the importance of appreciation and how fulfilling it is to put everything you have into everything you do. Respect, communication and collaboration were the guiding principles in my home. When I came to the U.S. my English was not that good and I wanted to attend college and finish my business career.
I am a firm believer that hard work and dedication are key to forge a better future and we do not take things for granted. My Peruvian heritage is often associated with cultural sites like Machu Picchu and hundreds of other archeological wonders or the richness of our culinary traditions, but what I admire most as a native Peruvian is the people's constant struggle to overcome challenges. This clearly is what drives me to adapt, press forward, and succeed. It is because of this characteristics and our rich history that we continue to make strides, propelling us admirably onto the next set of challenges.
Q: What are some of the challenges that you faced being a Woman of Hispanic Heritage in America?
Being Latina in America is both an honor and a challenge. Like other women of color, Latinas face multiple structural barriers in the U.S. labor market. We struggle with gender discrimination, racial and ethnic discrimination, wage gaps and lack of opportunities when it comes to leadership positions in large corporations.
Q: Who or what motivated you to get to where you are today?
My grandfather has always been my role model and the one who motivated me to be better. He was a carpenter that raised five young kids and two grandchildren all on his own, after losing his wife. My grandfather always said; "95% of success in life is hard work and dedication; the rest are your skills and ability to do the job." He taught me that I could accomplish pretty much anything in life, as long as I was willing to work hard, be persistent and patient.
Q: What is something you feel people should be more aware of?
I feel that people should be more aware of that Hispanics have played a major role in driving U.S population and economic growth over the past decade.
Q: How does Hispanic Heritage influence your work with Liberty Bank?
My heritage and background motivate me to disrupt the world, to change paradigms, and to fight stereotypes. This mindset cultivates a willingness to help anyone that needs it and to be eager to listen, learn, and innovate.
Q: As the country grows to become more diverse, what advice would you give young Hispanic/Latin X individuals interested in starting a career in the banking industry?
The advice I would give young Hispanic/Latin individuals will be to leverage and embrace our unique backgrounds to be more innovative and break down barriers. Without racial, cultural and gender diversity, there is no innovation or progress.