Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Jaime’s journey of innovation and excellence at Cummins

In recognizing the contributions of professionals from Hispanic backgrounds, Jaime stands out as a remarkable example of how cultural heritage and professional excellence come together at Cummins Inc. With over five years at the company, Jaime's role as a Tech Specialist and Co-Leader of the Grupo Organizado de Afinidad Latina (GOAL) Employee Resource Group underscores his significant impact both in his technical field and in fostering a supportive environment for Hispanic employees.

Jaime serves as a Tech Specialist on the Global Vehicle Integration Electronics team, focusing on the development and validation of the Automated Driving System (ADS) interface. His role involves designing and implementing new technologies and enhancing Cummins' innovative solutions. In addition to his technical responsibilities, Jaime is the co-lead of the Attraction, Recruiting, and Retention (ARR) committee within the GOAL.

Born in Cali, Colombia, and raised primarily in Barranquilla—a city renowned for its vibrant culture—Jaime’s background enriches his professional approach. Barranquilla, or  “la Ciudad de la Sabrosura” (the city of flavor) as Jaime affectionately calls it, is celebrated for its lively festivals, delicious cuisine, and a strong sense of community. Jaime’s upbringing in this energetic environment instilled in him values of resilience, enthusiasm, and a commitment to excellence. “I believe these characteristics, not only have helped me co-lead the ARR committee within GOAL but also to have an influential presence with my work team, by delivering excellence in my results with a positive attitude and providing the necessary help and support whenever needed”, he says.

For Jaime, Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate cultural diversity and emphasize the importance of equal opportunities for all. He views this period as a time to highlight the value of cultural preservation, community solidarity and the empowerment of Hispanic individuals. It serves as a reminder that everyone, regardless of background, deserves equal opportunities for success.

In his role, Jaime has made significant strides in advancing the ADS interface. His work includes integrating fuel economy powertrain features with the ADS interface, designing and testing new features, and collaborating with external partners. “Every day is a challenge that offers the opportunity to learn, grow and make a meaningful impact at Cummins while helping others.

What inspires Jaime most about Cummins’ culture is the genuine care and support received from his team and leadership, particularly during challenging times. This empathy and encouragement, coupled with the numerous growth opportunities available, have profoundly impacted his career. Jaime describes Cummins as a place that balances professional and personal growth. The company provides the flexibility to pursue passions while ensuring work-life balance, making it a fulfilling workplace for both career advancement and personal well-being.

“Cummins fosters a supportive environment for employees of all backgrounds. While it may sound cliché, what I truly appreciate about Cummins is that regardless of my background, I am treated as a person who deserves to be heard and valued”, Jaime says. Through employee resource groups like GOAL, Cummins provides guidance, leadership opportunities, and a platform for Hispanic employees to voice their perspectives. “As a 'Barranquillero,' one of the qualities I’ve always admired in our culture is our perseverance, strong work ethic, and the joy we find in collaboration.” Jaime’s values resonate and align with the culture at Cummins. He sees his Colombian heritage reflected in the way he is encouraged to work hard, support one another, and thrive together in the workplace.

Looking forward, Jaime hopes to see greater representation of Hispanic professionals in leadership roles and increased participation across all areas. By promoting education and mentorship, we can create pathways for future leaders.

Jaime offers three key pieces of advice for Hispanic professionals aspiring to join Cummins:

• Be perseverant and patient: Keep pushing forward without letting setbacks get to you. Challenges will come your way, and while some people might be able to help, others may not. If one person can’t offer help, don’t take it personally—just seek another path forward. At Cummins, we cultivate a culture where support can come from anyone.
• Be authentic and act with integrity: Stay true to yourself and your goals while maintaining integrity in all actions. This builds trust and demonstrates strong character.
• Focus on skills and personality: Emphasize your skills and those of others rather than ethnicity. Building relationships based on mutual respect and professional growth is essential.

Jaime’s story is a powerful example of how cultural heritage and professional excellence intertwine at Cummins. His journey reflects the company’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the celebration of Hispanic heritage.