Reconnecting with Heritage: Andrew Finds Support Within Latino Connection ERG at Dell Technologies

Andrew G. | Senior Analyst, Marketing Operations | Austin, Texas

Originally Published: October 6th, 2023

Can you tell me a bit about yourself and your background?

A little over a year ago, I joined the Global Marking organization at Dell Technologies. I manage the Experience Lounge at our Round Rock Campus, where I lead guest, employee, and intern tours. I also host local and hybrid events in partnership with Dell Facilities, ERGs, clubs and other stakeholders to help employees network and engage with our company culture.

I am the oldest of three siblings, born and raised in Texas in a small town south of San Antonio named Poth, pronounced like both. During my undergraduate studies at the University of Texas in Austin, I worked as an entry-level sales associate for the Campus Computer Store (CCS), the university's local technology store and service center. The CCS partnered with Dell on new product launches, back-to-school programs, student brand ambassadors and in-house warranty support and repairs. When I eventually became the Retail Manager of the CCS in 2017, I helped support the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation by facilitating the distribution of laptops through their UT for Me scholarship program. In parallel with these efforts, I did some seasonal contract work running inventory and sales for what was known as the Holiday Shop on Dell's Round Rock site. This program ran for five years during the Holiday season from 2014 to 2018. These efforts helped pave the way for my role at Dell today.

What's a fun fact about you? I am a huge tech nerd at heart. I enjoy and am fascinated by nearly all facets of technology. I could talk for hours about display technologies, the latest in audio or home theater equipment, video games and the engines they run on, and other related topics. Outside of technology, I am also a coffee fiend. While I'm not ready to dip my toe into home espresso since I do not have enough counter space, I have spent an inordinate amount of time and money honing my pour-over craft and sourcing locally roasted beans for my brewing needs. How does Dell foster an inclusive culture that embraces and celebrates team members’ differing backgrounds and cultures? Dell has an abundance of resources that drive home the importance of inclusion and community, such as our Be the Change learning series, a comprehensive community of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and our Culture Code hub. One of the key tenants of our Code of Conduct is "winning together," which aims for employees to work as a team rather than as individuals. I fully believe in this message, having witnessed it firsthand on numerous occasions. In my first few months at Dell, we were recognized by Newsweek as the #1 most-loved workplace in America. Since then, I have been reminded time and time again why I am happy to have joined.

Are you a member of the Latino Connection ERG? If so, how does this ERG support your needs and encourage the appreciation and celebration of your culture?

I am a new member of the Latino Connection (LC) ERG. I joined after helping LC support a career development workshop for Austin-area college students last October. I hosted an open house in the Experience Lounge so the students in attendance could engage with our products and culture. It was an immensely rewarding experience, and the LC members that attended couldn't have been more cooperative and welcoming. Since joining the ERG, I've been amazed at the concerted efforts of LC leadership to support our Hispanic community through global, local, virtual and hybrid events and volunteer opportunities. Watching the community come alive through our Latin music hour, hybrid Loteria (bingo) party and other events has been nostalgic and a great way to reconnect with my heritage. When I visit family for the upcoming holidays, I plan to resurrect Loteria as an activity we bring back to our celebrations after a long hiatus.

What advice would you give to young Hispanic or Latino professionals who are looking to start their careers at Dell?

I cannot stress enough the importance of taking advantage of internship programs and other development and engagement opportunities. As a recent hire, once you've started with Dell, I would begin by registering for local volunteer opportunities and joining an ERG that interests you. It's a great way to not only embrace our company culture but also engage with team members across the company.

What is something you wish others knew about Hispanic Heritage?

Across the remarkable diversity of rich cultures, languages and traditions encompassed by Hispanic heritage, a universal message that binds us together is the importance of family and hospitality. These values shape our identity and are carried through generations in our community. This can be seen in the lively gatherings during festive occasions, the warmth with which we welcome others into our homes and lives and the profound respect we have for our elders. There is an interconnectedness among our communities that welcomes participation from friends and even acquaintances.

What do you love most about your heritage?

Easily, the community nature of our cuisine is my favorite. I’ve already said much about the richness of family ties and the interfamily connectivity within the Hispanic community. In addition, much of this bonding and celebration happens over the food we share. My family was always looking for excuses to have a cookout and invite family over. Whether at birthday parties, weekend fiestas or family gatherings, the amount of care and joy that comes with Hispanic cuisine is palpable. Portions are large and meant to be shared. Leftovers are typically given away (even insisted upon) to anyone visiting. I have fond memories of my grandmother inviting me to help her hand-make tamales in fall and winter in preparation for Thanksgiving and Christmas family gatherings. I always struggled with spreading the masa across the corn husk; in the amount of time it would take me to complete one tamale, she had already finished making ten. Nonetheless, it was an excuse for her to connect with her grandkids and impart her generational knowledge and heritage to us. 

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