Category Archives: Hispanic Heritage Month

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!

From September 15 through October 15, the United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month—a time dedicated to celebrating the cultures, heritages, and contributions of Americans with roots in Spanish-speaking countries.

Honoring Hispanic heritage was first introduced in 1968 as a weeklong event. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed a law that expanded the celebration to a month. Unlike other Heritage Months that start at the beginning of the month, Hispanic Heritage Month starts on September 15 to commemorate the day that many Latin American countries celebrate their independence from Spain.

We’re grateful to all of our employees who honor Hispanic Heritage Month and enrich our workplaces. To celebrate, we invited a few of our employees to share about their everyday Leggett life and their Hispanic heritage. During the next few weeks, we will spotlight them on our social media platforms.

Hispanic Heritage Month Resources

Interested in learning more about Hispanic heritage? We found a few resources that we would like to share:

References

History.com Editors. “Hispanic Heritage Month.” HISTORY, A&E Television Networks, 11 Sept. 2020, www.history.com/topics/hispanic-history/hispanic-heritage-month. Accessed 8 Aug. 2023.

Meet Maria Urquieta

During Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re inviting L&P employees to share about themselves and their Hispanic heritage.

Meet Maria Urquieta. Maria is a custodian at Carthage Spring in Carthage, Missouri. She has worked for Leggett & Platt for two years.

“I enjoy cleaning, and the fact that I get paid for it is a plus. A clean environment is important, especially in our work, because it ensures everyone can do their job safely.

I am proud to get along with my co-workers and contribute to a positive work environment. I am also proud of my Hispanic roots. The annual celebration assures me that we are recognized for our contributions and appreciated.”

To learn more about the rich history, culture, and present-day stories of those who celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, check out the National Park Service for a comprehensive list of resources.

Meet Diana Arciga

During Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re inviting L&P employees to share about themselves and their Hispanic heritage.

Meet Diana Arciga. Diana is Operational Support at West Coast Furniture in City of Industry, CA. She is celebrating her first anniversary at Leggett & Platt.

“Thanks to the kindness of my branch managers and co-workers, I continue to learn and grow during my work-life journey.

One of the most enjoyable parts of my job is the opportunity to be exposed to the diverse departments within this corporation. I am proud that my paths led me to L&P.

During this month of celebrating the contributions, achievements, and heritage of Hispanic people, I wanted to share this message: Please do not feel discouraged because balancing life obstacles and work is not easy. Remain optimistic, and as long as you continue to work on communication, all of your efforts will be seen. With time, more opportunities will come.”

To learn more about the rich history, culture, and present-day stories of those that celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, check out the National Park Service for a comprehensive list of resources.

Meet Maria Aguilar

During Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re inviting a few of our employees to share their stories.

Maria Aguilar is a custodian at Ennis Spring in Ennis, Texas. In September, she will celebrate her third anniversary at Leggett & Platt.

“What I love most about my job are my co-workers. It’s important that I enjoy what I do and that I can provide for my family. I am most proud of my family.

I also have the opportunity to work with my ‘mijo,’ a Conveyor Operator, on the same shift.

My Hispanic heritage is important to me because Mexico celebrates independence in September, the same time the United States recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month.”

To learn more about the rich history, culture, and present-day stories of those that celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, check out the National Park Service for a comprehensive list of resources.

Meet Adelso Vargas

During Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re inviting L&P employees to share about themselves and their Hispanic heritage.

Meet Adelso Vargas, a Material Handler at Carthage Spring in Carthage, Missouri.

“I genuinely enjoy working with my friends because they are not just co-workers. We have all become close in my six years here at Leggett & Platt. I also enjoy the shift work. It allows for a great work/life balance.”

Along with his Hispanic heritage, Adelso takes great pride in his ability to work and contribute. “I am most proud of my health because it allows me to keep working every day. Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month is important because we are noticed and make a difference in our work and communities.”

To learn more about the rich history, culture, and present-day stories of those that celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, check out the National Park Service for a comprehensive list of resources.

Meet Joann Garcia

During Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re inviting L&P employees to share about themselves and their Hispanic heritage.

Meet Joann Garcia. Joann works in Accounts Payable at our Fort Worth Rebond facility in Fort Worth, Texas.

“There are many reasons I enjoy my job, but I would say the people I work with are what I enjoy most. I feel this is so important because for 22 years, I have looked forward to coming in every day and accomplishing my work.

Besides my grandchildren, Luka and Lyla, I am most proud of my Hispanic Heritage. It means I carry the strength of my parents, grandparents, and ancestors who faced challenges and barriers. They met these with the utmost courage so that I could have better opportunities.”

To learn more about the rich history, culture, and present-day stories of those that celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, check out the National Park Service for a comprehensive list of resources.

Meet Cipriano Godinez

During Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re inviting a few of our employees to share their story.

Meet Cipriano Godinez. Cipriano is an Assembler Operator at Ennis Spring in Ennis, Texas. He has worked for Leggett & Platt for 30 years.

“There are so many things I enjoy about my job — working the night shift, working with machines, and with the friends I’ve made over 30 years I’ve been here.

I am proud of my achievements over the years — my family, home, and land. This month makes me feel proud to be Hispanic, and Leggett & Platt has given me the opportunity to succeed.”

To learn more about the rich history, culture, and present-day stories of those that celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, check out the National Park Service for a comprehensive list of resources.

Meet Balfer Cortez

During Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re inviting L&P employees to share about themselves and their Hispanic heritage.

Meet Balfer Cortez. Balfer is a Material Handler at our Carthage Spring location in Carthage, Missouri.

“I am proud of the opportunity I’ve had here at Leggett & Platt for the past five years. My supervisor trusts me to do my job and doesn’t micromanage my work.”

Balfer also appreciates the safe environment where he works. “The atmosphere is very clean and safe. It makes it easier to do a good job, and that, in turn, leads to success for the company.

I’m happy to be recognized for everything that Hispanic employees do, and I am proud to work for a company that values diversity. They translate communications to Spanish, which shows they care.”

To learn more about the rich history, culture, and present-day stories of those that celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, check out the National Park Service for a comprehensive list of resources.

Meet Maria Saucedo

During Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re inviting L&P employees to share about themselves and their Hispanic heritage.

Meet Maria Saucedo. She is a Conveyor Operator at Ennis Spring in Ennis, Texas, and has worked for Leggett & Platt for 29 years.

Maria and her team live out our value of doing great work together. “I enjoy working with my partner. I believe it’s important to have a partner, and you work well together,” says Maria. “It makes the job that much more enjoyable.”

I am very proud of my Hispanic heritage and the Hispanic people, and because of their hard work, this company has only improved.”

To learn more about the rich history, culture, and present-day stories of those that celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, check out the National Park Service for a comprehensive list of resources.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes and honors the culture, heritage, and contributions of employees who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, The Caribbean, and Central and South America.

Honoring Hispanic heritage was first introduced in 1968 as a weeklong event. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed a law to expand the celebration to a 31-day period – to coincide with the Independence Days of many Latin American countries.

We honor all employees across L&P who celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and have positively impacted our culture and have enriched our workplaces. To celebrate their achievements, we invited a few to share about themselves, their jobs, and what their Hispanic heritage means to them, and we will highlight them over the next few weeks here and on our social media – so stay tuned!