Topic: Diverse Views

Stephanie Hernandez, an Associate Media Buyer, has been with Cadent since January of this year. Growing up in Westchester County, Stephanie later received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Bridgeport. Prior to working at Cadent, Stephanie held positions at ICON International, Inc. And Canadian Media Sales.   

To learn more about Stephanie, check out our Q&A below.   

Hispanic Heritage Month is from September 15th to October 15th and serves as a month to celebrate the history and diversity of Hispanic cultures. It invites us to remember all the contributions Hispanic, Latina/o/e/x, and Afro-Latina/o/e/x people made in the past and will continue to make in the future. This year’s theme, “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation,” encourages us to ensure that all voices are represented and welcomed to help build stronger communities and a stronger nation.   

This month at Cadent, we spoke with some of our Hispanic, Latinx, and Afro-Latinx colleagues to learn more about who they are, their experiences in and out of the workplace, and what Hispanic Heritage Month means to them. 

Tell us about your role at Cadent. 

I’m currently an Associate Media Buyer for the Broadcast Department. My role is to construct TV media buys and send schedules to stations. 

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you? 

It’s a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the Latino and Hispanic American communities.  

Where can we find you when you’re not at work?   

I’m either at the movie theater watching the latest film that came out or spending time at home with my husband and dog! 

Are there any mentors or experiences that have shaped you – either professionally or personally? 

Dr. A was the chair president of the Mass Communications department in my college. He always pushed me to be the best version of myself. 

What do you feel helps to foster a culture of inclusion? How have you seen those behaviors and practices successfully put into action?    

I feel that food is the perfect example because we use food to celebrate and for comfort. Different foods evoke memories and emotions. Food can bring people together, in a community and also in the workplace. 

Do you have any favorite movies, books, music, or other cultural inspirations from Hispanic creators? 

One Disney movie that I relate to is Coco. It speaks to my Mexican heritage and the traditions that we follow. 

What advice would you give to a younger colleague or a younger version of yourself? 

There’s a solution to every problem, try your best not to stress, and enjoy the moment! 

Learn more about life at Cadent and see available roles on our Careers page. 

Samuel Castillo, a Media Assistant on the Media Buying team, has been with Cadent since August 2022. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in New York City, Samuel attended NYU, receiving his BA in History. Prior to working at Cadent, Samuel spent several years working in art galleries, where he gained firsthand in marketing and business operations. To learn more about Samuel, check out our Q&A below.   

Hispanic Heritage Month is from September 15th to October 15th and serves as a month to celebrate the history and diversity of Hispanic cultures. It invites us to remember all the contributions Hispanic, Latina/o/e/x, and Afro-Latina/o/e/x people made in the past and will continue to make in the future. This year’s theme, “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation,” encourages us to ensure that all voices are represented and welcomed to help build stronger communities and a stronger nation.   

This month at Cadent, we spoke with some of our Hispanic, Latinx, and Afro-Latinx colleagues to learn more about who they are, their experiences in and out of the workplace, and what Hispanic Heritage Month means to them. 

Tell us about your role at Cadent. 

As a Media Assistant, I assist Media Buyers in the scheduling and management of client orders and accounts. Eventually, I’ll grow into the role of a Buyer and handle my own accounts! 

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you? 

I appreciate how Hispanic Heritage Month enables people from different Hispanic and Latin cultures to celebrate their unique traits and values while connecting over unifiers such as language and food. 

Where can we find you when you’re not at work?   

Chowing down on a bowl of ramen downtown or shopping around St. Marks Place.  

What do you feel helps to foster a culture of inclusion? How have you seen those behaviors and practices successfully put into action?    

In my opinion, transparency and acknowledgment. It is important to communicate changes and what they mean for everyone, whether the situation is good or bad. 

Do you have any favorite movies, books, music, or other cultural inspirations from Hispanic creators? 

Junot Diaz was an important author during my formative years. Books like “Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao,” and “This is How You Lose Her,” helped me understand how to find balance between two cultures as an immigrant in the U.S. – by just being myself. 

What advice would you give to a younger colleague or a younger version of yourself? 

Ask questions and embrace the joy of learning and growing! 

Learn more about life at Cadent and see available roles on our Careers page. 

Allison Coston, a Senior Manager for Product Innovations, joined Cadent in March of this year. Growing up in Massachusetts, Allison attended Fitchburg State University and later earned her MBA in Information Systems at Fordham University. Prior to working at Cadent, Allison worked at AdTheorent as a product manager. Allison also served in the US Navy, specializing in ships’ radar, navigation, and communications equipment. To learn more about Allison, check out our Q&A below.   

Hispanic Heritage Month is from September 15th to October 15th and serves as a month to celebrate the history and diversity of Hispanic cultures. It invites us to remember all the contributions Hispanic, Latina/o/e/x, and Afro-Latina/o/e/x people made in the past and will continue to make in the future. This year’s theme, “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation,” encourages us to ensure that all voices are represented and welcomed to help build stronger communities and a stronger nation.   

This month at Cadent, we spoke with some of our Hispanic, Latinx, and Afro-Latinx colleagues to learn more about who they are, their experiences in and out of the workplace, and what Hispanic Heritage Month means to them. 

Tell us about your role at Cadent. 

In my current role, I get to work across many teams such as with Sales, Marketing, and Product. Getting to collaborate with colleagues during the Product development Lifecycle keeps me excited and engaged at work. Working on go-to-market plans, client onboarding, and analysis of product usage are some of the highlights that keep my days interesting. 

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you? 

I appreciate Hispanic Heritage Month because it dedicates time to celebrating, sharing, and learning more about different Hispanic cultures and traditions. There are more than 20 Latin American countries that have rich and diverse histories to explore. 

Where can we find you when you’re not at work?   

I love getting outside and being active! In the summer you can find me kayaking, biking, or hanging at the beach. In the winter, I’ll be in the mountains as often as time allows. I’m also a foodie who loves trying new restaurants and sharing a good meal with friends and family. 

Are there any mentors or experiences that have shaped you – either professionally or personally? 

Over the years, I have greatly benefited from formal and informal mentorship. I am always inspired by people who are authentic and true to their words. Honest leaders with a strong vision and willingness to support their teams are qualities I value in my mentors. A good sense of humor also goes a long way. 

What do you feel helps to foster a culture of inclusion? How have you seen those behaviors and practices successfully put into action?    

Being in a workplace that values and celebrates the contributions of its employees is important. Additionally, I think it’s crucial for organizations to create space for their members to have opportunities to be open, curious, and learn from peers who have different backgrounds and perspectives than their own. Cadent’s ERGs are a great place to see these values implemented. 

Do you have any favorite movies, books, music, or other cultural inspirations from Hispanic creators? 

There are so many talented Hispanic creators, that it’s hard to choose! Some of my favorite artists are Victoria Villasana (@villanaart) and José Parlá (@joseparla). I also love listening to Bachata and dancing to Salsa music — it’s nearly impossible to not have a great time! 

What advice would you give to a younger colleague or a younger version of yourself? 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you need help or support, be open to receiving constructive feedback, and seek mentorship from people who inspire you. 

Learn more about life at Cadent and see available roles on our Careers page. 

February is Black History Month. Over the course of the month, Cadent has dedicated time to celebrating the accomplishments, stories, and legacies of those in the Black community. It is important to remember the efforts, events, and people that combated inequality and promoted success among Black Americans. This February also marks the first full year of Cadent’s Black employee resource group, the Black Employee Network (BEN)! 

Recently, members of the BEN team visited the African American Museum in Philadelphia to understand how it connects black history with the community. Below, Khadijah Freeman, Senior Support Analyst, and DiShawn Vance, Talent Acquisition Specialist share their reflection on the group’s experience at the museum. 

Khadijah: I had a great day at the AAMP. The first thing that stood out to me was simply how much I didn’t know. Philadelphia has a rich history – one that goes far beyond William Penn, Independence Hall, and the Liberty Bell. While America was being formed in the 18th century, Philadelphia was the center of the abolitionist movement and had the largest free Black population.  

It was powerful to see the virtual storytelling, as it evoked the deep emotion and excitement that you can’t always get from reading a page in a book. 

We finished our visit by viewing the contemporary art display. I could look at this particular drawing (below) all day.  

Overall, it was a fantastic experience, and I encourage all ‘Colors and Classes’ to visit. 

DiShawn: My time in the museum ended up being more than just learning about some of the hardships Black people have endured – it was about resilience and inspiration.   

I got to know about people like James Forten, an African American abolitionist and wealthy businessman in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was born free in the city and became a sailmaker after the American Revolutionary War. It was said that the people of Philadelphia didn’t like him because he hired individuals of all races to work in his shop. He cared nothing about skin color, but instead focused on a person’s integrity and work ethic.    

Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield was an American singer considered the best-known Black concert artist of her time. She was freed but went back to work for her mistress (slave owner’s wife) because it was the only life she’d known, but Elizabeth continued to entertain others through song. She went on to perform in front of large crowds. However, in some spaces, she’d tell her loved ones not to attend because they would be called slurs.    

The Black History theme for 2023 is Resilience, and during the tour, I saw that throughout history, many people looked at Black people for what they could do for them rather than who they were. People in our community suffered from unfortunate situations yet despite these obstacles, they still chose to sing, paint, and educate themselves. They stayed resilient and built a culture around being themselves, continuing to look for something better for themselves and their families.    

The museum shows a time-lapse of how we’ve evolved from belonging to someone to living for ourselves. The people of the Black community invented machines, technology, and hygiene products, as well as beautiful works of art, music, and more. It’s an inspiration to see how we stay humble and live in our truth. I learned that sometimes, you must go through painful situations to pave a way for those that come after you. 

Learn more about life at Cadent. 

Sergio Flores, Sales Planner for our cable division, has been with Cadent for less than a year and has already started to make an impact. Starting a new job while most of the team was remote was no small task, but Sergio took It upon himself to build connections with his coworkers. To learn more about Sergio, check out our Q&A below.  

Hispanic Heritage Month is from September 15th to October 15th and serves as a month to celebrate the history and diversity of Hispanic cultures. It invites us to remember all the contributions Hispanic, Latina/o/e/x, and Afro-Latina/o/e/x people made in the past and will continue to make in the future. This year’s theme, “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation,” encourages us to ensure that all voices are represented and welcomed to help build stronger communities and a stronger nation.  

This month at Cadent, we spoke with some of our Hispanic, Latinx, and Afro-Latinx colleagues to learn more about who they are, their experiences in and out of the workplace, and what Hispanic Heritage Month means to them. 

Tell us about your role.  

I work on the cable side of Cadent as a Sales Planner. I assist Account Executives with building linear TV plans for the agencies they work with. In my day-to-day work, I also help with reporting, invoicing, and communicating campaign information to the agencies. I’ve been at Cadent for 9 months and have learned so much in a short period of time. It’s been an amazing experience getting to work alongside people with so much experience and knowledge, it’s something that genuinely excites me. 

What has been your career journey?  

My career journey has been like a road trip – multiple stops and many bumps along the way, but thankfully, I eventually found the path that I’m on today. I’ve done everything from work as a shift supervisor at Starbucks to construction, to hotel front desk reception, to cold calling. Most recently, I worked at Yelp and was able to get my foot in the door as a sales assistant for direct response campaigns. Early in my career, I didn’t yet understand why I had to go through the challenges I experienced while trying to establish my career. I thought, ‘If I have my college degree, that should be enough to secure a job in the field I want,” but I quickly learned, it’s not that simple. Now that I’m older, I can appreciate that each opportunity helped me become who I am today.  

Are there any mentors or experiences that have shaped you – either professionally or personally?  

I have been blessed to have had people in my life that have taken me under their wing and have provided advice, opportunities, hard truths, and an example of where hard work can take you. Two people that come to mind are my mom and my dad. I am a first generation American – my mom and dad came to the U.S. from Mexico at a young age. Seeing them maneuver through all the trials and tribulations of life with minimal resources or support, traversing life in a country that was foreign to them, showed me that if you want something and you work hard, there is nothing you can’t accomplish. Seeing my parents’ journey allowed me to understand that no hurdle is too high and that excuses are not an option. That go-getter mentality has helped me make strides in my career and pushes me to continue to be better every day. 

Where can we find you when you’re not at work?   

During the week, you’ll most likely find me at the gym. On the weekends, I’ll be walking around the city with my headphones in – and maybe a shopping bag or two. I love New York and try to experience any new restaurant, bar, or outdoor activity I can. One of my favorite things to do if I had a stressful day or week is throw on some music and walk along the water, here in Manhattan. It is something I used to do when I was struggling with something, and I continue to do it to keep me grounded and remind me of how far I have come. 

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?  

To me, Hispanic Heritage Month is a beautiful way to honor my heritage, my family and our journey. It also allows us to show all Latinos/Latinas growing up in America that we are here, we are an important part in American culture, and we deserve to be represented and acknowledged. 

In Hispanic households, we carry our heritage with pride, but one thing I notice is that as we continue to grow and immerse ourselves in American culture, we can forget or lose some of the traditions and values that make us unique. I think Hispanic Heritage month gives us a chance to reconnect and feel proud of who we are and where we come from. 

What do you feel helps to foster a culture of inclusion? How have you seen those behaviors and practices successfully put into action? 

What helps foster a culture of inclusion is taking the time to get to know one another, regardless of whether they speak a different language, eat different foods, or listen to music that is different than you. I think if more of us take the time to truly understand the person next to us, we’ll realize that we might look or sound different, but ultimately, the values instilled in us by our families and communities are often the same. I was brought up on a foundation of respect, family, and togetherness, which are pillars that can be found in many people’s upbringing, regardless of their background.  

Cadent choosing to highlight something like Hispanic Heritage Month, by bringing in speakers that we can relate to, and even publishing this blog series, is an amazing step in the right direction. It’s about conversation and opening the opportunity to ask questions, even if it’s uncomfortable. Ultimately, if we can make space for those conversations to be had, the next steps are to create solutions and take action. In the short time that I have been working here, Cadent has done a great job of fostering those conversations.   

What challenges do you feel are faced by the Hispanic, Latina/o/e/x, and Afro-Latina/o/e/x communities in the U.S. today and what growth do you hope to see in the future?   

One of the challenges that is still being faced by Hispanic and Latino people in these communities is that there are lingering misconceptions – especially in the workplace. There are pre-conceived notions about Hispanics and Latinos, and the types of work they should be doing. For instance, when I talk to my family and friends about what I do – working in an office in Manhattan – it’s like I’m this big, important person, and it’s because they grew up believing that they can’t possibly ‘make it.’ The idea of working at an office with benefits, time off, and other things like that, seems so distant.  

In the Hispanic and Latino community, we don’t always have time to wait for the right job. Many of us have families of our own at a younger age, or have parents, grandparents, or siblings we need to take care of. In that situation, the one thing on our mind is survival – ‘How am I going to pay rent or buy groceries this month?’ Basically, our whole lives, we’ve been told that there’s one way to work and that’s at 100 MPH for 40, 50, 60 hours a week. It’s because of this mentality that we tend to sell ourselves short and miss certain job opportunities.  

What I hope to see in the future is more Hispanics and Latinos/Latinas breaking out of the bubble and challenging themselves to grow in a field they are passionate about. The more examples there are of what we can accomplish, the more the message will spread. I am always in awe of how much we can accomplish with so little, but I still hope that as time goes on, more opportunities will open.  

What has been your proudest moment at Cadent?  

One of my proudest moments at Cadent has been being able to connect with my coworkers and earning their trust and respect as a professional. When I first got here, I put pressure on myself to prove my worth so that the company felt like they made the right decision in hiring me. I’m not going to lie – I was nervous at first. Like others with a similar background, being a first-generation Mexican American, I had a chip on my shoulder and felt I had to work 10 times harder so I wouldn’t look bad and wouldn’t make our people look bad.  

It’s something I’ve talked about with other people who feel like me. The idea that I’m not only representing myself when I come into work, but that I also represent my family, other Mexican Americans, and even more broadly, all Hispanics and Latinos/Latinas who are trying to make it in the corporate world. I would never want to leave a bad impression of myself or them, so I work to show that we can do just as good a job as anyone else and that more of us should be welcome in professional environments. 

What advice would you give to a younger colleague or a younger version of yourself? 

I like this question because I truly wish I could go back and tell 21- or 22-year-old Sergio that everything is going to turn out fine! But, to those who are on the same journey I was on just a few years ago, I would tell them to enjoy it – as hard as it may be – and that one day you’ll appreciate these experiences because they have helped you get to where you want to be. I truly believe that if it were not for those early trials and tribulations, the frustrations, the pressure put on me to ‘make it,’ I wouldn’t be who I am today. I also may not have valued the opportunities given to me as much as I do now.  

My advice would be to keep challenging yourself, don’t be afraid of being uncomfortable, and don’t be afraid to ask someone for help! For so long, I was so focused on doing it all on my own that I failed to realize that I had people in my corner, ready to help me out when I needed it. 

‘Look at all we are able to accomplish with so little,’ is a thought that drives me to not give up. My hope for the next generation is that career opportunities come in abundance and resources to help them get there will be more readily available.  

Learn more about life at Cadent and see available roles on our Careers page. 

Bernardo de la Cruz, Manager of Service and Support for IT joined Cadent in 2018. Over the last four years, Bernardo has established himself as not only a key member of the IT team, but of Cadent as a whole, helping all our employees with their work equipment and software needs. To learn more about Bernardo, check out our Q&A below.    

Hispanic Heritage Month is from September 15th to October 15th and serves as a month to celebrate the history and diversity of Hispanic cultures. It invites us to remember all the contributions Hispanic, Latina/o/e/x, and Afro-Latina/o/e/x people made in the past and will continue to make in the future. This year’s theme, “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation,” encourages us to ensure that all voices are represented and welcomed to help build stronger communities and a stronger nation.  

This month at Cadent, we spoke with some of our Hispanic, Latinx, and Afro-Latinx colleagues to learn more about who they are, their experiences in and out of the workplace, and what Hispanic Heritage Month means to them. 

Tell us about your role.   

I’m currently the Service and Support Manager for the IT Department. My role is to make sure incoming incidents and requests are answered and resolved in a timely manner and to help improve our support services. 

Where can we find you when you’re not at work?   

I’m either cooking at home or on my way to one of my go-to restaurants… But, if it’s not food related, I’m taking a walk or just spending time at home. 

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?   

This month represents a time of reflection for me. I am reminded that I am here as a result of the hard work of those who came before me. The impact the Hispanic American community has in this country is very clear, and we are reminded of it daily – although we may not always realize it. 

Do you have any favorite movies, books, music, or other cultural inspirations from Hispanic creators?   

Paulo Coelho’s books have had a big influence on me – I only wish I had started reading his works sooner to get that bit of inspiration that has since helped me pursue my career. 

What do you feel helps to foster a culture of inclusion? How have you seen those behaviors and practices successfully put into action?  

For me, food is a driving force for cultural inclusion. Wanting to experience different cuisines, I have an open mind about others and where they’re from. Where would New York be without its diverse restaurant options? It’s one of the only places in the world where you can go to one restaurant a day, for the rest of your life, and still not have visited all of them.  

What has been your proudest moment at Cadent?  

My job is heavily focused on customer service, so getting to know almost everyone at Cadent is something that makes me proud. It’s important for me to speak with and help as many people as possible, and make sure that they know my team is here to help them. 

What advice would you give to a younger colleague or a younger version of yourself?  

Don’t sweat the small details, follow your gut, and write everything down – everything you learn to do, every way to fix any number of problems, or who manages/supports a particular item. Also, a bit of empathy goes a long way. Someone else’s success may seem out of reach, but that’s only because you don’t know the circumstances that allowed them to get there. Yours will be different. 

Learn more about life at Cadent and see available roles on our Careers page. 

Hispanic Heritage Month is from September 15th to October 15th and serves as a month to celebrate the history and diversity of Hispanic cultures. It invites us to remember all the contributions Hispanic, Latina/o/e/x, and Afro-Latina/o/e/x people made in the past and will continue to make in the future. This year’s theme, “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation,” encourages us to ensure that all voices are represented and welcomed to help build stronger communities and a stronger nation.   

Jake Cordero, a Media Analyst for Broadcast Operations, joined Cadent just last month but has already become an integral member of the team. This month at Cadent, we spoke with some of our Hispanic, Latinx, and Afro-Latinx colleagues to learn more about who they are, their experiences in and out of the workplace, and what Hispanic Heritage Month means to them. To learn more about Jake, check out our Q&A below.    

What has your career journey been?  

My career journey has been a fun and exciting one! I began working for Univision in the Local Traffic Department, working in various other departments as the years went on. My favorite part was working with our promotions team and going to all the fun events where we interacted with the community. I joined Cadent in August of this year, so I look forward to seeing where this role takes me.
 
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you? 

Hispanic Heritage month is a good time to remember and acknowledge all the accomplishments of our ancestors and how they helped shape this nation. It is also a great time to be thankful we live in a country where we can speak our language, practice our traditions, and celebrate our differences. Hispanics do not have one culture, we are a community of many different traditions, and we should celebrate them all. 

What do you feel helps to foster a culture of inclusion? How have you seen those behaviors and practices successfully put into action?  

Treating everyone with respect and acknowledging our differences but ultimately understanding, we have more in common than we think.  

What challenges do you feel are faced by the Hispanic, Latina/o/e/x, and Afro-Latina/o/e/x communities in the U.S. today and what growth do you hope to see in the future?   

Everyone has challenges and Hispanic Americans are no different. What concerns us is very similar to what concerns most American – the economy, the rising cost of higher education, our health, equality, and most importantly, in my opinion, opportunity. However, Hispanic Americans have always proven to be an active, important part of our society and I hope that continues with the next generation. 

What advice would you give to a younger colleague or a younger version of yourself? 

I would encourage my younger self to learn more about personal finances. U.S.-born Hispanics still have an 11-percentage-point gap in financial literacy compared to non-Hispanic whites. Learning the consequences of debt, the importance of saving, and even the impact of something as simple as a budget could have helped me tremendously in my younger years. 

Learn more about life at Cadent and see available roles on our Careers page.