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In celebration of Latinx Heritage Month, three members of Unidos Network — our Latinx Employee Resource Group here at Cohesity — share the importance of celebrating and sharing their heritage, what about their culture inspires them, and what Latinx Heritage Month means to them.

Maricela Headshot
Maricela Guerrero, Manager, Talent and Performance Acceleration

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your role at Cohesity?

I’ve been with Cohesity for 7 years. Currently, I lead the Talent and Performance Acceleration function, which primarily focuses on ensuring a fair and equitable performance review process, goal-setting, and providing regular feedback to help employees grow and succeed.

How do you spend your free time?

I love spending my free time with my family. I’m very family-oriented, and I cherish moments with my extended family, including cousins, sisters, nieces, and nephews. Whether we’re celebrating an event, a birthday, or simply enjoying good food and laughter, being with family is my ideal way to spend time.

What is your favorite part of Cohesity’s core values?

Cohesity’s core values are essential to me, but I gravitate towards respect, positive attitude, and integrity. I appreciate the emphasis on maintaining a positive attitude, as it’s a conscious choice that influences our mindset and outlook. Choosing to approach challenges and change with a positive attitude is a valuable aspect of our culture.

You played a significant role in launching Cohesity’s Unidos Network. What has your experience been like as a leader for Unidos Network?

Launching and leading the Unidos Network has been rewarding. Having the opportunity to connect with the diverse Latinx community at Cohesity and share anecdotes about our culture and experiences has been such an enriching experience.

What does Latinx Heritage Month mean to you personally?

Latinx Heritage Month is an opportunity to bring awareness to the invaluable contributions Latinx people make to the United States. It’s a time to celebrate our culture and the love we have for our traditions. For me, it also coincides with my sister’s birthday, adding an extra layer of festivity and family celebration!

Who from your culture inspires you?

My mother has been a tremendous source of inspiration for me. She’s a strong woman who worked hard to provide for our family, even after my father’s passing. Her selflessness and resilience have left an indelible mark on me. She’s a symbol of strength and sacrifice.

How did you celebrate your culture growing up, and how do you continue to celebrate it today?

Music, family, and food have always been central to celebrating our culture. These traditions continue today, where we keep the spirit of our culture alive through lively family gatherings and the importance of food as a symbol of love and care.

How do you bring your cultural values into your role at Cohesity?

My culture emphasizes helping and supporting one another. At Cohesity, I extend this value by offering one-on-one help when employees need it, even if it means temporarily stepping away from the larger race to support those who may be falling behind. It’s a reflection of the strong sense of community and support within my Hispanic culture and my values.

Giselle Rodriguez Headshot

Giselle Rodriguez, Senior Manager, Paid Media

Could you start by describing your role at Cohesity?

I lead the Paid Media team at Cohesity, and we are responsible for developing and executing digital marketing strategies to drive brand awareness, engagement, and ultimately, conversions for a higher pipeline. I oversee digital advertising campaigns across various digital channels, including paid search on Google, paid social on LinkedIn, display banners in programmatic platforms, content syndication, and lead generation programs with multiple vendors. It’s a dynamic role that involves close collaboration with various teams within Cohesity.

What’s your favorite part of your role?

My favorite part has to be working with so many different teams across the organization to strategize, plan, and optimize digital campaigns. The collaborative aspect of my role is truly rewarding.

What inspired you to join Cohesity?

Several factors drew me to Cohesity. Firstly, I was attracted to being part of a cutting-edge company at the forefront of data security and management with innovative solutions that have industry recognition. Additionally, the opportunity to do impactful work to raise brand awareness and drive demand was exciting. The collaborative culture, inclusive work environment, global presence, and forward-thinking vision of Cohesity made it an ideal fit for me.

What, in your opinion, is the best thing about working at Cohesity?

The people. Cohesity has a fantastic team, and the company’s culture is very supportive and inclusive.

Cohesity launched the Latinx Employee Resource Group (ERG), Undios Network, last year. What has your experience been like as a member of this group so far?

I appreciated the launch of the Unidos Network at Cohesity as it represented the Latin community within our company. It’s been a great way to connect with colleagues who share similar experiences and values.

Can you tell us more about how you celebrate your Cuban heritage, both growing up and today, including your experiences at Cohesity?

Moving to Miami eight years ago allowed me to continue embracing and honoring my Cuban heritage while being part of a wonderfully diverse community. Miami’s vibrant Latino community has provided me with a supportive environment where I can connect with others who share similar experiences and values. I continue to celebrate my Cuban heritage in various ways, such as maintaining a strong connection to our language by speaking Spanish at home and within my social circles. I also enjoy Cuban food, and I find joy in eating classic dishes like Ropa Vieja. Additionally, I engage in cultural activities, like salsa dancing and playing dominoes, to connect with the spirit of our heritage.

At Cohesity, I’m fortunate to work in an environment that values diversity and encourages us to celebrate our unique backgrounds. Sometimes I speak in Spanish to my colleagues or share aspects of Cuban culture with them.

Who from your culture inspires you?

One of the most significant figures who inspires me from Cuban culture is José Martí. He’s considered a Cuban national hero, and his work as a poet, essayist, journalist, and revolutionary leader is deeply influential.

What does Latinx Heritage Month mean to you?

Latinx Heritage Month means celebrating the cultural richness and diversity of histories and identities. It’s a time to come together, to learn from one another, and to amplify our voices. For me, it’s a moment of pride and a chance to spotlight the unique aspects of my culture, showing a deep appreciation for my roots.

What are you most excited about regarding our Latinx Heritage Month celebrations at Cohesity?

I look forward to the cultural exchanges and activities that could bring us together. Perhaps some trivia games with fun facts about Latinx cultures or a map that shows where all Cohesity employees are from. I’m curious to find out if there are other Cubans working here. I think this could create a stronger sense of unity, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and culturally aware workplace at Cohesity. Plus, it would be fun!

How does your personal experience enrich your professional goals at Cohesity?

My personal experience, rooted in the unwavering spirit of the Cuban people in the face of adversity, is a valuable asset in my professional life. It’s a source of resilience and determination that helps me approach challenges and opportunities with a positive attitude. This spirit is something I carry with me into my work at Cohesity, and it influences my approach to collaboration and problem-solving.

Alissa Garcia Headshot

Alissa Garcia, Paid Media Specialist

What’s your favorite aspect of working at Cohesity?

One of my favorite aspects of working at Cohesity is the flexibility and the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse global workforce. We have team members from various time zones and countries, which brings a wealth of perspectives and ideas to the table. Additionally, the cybersecurity space that Cohesity operates in is fascinating, and it’s fulfilling to contribute to such an important field.

What does Latinx Heritage Month mean to you personally?

Latinx Heritage Month is a time of celebration and reflection for me. Our culture is rich, diverse, and resilient. So during this month, we can really embrace our heritage, be proud of who we are, and share our culture and our community’s achievements.

How do you celebrate your heritage during this month?

Cooking traditional dishes from Colombia and Panama is a way for me to celebrate our cultural flavors and learn how to pass them on to future generations. Since it’s also a time where brands and others are posting extra content around it, I love reading and interacting with those stories/content.

Who from your culture inspires you?

My grandparents. I feel like they paved the way for my family. The hard work that they did… I kind of sit back and think sometimes about how lucky I am to have this life because they worked so hard for it. I don’t know where I or my family would be without them. They are just so inspiring.

Can you share more about their story?

So my grandfather is from Colombia, and my grandmother is from Panama. My grandfather came to the United States because he felt it was what he needed to do for a better life based on what was happening in his home neighborhood.

When he was able to get approved to come to the U.S. he came here with literally $5 in his pocket and stayed at the YMCA.

He was really into soccer and feeling homesick, so he decided to play in a local league in the city where he met another family, who I think was from Costa Rica. They invited him to a barbecue, and he met my grandmother, who was part of a Panamanian family who had also recently moved here. They hit it off, got married, and then built their life together in New York where they had four children.

How do you continue to celebrate and bring your heritage to work?

Working at Cohesity allows me to bring my unique perspective and experiences as a Latinx individual to the workplace. Diversity is essential in any organization, and it’s great to see Cohesity supporting and celebrating the cultural backgrounds of its employees.

How does your personal experience enrich your professional goals at Cohesity?

My culture has instilled in me a strong work ethic, perseverance, and a sense of unity with my team. These values translate into my professional life. I believe in giving my best effort, staying committed to my tasks, and fostering a collaborative environment where everyone’s contributions are valued. These qualities are not only specific to Latinx culture, but they are an integral part of who I am.

How does Cohesity support its employees during Latinx Heritage Month and throughout the year?

Cohesity supports its employees during Latinx Heritage Month by promoting awareness and encouraging open discussions about the importance of this cultural celebration. The company’s Employee Resource Group (ERG), Unidos Network, provides a space for employees to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. These initiatives help create a more inclusive and supportive work environment, not only during Latinx Heritage Month but year-round.

Do you have any advice for others who want to celebrate and honor their heritage at work or in their daily lives?

My advice is to be proud of your heritage and share it with others. Don’t be afraid to educate those around you about your culture’s history, traditions, and contributions. Celebrating and honoring who you are is a powerful way to build bridges and foster understanding among different communities.

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