# Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight:  Yanice Kovach

/ Published Sept. 17, 2021
Richmond, VA., 
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated across the nation every year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. The 2021 HHM observance theme “Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope,” celebrates Hispanic heritage and reflects on how great our tomorrow can be if we hold onto our resilience and hope. It encourages us to reflect on all past contributions Hispanics made and will continue to make in the future.  It is also a reminder that we are stronger together. DLA Aviation is honored to highlight Hispanic Americans who work daily to provide logistics support to America’s warfighters and other federal customers.

**My name is:**Yanice Kovach **I am:** a customer account specialist team lead for the Marine Corps Customer Facing Division of the Customer Operations DirectorateHow long have you worked for DLA? I have worked for DLA 17 plus years.**What does the 2021 Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?**This special emphasis month celebrating Hispanic Heritage means a lot to me. It means that we collectively celebrate and highlight the diversity, contribution and culture of those of Hispanic descent. 

**Tell us something unique about your heritage, country of origin or family traditions.**I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and moved to the states as a young adult. I keep all my childhood memories present especially during Christmas time and the holiday season. One of my favorite traditions as a kid was Three Kings Day. Every Jan. 6, we celebrate Three Kings Day. To many, this celebration is most commonly known as the celebration of Epiphany.  On Three Kings Eve, children will gather grass in shoe boxes and place beside their beds awaiting gifts from the Three Kings just as the Magi did when they visited Jesus when he was born.  As a family, we have built new traditions, but we continue to cherish those that keep us connected to our roots and culture in hopes that we can continue to pass it on for generations to come.

**In regard to this year’s HHM observance theme, “Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope,” what do you consider the most important cultural value for you and for those close to you?**Family is the most important value we have. We hold tightly to our own and support each other. Family dynamics of course play a role at times, but I personally think that the value we have on the family bonds we create allows us to keep our relationships close. Our culture in general is charismatic, warm and friendly. Our greetings never miss a great hug or a kiss on the cheek as it is our custom– of course, during our current pandemic situation this is a must “not do,” but it’s something that has always characterized us and has caught the attention of many of my non-Hispanic friends. 

**Tell us a little-known fact that most people do not know about you.**I am a creator at heart. I enjoy home projects, making memorable events when celebrating birthdays or gatherings and capturing moments with my camera. 

**What do you want the DLA Aviation workforce to take away from celebrating this particular month?**Celebrating HHM provides an opportunity for people of non-Hispanic descent to learn more about our culture, contributions and the growing influence it’s having in America.