Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month – Featuring Stephanie Murphy

September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month, and Tidal Basin recognizes several Hispanic employees who give their talent and expertise to Tidal Basin’s humanitarian mission.

Initially observed as a week beginning in 1968 and later expanded in 1988 to cover 30 days, National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. We witness these contributions every day in communities across the country.

Tidal Basin is proud to be a part of the rich Spanish heritage and tradition in the United States and even more proud of the extraordinary people who mirror the diverse community we proudly serve. Stay tuned. Over the next four weeks, we will profile several of our team members.

Today we are featuring Stephanie Murphy, Vice President of Preparedness, Resiliency and Emergency Management (PREM) .

Where are you from or the place of heritage?
Heritage is from Guatemala. Mom was born and raised, I’m a first-generation US/California born American.

What do you love about being Latino/a, Hispanic?

The food! Hands down, when my mom makes food, it is amazing. I also love having an ancestry that has centuries to it with Mayan culture.

What is something you can share about your heritage that most people don’t know about?

There is a difference between Hispanic and Latin heritage, but most people don’t realize it. Regardless, it truly is one big, beautiful culture!

Tu plato favorito, what is your favorite food/meal?

Platanos, frijoles volteados (negros!), and huevos. Plantains fried with some sugar on top, black refried beans cooked on the stove top, and scrambled eggs. When we make this for breakfast it just reminds me of the time I spent in Guatemala with my family in the summers and winters.

Anything else you want to share?
No one knows I’m of Latin heritage UNLESS I’m in a predominantly Latin community. I then get spoken to in Spanish often. It’s kind of fun to see the differences.