Hispanic voices
At the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), we promote and practice inclusive innovation at all levels. Whether it’s reaching out to our stakeholders, nurturing our internal employee culture, or telling the story of how some of America’s coolest inventions were created; we know that innovation and diversity go hand in hand.
One way we promote and practice the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is through our integrated Hispanic outreach strategy that amplifies Hispanic voices.
As part of this strategy, we:
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Engage in ongoing outreach activities relating to the Hispanic community, such as nationwide recruitment at universities including Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) and Emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (e-HSIs).
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Observe National Hispanic Heritage Month with fun and informative events and activities.
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Support Voluntary Employee Organizations (VEOs) that focus on Hispanic professionals.
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Spotlight Hispanic team members for the leaders, innovators, risk-takers, and influencers they are.
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Ensure key intellectual property resources and programs offered to the public are available in Spanish.
Outreach and recruitment
We regularly participate as an exhibitor and provide speakers from our professional staff for national conferences hosted by the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA), the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). Our Diversity Program conducts quarterly “Find & Apply” employment webinars for university students, federal employees, and the public.
Our Office of Policy and International Affairs, the Office of Innovation Outreach, and the Office of Education Outreach also engage in efforts to reach out to the Hispanic community nationwide. Learn more about our events that advance equity.
Hispanic Heritage Month
Each year, the USPTO honors National Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place September 15 to October 15. Officially established by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968, the month is an annual celebration of Hispanic American history, culture, and other achievements. In the days leading to the start of the heritage month, we also recognize Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Week with a keynote event and collateral activities.
Volunteer Employee Organizations (VOEs)
The USPTO is also home to several VEOs—also known as Employee Resource Groups—that are focused on the Hispanic community.
SHPE-USPTO
The first U.S. government professional chapter of Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), SHPE-USPTO, was founded at our agency in 2009. SHPE’s programs foster the professional, educational, and cultural support that members rely on for career advancement and success at the USPTO. SHPE is also committed to outreach activities that inspire and encourage local students to study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, such as the annual Noche de Ciencias/Night of Science event that draws more than 500 students, parents, and educators every year; the ReSET (Raising Excitement for Science, Engineering and Technology) Program; and the Building Better Futures Program. Learn more about SHPE-USPTO.
Latinos in Trademarks
Latinos in Trademarks (LIT), established in 2023, is the newest VEO in the agency. LIT aims to educate others about the diverse cultural heritage of the Latino community to reduce workplace bias and highlight the struggles and achievements of Latinos; support the agency’s DEIA goals; and assist LIT members in enhancing their careers through professional development, mentoring, networking, and other opportunities.
Meet our team members
You can meet other USPTO team members on our Who we are page, which includes stories of the career journeys of a variety of USPTO professionals, including Hispanic professionals.
You can also hear more of our employee quotes and celebratory moments by following us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.