Meet Michael Espinosa, who is the senior administrator for the Associate Lab Director for Biosciences Mary Maxon. As an employee for over three years, Espinosa appreciates the Lab’s diverse work culture, dynamic environment, and the opportunities to develop strong working relationships with colleagues.
As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, Espinosa answers three questions for Elements:
Is there any part of your culture you draw from to inform your work at the Lab?
As a self-proclaimed “mutt” (a person of multiple origins), what I draw from is empathy for others and understanding and acceptance of differences. This is what was shown to me as a light-skinned, red-headed little boy running around the urban Spanish neighborhoods of the southside of Chicago yelling “donde estas abuela!”
What are some of your favorite ways to connect with your culture?
My favorite way of connecting with my culture is by just talking with other people, even those that appear different from me. These conversations often break down the focus on “my culture” and evolves into a broader discussion about “our culture.”
Who are some of your cultural role models?
Mi abuela because she always worked so hard and made sacrifices for her family. She came to America from Mexico about a year before her children to get established, find a job, and make a home. When I was about seven years old, I remember mi abuela sitting at her kitchen table in the evenings to learn English from a friend. She worked tirelessly as a factory-worker making bowling bags. Mi abuela is my inspiration for when times get tough.