Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.
It’s a time to honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
In our labor movement, Hispanic leaders and activists have shaped the course of history and contributed greatly to bettering the lives of all working people. From Dolores Huerta to Linda Chavez-Thompson and the countless activists leading our movement today, it is truly an honor to witness the advancements made by our diverse movement.
AFGE’s Hispanic Coalition (HISCO) has also been a vital and active coalition within AFGE. HISCO supports professional advancement, leadership development and educational opportunities for AFGE members of Hispanic origin.
This year we are proud to highlight our very own Milly Rodriguez who shared what Hispanic Heritage Month means to her.
Milly is the immediate past president of the board of Central American Resource Center (CARECEN). Born in El Salvador and grew up in the Washington, D.C, area, her roots in the community CARECEN serves are deep. She began her work with CARECEN as a citizenship instructor. With her sister Patricia, she re-vamped the program, developed a curriculum to engage adult learners.
She has been on the CARECEN board in various positions for nearly 25 years. In 2022, she received the Community Empowerment Award from CARECEN in recognition of her long-time service, dedication, and commitment to helping CARECEN achieve its mission of promoting the comprehensive development of the Latino community in the Washington, D.C, region.
At AFGE, Milly is the occupational health and safety specialist who’s created several of our union’s life-saving health and safety programs. She develops lesson plans and provides training, including programs geared specifically for local officials and members who serve as safety and health representatives. She also reviews and analyzes nationwide agency health and safety programs to ensure maximum protection for members, including compliance, and full employee participation in the agency program.
For more than ten years, she served as AFGE's main resource on the federal workers' compensation program and developed the union's federal workers’ compensation education program and materials. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she provided guidance and assistance to our national officers, local unions, and members. She also saw a need for mental health education and support as we went through one of the deadliest pandemics in our lifetime.
Milly served for many years as a member and chair of the Virginia Safety and Health Codes Board, presiding over the regulatory process that led to the adoption of the first COVID-19 Permanent Final Standard in the nation.
Why is Hispanic Heritage Month important to you?
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the rich tapestry of history, culture, food, and music of Hispanic/Latin America. I see it as an opportunity to be inspired to take action for better representation of Hispanics/Latinos in all facets of American life—government, academia, labor, the arts, and more. It’s a chance to highlight current accomplishments and inspire future generations.
Which Hispanic labor leader inspired you and why?
Dolores Huerta, the Hispanic labor leader who inspires me, has been a tireless advocate for Hispanic/Latino workers. She champions safer working conditions, protection from harmful chemicals, fair treatment of immigrants, and women’s rights. I'm inspired by her ongoing dedication to social justice and leadership development in the community.
Join WFP and HISCO’s Heritage Month events!
This year the Women and Fair Practices Departments and HISCO are hosting a series of webinars centered around the Hispanic and Latin American experience.
A Conversation with Tom Garcia: Join us to hear Tom Garcia’s story of overcoming hardships as a member of our community.
September 17, 2024 from 2:00–3:00pm ET
Register here
Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) Presentation
September 19, 2024 from 8:00–10:00pm ET
Register here
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) Presentation
September 24, 2024, from 2:00–3:00pm ET
Register here
LEOs Intersectionality Panel: Join us to hear from a panel of AFGE HISCO LEOs on the nature of their intersectional roles as law enforcement officers in uniform and members of the Hispanic/Latinx community.
September 25, 2024 from 8:00–10:00pm ET
Register here
Hispanic Culture: Presentation by Luis A. De Jesus
September 26, 2024 from 2:00–3:00pm ET
Register here
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