There are so many ways to learn about Hispanic heritage while supporting our communities. This can include shopping at Hispanic-owned businesses, or even watching movies or shows that are directed or produced by Hispanic people (two of my favorite filmmakers include Alejandro González Iñárritu and Alfonso Cuarón). You can also attend local community events or engage in conversations with your Hispanic coworkers.
How can people use this month to learn more about and/or immerse themselves in the variety of Hispanic cultures and communities?
It’s a time to reflect on where we are as a country and appreciate our accomplishments while still acknowledging the path forward and the progress that has yet to be made.
Why is Hispanic Heritage Month important to you?
My father has had a tremendous impact on my life. He was born in Mexico, then came to the U.S. and excelled academically. He graduated high school at the early age of 14, later becoming a lawyer and a diplomat. My father is also a veteran, serving in the Vietnam War as a military intelligence officer. On top of that, he had a career as a professional long-distance runner, also representing the U.S. as a national track team member. Despite all these achievements, he constantly tells me I am his proudest accomplishment. He provided me with every advantage he could while I was growing up.
Name someone who has had a significant impact on your life. How have they helped you?
We still have a long way to go, but the outlook continues to change for the better. Firms like BDO continue to improve their recruiting, retention and promotion efforts and provide transparency. We, as Hispanic professionals, must also hold ourselves accountable and do our part to achieve goals and assist with those efforts. When I started my career, the focus was solely on recruiting. Now, more emphasis is placed on appropriate representation at higher levels of management.
How has the outlook changed for Hispanic members in the accounting industry since you began your career?
I am currently a director in our Risk Advisory Services (RAS) practice out of the Boston office and have been with BDO for three years. I started my career working in external audit at another professional services firm until I felt the need to find an advisory role. Along the way, I worked with RAS Managing Director Mandy Carroll — who has been instrumental in shaping my career — at a previous job and followed her to BDO.
Tell us about your role at BDO and career path to date.
Risk Advisory Services Director
Alejandro Anievas
Etched in American History, you will find Latin history ― it is part of all of us. It cannot be erased or undone. We have been part of the American tapestry for so long and I invite everyone to celebrate the different Hispanic cultures. You can enjoy them, savor them and experience them for yourself. Find your Latin friends, ask them questions, ask about their traditions and their family’s story — I promise you won’t be disappointed.
How can people use this month to learn more about and/or immerse themselves in the variety of Hispanic cultures and communities?
Growing up, I was often asked where I was from. As a first-generation American, I used to say, “I’m American,” and completely omit my Nicaraguan culture. I was ashamed that my family came from a third world country and that my father crossed the Rio Grande in his twenties. I didn’t mind being Hispanic as much as I minded being Central American, until I realized it’s one of my superpowers. It is because of my heritage ― and not in spite of it ― that I love to read Spanish poetry and appreciate every culture for its uniqueness. Now, I am proud to be Nicaraguan, and I can advertise the wonders the country has to offer. I can proudly say, “My name is Nadya Areas, the Areas name comes from Corinto, Nicaragua, and I am a first-generation Nicaraguan American.”
Why is Hispanic Heritage Month important to you?
Most Hispanics and children of immigrants will almost always say their parents, and I am no exception. I was raised by Jose and Maria, two people with the most quintessential of Hispanic names. They could not help me with my English homework or science projects, but they gave me unconditional love. They instilled confidence in me, told me I was enough and made me believe it. Now, as an adult, sitting across from my dad while we drink “cacao” for breakfast and listen to the thump of my mom making “tortillas de maiz” from scratch, I am reminded that these are the simple memories I treasure the most. My parents are proud and make me feel like the most successful daughter, but they are the real success stories.
Name someone who has had a significant impact on your life. How have they helped you?
I live in a predominately Hispanic city and when I began my accounting career, I thought most accountants were Hispanic. That’s not the case at all, but that number is slowly rising, thanks in part to scholarships established by community leaders. One example is the Argiz Family Eminent Scholarship, founded by BDO Board Member and South Florida Managing Partner Tony Argiz. However, according to the AICPA, the percentage of Hispanic accounting graduates has only risen from 5% to 16% since 2006. The explosion of the South American market and international affairs have made it abundantly clear; we need more Spanish-speaking accountants.
How has the outlook changed for Hispanic members in the accounting profession/industry since you began your career?
I am the Tax internal development Manager for the Miami and Fort Lauderdale offices. I started out as a tax processor where, throughout the years, I created processes and procedures for our office. I now do tax operations and enjoy working with office managing partners to make the Tax department the best it can be.
Tell us about your role at BDO and career path to date.
Tax Internal Development Manager
Nadya Areas
Whether we are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month or the many other amazing cultures we have in our communities, we all must be more intentional when introducing ourselves to people who don’t look like us. If you really want to immerse yourself and understand Hispanic culture and communities, widen your circle. I promise you will have a different perspective and better understanding of our culture. You must want to be a part of something much larger. In the meantime, I encourage everyone to support minority-owned small businesses in our communities this month.
How can people use this month to learn more about and/or immerse themselves in the variety of Hispanic cultures and communities?
This is an opportunity to celebrate and educate my kids on our culture, history, sacrifices and contributions, thanks to the diversity of our people. I want them to be proud of their roots and celebrate our culture and our people.
Why is Hispanic Heritage Month important to you?
Mi mamá! She is orgullosa (proud)! Family is everything, and she will do what it takes to make sure her family is taken care of. My mother started working at 15 years old to help her parents and then left everything in Bolivia to follow the American dream with my father. She worked two jobs and made homemade dinners for us seven nights a week. She also continued to support her parents until they passed. My mother taught me to keep moving forward, regardless of any obstacles, and to not complain. Always be grateful for what you have and be kind to all those who cross your path. My mother helped shape the person I am and taught me the importance of being patient and kind.
Name someone who has had a significant impact on your life. How have they helped you?
Tremendously. I started my career in public accounting at a small accounting firm in Old Town, Alexandria. Out of five candidates, I was selected to work in their administrative department. I was the only minority in the entire company. I remember feeling so out of place and ― trust me when I say this ― I went home crying many times because of the way I was spoken to. Things have changed so much. Now, in my role at BDO, I see diversity in the interns and new hires I get to onboard. It is really inspiring! I feel immense pride greeting and welcoming Hispanic professionals, but it is also a reminder that more work needs to be done.
How has the outlook changed for Hispanic members in the accounting industry since you began your career?
I have been in the accounting industry for 25 years and have supported advisory, assurance and tax at various firms over the course of my career. I worked my way up to become the process implementation senior manager for BDO’s Atlantic region. I consider myself very fortunate to work with several employees throughout the Atlantic region to streamline our processes and procedures and to build consistency. Every day, I get to share my knowledge and learn from many peers as we work to find efficiencies and utilize artificial intelligence technology.
Tell us about your role at BDO and career path to date.
Process Implementation Senior Manager
Monica Montano
You can take part in webinars or events offered by BDO, attend networking events put on by the Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA), or just be open to researching and learning about Hispanic history. I always enjoy going to events put on by our communities, as this is a way to learn about other cultures and meet new people.
How can people use this month to learn more about and/or immerse themselves in the variety of Hispanic cultures and communities?
My culture will always be a part of who I am, and I love sharing my background and experiences with others. This month is a great opportunity to outline our history and learn about important figures throughout generations. I’ve always enjoyed art, so one of my favorite parts is looking at Mexican American paintings, learning about different artists and enjoying the bright, vibrant colors in the works. It’s also a great time for me and my family to reflect on our ancestors and our family’s stories. Who doesn’t like enjoying great music, food and company? Overall, it’s a great opportunity for people to come together and cherish our past.
Why is Hispanic Heritage Month important to you?
My parents have been the most influential people in my life because they have shown me how to embrace my Mexican culture ― by telling me how they came to the U.S. to work, by sharing how they supported their families back in Mexico and by taking me to events that celebrate our heritage. They have taught me how to be a strong and independent woman. Their support has helped me throughout my career, from being a first-generation student graduating with my master’s degree to having a career in public accounting. I’m proud to be their daughter and represent my culture as I pursue my goals.
Name someone who has had a significant impact on your life. How have they helped you?
Out of my graduating class, I was one of three Latinos to study accounting and was the only one to enter the public accounting. When I first started working in public accounting, there was little diversity. Now that I’m part of recruiting, I see how things have changed. We have reached out to diverse groups and built up our inclusion team within the BDO office. I feel like we’re doing our part to open more opportunities and make the accounting field more diverse. For instance, with Spanish being my first language, I found success helping people translate documents and building relationships with other Spanish-speaking people, including one of my clients in Puerto Rico.
How has the outlook changed for Hispanic members in the accounting industry since you began your career?
I graduated from the University of Northern Colorado and thought I would stay in public accounting for three or four years. However, as time passed, I realized I enjoyed the work I was doing and the relationships I was building. Work became my priority, but I kept leaving the CPA exam on the back burner. However, thanks to the support from Denver Assurance Partners Greg Anton and Erin Breit, I passed my exam in late 2021 and was promoted to manager. I’m thankful for the people who believe in me and care enough to push me to grow professionally. I’m glad to be part of the BDO family and can’t wait to see what the future has in store.
Tell us about your role at BDO and career path to date.
Assurance Manager
Leticia Ocampo
Great question! All people need to do is flip the channel to Telemundo and watch a telenovela (aka: Hispanic soap opera). Just kidding! Although there isn’t a strong Hispanic presence in Pittsburgh compared to other cities, that doesn’t mean that we can’t give back to those communities that do have a presence all around the nation. A very important way of doing that is by educating ourselves on all the different Hispanic cultures. There isn’t just one culture. To assume there is only one can be heartbreaking sometimes, and some Hispanics might consider it offensive. We all take pride in the beauty of our different cultures, so it is imperative for people to acknowledge and learn those differences.
How can people use this month to learn more about and/or immerse themselves in the variety of Hispanic cultures and communities?
Being born and raised in Miami, it was impossible for me not to celebrate my heritage all year long, especially surrounded by a melting pot of different Hispanic cultures in one large city! I never felt like a minority when I lived there, and I never truly realized and appreciated the significance of Hispanic Heritage Month. Now that I have lived in Pittsburgh for over a decade, I understand this month gives me the opportunity to celebrate my family and everything that they have overcome to move to this country and thrive. It’s also a chance to celebrate the entire Hispanic community that works so hard for their families and for their way of life. This month gives us a platform to be heard and understood. This is an opportunity to teach others about our historic journey ― to laugh, to dance, to sing and to celebrate all we have overcome and will continue to overcome!
Why is Hispanic Heritage Month important to you?
I cannot possibly pick one person, but my mother (Nicaraguan) and my paternal grandmother (Cuban) are the strongest and hardest-working women I know. They both taught me several things: the importance of working hard, the value of fighting for my beliefs, not being afraid to challenge the status quo, and that it’s never too late to follow my dreams. Because of the values they instilled in me, I have been able to pursue my career at BDO, as well as an operatic singing profession that has taken me all across the nation! Without their support and encouragement, I would have never allowed myself to pursue both careers.
Name someone who has had a significant impact on your life. How have they helped you?
I still believe BDO must make larger strides to have a more inclusive mentality, and I’m hoping one day soon I will be able to see more people of color working in this industry. I will say that since I started my career at BDO, I have seen more people of color in all roles, but especially manager roles in the administration department. It’s incredible to see and be a part of.
How has the outlook changed for Hispanic members in the accounting industry since you began your career?
I was hired in 2015 as an administrative assistant for the Tax department and was promoted to Tax administrative coordinator toward the end of 2018. I recently accepted the office administrator role for the Pittsburgh office, and I’m extremely excited to take on all it entails! It has been an incredible experience to be afforded so many growth opportunities in a field that doesn’t always have many avenues available for movement.
Tell us about your role at BDO and career path to date.
Office Administrator
Stephanie Ramos
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, 18% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino. I would offer that the best way to learn more about our cultures and communities is to sit down with one of us (preferably enjoying some of our delicious foods) and ask us about our families and customs.
How can people use this month to learn more about and/or immerse themselves in the variety of Hispanic cultures and communities?
For me, Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to reflect and recognize all the contributions Hispanic Americans have made to the prosperity of our nation. It’s a time to be proud of who we are.
Why is Hispanic Heritage Month important to you?
This is a difficult question to answer since I’ve had so many people who have made a significant impact on my life. However, I would have to say my father. He immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico in the early 1970s before immigrating our entire family, including me when I was 18 months old. My father was a simple man, but one of the hardest working people I have ever known. Within a few years of being in this country, he built a successful landscaping business that I ran for several years before deciding that I wanted to attend college. He taught me the value of hard work and not to give up when things get tough, because anything is possible if you want it enough.
Name someone who has had a significant impact on your life. How have they helped you?
The number of Hispanics moving on to higher learning has increased from when I attended college, and we do see more Hispanics pursuing careers in the accounting industry. However, there is still significant room for improvement.
How has the outlook changed for Hispanic members in the accounting industry since you began your career?
I graduated from California State University, Northridge in 2001 and joined BDO shortly after. I’ve progressed through the ranks over my time at the firm, and I’m currently an Assurance partner in Los Angeles.
Tell us about your role at BDO and career path to date.
Assurance Partner
Cecilio Valdivia
Perhaps because I live and work in Miami, immersion in Hispanic culture seems to be a given. I am quite certain our city includes people from each country in Central and South America and is an easy place to immerse yourself in the culture. However, the best way is to visit one of these countries. I encourage people to travel and enjoy the richness and intricacy of Hispanic culture, which is in no way homogenous across countries.
How can people use this month to learn more about and/or immerse themselves in the variety of Hispanic cultures and communities?
This month is important to me because I am the son of an immigrant who came to this country with nothing. My father moved to the United States as a young man, served in the Air Force, studied and became a successful executive. He, like so many other Hispanic immigrants, lived the American dream while never losing sight of who he was and what his culture represented. Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates people like my father, who, to paraphrase “Hamilton,” “get the job done.”
Why is Hispanic Heritage Month important to you?
It’s difficult to name one person, but my wife, Monica, is certainly the first who comes to mind. She has helped me learn, grow and mature to become the best version of myself. I wish I could name all the mentors and peers who have guided me as I traveled my professional path (such as Tax Co-Office Managing Partner Ana del Cerro-Fals), but Monica is the person who has inspired me to continue learning and look for ways to grow as a man, husband and father.
Name someone who has had a significant impact on your life. How have they helped you?
When I began my career, I didn’t see many Hispanic partners. I found that working with international clients, many of whom preferred speaking their native language during business meetings, was sometimes difficult to navigate because there was a lack of common understanding between the client and the engagement leader. As I progress in my career, Hispanic representation in the upper ranks of the accounting profession is growing. The language skills and similar backgrounds Hispanic professionals offer are increasingly viewed as crucial needs rather than luxuries.
How has the outlook changed for Hispanic members in the accounting industry since you began your career?
I am a Core Tax Services partner at the Miami-Brickell office. I primarily focus on compliance and consulting matters for international families and their various business interests. This includes international operations structuring, pre-immigration tax planning, and estate tax planning for high-and ultra-high-net-worth families and all of their business entities.
Tell us about your role at BDO and career path to date.
Tax Partner
John Vides
