Spotlighting Hispanic and Latinx Team Members: Patrick Gonzales
At Vireo Health, we pride ourselves on the diversity of our team, and on our ongoing commitment to social equity initiatives including expungement clinics, fundraising for Last Prisoner Project, and a creating educational programming for our team members and communities.
Of our more than 500 employees, more than 100 identify as Hispanic or Latinx, ranging from our retail and cultivation teams right up to our Chief Operating Officer, Christian Gonzalez. Diversity has been a cornerstone of our culture since our earliest days (for example we were the first cannabis company to sign the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion pledge), and we believe celebrating the diversity among our team members and our communities makes us a stronger company and a better community partner.
National Hispanic Heritage Month is held each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 to celebrate the history, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. Originally designated by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week, the recognition was expanded to 30 days in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan. Running from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, it also encompasses the dates that Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico and Chile celebrate the anniversary of their independence.
Our Hispanic and Latinx team members are an important and valued part of our team! As we recognize Hispanic Heritage Month, we want to take this time to celebrate Hispanic heritage and our team members who identify as Hispanic and Latinx. As part of that effort, Vireo’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council is highlighting our Hispanic and Latinx teammates, as well as Hispanic business leaders in the cannabis industry.
Our first interview is with Patrick Gonzales, one of our own cultivation technicians in New Mexico. Patrick has also worked as a Patient Care Coordinator, and has himself experienced the benefits of plant medicine!
The DEI Council was excited to catch up with Patrick and ask about his experiences helping patients find relief in the cannabis industry, and about what Hispanic Heritage Month means to him.
Hi Patrick! Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from? Where do you live now? Do you have family you want to mention?
Hello! My name is Patrick Gonzales, and I was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I grew up in Grants, New Mexico, and I’m currently living in Gallup, but my dad’s roots come from Cubero, New Mexico.
When did you start at Vireo/Green Goods, and what is your title?
I started working for Vireo Health on Sept. 7, 2020, as a Patient Care Coordinator. I’m now a Cultivation Technician.
What made you interested in the cannabis industry?
My interest in the cannabis industry was sparked when I was a patient. I loved how cannabis helped me and my family members, and I wanted to be a part of that magic and make the medicine that’s helped so many people.
What do you like about working at Vireo/Green Goods?
I love my entire team here at Vireo. They have all made it a safe, comfortable and great workplace. All of the management team go above and beyond for their employees when they can.
How does it make you feel to help patients find relief?
Helping my patients find relief is one of the best feelings in the world. Knowing that I can take someone’s pain away just by doing what I love to do is amazing.
What are your favorite activities or hobbies outside of work?
In my downtime outside of work, I love to tend to my home grow, and to spend time with my wife and three kids.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
Hispanic Heritage Month never meant much to me as a child, but as I got older and learned more about my dad’s culture, I have become more intrigued. I love to learn more every day about the culture and foods and traditions.
Are there any unique challenges to being of Hispanic heritage in the cannabis industry?
I personally have not faced any challenges being Hispanic in the cannabis industry. Everyone has welcomed me in with open arms and loving hearts.
Are there any other quotes or stories about working in cannabis or at Vireo/Green Goods that you want to share?
I look forward to many great years with this amazing company!
Thank you, Patrick, for taking the time to share your story with us! Look out for more profiles of our Hispanic and Latinx team members throughout Hispanic Heritage Month!