University of North Carolina Athletics
Latinx Heritage Month Spotlight: Jessica Naranjo
October 14, 2023 | Women's Gymnastics
Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month is an annual celebration of citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The event commemorates the history, culture and contributions of the Latinx and Hispanic communities.
In the final days of the month-long celebration, North Carolina gymnastics is spotlighting one of its own, sophomore Jessica Naranjo, who is part of the Latinx community while honoring how our diversity makes us stronger – in and out of the gym.
Meet Jess
Jessica "Jess" Naranjo is a sophomore from Hialeah, Florida. Both her mother, Yuleidi Herrera, and father, Carlos Naranjo, emigrated from Cuba when they were young adults. Jess is fluent in Spanish and has one older brother, Carlos.
How has your Latinx upbringing influenced your life?
My Latinx upbringing has influenced my life in so many different ways. It has instilled great values in me that I will forever cherish, like resilience and perseverance. I was brought up in a very loving and nurturing environment, in which friends were considered family and everyone supports and takes care of one another.
How do you stay connected to your culture and heritage?
I stay connected to my culture and heritage by cooking traditional meals, speaking Spanish daily to preserve my culture, playing dominos in family gatherings and dancing salsa.
In what ways do you celebrate your culture year-round?
I celebrate my culture year-round by getting together every Sunday for dinner at my grandma's house with my whole family, and even bringing friends sometimes. My grandma will cook typical dishes like yuca con mojo, rice and beans and pork while we share stories.
Is there a specific Latinx figure that you've idolized or has inspired you?
My mom and dad would have to be my Latinx figures that inspire me. My parents put in hard work and faced hardships so that they can give me everything they could not have. They push me to be better every day and are my biggest supporters.
What does Latinx Heritage Month mean to you?
Hispanic Heritage Month means acknowledging the struggles my family faced and being grateful to have been given so many opportunities by both of my parents who left Cuba to give my brother and I a better life.
Why is it important to celebrate Latinx Heritage month?
It is important to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month because it helps Hispanics stay connected to their roots and share their culture with others. While also allowing others to recognize how we have shaped the world around them.
Stay up to date with Carolina Gymnastics by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
In the final days of the month-long celebration, North Carolina gymnastics is spotlighting one of its own, sophomore Jessica Naranjo, who is part of the Latinx community while honoring how our diversity makes us stronger – in and out of the gym.
Meet Jess
Jessica "Jess" Naranjo is a sophomore from Hialeah, Florida. Both her mother, Yuleidi Herrera, and father, Carlos Naranjo, emigrated from Cuba when they were young adults. Jess is fluent in Spanish and has one older brother, Carlos.
How has your Latinx upbringing influenced your life?
My Latinx upbringing has influenced my life in so many different ways. It has instilled great values in me that I will forever cherish, like resilience and perseverance. I was brought up in a very loving and nurturing environment, in which friends were considered family and everyone supports and takes care of one another.
How do you stay connected to your culture and heritage?
I stay connected to my culture and heritage by cooking traditional meals, speaking Spanish daily to preserve my culture, playing dominos in family gatherings and dancing salsa.
In what ways do you celebrate your culture year-round?
I celebrate my culture year-round by getting together every Sunday for dinner at my grandma's house with my whole family, and even bringing friends sometimes. My grandma will cook typical dishes like yuca con mojo, rice and beans and pork while we share stories.
Is there a specific Latinx figure that you've idolized or has inspired you?
My mom and dad would have to be my Latinx figures that inspire me. My parents put in hard work and faced hardships so that they can give me everything they could not have. They push me to be better every day and are my biggest supporters.
What does Latinx Heritage Month mean to you?
Hispanic Heritage Month means acknowledging the struggles my family faced and being grateful to have been given so many opportunities by both of my parents who left Cuba to give my brother and I a better life.
Why is it important to celebrate Latinx Heritage month?
It is important to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month because it helps Hispanics stay connected to their roots and share their culture with others. While also allowing others to recognize how we have shaped the world around them.
Stay up to date with Carolina Gymnastics by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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