CAO Message: Join Me in Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

A message from Chief Administrative Officer Ebony Shelton.

We are in the midst of Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, and this year’s theme is especially meaningful to me and to our organization.

The theme is Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.

My father was a pioneer and paved the way for me to follow his path.

He came to the U.S. from El Salvador, leaving behind a devastating civil war. I grew up here in San Diego, a binational region rich with Hispanic traditions, culture and heritage.

It led me to where I am today, with you, as the first Afro-Latina to serve as the County’s Chief Administrative Officer. I am proud to represent a part of the meaningful and exciting changes taking place in our organization to ensure we reflect the communities we serve.

Additionally, this year’s theme could apply to all of us at the County as we manage changes in the workplace, community and the world.

Thirty-five percent of County employees identify as Hispanic or Latino. Our San Diego County Latino Association was the first Employee Resource Group to form, and it recently celebrated its 41st anniversary. The group is truly a pioneer in our organization, and we now have 11 Employee Resource Groups to extend this sense of belonging.

Our County organization and the entire region is incredibly diverse with many different ethnicities, cultural roots and social foundations. It is this diversity that makes the County stronger and helps us understand the neighbors and communities we serve.

By valuing and prioritizing belonging, we broaden our horizons helping us come together with the community to take out challenges large and small.

Please join me in celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month to honor the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. Learn more about the month’s history and ideas to commemorate this important occasion. And consider joining the San Diego County Association or another Employee Resource Group. They offer resources and events – it’s a great way to learn, meet other team members and have an even greater appreciation for the diversity of our county.

Let’s take our lead from this year’s theme. I look forward to working alongside you as, together, we shape a bright future for the County and the region.