FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
Editor’s Note: The Defense Logistics Agency recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. In honor of Hispanics’ contributions to the agency’s global mission, DLA is highlighting Hispanic Americans who work daily to provide logistics support to the nation’s warfighters.
My name is: Amarilis Cartagena Rodriguez
I am: I am the strategic integration and analysis division chief for the chief of staff’s business management office. One of my biggest strategic initiatives is to establish a new center of excellence to support DLA Chief of Staff Eric Smith in his role of component portfolio manager for the medical- and facilities-related services, as well as other portfolio of services groups under his oversight. My team and I are very committed to meeting DLA’s mission, supporting both internal and external customers, and implementing agency-wide strategic initiatives with a focus on the acquisition of services. I have worked at DLA Headquarters, DLA Aviation and the Office of Naval Research, and have logistics experience in the private sector.
How long have you worked for DLA? I have worked at DLA for 15 years, but my total government service is almost 21 years. I find it very rewarding to be able to help others as I have during my career. I led efforts to stand up the DLA Acquisition Career Office. I am passionate about providing innovative solutions that help the workforce further develop and take advantage of opportunities for their career advancement. I am very proud to say I led this initiative, which continues to aid DLA’s workforce.
Describe your Hispanic background. I was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, and raised in the city of Caguas (about 20 minutes from the capital city of San Juan). Known as the island of enchantment, Puerto Rico is 100 miles long and 35 miles wide. The true charm of the island is the joyful and charismatic Puerto Rican people, known as the “Boricuas.” It may be a small island, but it is packed with a variety of hidden treasures, beautiful sites, rainforests, beaches with crystalline blue waters, lots of culture, contagious music, amazing food, highly talented people, and welcoming Boricuas.
Puerto Rico has been severely hit recently with major hurricanes in the last couple of years. Puerto Ricans are very resilient and worked together as a community to get the island back on its feet. I do miss it greatly! I try to go home and see my family as frequently as I can since most of them still reside in Puerto Rico.
Tell us something unique about your heritage. I have a very rich heritage comprised of a mixture of Taíno Indians, African, and Europeans mainly from Spain. The Taíno lived on the island of Puerto Rico in the 1200s. They called the island Borikén. It has beautiful beaches and rare, bioluminescent bays where you can see tiny organisms glowing in the water when they move. PR also has a very famous tropical rainforest called El Yunque, with many species to see and beautiful waterfalls to explore. An important symbol of Puerto Rico's culture is a very unique species, the coquí. The coquí is small-sized frog but mighty, making a unique sound (it sounds like “koh-kee”) that is very hard to ignore, particularly at night. I sometimes call my family just to hear that sound.
What are some traditions your ancestors passed on to you that you continue to embrace? My favorite tradition to celebrate is Three Kings Day or “Día de los Reyes.” Also known as the Epiphany, this is a Christian holiday is celebrated on Jan. 6 and represents the Biblical story of the three kings or wise men who followed the star of Bethlehem to bring gifts to baby Jesus. This tradition is our unique holiday that we still celebrate. Last year, my husband and I spread grass around the house, and the kids were trying to figure out how the kings’ camels got inside the living room to make such a big mess. It’s pure magic and joy that I want to continue to pass on.
What misconception about your heritage or country of origin would you like to correct? One of the misconceptions is that Puerto Rico is not part of the United States. Puerto Rico has been a territory of the United States since 1898, and Puerto Ricans have been U.S. citizens since 1917. I encourage everyone to visit PR. It’s a short plane ride, and you don’t need a passport to get there from the U.S. You’ll enjoy authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, culture, art, music, and shopping, plus similar restaurants, shop/retail you would find here. The English language is part of the education and curriculum, so the majority of Puerto Ricans speak both English and Spanish. We use the U.S. dollar as our currency.
What challenges remain for Hispanic Americans today? I think one of the challenges is representation. Hispanics are one of the largest groups of minorities. I am so grateful for all the opportunities DLA has given me throughout my career in supporting my professional development and advancement. I am currently in a leadership role, and there are just a few out there like me. I take this as a blessing and opportunity to represent the Hispanic community and be a role model for younger generations and my children. As a Latina, I want to inspire others and set up a pathway to encourage others like me to pursue their dreams and goals.
What does the theme “Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power and Progress in America” mean to you? There are many Latinos driving organizations, establishing their small business, working in government positions and in major leadership roles that are constantly making decisions to promote prosperity in America. The number of Hispanics in the U.S. continues to grow, and representation is more evident nowadays. I think it is important to foster education for younger generations. I also think we need to continue to preserve traditions and realize how important is to understand the power we hold to make a difference in someone’s life, inspire others and support other Hispanics in achieving their goals and dreams.
Why is it important to you that we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month? I am proud of sharing my culture with the world! Even though I am far away from home, I want my family to continue the traditions my ancestors have worked so hard to pass on and preserve. I am very proud to say I am both Puerto Rican and American. I think celebrating cultural diversity in the current environment we are living is very important for inclusion and to create awareness on how we can create the perfect fusion in this world, even with different cultural backgrounds. I have many friends from other Hispanic communities for which I show great appreciation and respect for their culture, values, art, traditions, food, music, and people.
Is there anything else you’d like to add? I encourage everyone to experience the rich culture and magic of the island of enchantment, Puerto Rico. If you do, I recommend you try our scrumptious bread “pan sobao,” a mofongo, some salsa dancing, a beach day, and at night enjoy the harmonies of the coquí. If you are a chocolate lover like me, try my favorite, Chocobar Cortés, where chocolate is the main star of their food, sweets, and drinks.