Honoring National Hispanic Heritage Month: Maria Fuentes

We’re exploring cultural and heritage traditions through the eyes of our Associates throughout Hispanic Heritage Month. Meet Maria Fuentes of ESFM, who is an operations supervisor at the AstraZeneca account in Canóvanas, Puerto Rico.

“I grew up in one of the fields of Río Grande, Puerto Rico, in a cozy wooden house with a zinc roof. We were a family of five siblings along with our parents. My dad was responsible for providing for the household, while my mom lovingly dedicated herself to raising us.

“It was in this environment that I learned to love, value, and respect nature. From our house, we could appreciate the majestic beauty of El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest that belongs to the national forest system and the one with the greatest biological diversity.

“This has been one of the most gratifying memories of my heritage I carry with me: having had the opportunity to enjoy and live in the surroundings of one of the most important forests in Puerto Rico. This environment not only shaped my love for nature but also my appreciation for the natural treasures of my land, a legacy I deeply value and that continues to inspire me every day.

“I’ve always enjoyed planting at home. I fondly remember the afternoons I spent with a gentleman from the community, planting around my house. Together, we cultivated the land, learning the art of planting and caring for each plant with dedication and care.

“Another cherished memory is how I used to build small wooden cars and rope swings in the trees with my own hands. These moments not only fostered my creativity and manual skills but also deeply connected me with nature and the simplicity of life in the countryside.

“I have inculcated in my children the value of planting, guiding them through each step of the process, from preparing the soil to caring for the plants and enjoying the fruits of our labor. Passing on this tradition is a way to keep our heritage alive and to teach them to value the simple and fundamental things in life. It is a legacy of love and respect for the land that I hope they will also pass on to future generations.

“Being Hispanic is something that I carry in my heart and fills me with pride. Being able to say with joy and conviction that I am from Puerto Rico is one of the things I value most in my life. The richness of our culture, our traditions, and our history is a treasure that I proudly share at every opportunity.

“I have been with Compass Group for two years. In my role, I supervise a team of 15 housekeeping Associates and ensure that all tasks are effectively assigned, providing them with the necessary tools to successfully perform their duties. Additionally, I manage the payroll process, ensure compliance with required trainings from both the client and Compass, and ensure that we work in a safe environment. Being a supervisor has been a significant achievement both professionally and personally.

“We should always feel proud of who we are and where we come from. Our identity and our roots are what define us and give us strength. This satisfaction, of being in harmony with our heritage and our past, is the greatest gift we can carry through life. It allows us to face the future with confidence and determination, knowing that we carry with us the legacy of those who came before us and that we have honored our roots through our actions. Maintaining this pride and passing it on to future generations is essential to keeping our culture and values alive.”