Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 2024

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month 2024, Cummins Inc. and the Grupo Organizado de Afinidad Latina (GOAL) Employee Resource Group proudly celebrated with the theme, With Latinos, Everything is Possible, focusing on empowerment, representation and the contributions of Latino talent across the organization and beyond. Through engaging discussions, personal stories and impactful leadership insights, these events fostered an environment where Latino heritage and identity were recognized as powerful drivers of success. Here’s a look at some of the incredible moments from this year’s celebration.

The celebration started with an energizing kick-off event featuring Marvin Boakye, Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO), and Ileana Gonzalez, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of San Antonio Tech Bloc. Marvin opened with a talk about Cummins' strategic focus on cultural change, centered around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives. Drawing from his personal journey and experiences, he highlighted Cummins' commitment to creating a supportive community where every employee feels valued. He emphasized how mentorship programs, leadership pathways and community-building efforts at Cummins are building a foundation for inclusivity, representation and growth, especially for minority groups.

Ileana Gonzalez, a Latina entrepreneur in the tech industry, shared her journey from tech professional to CEO. As a Latina and a woman navigating a predominantly male-driven field, Ileana faced unique challenges but overcame them with resilience and determination. She shared invaluable lessons on self-confidence, mentorship and building a strong professional network, encouraging attendees to advocate for their growth and continuously seek learning opportunities. Her journey resonated with many and reinforced the importance of community support in career development. Ileana’s actionable advice left attendees inspired and motivated to advocate for their growth and embrace continuous learning.

In another engaging event, the GOAL ERG welcomed Bruno Di Leo, a member of the Cummins Board of Directors, to discuss the company’s commitment to advancing minority growth across all levels. Bruno passionately addressed the significance of fostering a truly inclusive workplace where employees from diverse backgrounds have equal access to growth and leadership opportunities. He highlighted Cummins’ comprehensive approach to ensuring minority representation across all levels of the organization through mentorship, resource groups and career pathways aimed at developing minority talent into leadership roles.

Bruno emphasized that promoting inclusivity at Cummins goes beyond numbers; it’s about nurturing diverse perspectives and experiences that drive innovation. His message reinforced Cummins dedication to ensuring every employee, regardless of background, receives the tools and support needed to thrive, emphasizing that building an equitable workplace and empowering minority talent strengthens our culture and community.

The Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations concluded with an inspiring closing ceremony led by Bonnie Fetch, Vice President & President of the Distribution Business. Bonnie underscored the vital role of minority employees in shaping Cummins’ leadership and encouraged participants to embrace their unique identities and experiences as sources of strength. She spoke to the importance of cultural competency in today’s global markets, noting that an appreciation of diverse perspectives enhances the company’s competitive edge.

Bonnie shared how Cummins' commitment to empowering minority talent extends beyond internal growth—it’s about creating an enduring legacy of inclusion and innovation. Through real-world examples, she illustrated the positive impact of diversity on Cummins’ success and encouraged attendees to recognize their contributions as vital to the organization’s future. Her message was both empowering and reflective, leaving attendees with a sense of pride in their identities and potential.

Reflecting on Hispanic Heritage Month

This Hispanic Heritage Month, we not only celebrated the rich culture and contributions of the Latino community but also underscored Cummins’ commitment to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all. Each event showcased the power of community and mentorship, reminding us that with Latinos, everything truly is possible.