Meet Robinson, Disaster Recovery Manager

In celebration of National Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month, we're excited to introduce Robinson, Disaster Recovery Manager at Giant Eagle. Robinson has been a part of the Giant Eagle team for more than 2 years and is also Co-President of our Hispanic or Latinx Association (H.O.L.A.) Business Resource Group!

Get to know more about Robinson.

What is your job title? And what do you love most about your job?

I am the Disaster Recovery Manager for Giant Eagle. My job is to improve the Information Technology (IT) resiliency of Giant Eagle, to the benefit of the entire organization, through the systematic development of a mature Disaster Recovery Program. This position affords me the opportunity to work with a lot of people within IT, which I love because I enjoy collaborating.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

In 2009, I became very sick with Crohn's disease and had to get my colon removed. Several surgeries followed, I lost a lot of weight and had very little energy. My doctor gave me the goal of walking down the hall of the hospital and said this would help me recover. Eager to recover and get back to a feeling of normalcy, I worked to accomplish that goal. When I was able to do that, I kept increasing the goal until I was able to run. Then I kept increasing the goal until I ran my first marathon in 2015.

What does National Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month mean to you?

National Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the contributions of Hispanic and Latinx people within the U.S. and throughout the world. Individuals like Roberto Clemente and Sonia Sotomayor are very inspiring to me.

Is there anything special that you do to commemorate National Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month?

What better way to celebrate than with food? My family and I use this time to visit Latinx restaurants around Pittsburgh. My favorite is The Colombian Spot. This restaurant reminds me of the food my mom used to make when I was growing up.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?

I moved from Colombia to Toronto, Canada when I was five, and I did my best to assimilate. As I grew older, I learned that differences are what makes us unique, and I began to value diversity over assimilation. As a father now, I try to share my heritage with my children so they too can learn that their differences are an asset and not a burden.

Does your family have any traditions that are especially important to you?

I still have family and friends in Toronto which I don’t see often enough. We go to Toronto several times a year to spend time with the people I have loved for so very long. It is important to me that my kids have a good relationship with their extended family and my close friends.

What are some interesting hobbies or talents that most people may not know about you?

I enjoy being active, but my feet can’t take running long distances anymore. So, I am in search of a new hobby. I tried cycling but couldn’t get into it. I like soccer but don’t like playing anything too competitive. I enjoy tennis, but I don’t play very often. For now, I enjoy taking my dog on long walks and I live vicariously through my two very active kids.

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National Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15) by recognizing the achievements and contributions of Hispanic & Latinx Americans who have inspired others to achieve success. During this time, we celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Outside of the U.S., multiple Hispanic countries celebrate their independence on various dates throughout the month of September.

This year’s theme – Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation – reinforces the need to ensure that diverse voices and perspectives are welcome and heard in decision-making processes, thereby helping to build stronger communities and a stronger nation.

Whether it be education, government, business, or the environment, diverse voices lead to more thoughtful decisions and better results. Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month reminds us of the value of our unique perspectives and experiences — strengthening our communities so everyone feels they belong.