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Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight: How Loran Visel Honors her Family Roots and Traditions

Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight: How Loran Visel Honors her Family Roots and Traditions
  • Donovan Gomez
Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight: How Loran Visel Honors her Family Roots and Traditions
Loran's grandparents: Papa and Mama.

“Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month means to just give thanks, embrace our beautiful culture, and acknowledge the work and sacrifices our ancestors put in to help us live out our dreams freely.”

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 

September 15 to October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the many contributions and accomplishments of the Latino(a)(e)(x) and Hispanic community. Loran Visel works as a Junior Administrative Analyst for the Business Strategy & Performance division within the Wastewater Enterprise at the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC).

For Loran, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month symbolizes her family roots and where she comes from. She says that all her family affectionally calls her grandparents “mama” and “papa,” a nickname that has stuck around for decades. “My papa is from Michoacan, Mexico and my mama is 3rd generation born and raised in Rio Hondo, Texas. They met in 1960 and created our beautiful family,” she said. “I find great pride in our culture, our strong family values, lasting traditions, colorful art, and beautiful music. It’s all so deeply rooted in our family history.”

Family Traditions During the Holidays

As Loran reflects on her most memorable experiences growing up, family traditions are what means the most to her. “I think the holidays with the family are always such a memorable time. I love helping my mama and mom make empanadas after carving pumpkins on Halloween and also making tamales on Christmas Eve,” she said with a smile.

Loran with her mom, Sonia.
Loran with her mom, Sonia.

“I also enjoy our large family gatherings; with our Tio’s playing in the band, Tia’s signing, and watching my mama and papa dance to their favorite song ‘Rinconcito En El Cielo’ by Ramon Ayala.”

Source of Inspiration

Loran explains how her mom has positively impacted her life and has helped her get to where she is today. “My mom has always been a strong force in my life, she has taught me to work hard at everything I do, be kind, and hold my head up high,” she said. “Growing up we had our struggles, but she never let it show. She just made things happen for me and my brothers, and that definitely is something I reflect on and feel so grateful for.”