Northern Illinois University’s College of Business recently celebrated Latino/Hispanic Heritage Month with a special Global Thursday event in collaboration with the Hispanic Business Student Association (HBSA). This vibrant event, part of our ongoing Global Thursday series, offered a unique platform for students to share their diverse cultural heritages. Bennett Piscopo, who works as the graduate student experience and engagement coordinator for the MBA program, played a key role in organizing this Passport event which saw active participation from students representing Mexico, Peru and Ecuador.
“We had a great time enjoying pizza and each other’s company. It was so exciting to see the students’ faces light up when they talked about their cultures,” Piscopo said, emphasizing the series’ goal of allowing students to share and learn about diverse cultures within a global business context. The event, which attracted around 15 attendees, featured presentations, a “Kahoot!” quiz on Latin American culture and encouraged audience participation in cultural discussions.
Operations management and information systems (OM&IS) student Sebastian Pinto, who is a proud representative of Peruvian culture, presented about his deep connection to Peruvian cuisine; reflecting on its significance in maintaining his cultural heritage.
“Eating Peruvian food was one of the only ways to stay in touch with my Peruvian heritage,” he said, emphasizing the fusion of his diverse family background. He believes that understanding different cultures is crucial in today’s global economy and that such events offer invaluable perspectives on diverse ways of life. Pinto also highlighted the growing presence of Hispanic individuals in higher education, underscoring the importance of embracing this diversity in the workforce.
Lidia Marquez, another presenter, shared her Mexican heritage with pride. She spoke passionately about Danza de Matachines, a religious dance performance dedicated to the Virgin Mary, which has been a significant part of her life.
“It was crucial for me to represent and celebrate my heritage at NIU,” Marquez said, noting that diversity and inclusivity on campus are important to her. She highlighted how learning about various cultures enriches the educational experience, fosters community, and promotes equality and fairness. Her presentation sparked curiosity and much discussion among the attendees.
Lynn Gordillo, president of the HBSA, also offered a captivating presentation on Ecuador, adding another rich layer of cultural insight and diversity to the event.
“The knowledge and understanding of Latino/Hispanic cultures acquired through such events are invaluable for future business leaders. These experiences enable students to develop empathy, compassion and critical thinking skills, preparing them to navigate and contribute to an increasingly diverse global business environment,” said Piscopo.
