National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15 to recognize the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans.  Why does it run from the middle of September until the middle of October instead of covering a single month? This timeframe is significant because many Central American countries celebrate their independence days within these dates:

• September 15 – Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua
• September 6 – Mexico
• September 18 – Chile
• September 21 - Belize
  

In addition, many Spanish-speaking countries in the Americas celebrate Dia de la Raza (“Day of the Race” or “Day of the People”) on October 12 This holiday honors the Indigenous peoples of Latin America and the rich cultures that have developed over centuries through the blending of Indigenous heritage with that of the Spanish explorers.   

Communities across the United States use this month as a time of special recognition for Hispanic and Latinx individuals, people, and cultures who have influenced and continue to impact our diverse nation.

Hispanic Trailblazers in Accounting

Latino students still face a gap in educational attainment. Although the historical difference in high school graduation rates has narrowed, Hispanic students continue to graduate at lower rates than their White and Asian peers. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 83% of Hispanic high school students graduated in the 2021-22 school year (the most recent reported), compared with 90% of White students and 94% of Asian students. The disparity is even wider in Colorado, where 75% of Hispanic students graduated, compared with 87% of White students.

Organizations such as the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA) are working to close that gap. ALPFA traces its roots to 1972, when 19 Latino CPAs came together to form a professional accounting organization, and Hispanic accounting and finance professionals have come a long way since then. Today, ALPFA has more than 100,000 members across 40 professional chapters, including one in Denver, and 200 student chapters, including those at CU-Boulder, CSU, UNC, CU-Denver, and DU.

For students, ALPFA membership opens doors. Members gain access to scholarship opportunities, skills development workshops, networking with key hiring professionals and sponsors, and discounts on ALPFA events. They can also take part in ALPFA-sponsored career fairs and expos, as well as virtual student symposiums. Beyond its student programs, ALPFA serves as a broad networking forum that connects Latino students, professionals, and businesses through its membership and annual conventions.

Ideas for Accounting Firms

Your firm or organization can celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in a number of ways:

• Highlight Hispanic CPAs: Share profiles or Q&As featuring Hispanic leaders in accounting to raise awareness of representation in the field. 

• Host a Panel Discussion: Invite internal staff or external professionals to discuss their career journeys, mentorship, and the unique advantages of being bilingual in public accounting or tax services.

• Promote Professional Groups: Encourage staff to connect with organizations like ALPFA for ongoing networking and recruitment. If you don’t have a Hispanic Business Resource or Affinity group, consider forming one.

A Historic Impact

Hispanic and Latino Americans have always held significant roles throughout our country’s history, dating all the way back to the American Revolution. Hispanic Heritage Month is important because it provides an opportunity to celebrate the integral part the Hispanic/Latino community has had in growing and strengthening our country and business community.

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Retired Moss Adams partner Jim Brendel is active in the community as a volunteer, past board member, financial oversight committee member, mentor, and serves on the COCPA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.

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To learn more about the DE&I Committee, contact Stacy Svendsen at stacy@cocpa.org