Elva (Mariella) Maldonado is a center director at one of our Bright Horizons centers in Miami, Florida, and has been an educator for more than 36 years.

I’ve always had a love for learning and an understanding of the value of higher education. I have instilled those same values in my daughters. Both have earned college degrees and are making a positive impact on human rights and environmental issues.

Equally as important, I taught them to use their voices.

As director of a Bright Horizons center in Miami, I offer the same support to my teachers, many of whom are of Hispanic or Latino descent. For some of them, learning English is the first step in achieving their personal and professional goals, but they are each capable of much more. I was fortunate that a college degree was within financial reach but for many members of the Hispanic Latino community that isn’t the case.

Access to employer-sponsored educational assistance has been life-changing for my teachers. They flourish academically and grow personally and professionally as they continue to build their careers. Nothing pleases me more. We live in a diverse community and spreading knowledge and the benefit of education inspires — and elevates — everyone.

I’ve dedicated my career to empowerment through education, especially for Hispanic Latino populations. We have an important role in this country and need to share what we have to offer with the world.

Let’s use Hispanic Heritage Month to create lasting change

Hispanics will account for 78% of net new workers in the U.S. between 2020 and 2030. That means the future success of organizations is directly tied to the education and skill of the Hispanic Latino workforce.

According to WorkingNation, more than nine out of ten job postings (92%) in the United States now require some level of digital skills development. However, more than half of Latinos (57%) have low to no digital skills.

Hispanic enrollment at four-year colleges is at an all-time high but barriers to education, including affordability, remain for many.

This year, as we honor the histories and contributions of Hispanic and Latino cultures, let’s create a substantive wave of change. Help pave the way to learning by offering educational assistance to your workforce.

Whether it’s a two-year or four-year degree, vocational or technology training, providing education support signals that you are committed to investing in your team members professionally — and personally.

They will reciprocate by investing in your organization in a more meaningful way. It’s a win-win for everyone.