My name is Eliel Mares, and I am a software engineer at Dell Technologies. My role involves creating software to support our incident managers who handle the most impactful 1% of issues that our enterprise customers experience. Recently, my projects have started to incorporate AI, which will enhance our ability to predict and address these critical issues more effectively. I am excited to see what the future holds for Dell and how things evolve with these advancements.

Outside of work, I enjoy working on personal tech projects for my household and learning about AI. I even have a social media account with over 130k followers that revolves around generative AI. Additionally, I love playing pickleball, rock climbing and listening to EDM music. These hobbies help me stay balanced and bring a sense of adventure and rhythm to my life.

Growing up in the United States, I often faced the struggle of navigating a dual cultural identity. As a child, my Spanish wasn’t very good, and I couldn’t fully relate to my family’s experiences from Mexico, which made me feel like I stood out to them. At the same time, I struggled to accept my Mexican heritage because it made me feel like I stood out among my peers as well. At school and with friends, I was immersed in American culture. At home, my life was enriched with Mexican traditions. This blending of cultures sometimes led to a tug of war, with feelings of not fully belonging to either one. Over time, I learned to embrace and celebrate this unique aspect of my identity, understanding that I could honor both my Mexican roots and my American experiences.

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time of reflection and celebration for me. It serves as a powerful reminder of the diversity within the Hispanic community. The month highlights the unique experiences and contributions of Hispanic individuals, many of whom share similar cultural identity issues. It is a time to honor the rich history, culture and achievements of the Hispanic community while also acknowledging the challenges we face.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month has evolved for me over the years. Initially, it was a time to learn more about my roots and connect with my heritage. As I grew older, it became an opportunity to educate others about the richness of Mexican culture and the broader Hispanic experience. Now, I see it as a time to inspire younger generations of Mexican Americans to embrace their heritage with pride and confidence.