By Encouraging the Heart staff
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican tradition that honors the lives of loved ones who have passed. Rather than mourning, it is a time to celebrate their memory through vibrant colors, music, food, and stories. The holiday is built on the belief that our loved ones live on through remembrance and that by keeping their memory alive, they remain part of our lives. The spirit of this celebration was beautifully captured in the Disney-Pixar's Coco, which helped introduce many to the meaning and significance behind the holiday.
In that same spirit, the Encouraging the Heart (ETH) Committee hosted an ofrenda outside the Mariposa Room at the WRC office from October 29 through November 6. Staff were invited to submit photos of loved ones who have passed, either in person or by email, to be displayed on the altar. The display served as a space for reflection, appreciation, and connection, allowing everyone to share in a meaningful cultural tradition.
On the morning of November 6, staff gathered to enjoy fresh pan dulce and warm beverages provided by ETH. The shared experience created an atmosphere of togetherness, warmth, and gratitude, offering a moment to pause and honor the people and memories that shape who we are.
ETH chose to host this event to celebrate culture, inclusivity, and the importance of belonging at work. It was an opportunity to recognize the richness that diverse backgrounds bring to our department and to appreciate the traditions that connect us.
Many staff expressed gratitude for being part of a workplace that embraces and respects cultural celebrations. Events like this remind us that we are not only colleagues, but also a community that values compassion, understanding, and shared humanity.