Diversity speaker Cindy Fernandez spoke to Robert Morris students this past Thursday about how life is better when you add some “sazon (spice).”

“For me, sazon is what makes me stand out. That little bit of me that I bring, that I choose to share with others. That’s my sazon. And on top of that it is what you do to make your life taste a little better,” said Fernandez.

Fernandez, originally from the Dominican-Republic, moved to New Jersey when she was 13 years old. When her family came to New Jersey, she lived in a Latino community so her culture was not completely disrupted.

With coming from a different culture and being integrated into the American culture, Fernandez discussed what she dealt with being in the minority.

One of the biggest changes for Fernandez was going to college and studying to be an engineer. Not only was she in the minority culture, but sometimes she would be the only female in her classes.

Bringing back her culture, she decided to join the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, but found that she was still the only female most of the time. Fernandez then joined Lambda Theta Alpha, a Latina sorority founded in 1975.

After moving to Pittsburgh, Fernandez became the producer and host of a Latino radio show, La Rumba, along with being on-air talent for WQED Pittsburgh and other jobs. She has also gotten involved in leading the western PA area’s Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers.

“She is making a spot for Hispanics here in Pittsburgh, which is actually one of the smaller growing populations in the city , and so through her work she is actually making a spot for Hispanics and a lot of other Hispanics to come in to work,” said Victoria Snyder, Director of Multicultural Student Services.

Fernandez was brought in as part of Robert Morris celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month which runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. Robert Morris will continue to celebrate the month with various activities for students to attend and participate.

Be sure to watch for the next diversity speaker in the series.