Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

A look inside TEKsystems as employees share stories about their heritage and how their career journeys have shaped them personally and professionally.

October 3, 2022

At TEKsystems, we’re committed to nurturing an inclusive workplace culture and welcoming diversity into every aspect of our business. For this series, we asked employees from the AdelanTEK Employee Network (EN)* to share their unique perspectives as we honor Hispanic Heritage Month.

Martin Sanchez, Jr.

One Seattle Team Lead / Northwest Employee Resource Group (ERG) Operations Lead/Co-Founder of AdelanTEK Employee Network, Team Lead for DWS, R&S, Telecom and TO, 7 years at TEKsystems

Lineage: Mexico

I grew up in a small agricultural town with parents who were undocumented farm workers that had left Mexico for a better life. Without knowing any English and having very few material possessions, they were able to show us what the American dream was all about. Through their resilience, work ethic and perseverance, they not only provided for my siblings and me but created opportunities for us that they never had.

Personal and professional growth materializes through daily reflection of my thoughts and actions, and this has made me into the man I am today. Did I impact a consultant or a colleague in a positive way? Did I help someone develop or progress in their career? Did I get 1% better than the day before? Finally, did I make my mom and dad proud today? When the answer is yes, I know that I have grown as a person and a professional.

TEKsystems has helped me fulfill my goals by giving me the opportunity to help people cultivate their dreams and change their lives. It has opened doors that I never imagined, such as leadership opportunities and access to influential, inspirational leaders. Most importantly, TEKsystems has provided a financial safety net for my family.

We founded AdelanTEK to provide networking, access, development and community for Hispanic/Latinx employees at TEKsystems. We wanted a space to acknowledge the unique challenges we face, and we wanted a platform to elevate and empower each other by recognizing personal and professional achievements. I am thrilled that we have accomplished that goal and beyond. We have created various mentorship opportunities and grown significant networking relationships, but most importantly, we have found lifelong friendships.

Magdaleny Soberanis-Depaz

Diversity Talent Specialist / Co-Lead AdelanTEK and Lead the Multicultural ERG (6 years) in NYC, 7 years at TEKsystems

Lineage: Mexico/El Salvador

My personal and professional journey has led me to grow in many directions. I’ve found growth in both tangible and intangible aspects of life, such as paying off debt and chipping away at my student loan repayments. Investing in my mental, spiritual and physical health has helped me remain focused while accomplishing my short and long-term goals, inspiring me to aim higher and to be unafraid of failure.

When I started at TEK systems, I had over $90K in student loans. I was overwhelmed but determined to be free of debt. I made small goals every week to start tackling payments with the help of my account manager at the time. The first time I saved up $10K, I immediately used it pay off my student loans, fueling my hunger to keep going. I saved every extra commission and every quarterly bonus that I made. I have now paid off 75% of my student loans and am continuing to make progress. I have had great mentors at TEK that took an interest in my development, and thanks to the support systems in my office, I continue to meet my professional goals.

As a first-generation American / college graduate / corporate worker, it was sometimes hard to find others with whom I could relate, so I was excited to join AdelanTEK to connect with colleagues with similar roots. Latinx have historically faced discrimination, microaggressions and lack of support in the workplace, so I am passionate about solving these problems by providing resources, support and community spaces such as AdelanTEK.