Video Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month at Paducah Site

PADUCAH, Ky. - The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental ManagementPaducah Site is marking Hispanic Heritage Month with a special celebration, underscoring the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. This year, the site produced a video shining a light on the rich cultural contributions and career achievements of its Hispanic employees.

Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, provides a valuable opportunity to honor the history, culture and contributions of Hispanic Americans. At Paducah, the celebration goes beyond mere recognition: It is a testament to the site's commitment to foster an inclusive work environment where every employee's background and experiences are valued.

"Diversity is more than just a goal; it's the cornerstone of innovation and success in our work," Paducah Site Lead April Ladd said. "By celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, we not only recognize the valuable contributions of our Hispanic colleagues, but also strengthen our commitment to an inclusive environment where every voice is heard and valued."

Freddy Montoya, a Paducah Site team member, shares how he celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month in a recent video produced by the site.

The newly released video features a series of personal stories from Hispanic employees, highlighting how they celebrate their Hispanic heritage and the impact those values have on their professional careers. These stories offer a glimpse into how diverse perspectives enhance problem-solving, drive innovation and contribute to a dynamic work culture.

The site's celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes a diverse workforce that brings a wealth of perspectives, crucial for addressing complex challenges and driving progress.

Cynthia Isas, personnel security specialist with Paducah Site infrastructure support services contractor Swift and Staley Inc., participated in the video.

"Everybody comes from different walks of life. They are going to grow up with different ideas. They are going to see and have different life experiences," Isas said. "How they choose to use that to advance themselves and people around them and the team as a whole, is what makes a difference."

-Contributors: J.T. Crawford, Dylan Nichols