Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month Across Compass Group | Part 1
From September 15 to October 15, we observe National Hispanic Heritage Month – an opportunity to reflect on the enduring impact of Hispanic and Latino communities across the United States. This month invites us to recognize the achievements, traditions, and cultural legacies that have shaped our society and continue to influence our collective future.
Within Compass Group, we’re honoring this occasion by shining a light on seven associates whose stories exemplify dedication, leadership, and community. Up first, please meet Lilly Sickler, Magaly Davalos, and Tony Suarez, whose professional contributions and personal experiences enrich our workplace and strengthen our culture of inclusion.
Lilly Sickler has been part of Compass Group for over five years, serving as Creative Design Manager on the Corporate Communications team. She wears many creative hats – from designing signage and e-blasts to producing presentations, event logos, and video edits – collaborating with teams across the organization.
Her passion for creativity is deeply rooted in her upbringing. “My childhood was anything but ordinary. While most of my friends had the standard two-parent household, I was lucky enough to be raised by three… My mom, my dad, and my abuela,” she shared. Growing up in upstate New York, Lilly was immersed in Cuban traditions from her mother’s side and Irish/Italian influences from her father. “Spanish and English flowed side by side, causing playful, imperfect exchanges that, to us, always made sense.”
Her abuela, a clothing designer, nurtured Lilly’s artistic side. “She’d even draw little portraits of my brother and me on napkins during her morning café con pan. I inherited my creativity from her, without a doubt.” Lilly credits her grandmother’s influence for inspiring her career in design.
Family has always been central in Lilly’s life. “Cuban food, music, and culture were a constant presence in our home. From dancing in the kitchen surrounded by the aroma of my mom and Abuela’s incredible cooking, to the deeply rooted belief that family is everything. It made growing up so special!”
That value carries into her work today. “I knew I belonged at Compass when I realized that ‘family is everything’ wasn’t just something we say, it’s something the company truly lives by.”
Magaly Davalos, Director of Human Resources at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, has been part of the Levy family for more than 10 years. Her career has given her the opportunity to grow across different properties and departments, while staying true to the values instilled by her heritage.
“I am the oldest of three, a first-generation American who grew up in Venice, California, with the beautiful blend of my Mexican mother’s traditions and my Spanish father’s heritage,” Magaly shared. “Spanish was my first language, shaping the way I connected with family and embraced my roots.”
Her memories are filled with celebrations, storytelling, and the joy of togetherness. “One of my favorite memories tied to my heritage is sitting with my familia, playing Loteria, a traditional Mexican bingo-style game. The table was always filled with laughter and food, listening to stories passed down through generations.” Music, from mariachi to cumbias, set the soundtrack, while folklore like the legend of La Llorona was a reminder of the power of storytelling.
For Magaly, Hispanic heritage means resilience and unity. “It is a community that encourages openness, inclusivity, and appreciation of diverse cultures. It means strength, resilience, and unity – overcoming challenges together while preserving our traditions and passing them down through generations.”
She carries these values into her leadership. “My heritage has influenced the way I connect and lead. It has guided me in creating a workplace culture that values community, recognition, and fairness. I knew I belonged at Compass when I saw the workplace reflect my values – family, respect, unity – and found a team that supports and celebrates one another.”
Tony Suarez has been with Levy for 11 years and serves as Senior Director of Human Resources at the Kaseya Center, home of the NBA’s Miami Heat. With more than 25 years of experience in HR, he says the best part of his role is simple: people. “Every opportunity that we have as a company revolves around people – and Human Resources gets to be a function that supports and leads those opportunities. And we work with the best food, sports, and concerts – how could you not love it?”
Tony was born in Havana, Cuba, and immigrated to Miami in 1980 after his parents “courageously decided” to leave the country. “Best decision ever!” he shared. After a brief stay in New York – “leaving the Caribbean only to experience snow immediately did NOT go well” – his family settled permanently in Miami, which has been his home ever since.
Family and tradition have always been at the heart of his life. “Our greatest customs revolved around moments of celebration, traveling together, our culture around food, and experiencing holidays together. The general rule? It’s always better with family.” Today, he and his wife pass down those traditions to their daughter, nephews, and nieces.
When Tony reflects on the Hispanic community, he points to resilience and a strong work ethic. “The lessons I learned from my parents were that hard work, determination, education, and being of service to others would increase the odds of a fulfilling life.”
Those same values connect him deeply to Levy. “I knew I belonged when every decision involving our people stayed true to our culture and reflected doing the right thing.”