Businesses keen to embrace their DE&I strategies are being offered a new range of virtual themed events for Hispanic and Latinx Heritage month, which begins on September 15th, as a way of team building, bringing greater inclusivity and creating a greater understanding of why diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential in the workplace.
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually to recognize the contribution of Hispanic and Latinx American champions in inspiring others to achieve success. Tech start-up Confetti, which enables companies to book virtual team building experiences online, is marking the event with a new range of events for employees that celebrate the rich history and diverse culture of Hispanic and Latinx communities.
The new roster of experiences from Confetti includes a Mexican Cooking Class, during which teams can immerse themselves in Mexican culture while preparing tacos and chilaquiles; a virtual Hispanic Art Storytelling Tour that delves into the rich history of the Spanish-speaking world through a collection of Spanish and Latin American art in the United States; a virtual game show on Hispanic & Latinx History and Culture, featuring questions about famous people, pop culture and history, and even a Frida Kahlo Headband Making Class, during which participants craft Frida Kahlo-inspired flower crowns while learning about the Mexican painter’s background and history.
All the experiences are being delivered by vendors from the Hispanic and Latinx communities to ensure authenticity in the experience. It is also a way for Confetti to give back to those businesses as well as to their end user clients.
“The contribution that the Hispanic and Latinx community makes to society and business in the US deserves to be celebrated,” Lee Rubin, CEO and Founder of Confetti, says. “It’s important that Hispanic and Latinx employees feel the love and respect of their employers and work communities, and it’s important for those not from these communities to gain an understanding and appreciation of a culture outside their own.. That’s how you build strong, diverse and inclusive teams that work best together for the common good, without it feeling forced or unnatural.”
Companies booking events through the Confetti platform are keen to focus on experiences that aren’t purely “celebratory”.
“That’s why we have an added layer of empathetic education that delves into the history behind these holidays, giving teams a better understanding of exactly what they’re celebrating and why it’s so important,” says Lee.
“On top of making marginalized individuals feel equal at work, companies plan these themed events to bridge a gap. Rather than only being told about a culture, they’re actively engaging with it. In a way, it’s like visiting someone’s home for the first time and seeing how they live — understanding what makes someone different, leading to a better connection and helping people empathize with their team,” she adds.
At the end of the day, this first step is awareness: of how important inclusion is, who we are working with, and what life experiences led us to where we are today. This sense of togetherness and community is the benefit companies are trying to achieve regardless of your theories on remote work.”
