National Hispanic Heritage Month Highlight: Lucia Murguia

National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed September 15^th – October 15^th. It is a time to celebrate the histories, culture and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The Round Rock Chamber celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month by recognizing members who are making significant contributions to the Chamber and community. This week, we spotlight Lucia Murguia with Westwood Professional Services. Lucia serves on the Round Rock Chamber Board of Directors and is a graduate of Leadership Round Rock and the Ascend program.

What does Hispanic Heritage Month Mean to You: 9 Questions with Lucia Murguia

Could you share a bit about your experience growing up Hispanic? 

I was born and raised in El Paso, Texas, where 81% of the population is Hispanic. El Paso is also the second-largest majority-Hispanic city in the United States (after San Antonio). The difference being that it’s neighboring city, Ciudad Juarez, is in Mexico. Growing up in a bicultural and biliterate city like El Paso, you’re completely immersed in both English and Spanish. It doesn’t matter if you’re white, Black, Asian, or Latino, someone will be speaking to you in Spanish at some point. El Paso also has the largest binational workforce, so both cities depend on each other for economic growth and prosperity.

What are ways that you honor your culture in your daily life?

I often use Spanish or Mexican terms and phrases in my daily life. Spanish often offers a wider range of terms, so even when I’m speaking English with my sister or friends from El Paso, we can easily switch from either language to emphasize a point.

What are some of the challenges you have faced and overcome? 

Having grown up in the US and spent a good portion of my childhood in Mexico, I’ve often felt like I’m not enough for either culture or identity. When I’m in the US, I’m seen as a Mexican American, and when I’m in Mexico, I’m seen as American. Also, because I am completely fluent in both languages, sometimes I find myself struggling to find a word or phrase in either language. I often get stuck in a “tip-of-the-tongue” state. I like to think of it as having to go through more word archives in my brain, but I eventually find the right word that I’m looking for!

Why do you think it is so important to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month? 

It’s important to reflect on how integrated Texas and Mexico are and how the Hispanic culture continues to influence our daily lives not just here in Texas, but across the United States. 1 in 5 Americans are Hispanic. Everyone has experienced some form of Hispanic culture, especially with Mexico being the largest trading partner for the US. Whether it’s the food, music, products you buy, or the people you interact with, the Hispanic culture is an intrinsic part of any community.

What would you like to share about your own cultural identity? 

I feel very blessed to have grown up in two very different, but similar cultures. I am forever grateful my parents encouraged my siblings and I to speak Spanish at home and learn English at school. I consider myself Texan, as in 100% Hispanic and 100% American. I try to learn the best from both worlds, and I think it’s a beautiful thing when you can have both and share with those around you.

What country are you, or your relatives, from? What brought them to the United States? 

My parents, brother, sister, and I were all born in El Paso, Texas. My parents grew up in Ciudad Juarez, which is connected to El Paso by bridges over the Rio Grande. If you take the wrong exit on I -10, you might find yourself in Mexico – they are that close to each other! My father graduated in 1980 from the University of New Mexico in Electrical Engineering and decided to move to El Paso to work for Gus Manufacturing after graduation. My mother graduated from the University of Texas in El Paso in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science in Bilingual Education. In 1985 they were married and decided to raise a family in El Paso. Growing up, my grandparents and many of my extended family lived in Ciudad Juarez, so my parents made it a point to visit them on Sundays after church. My siblings and I were blessed to be raised in a family that valued the principals and customs of Mexican culture while at the same time being raised in the United States.

What are some traditions, celebration, or rituals your family participates in?

We grew up celebrating Christmas on Christmas Eve as opposed to Christmas Day and celebrating Easter Sunday as a big family group. Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a big part of the culture, as we honor our loved ones who have passed. May 10^th is Mother’s Day. Mexican Independence Day is on September 16, also known as, Diez y Seis de Septiembre (not Cinco de Mayo). We celebrate quinceañeras and my personal favorite, we celebrate weddings the entire weekend. Everyone dances and celebrates (including your oldest family members) in these joyous rites of passage.

What do you wish others knew about your culture? 

I want everyone to know how close knit our families and communities are. We grow up promoting love among family and community members as a way of supporting and establishing life-long relationships. It’s beautiful to see this passed on from generation to generation. There is a priority on hospitality as you will always find the most gracious hosts in our culture as well as some of the most hard-working people that you’ll ever meet.

How can others celebrate? 

Hispanics love to celebrate! Anyone can help celebrate by learning about different Hispanic cultures. Taking a genuine interest and asking questions is always the best way to learn, in my opinion. Supporting Hispanic artists, vendors, local businesses, and entrepreneurs helps celebrate cultural vitality. Even showing an interest in learning the language, no matter how little you may know, makes a difference. We encourage it!