I’m Shirlei Milder, and I’m from Brazil. I worked for Dell EMC from July 2013 to February 2015 and came back to Dell three years ago. Today, I act as the Regional Lead for Global Business Services, managing the Latin America region. As a result, most of my internal and external stakeholders are Hispanic and Latino. I learn a lot from them, which brings me closer to home.

On a more personal note, I’m a proud Latina mother of three children, a "Vó" (grandmother) to two beautiful boys, Ender (5-years-old) and Reirei (Reiden, 2-years-old) and a wife. I arrived in this amazing country 18 years ago, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to fulfill my American dream and be part of Dell.

Can you share a bit about your heritage and what Hispanic Heritage Month means to you?

Brazilians are considered Latinos and not Hispanic, and Hispanic Heritage Month primarily focuses on Spanish-speaking countries, while we Brazilians speak Portuguese. However, it still offers Brazilians an incredible opportunity to celebrate our own rich heritage and connect with the broader Latin American community. Hispanic Heritage Month is a beautiful cultural connection, an opportunity to celebrate common cultural ties and recognize the diversity within the Latin American community. To me, it represents inclusion, as it brings attention to Latin American cultures broadly, including Brazilian citizens. Latino or Hispanic are just labels, right? It’s another name for our community. I feel very much included when it comes to the Hispanic community.

What aspects of your culture do you wish people were more aware of or understood better?

I wish people understood that Brazilians, as part of the broader Latino community, are very proud of our heritage despite the language difference. We are all Latino!

Brazil has incredible regional diversity. We are a vast country with significant regional differences, from the Amazon rainforest and its indigenous cultures to the Afro-Brazilian heritage in Bahia. Recognizing this diversity is essential for a nuanced understanding of Brazilian culture. We have major urban centers like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte, as well as coastal areas and mountain ranges. We are a melting pot of cultures due to immigration from Europe, Africa and Asia, as well as Hispanic countries, which brings us all together. Brazil is a country of contrasts, with significant disparities in wealth, education and access to resources. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for a comprehensive view of Brazilian society.