Care Rooted in Heritage: Hispanic Heritage Month

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Adventist Health Glendale is proud to spotlight the voices of our Latin American associates through Care Rooted in Heritage, a storytelling series that celebrates the connection between cultural identity and the way we care.

This series is an homage to the intersection of who we are and how we serve. At Adventist Health Glendale, we believe care is more than a profession — it’s deeply personal. It’s shaped by the values, traditions, and experiences we carry with us, influencing how we care for our patients, support our coworkers, and serve our community.

When we take a moment to look closer, we discover that more starts with understanding — understanding ourselves, one another, and the rich cultures that shape the ways we live, lead, and care.

In that spirit, we’re proud to share the reflections of several of our Latin American associates whose stories remind us that care, at its heart, is rooted in heritage. Their words reflect resilience, compassion, and a deep commitment to serving others, qualities that strengthen our mission and enrich our community every day.

Read on to learn how their heritage has shaped their careers

Meet Ingrid Concepcion, Administrative Director of Critical Care and Nursing Administration

"In Hispanic culture, caring for others and family through actions is more meaningful than words; cooking special dishes, showing support, and being present are highly important. Treating others like family, with respect, empathy, and hospitality, is how I show care for others, my colleagues, patients, and community. Most importantly, treating patients as we would want our own family treated has always stayed with me."

Meet Mesash "Del" Delgado-Zeledon, Clinical Informaticist

"An important part of Nicaraguan culture is rooted in a ‘Good Neighbor’ spirit — being welcoming, giving, and helping others comes naturally to us. We are peaceful people who enjoy providing comfort, one that begins at dawn and does not end at dusk. Wherever a Nicaraguan is present, friendship and family spirit will always be felt."

Meet Lili Landaverde, Manager of Wound Care and Hyperbaric Services

"Mexican and Guatemalan culture, like many others, is rooted in family and community — accepting others and treating all those who come through our doors as part of our family. At our centers, we see patients multiple times, sometimes daily, and these values are brought in our work. Our patients feel like they are part of our family. Some have even stayed in touch on social media, call just to say hello, or stop by to visit when they come for other procedures at Adventist Health Glendale."

Meet Jahdiel Matos, Chaplain

"In my Dominican culture, care is expressed through presence — being there, listening deeply, and showing warmth without rushing. As a chaplain, I bring that same spirit of ‘acompañamiento’ (journeying together). My Hispanic roots remind me that caring for someone is not just about meeting their needs, but also about honoring their dignity, their story, and their family. At Adventist Health Glendale, I see my role as extending the same hospitality and compassion my culture has taught me: to make people feel seen, heard, and never alone."

Meet Maggie Fajardo-Gutierrez, Caterer

"One of the values of my Mexican culture that I carry with me is a strong work ethic and respect. At Adventist Health Glendale, where we work with people from many different cultures and traditions, it’s important to me to be respectful of others and celebrate our differences while still maintaining my own cultural identity. My Mexican culture has taught me to live with gratitude and joy and to work hard and respect others."

Meet Chava Alejo, Lead Facilities Associate

"There is a saying in Spanish: 'Solo el pueblo salva al pueblo’ or ‘only the people save the people.’ The general sentiment is that community and the kindness we show each other are how we succeed and thrive together. Mexican culture emphasizes giving what we can to those in need, which directly aligns with the mission here at Adventist Health Glendale. That’s why I love coming to work every day — to be part of helping people feel better."

Meet Lazaro Mena, RN Director of Behavioral Health and Recovery

"One value I carry with me every day is ‘solidaridad’ or solidarity. I remember my parents always saying in Spanish, 'Hoy por ti, mañana por mí' ('Today for you, tomorrow for me'). That sense of mutual support is something I live by. Whether I am helping a team member through a tough shift or advocating for a patient, I know that at Adventist Health Glendale, we are in this together. These values from my Cuban heritage remind me that compassion is one of the most powerful tools we have in healthcare."