Ms. Eliana De León, Hispanic Employment Program Manager at the Environmental Protection Agency submitted her poster stating:

 

“The 2021 Hispanic Heritage Month theme invites us to celebrate Hispanic Heritage and to reflect on how great our tomorrow can be if we hold onto our resilience and hope. It also encourages us to reflect on all the contributions Hispanics have made in the past and will continue to make in the future.

By being resilient and holding on to hope, our Hispanic ancestors were successful in achieving their goals and bringing major contributions to our nation. In the poster, the year 2021 is the boundary that leaves behind the challenges that Hispanics had to face – PAST – and also builds on their successes for new generations to continue being resilient and look with optimism towards the – FUTURE –. The larger size of those who came before us (figures in the bottom section of the poster) symbolizes their legacy and our admiration for them. From our very own ancestors, to artists, doctors, authors, teachers, and engineers, among many others, these Hispanic heroes are all looking out towards the future within the poster, in hopes of a better tomorrow. They are a constant reminder that no matter what obstacles we face, we must always keep our eyes on the horizon to keep moving forward, just as they did. The top section of the poster (FUTURE), represents an ascending path to signify the effort needed to fuel our resilience. Though our path may be very different than those that came before us, and though it will not be one straight line, we can overcome anything by holding on to hope (Esperanza). The year 2021 in particular, faces the unique challenge of overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic together, even while at a distance. Through times of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity, we are all stronger together.”