Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month Across Compass Group | Part 2
As our celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month continues, get to know four associates from FLIK Hospitality Group. The contributions of Martha Mendez, Diego Rojas, Eduardo Aguilar Pilarte, and Darwin Bassante extend far beyond the kitchens, dining spaces, and teams they lead. Through their professional journeys and their lived experiences, each reflects the richness of Hispanic culture and the values of family, unity, and hard work that strengthen both FLIK and Compass Group as a whole.
Outside of work, our associates bring the same heart, creativity, and drive to their families, passions, and neighborhoods. For Martha Mendez, Catering Captain with FLIK Hospitality Group, that passion shines through in her growing small business.
“My small business consists of fruit platters, desserts with chocolates, and gelatins. Each order is handled with great attention to detail by me,” she shared. “The purpose of my job is to make people happy with desserts made with care.”
Martha, who is from Pueblo, Mexico, launched her venture in 2021 during the pandemic, beginning with fruit platters and expanding to desserts. “My business is important to me because it is something I have built on my own, allowing me to express my creativity,” she explained. Encouraged by family members and fueled by word-of-mouth orders, her hobby quickly became something more.
“I define myself as an independent person who decided to come to this country of opportunities while bringing my culture with me,” Martha said. Her designs often reflect her heritage, and she hopes to one day open a bakery that employs other Latinas and inspires them to pursue their own goals.
“As a single mother with two jobs, I can say that it is not easy to start a business. But with the support of my family and my determination, I’ve realized that it is never too late to start,” she shared. “With passion and dedication, I have seen my business grow into something more than a hobby, and I believe others can do the same.”
Diego Rojas has been part of FLIK for 15 years and currently serves as Sous Chef at Bayer/Tiffany in Whippany, NJ. In his role, he supports the team with catering, inventory management, and overall kitchen operations. “What I enjoy most is the opportunity to add a personal touch to every meal, creating a thoughtful and memorable experience for our guests,” he shared.
Born and raised in Lima, Peru, gave Diego a strong sense of identity and pride in his culture, which continues to guide how he connects with others. “My Peruvian heritage has taught me the importance of family, hard work, and celebrating our roots,” he explained.
Some of his most cherished memories include going to soccer games with his older brother. “Soccer is a huge part of life in Peru. The energy in the stadium, the pride in cheering for our team – it was about more than the game; it was about community and shared joy,” he recalled.
Another important tradition was participating in the October procession for El Señor de los Milagros. “It was more than just a religious event,” Diego said. “My family would gather to walk the streets in devotion, dressed in purple. At home, we’d prepare special dishes together, like anticuchos and picarones, turning the day into a meaningful celebration of faith, culture, and family.”
Diego’s Peruvian roots and love for food ultimately inspired his culinary career. “I knew I belonged at Compass when I realized I could bring my cultural background and passion for food into my work – adding a personal touch to every meal and creating meaningful experiences for others.”
Eduardo Humberto Aguilar Pilarte began his Compass journey at FISD – FLIK Independent School Dining as a dishwasher and now is a Cook at the deli station preparing sandwiches and salads for students. “Watching my mom cook growing up sparked my interest in the kitchen, and today I learn something new every day thanks to the support of our chefs and managers. My dream is to become a skilled chef and share what I’ve learned with my family and my community,” he explained.
Born in Managua, Nicaragua, Eduardo is the eldest of three children. His parents instilled in him strong values of perseverance and education. “They emphasized that studying would be our most valuable inheritance, as everything we learn helps us succeed in life,” he shared.
Eduardo’s memories are shaped by both hard work and encouragement. “One of the most important traditions my family has shared with me is to keep moving forward, even in the face of challenges. My mother always advised me to maintain hope, no matter how tough things get, and I now share this wisdom with my children.”
Being part of the Latino community fills Eduardo with pride. “It represents all the people who strive daily, including my family and the community, to make the world a better place. When we unite, respect, and love one another, we can create positive change.”
Darwin Bassante was born and raised in Pujilí, a small town in Ecuador’s Cotopaxi region. “It is a quiet, humble place in the Andes Mountains, but to me, it is full of life, tradition, and pride,” he shared. Growing up in Pujilí shaped his values and gave him a deep sense of community. “My heritage has taught me the importance of perseverance, humility, and lifting others up,” he added.
He recalls with pride the traditions of his hometown. “Our town is known for the Corpus Christi festival, where the streets fill with color, music, dancing, and the famous El Danzante parade,” Darwin said. Food, too, carries deep cultural meaning. “Some of the most meaningful moments in my life happened around a table filled with dishes like chugchucaras, llapingachos, and hornado. These meals are more than food they are memories, stories, and a reminder of where I come from.”
At 19, Darwin came to the United States planning only a short stay. “I thought I would return to Ecuador to join the military, but life had other plans,” he explained. He met his wife, started a family, and began what is now a 30-year career with CulinArt. Starting in the warehouse, he advanced through deliveries and vending before becoming Corporate Support Supervisor.
One lesson Darwin carries from his heritage is perseverance. “There is a saying in Ecuador, No hay mal que por bien no venga – ‘There is no bad that does not bring good.’ It reminds us that even in difficult times, there is always something to learn.”
He finds fulfillment in teamwork and community, values that connect his Ecuadorian roots with his career. “I knew I belonged at CulinArt when I saw the strong sense of teamwork and the company’s commitment to supporting its employees. It reminded me of the community spirit I grew up with in Ecuador.”