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The Tech Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15, 2025
Highlighting STEAM leaders
- Related Topics:
- STEM,
- Tech Partners,
- In the Community,
- Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor the vibrant culture, history, and contributions of Hispanic and Latine* communities. It begins on September 15, a date that honors the independence of several Latin American countries, and is celebrated through October 15. At The Tech, we’re proud to highlight and celebrate the achievements of Latine STEAM leaders, both locally and around the world.
(*There are many terms for those whose identities are connected to Latin America and/or Spanish-speaking cultures. At The Tech, we first defer to individual preferences then use “Latine” as our default based on community feedback; it is both gender inclusive and rooted in the Spanish language.)
Pedro Linares López
Pedro Linares López was a Mexican folk artist who first gained international acclaim for his papier-mâché (cartonería) skeletal figures known as calaveras. In the mid 1940’s while he was ill and bedridden, he started making vibrant figures based on animals he saw in vivid dreams. Alebrijes became powerful symbols in Mexican culture representing spiritual guides, protectors, and the colorful balance between life and death. Blending elements of fine art and folk art, they continue to be iconic symbols of Mexican folk tradition, recognized and celebrated around the world.
Pedro received the National Prize for Arts and Sciences in 1990, which is the highest honor awarded to artisans by the Mexican federal government. Leonardo Linares, Pedro’s grandson, is carrying on his family’s legacy of Mexican cartonería today. His alebrijes bring to life fantastical creatures that blend elements of both real animals and mythical beings.
Come and see the stunning exhibition of towering alebrijes around Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park in front of The Tech Interactive through September 28. The display is part of a national tour celebrating Oaxaca as a vibrant symbol of Mexico’s artistic and cultural heritage.
Ricardo Legorreta
Every day, visitors step into a vibrant mango and azure-colored building that houses The Tech Interactive. We’re proud to honor the legacy and vision of its architect, Ricardo Legorreta, whose work reflects a deep connection to his Mexican heritage. Known for his bold use of color, geometric forms, light-filled spaces, fountains, and serene patios, Legorreta brought warmth and energy to every project. The mango hue he selected for our building was chosen to evoke joy and create a welcoming atmosphere for all who enter.
Architects like Legorreta show how art and design work together with science, technology, engineering, and math. Architects use what they know about building structures, materials, and space to design buildings that are both practical and beautiful. By mixing creative ideas with technical skills, architecture becomes a powerful example of STEAM.
Legorreta said, this is “so that the people of San Jose will feel welcome and want to come back. Color is part of the life and culture of Mexico. It's not only natural, but I can't live without it."
Giselle Alvarez
Giselle Alvarez is a first-generation college graduate from UC Berkeley who explores how traditional Indigenous knowledge can be integrated into artificial intelligence to create more inclusive approaches to data. She is working on a project that is using AI to revitalize Indigenous languages, specifically focused on Nahuatl. Giselle is the Founder of Tequani AI, where she builds tools aimed at improving health outcomes for Indigenous and BIPOC communities. She is also the Co-Founder of Sanitas AI, which develops platforms for data analysis and machine learning.
Giselle earned her BA in Data Science and Native American Studies and is currently focused on furthering her education to do a better job in using AI tools for Health. She is committed to using technology for social impact and community-driven innovation. In 2021, Giselle became a Latinos in Technology Scholar by the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley. She continues to give back as a guest speaker and volunteer for STEM programs such as Community Day at The Tech Interactive and the STEM for Success Scholar Chat series.
Sonny Madrid
Sonny Madrid was a local innovator in the arts who attended San Jose City College (SJCC), San Jose State University (SJSU), and UC Santa Cruz (UCSC). He co-founded Lowrider magazine, blending his love for custom cars with art, satire, fashion, and politics. A lowrider is a customized car with a lowered body, a style that began among Mexican American youth back in the 1940s. The term also refers to the driver and their involvement in lowrider car clubs—an enduring part of Chicano culture that gained popularity around the world. The detailed design, customization, and mechanics of lowrider cars draw from artistic, technological, and engineering innovation.
In addition to his contributions to the “art on wheels” movement, Sonny was a passionate social justice advocate. He was deeply involved in a wide range of causes to bring people together and keep Chicanos informed about the challenges facing their community. His creative spirit and commitment to unity helped San Jose become the cruising capital of Northern California—a place where activism, art, and community came together.
Interested in creating a STEAM lesson plan or classroom project around the topic of lowrider culture? Check out this Lowrider design challenge resource!
Learn more historical facts about the lowrider movement here.
CALL TO ACTION:
Help make an impact this Hispanic Heritage Month and every month by supporting our local community in the following ways:
- Explore Latine art, culture, and local events while supporting non-profits:
- Be an active ally and confront bias!
- Help promote programs and outreach initiatives that encourage young students within the Latine community to get excited about STEM education and careers.
- Check out resources like the National Museum of the American Latino to learn more about the rich history and individual contributions of Latine folks.