Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Each year, Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from September 15 through October 15, celebrates the cultures, histories and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans.

At the DeKalb County Solicitor-General’s Office, those contributions can be seen and heard throughout the organization. Hispanic employees serve on our executive leadership team, in supervisory positions, and across every area of the office, including investigations, victim services, legal services, trial support, and front-office operations.

“Our Hispanic employees strengthen every level of our office through their leadership, professional expertise and commitment to public service. Their cultural perspectives and language skills help us build trust, remove barriers, be more accessible, and provide victim-centered service to the diverse communities of DeKalb County,” said Solicitor-General Donna Coleman Stribling

Language as a Bridge to Service

For residents navigating the criminal justice system, the ability to communicate in a familiar language can provide clarity and reassurance during an unfamiliar or difficult experience.

Visitors often first encounter that support at the front desk, where Janette Cintrón Brandon welcomes members of the public and helps connect them with the appropriate person or resource. As one of the office’s first points of contact, Brandon plays an important role in creating an environment where visitors feel acknowledged, respected and heard.

Brandon was born in Puerto Rico and grew up in New York City, where Hispanic heritage celebrations were an important part of the community. Beginning in kindergarten, she studied both English and Spanish, developing the bilingual skills she now uses daily to assist Spanish-speaking visitors in the Solicitor-General’s Office.

“Growing up in New York City, Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations were always significant, so seeing my heritage recognized puts a smile on my face,” Brandon said.

While she believes many people embrace Hispanic culture and view the community positively, Brandon also recognizes that discrimination and negative reactions to hearing Spanish spoken in public continue to affect some Hispanic residents.

“During periods of heightened immigration enforcement, many Hispanics were advised to speak only English or say very little in public to avoid drawing attention to themselves,” Brandon said. “That fear is real.”

She often sees a change in visitors, especially older adults, when they realize they can speak with her in Spanish.

“I can see the relief when they come to our office and realize I can communicate with them,” Brandon said. “I assist Spanish-speaking visitors every day, and I want each person to feel welcomed, respected and understood.”

Giving Victims a Voice

Multilingual service continues through the Victim-Witness Assistance Program, where advocates help crime victims and witnesses understand the court process, access available resources and remain informed about their cases.

Director of Victim-Witness Services Brenda Puebla leads a team committed to providing compassionate, victim-centered assistance. Of Mexican descent and active in the community, Puebla understands how communicating in a person’s language can remove barriers and build trust.

“Giving a voice to someone who feels voiceless simply by speaking their language is essential to building trust” Puebla said. “Because of the nature of our work, people often come to the Solicitor-General’s Office feeling afraid, tense, and unsure of what to expect.”

Puebla said effective communication is essential when helping victims understand what is happening with their cases and what services are available to them.

“Being able to communicate with people in a language they understand is vital as we help them navigate their cases and connect with the support they need,” she said.

Encouraging a Multilingual Workforce

Chief Investigator Jorge Velez, who is from Puerto Rico, agrees with his colleagues. “It is important to recognize other cultures, our roots, and where we came from,” said Velez.

He emphasized that language access can be especially important when gathering evidence for a case. Velez said hiring employees who speak Spanish or any language beyond English strengthens the office’s ability to serve the public.

“Speaking Spanish allows us to help people, Velez said. “They may feel that they simply have to accept what happened to them because there is no one they can talk with. He added, “It absolutely helps to have employees who speak a second language.”

Today, multilingual employees serve throughout the Solicitor-General’s Office and the DeKalb County Courthouse where the Solicitor’s Office is located. Hispanic Heritage Month provides an opportunity to recognize those contributions while reaffirming the importance of representation, cultural understanding, and language access in public service.

Solicitor-General Donna Coleman-Stribling said, “A multilingual workforce makes us a stronger and more responsive office. When residents can communicate with someone who understands their language and cultural experiences, it builds confidence, strengthens trust, and helps us better serve our community.”

The DeKalb County Solicitor-General’s Office proudly celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month and honors the cultures, experiences and voices that make the office and the wider DeKalb community stronger.