Spotlights

Spotlight: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Vanessa Ledezma

At Amergis Healthcare Staffing, our team members are at the heart of everything we do. Each month, our Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) board highlights stories of Amergis employees who demonstrate our core values and commitment to connecting people to work that matters.

About Hispanic Heritage Month

Every year, from September 15 through October 15, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month across the country. The observation which started in 1968 is meant to commemorate the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, our D&I team is highlighting the richness and diversity that Hispanic heritage contributes to our workplace. They spoke with Vanessa Ledezma to learn more about her journey, her cultural roots, and her reflections on the importance of this month.

Vanessa’s Story

Can you tell us more about your role, what you do, and how you joined Amergis?

My name is Vanessa Ledezma, and I currently serve as an Educational Recruiter in the Orange County office. Prior to this role, I spent two years with the Portland, Oregon office, and was fortunate to transfer to Orange County following my move. This is an opportunity I’m incredibly grateful for, as it offered me the flexibility to continue growing within Amergis. I joined Amergis shortly after graduating from Oregon State University, and since then, I’ve experienced tremendous personal and professional growth. This role has allowed me to develop a wide range of new skills, thanks in large part to the incredible team I’ve had the privilege to work alongside.

Can you share a bit about your heritage and what it means to you?

I am a first-generation Mexican American, with most of my family originating from Mexico. Growing up in a small, non-diverse town in Oregon, I struggled deeply with self-identity. I often felt caught between two worlds coming from a Mexican family but being born and raised in the United States. As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to embrace and celebrate my Mexican heritage with immense pride. I love my culture; it’s vibrant and rich, expressed through our food, music, art, and traditions. To me, being Mexican American means honoring the depth of my cultural roots and the strength of my family. It’s a source of pride, resilience, and joy.

What traditions or customs from your culture do you celebrate or hold dear?

I have too many cherished traditions to count, but the holidays are among my favorites. Coming from a large family, our holiday gatherings are incredibly special and something I hold close to my heart especially since moving out of state. Every Christmas, we all come together at my grandma’s house to make tamales. Everyone pitches in, from the elders to the adults and even the children. Whether it’s cooking the meat, preparing the sauce, or folding the tamales, it’s a team effort filled with music, laughter, and storytelling. It’s always one of the best times of the year. We also celebrate Christmas on the 24th with a traditional evening dinner featuring tamales, tacos, buñuelos, champurrado, and more.

After dinner, we attend church, play games, sing karaoke, and wait until midnight to open gifts. It’s a night full of joy, connection, and cultural pride.

How has your cultural background influenced who you are today?

My cultural background has played a profound role in shaping the woman I am today. As a first-generation Mexican American, I was the first in my family to attend college and earn a bachelor’s degree in business. This is a milestone I couldn’t have achieved without the unwavering support of my family and the strong work ethic instilled in me. The Hispanic community is one of the most hardworking and resilient groups I know, and I’m proud to carry that legacy forward. Being bilingual has also been a powerful gift. It’s opened doors to new opportunities and allowed me to connect with and support a broader range of people. Beyond that, my heritage has influenced every aspect of my life from the way I treat others with kindness and respect, to the way I cook, create, and express myself. It’s woven into everything I am.

Are there any Hispanic role models or cultural figures who inspire you, and why?

There are many Hispanic role models who inspire me, but a few stand out as especially influential. One of my biggest inspirations is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who became the youngest woman ever to serve in Congress. Her journey has shown me that with determination and hard work, anything is possible. I’ve also always been deeply inspired by Frida Kahlo. As someone who loves art, her bold creativity and resilience have left a lasting impression on me. Earlier this year, I had the incredible opportunity to visit her home in Mexico City. Experiencing her story, legacy, and artwork in person was unforgettable it deepened my appreciation for her impact and the cultural richness she represents.

We want to thank Vanessa for sharing her story and telling us about her inspiring commitment to celebrating culture and inclusion in our workplace!

Join the Amergis Healthcare Staffing Team

Amergis Staffing always has a wide range of available opportunities for people who want to accelerate their careers. We embrace employees from all backgrounds and follow our core values to foster a welcoming work environment:

• Promoting diversity and inclusion
• Winning with integrity and trust
• Prioritizing quality
• Investing in development
• Championing innovation
• Driving for results

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