Hola todes! My name is Barbara Gonzalez (she/her/ella), and I started at Pinterest just five months ago on the Editorial team in the Global Content Org. My team sits in the Programming and Originals team where I work to bridge the gap between product and content, making sure that our curated content is able to reach Pinterest users through the incredible, inclusive product initiatives we launch. I am based in New York City, where I was born and raised, and my family has Puerto Rican and Cuban roots. I grew up in East Harlem, a neighborhood well known for its vibrant Latiné community.
In every company I’ve worked in, I’ve always been super excited to get involved in employee resource groups (ERGs). As a queer Afro-Latina woman, being connected to my co-workers in these communities is super important to me and helps with my sense of belonging. I joined my first Latin@ event a couple of months into my time at Pinterest and was so inspired to be surrounded by the strong and vibrant community. I’m looking forward to all of the programming the Latin@ leads have planned for this Latiné Heritage Month so that I can continue to connect with new people.
This year’s theme of “Mi Gente” means the world to me as someone with many intersecting identities. I’m obsessed with learning about the many layers, complexities and colors of our cultures and histories. When we consider all of the sub-communities that exist within the Latiné community in terms of race, gender identity, sexuality, ability, nationality and more, we realize there is so much to learn and celebrate. It is also a call to action to ensure that all of these folks are represented and heard when we say “mi gente” in any space.
I’m personally very lucky to have the opportunity to learn about a new culture this LHM–I will be taking a birthday trip with my mom to Mexico City. Neither of us have ever been but have heard so many beautiful things about the rich culture, gorgeous art museums and mouth-watering food. Creating new memories with my mom and exploring a new city is probably the best birthday present I could ever receive. I’ll also be there for PinCon, our internal inspiration conference, so I’m very excited to connect with my fellow Pinterest employees in Latin America.
Other ways I will be celebrating Latiné Heritage Month is by supporting local Latiné businesses here in NYC, such as attending a book signing in Washington Heights, eating at my favorite Peruvian restaurant in Long Island City and checking out my favorite Latina-owned variety store in Astoria. I love seeing businesses for and by us because they emphasize the beauty of diversity and representation in our communities. Latinidad is not a monolith and I love being able to learn about new fascinating corners and intersections of our cultures every day.
Explore more Latiné Heritage Month inspiration on Pinterest.