At NADG, our company stands united in celebrating our differences and respecting what makes each of us unique. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15), enjoy getting to know a few members of the NADG family as they share personal insights on what their heritage means to them.
SANDRA AGUIRRE
Office M
anager
Grove Dental – Lombard
Illinois Region
How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
Being Mexican and growing up with immigrant parents has shaped me to know the value of working hard and not giving up. My parents’ kind hearts have also showed me how to be humble and caring.
When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in dentistry?
When I was a child, I had braces for 3.5 years. At 15-years-old they were removed and the confidence and smile that I had walking out of the office were contagious. All I wanted to do was to be able to do the same for others. Ever since that day, I have had so much passion for dentistry.
What is the proudest moment in your personal life or career?
There is no other joy than being a mom to my two amazing kids – Eric and Andrea.
DIANA ARP
EFDA
Cloudland Dental – Sweetwater
Tennessee 1 Region
How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
Coming from Colombian and El Salvadorean immigrant parents, they have taught me that if I set my mind to something, I can do it! Anything is possible with hard work.
Does your family have any traditions that are especially important to you?
At Christmas, our Colombian tradition is being with our family and eating special treats – natilla (custard dessert) and buñuelos (fried dough balls).
What is one thing on your ‘bucket list’ and why?
I’d love to ride in a hot air balloon with my husband. It would be romantic!
HELENA DAZA
Dental Hygienist
Grove Dental – Bolingbrook
Illinois Region
How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
I was born in Colombia and moved to the United States by myself when I was 18 years old. Leaving my family was very difficult but I knew that my parents’ guidance and the values they taught me would guide me to a better life. When I arrived, I had to face many challenges including a lack of fluency in the English language. Through perseverance throughout the years, I learned you can overcome anything. My culture has shaped me to be strong and persistent despite the circumstances.
Does your family have any traditions that are especially important to you?
We have many traditions around Christmas time. My favorite is attending a Novena de Aguinaldos. It is when families come together to sing carols recite a set of prayers and eat traditional foods like natilla (custard dessert) and buñuelos (fried dough balls). In our family gatherings we also love dancing including salsa, merengue, and vallenato.
What is one thing on your “bucket list” and why?
I’ve snorkeled many times, but I would love to go scuba diving. I love nature and especially the ocean. It is the most peaceful and beautiful place to be with its array of different colors and different kinds of wildlife.
VERONICA FIGLEY
Patient Services Center
Resource Center – New Castle
Does your family have any traditions that are especially important to you?
Ever since I was a child, we celebrated Christmas on Christmas Eve. As a family we would all go to church at midnight and come home to open gifts and have some sweet bread and hot chocolate.
What is an interesting hobby or talent that you have that someone might not know about you?
I love to cook! And believe it or not, when it comes to music, I know quite a bit of different genres. I’m proud to say that I’m a music guru.
What is the proudest moment in your personal life or career?
I feel so very blessed and thankful for all three of my children and incredibly proud to be their mother.
ROSALVA HERR
Patient Services Center
Resource Center – New Castle
Does your family have any traditions that are especially important to you?
Our heritage is all about family. We enjoy family gatherings and cooking and sharing traditional foods like tamales and flautas. If you have those two things you have everything.
What is the proudest moment in your personal life or career?
Finding courage to take the risk and move from the deserts of Texas to Pennsylvania. It was a huge culture and climate change for me.
What is one thing on your “bucket list” and why?
I would love to vacation at a dude ranch in Colorado. I feel it would be so much fun to ride horses on mountain trails and an opportunity to make lifelong friendships around a campfire.
MARIA PULIDO
Dental Hygienist
Grove Dental – Downers Grove
Illinois Region
How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
I believe my Spanish heritage has allowed me to appreciate being Mexican. I am thankful that my parents sacrificed leaving their country so that I could have a better life. They kept traditions alive so I could pass them down to my family
When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in dentistry?
As soon as I graduated from high school, I enrolled in a dental assistant program in Chicago. I worked as a dental assistant for a while until I had the opportunity to attend dental hygiene school. That was one of the best decisions of my life.
What is one thing on your “bucket list” and why?
I’ve always been interested in learning sign language. I can sign the alphabet, but I can’t wait to learn the rest.
CELINE RINCON
Treatment Plan Coordinator
Westermeier Martin Dental Care – East Aurora
New York 2 Region
What is one thing on your “bucket list” and why?
I love experiencing new cultures. I would love to travel to other Spanish speaking countries that I haven’t been to like Spain and Portugal.
How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
Most Hispanic parents always instill in their children appreciating the small things in life and being grateful. They also teach us to have respect for your elders, have faith in God, enjoy life, and always have a positive attitude. My mom would always tell me I could do whatever I set my mind to do.
Does your family have any traditions that are especially important to you?
Absolutely! On New Year’s Eve we all run around the block with our suitcases to ensure that we travel in the new year. It is so much fun (and it works)!! Oh, and how can I forget – eat 12 grapes while chanting your wishes.