In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month we wanted to showcase Hispanic Leaders who make a difference at KinderCare. We interviewed Esmy Camarena, a District Leader in Southern, California. Here's what she had to say.

How did you get started with KinderCare? I joined the KinderCare family after my 1^st semester of college as Teacher Assistant in the afternoons at Pregerson Children’s Discovery Center, what is now known as KinderCare at Work. This center was located in Downtown Los Angeles. Now I have been with KinderCare over 28 years. My roles have been Teacher, Assistant Director, Center Director for 8 years and now District Leader these past 14 years. What initially kept me at KinderCare was the opportunity for my daughter to attend one of our amazing programs. Then once she graduated from KinderCare I fell in love with the difference that we make for children and the impact that my leadership can have in inspiring educators to create positive environments.

What is one of your favorite traditions to honor your heritage? What I enjoy most is family. My family and I love an opportunity to gather and celebrate a cumpleanos (birthday), sing “Las Mananitas” and break a “pinata” full of candies. Another great tradition that we continue in our home is Christmas Eve, which is sometimes an even bigger deal than Christmas Day. As a family, we take all of the steps (many steps) putting together and cooking sweet and savory tamales.. Then while the tamales cook in the steamer we play a fun game of Loteria, a type of bingo game. Family time is was I enjoy the most, multiple generations together is what warms my heart.

How do you encourage your team to foster an inclusive environment? We talk about it! For many that want to build an inclusive environment its about being given the space and voice to do it. Our classrooms are the perfect space to do that. Communication with our families and children can be key to building a trust. Trust is the base of all welcoming relationships.

What excites you the most about the inclusion work you’re seeing in our organization? Education! There is an opportunity to self-educate and discuss by participating in many of the discussion boards. KinderCare is allowing us to have a voice in what is my reality and how I can feel best welcomed. This is a difference maker in building trust and wanting to be a part of something bigger.

As someone who identifies as part of the Hispanic/Latinx community, what are you seeing in the organization that helps you feel a sense of belonging? I really enjoy the discussion groups both listening in and participating, it also helps to have it on Webex because you get to see in individuals (our peers) facial reactions to the information being shared! But maybe what I have enjoyed more is reviewing the material that has been put together for our centers curriculum to share and educate children. The pictures and stories are represented in a very respectful and educating way.

How do you see teachers effectively weaving diversity and promoting inclusive environments in their classrooms? Teachers must begin with building trust! Creating a well rounded respectful environment where the children can voice freely and feel that their view is important. And ALWAYS continue to educate yourself! As an educator it begins with you taking the time to learn and better understand your community and those around you.

Interview by Paige Sheppard