Hispanic Heritage Month Employee Spotlight: Rebeca Villegas

Name: Rebeca Villegas

Pronouns: she/her

Position: National Director, Environmental Justice Strategy

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time of reflection and celebration for me. An opportunity to reflect on how far we've come as a people and pay respect to trailblazers-Latinxs that overcame adversity and paved the way for so many of us, creating a more welcoming and inclusive world for future generations. During this time, I also honor my ancestors by remembering where I come from and basking in my culture unapologetically. I think about the person I hope to be and the world I want to build to ensure that those that come after me don't have to face the same obstacles I've had to overcome as a first-generation American.

How would you describe your cultural identity? How do you identify yourself? Why?

I am Mexican-American. I am Mexican, first and foremost-born to two people that left their country, all that they knew and cared about, to provide us with a better life. I honor their courage and sacrifice every single day. I am also American, the first generation of my lineage to call this country my home. And because this is my home, I will always care deeply and do what I can to protect and care for all the people that reside on these lands.

I am proud to be Mexican-American and although it's difficult navigating different languages, values, belief systems, and cultures that sometimes clash against one another, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Is there a Hispanic/Latine/x Advocate, Activist, or Conservationist that inspires you?

I look up to so many folks currently in the environmental movement. I am grateful for government officials, such as Congressman Raúl Grijalva, that seek to enact a positive change within a system that has often excluded our people.

I am inspired by Latinx leaders, such as Mark Magaña, Mariana Del Valle Prieto Cervantes, and all the staff in GreenLatinos, that have always strived to build consensus and power among a diaspora of people who don't always agree on everything.

And I am honored to hold space with so many Latinxs across the environmental movement, currently navigating and reimagining their own institutions in an effort to transform the way we protect and interact with the environment, including Raúl García from Earthjustice, Dolores Perales from Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision, Cecilia Garibay from Moving Forward, Juan and Ana Parras from T.E.J.A.S., and so many more.

What is your favorite thing about your culture/heritage?

There is humility in my culture and an immense work ethic that I continue to practice in the way I live my life. Being courteous and kind is not seen as a weakness, but a valuable asset that is necessary to cultivate in order to overcome adversity and to remain self-assured that regardless of how difficult things may get, there are better things ahead. We enjoy the little things in life that bring us joy because those collections of memories and emotions are what make life so extraordinary. We work hard for what we have because we understand that we need to earn it and we're not afraid to rise to the challenge.