Hispanic Heritage Month
Lauren Rosenstein is the Oregon Department of Energy’s Community Equity and Inclusion Analyst. Lauren brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to equity and antiracism – she is committed to listening to community needs and helping identify and remove barriers to accomplish equitable energy and climate goals through building relationships and collaborating across agency programs. This month, Lauren reflects in her own words on Hispanic Heritage Month and what it means for our agency and our work.
From September 15 to October 15 each year, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. This is the time to enthusiastically recognize the multitude of contributions that Hispanic and Latino/a/e/x people have made and continue to contribute to the history and culture of the United States. In fact, the beneficial impact of Hispanic and Latino/a/e/x people predates the United States — there have been indigenous Tribes and people who have lived on this land since time immemorial. By using Latino/a/e/x in this month-long celebration, we include people with Latin American and Caribbean ancestry to acknowledge people with Indigenous, Black, Asian, and more intersecting identities with connection to this land. The word “Hispanic” further connects people to Spain and/or the Spanish language. (To learn more check out: Hispanic Heritage Month | National Museum of the American Latino (si.edu)).
A lot of the celebratory months span one whole month, but Hispanic Heritage Month covers both September and October, and this is purposeful. Eight Central American and South American countries honor their independence during this time span and this is a way to further recognize and celebrate Hispanic and Latino/a/e/x communities.
In the U.S. today, the Latino/a/e/x and Hispanic population is growing, made up of a young and diverse group of people. However, there are still disparities in access to equitable healthcare, jobs, and housing as well as disproportionate impacts from climate change. By recognizing the myriad contributions to science, art, language, food, agriculture, and the economy, we can recognize the importance of creating inclusive systems that reduce inequitable outcomes.
On October 7, 2024 I was invited to participate in Hispanics In Energy Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub Forum hosted by Hispanics in Energy Chairman and CEO José L. Pérez. Hispanics In Energy is a community-driven, non-profit organization designed to facilitate Hispanic inclusion in America’s energy industry. It is a resource for the energy industry, utility companies, municipalities, and elected or appointed officials with oversight responsibility of energy related policies and practices, and communities on comprehensive energy matters pertaining to:
• Public Policy (Legislative and Regulatory)
• Governance (Corporate Board and Officers)
• Employment (Jobs and Workforce)
• Procurement (Supplier Diversity)
• Philanthropy (Community Contributions)
• Customer Service and Marketing (Language Access)
It was an honor to be surrounded by leaders in the field of energy as a whole and the Hydrogen Hubs specifically. We know that Hispanic and Latino/a/e/x communities make up about 18 percent of the clean energy workforce. The point was made numerous times that Hispanic and Latino/a/e/x communities in the clean energy workforce are ready to continue their learning and career development so that they can support efforts toward clean energy solutions.
We also know that Hispanic and Latino/a/e/x communities are disproportionately affected by energy burdens like cost and access. It is imperative to include Hispanic and Latino/a/e/x communities, organizations, and leaders in decision-making as Oregon transitions to an equitable clean energy future. Hispanics In Energy and the partners they brought together spoke to the importance of reimagining systems and opportunities so people from Hispanic and Latino/a/e/x communities have a voice in this work, especially because they, in large part, will be building the technology that moves us into a clean energy future.
The Oregon Department of Energy recognizes the important role that Hispanic and Latino/a/e/x people, communities, and organizations play in the path to energy justice and an equitable clean energy transition and we are excited to continue to collaborate with organizations like Hispanics In Energy who are creating space for these important conversations and actions.