Latino Heritage Month: Honoring Our Roots, Elevating Our Voices
By: Stefanny Montufar, Bilingual Paralegal
Every September, Latino Heritage Month celebrates the history, culture, and contributions of Latino communities across the United States. At First Shift Justice Project, it also reminds us of the resilience of the workers we serve.
This year, I had the honor of representing First Shift at the Committee on Public Works and Operations’ Public Hearing on B26‑0570, the Office of Human Rights Rulemaking Authority Amendment Act of 2026. I testified about a reality thousands of Latino workers face daily: language access barriers that make it nearly impossible to secure the benefits they are entitled to.
When “Available in Spanish” Isn’t Really Available
Although some agencies claim their services are “available in Spanish,” the lived experiences of Spanish‑speaking workers tell a different story. Alongside the Washington Lawyers’ Committee, we spent months documenting translation failures and pushing for corrections. Most issues were eventually fixed—but only because legal advocates intervened. A worker with limited English proficiency could never have navigated this process alone.
Why This Matters During Latino Heritage Month
Latino workers are part of the backbone of Washington, D.C. When a worker cannot understand a form, a letter, or a deadline, their rights become meaningless. Language access is not a courtesy—it is a civil right.
Honoring Heritage Through Advocacy
Every day, I see how language barriers create fear and confusion. I also see the courage of Latino workers who continue advocating for themselves and their families despite these obstacles.
Latino Heritage Month reminds us that our heritage is rooted in community, solidarity, and the fight for dignity. This month, we honor the workers who inspire our mission. Their heritage is powerful. Their voices matter. And their rights must be protected.
