Albemarle Celebrates Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Around the World

Oct. 1, 2024

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month is one way Albemarle acknowledges and appreciates the many cultures that shape our colleagues and our communities. 

In late September and early October, several Albemarle sites commemorated the ways Hispanic and Latin American heritages enrich our company and culture.  

Chile’s National Holiday events included celebrations in Santiago and at La Negra, complete with traditional food and drink and plenty of dancing. 

At the corporate offices in Charlotte, North Carolina, the Latinx Connect employee group invited colleagues to a lunchtime celebration with Latin-inspired appetizers, stories and conversations. 

Several members of the group also partner with a local organization, Circle de Luz. This group works to improve Latina high school graduation rates through extensive mentoring and holistic programming that supports young women’s personal growth, academic readiness, and community engagement. The Albemarle Foundation also has supported Circle de Luz in the past few years.  

“When we found this organization to support, it really struck me, because I was so close to not having finished school, and if it weren’t for mentorship, I wouldn’t have gone for my master’s degree,” said Heryanne Montoya, director of talent and performance and co-chair of Albemarle’s Latinx Connect group.  

Colleagues in Budapest, Hungary, and Houston, Texas, enjoyed Hispanic and Latino traditional foods and entertainment.

Roberta Paoloni, vice president for ethics and compliance, recently answered a few questions about important cultural influences from her spending her childhood and some of her adulthood in Latin America.  

Q: What cultures have influenced your life? 

A: “Growing up in Brazil, I was surrounded by a vibrant mix of traditions, all of which are reflected in our food, music, and values like warmth, community, and resilience,” she said. “Later I had the opportunity to experience a whole new world of cultures, especially the rich diversity within the Latino communities by spending time in Mexico, Argentina, Peru, Chile and Colombia. I’ve been lucky to be able to embrace different aspects of different cultures in my life, including more recently the American one, but I always carry my Brazilian roots with me. It’s this blend of experiences that has shaped my worldview.” 

 Q: What are a few examples of cultural traditions, values or even cuisine that are meaningful to you? 

A: “Family is central to Brazilian culture; we value close-knit relationships, and gatherings are always full of love, laughter, good food, and long celebrations! I remember the first birthday party I organized for my kids in the U.S. I forgot to set an end time on the invitation (in Brazil, we don’t usually specify what time a party ends), and I got lots of questions from the other kid’s parents. I had to learn and adapt! 

“Brazilian cuisine holds a special place in my heart. Dishes like feijoada, a black bean stew with pork, and pão de queijo, our famous cheese bread, are comfort foods that connect me to my heritage. I also love how meals across Latino cultures are seen as communal experiences—whether it’s a simple meal or a big celebration, sharing food is a way to bring people together.” 

Q: How do you think your experience of cultures has helped you professionally? 

A: “Growing up in a Latin America country makes you learn about the importance of adaptability and resilience, which have been invaluable in navigating different environments and challenges. There is not a lot of social or economic stability where I come from, and this makes you ready to change and adapt when needed. In Latin America we also highly value relationships, which has helped me develop good interpersonal skills. Whether it’s building connections, working in teams, or understanding internal client’s needs, my cultural background encourages me to approach things with empathy and open-mindedness. Living in the U.S. has further enhanced this by exposing me to even more diverse cultures and viewpoints.” 

Q: How do you believe Albemarle's recognition of global cultures enhances our workplace? 

A: “From my experience leading our global ethics and compliance team, I’ve seen firsthand how cultural diversity enriches teams by encouraging us to think outside of our usual frameworks. Albemarle’s recognition of global cultures greatly enhances our workplace by fostering an environment of inclusion and innovation.  

“When a company acknowledges and celebrates the diverse backgrounds of its employees, it creates a sense of belonging where people feel valued for their unique perspectives. This not only boosts morale but also drives creativity and problem-solving, as different cultural viewpoints lead to fresh ideas and approaches. 

“When everyone feels their view is recognized and respected, it promotes open communication, collaboration, and a stronger connection among colleagues.”