By Jeremy Rodriguez, Manager of Development Operations

Every year, Día de los Muertos reminds us of something powerful: stories don’t end when a loved one passes. Instead, they live on through us. This holiday is rooted in joy, remembrance, and culture, where families gather around with photos, memories, and favorite foods to cherish the journeys of those who came before us. Día de los Muertos is more than tradition; it’s a lesson in identity and belonging. It shows us that honoring the past helps us lead with purpose in the present, especially when it comes to how we show up for our students and communities. 

Día de los Muertos has been passed down for generations, blending indigenous practices with Catholic influences. Each component of the holiday carries great significance, such as the incorporation of family photos or beloved items to connect us to loved ones, calaveras (sugar skulls) to remind us that life and death are both part of the same cycle and pan de muerto (sweet bread) to share with family. 

While celebrations may look different across beliefs, or even from home to home, these traditions keep our culture alive and remind us of the strength we inherit from those who came before us. As Latino leaders, educators, and families, embracing these traditions models for students that their heritage is not just something to be proud of, it’s a source of strength that can guide their futures. It shows students that remembering and honoring our roots makes us stronger leaders in the present. 

Día de los Muertos reminds students that their family stories and culture matter. When young people see their heritage celebrated at home, they carry that affirmation with them into every space they enter, including the classroom. 

Belonging doesn’t begin at school; it starts with family and community traditions that affirm identity. However, school still plays a crucial role. Research shows that students with a stronger sense of belonging at school are more likely to attend regularly, stay on track academically, and report better social-emotional health. 

When the confidence students gain from cultural traditions is met with affirming school environments, the impact is multiplied. Home and school together create the conditions for students to show up fully, engage deeply, and see themselves as leaders in the making. 

Storytelling is a key aspect of Dia de los Muertos. Families pass down memories of grandparents, parents, and loved ones who lived with resilience and strength. When students hear these stories, they inherit more than names and dates; they inherit lessons in perseverance. Youth who feel connected to family and community are more resilient and express higher levels of social-emotional wellbeing, which is strongly tied to persistence and success in an academic setting. By participating in the holiday, students practice perseverance and leadership in small but powerful ways.  

Día de los Muertos isn’t just about looking back; it’s about moving forward with purpose. At Latinos for Education, this is what drives us: lifting up Latino voices, celebrating our heritage, and preparing the next generation to lead con ganas. This year, as we honor the past through Día de los Muertos, we are actively shaping the future, and reminding every student that their culture, their story, and their leadership matter. 

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Jeremy Rodriguez serves as Manager, Development Operations at Latinos for Education, leading systems to support fundraising and donor engagement. With over 7 years in the education and nonprofit sectors, they have committed to the cause of quality education and enrichment for all by committing to the mission of organizations like Broadway Dallas and After-School All-Stars. Jeremy is a third-generation Mexican-American and a first-generation university graduate from Texas A&M University-Commerce and has been recognized by organizations like the National Afterschool Association. They hold a firm belief in equal access to quality education for all, regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background.