In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Yakima Valley College will host anti-racist strategist Herminia Esqueda for presentations on Tejano music, family and how the genre has been fused with Mexican and European influences. Events will be held October 7 at 1 p.m. in the HUB on the Yakima Campus and October 9 at 12:30 p.m. in the Student Activity Center on the Grandview Campus. Both events are free and open to the public.

Esqueda is a pro-equity, anti-racism, strategic alignment administrator for the Department of Social & Health Services in Washington State. She is a speaker, facilitator, trainer and storyteller. In addition to her work in diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, she is also a member and co-chair of the Latino/a Leadership Network.

The October presentations are part of YVC’s annual Diversity Series, which brings diverse perspectives to everyday topics and push the boundaries of the term beyond race, gender, social class and sexuality.

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year from September 15 to October 15. The month-long celebration provides more time to recognize the significant contributions Hispanic/Latino Americans have made in the United States. At YVC 65% of our student body identify as Hispanic.

For more information on these events or YVC’s efforts related to diversity, equity and inclusion email dei@yvcc.edu.