Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanics at EPA

In the United States, Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15th to October 15th to honor the culture and traditions of people throughout the United States who trace their roots to Spain and Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

This year, EPA is highlighting some of our Latino employees who contribute daily to our mission of protecting human health and the environment. While science is at the root of the decision-making process of the agency, we need scientists, lawyers, economists, accountants, emergency responders, managers, inspectors, communicators and specialists in a wide range of issues to fulfill our mission. We appreciate their efforts in responding to the environmental challenges we face.

We hope that these profiles will serve as an inspiration to others who are interested in protecting our planet.

Together, we can work to make a difference in our communities to achieve a healthier and more sustainable environment for all.

Profiles of featured Latino employees:

Matthew Tejada, Director Office of Environmental Justice Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Washington, DC I am responsible for all of the managerial aspects of the office: personnel, budget, strategic planning, collaboration with other EPA offices, and grants. Read more about Matthew Tejada.
Evelyn Rivera-Ocasio, Environmental Engineer EPA Region 2 Caribbean Environmental Protection Division San Juan, Puerto Rico I am an inspector, checking that wastewater treatment plants operated by the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewage Authority (PRASA) comply with regulations. Read more about Evelyn Rivera-Ocasio.
Joel Corona, Economist Office of Water - Immediate Office Washington, DC I work for the Assistant Administrator and Deputy Assistant Administrator for Water on a variety of issues related to economics. Read more about Joel Corona.
Nadtya Y. Hong, Esq. Environmental scientist Latin America and Caribbean Team Office of International and Tribal Affairs Washington, DC I manage environmental cooperation programs in the Latin American and Caribbean regions, with a special focus in the Andean region (Peru, Chile and Colombia). Read more about Nadtya Hong.
Rafael DeLeon, Esq., Acting Director Office of Site Remediation Enforcement Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Washington, DC I am the Acting Director of the Office of Site Remediation Enforcement in the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. Read more about Rafael DeLeon.
Sally Gutiérrez, Director Environmental Technology Innovation Cluster Development and Support Program, Office of Research and Development Cincinnati, Ohio I work on a new effort to support the development of environmental technology innovation clusters, which are regional collaborations that promote economic growth and innovation. Read more about Sally Gutiérrez.
Tex Gómez, National Recruiter for Hispanics and People with Disabilities Human Capital Management Division Office of Administration and Resources Management Washington, DC I am the National Recruiter for Hispanics and People with Disabilities as well as the Chair of the Hispanic Employment Program Council. Read more about Tex Gómez.