Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Meet Dora

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are spotlighting and celebrating our team members here at Fitzsimons Credit Union. Learn about what Hispanic Heritage Month means to our Accounting Manager, Dora Herrera.

Where does your family come from?
My parents were both born in the state of Chihuahua and I am first generation American. I have lived in Colorado my whole life with my parents and 3 siblings. I now live with my husband, two kids and a little dog. At home we don’t use as much Spanish, but I want to teach my children everything I grew up with.

Does your family have any unique cultural traditions?
One unique tradition that comes to mind is celebrating “El Dia de los Reyes Magos,” or “ The Three Kings Day.” While it is more of a religious purpose, we buy the Rosca de Reyes, which is a bread in the shape of a wreath and is filled with baby Jesus’. It is known that whoever gets one of the babies has to cook for everyone on the day of “El Dia de La Candelaria (Epiphany)” which occurs in February. My family always ends up doing a feast because everyone decides to make a small dish.

What is your favorite recipe/dish from your country/culture?
I have many favorites, but one that comes to mind is bread pudding. It is a common recipe, but I’ve really enjoyed the way my mom makes it. It is usually eaten during Holy Week. One year she was visiting her mom in Mexico, so my sister and I decided to make some, and I am not going to lie… it was good. It is an acquired taste and texture for sure. When people know it consists of soggy bread, the are hesitant to try.

How do you like to give back to your community?
I like to give back to my community by helping out during events. It is not always possible with a full-time job, kids, and school. I am glad that our work offers these types of activities and look forward to participating. With a previous employer, we did things like fill backpacks for student that were starting college, kids that were less fortunate, food banks, and put blankets together for babies.

What’s an achievement you are proud of?
An achievement I am proud of are my children. I have truly enjoyed becoming a mother and teaching them what I can. One of them is still little, but the 5-year-old has so much sass that it’s kind of fun watching her become a little person (don’t tell her that 😊).