From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, the U.S. observes Hispanic Heritage Month, a national observance that pays tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched the nation and society. For trustees and administrators of Texas’ public employee retirement systems, this month offers more than celebration. It’s a reminder that Hispanic firefighters, police officers, and municipal employees are not just part of the workforce—they make up a significant share of the members your funds serve and support into retirement.

Why It Matters to Trustees and Administrators

• Demographic Reality: Hispanic Texans account for nearly 40% of the state’s population. In some Texas cities, Hispanic representation in public safety roles is far higher—59% in the San Antonio Police and 82.3% in the El Paso Police.
• Member Engagement: Trustees are fiduciaries, but also communicators. Observances like Hispanic Heritage Month offer opportunities to highlight member stories, share resources, and demonstrate inclusivity.
• Future Planning: As Hispanic membership grows, boards must consider language access, culturally relevant communication, and targeted outreach to ensure equitable understanding of benefits.

Practical Steps for Pension Boards

• Include spotlights on Hispanic trustees, retirees, or staff in newsletters, blogs, and social media posts.
• Provide Spanish-language resources for member education and retirement planning.
• Partner with local Hispanic civic groups during this month to strengthen community trust.
• Track demographic trends in your membership and ensure governance decisions reflect this reality.

For TEXPERS System Members, Hispanic Heritage Month is more than a cultural observance—it’s an opportunity to strengthen trust, improve communication, and ensure that retirement systems remain responsive to the diverse workforce they serve.

About the Author: Allen Jones is the director of communications and event marketing for TEXPERS. He joined the Association in 2017. Before TEXPERS, he worked in the news media industry, producing content for newspapers, magazines, and online publications and leading newsrooms as an editor and publications manager. [email protected]   

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Editor’s Note: Portions of this article were drafted with assistance from artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support research and formatting. Final content was written and edited by TEXPERS staff to ensure accuracy, clarity, and relevance for our members.