Pioneering change: Hispanic Heritage Month event highlights

Published on: October 16, 2026 By: Brhea Washington

Hispanic event gallery banner — At UT Southwestern’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, panelists discuss how to effect change through opportunity, education, and service. From left are moderator Larissa Velez, M.D., Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education and Professor and Vice Chair for Education in the Department of Emergency Medicine, and speakers Antonio Carrillo, President and Chief Executive Officer for Arcosa Inc.; Carlos Girod, M.D., Associate Vice President of Parkland Health and Hospital System Affairs and Professor of Internal Medicine at UTSW; and Miguel Solis, President for The Commit Partnership.

The UT Southwestern community came together Sept. 30 for an afternoon of meaningful conversation, culture, and connection in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The event highlighted this year’s theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” with a panel discussion exploring topics of innovation, resilience, and unity.

Panelists included Carlos Girod, M.D., Associate Vice President of Parkland Health and Hospital System Affairs and Professor of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern; Antonio Carrillo, President and Chief Executive Officer for Arcosa Inc.; and Miguel Solis, President for The Commit Partnership. Larissa Velez, M.D., UTSW Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education and Professor and Vice Chair for Education in the Department of Emergency Medicine, served as moderator.

Hosted by the Office for Institutional Opportunity, the celebration also featured a traditional folk music performance by Peruvian American guitarist Pepe Valdez and complimentary light bites of Hispanic dishes.

Endowed Titles:

Dr. Girod holds the Ron Anderson, M.D. Professorship in Clinical Care and Education at Parkland Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Velez holds the A. Compton Broders III, M.D. Chair in Emergency Medicine.

Select an image to begin the slideshow.

Reflecting on his journey from Mexico to becoming a business leader in the U.S., Mr. Carrillo, center, discusses the significance of recognizing potential in others. “The key as a leader is not only how you tap into the talent and ideas your team has but creating an environment and culture where it can flourish,” he said.

Shawna Nesbitt, M.D., M.S., Vice President and Chief Institutional Opportunity Officer and Professor of Internal Medicine, welcomes event attendees.

Peruvian American guitarist Pepe Valdez performs music drawing on the rhythms, melodies, and traditions of Latin America.

Expanding on his work to expand economic opportunities, Mr. Solis, right, talks about the importance of looking beyond challenges to move forward. “The formula for change is hope plus action,” he said.

Attendees enjoy the panel discussion and subsequent musical performance.

Dr. Girod, center, highlights how individual strengths and distinct perspectives can join together for a shared purpose in healthcare. “We are all unique and come from different backgrounds but work toward one mission of taking care of patients, uniting for the common good of helping others’ well-being,” he said.

Judith Ramos, Chair of the Hispanic-Latino Alliance Business Resource Group (BRG), and Ruben Esquivel, M.B.A., Vice President for Community and Corporate Relations, prepare to hand out goodies for attendees at the BRG booth.

UTSW Employee Advisory Council members offer treats at their table.

Attendees check out different booths and grab swag at the event.

UTSW community members enjoy the afternoon festivities.

Guests sample Hispanic dishes that include arepas, pastelitos, and empanadas.

UT Southwestern leaders and panelists gather for a group photo. From left: Marc A. Nivet, Ed.D., M.B.A., Executive Vice President for Business Affairs at UTSW, Mr. Carrillo, Dr. Velez, Dr. Girod, Mr. Solis, Mr. Esquivel, and Dr. Nesbitt.