September 2025
In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, we would like to introduce you to Omaira Torres from ESL, a Bilingual Universal Banker at the ESL Chestnut Street Office who joined ESL in 2024. We invite you to learn about the significance of Hispanic Heritage Month for Omaira and her career journey at ESL.
Interview with Omaira Torres, Bilingual Universal Banker at the ESL Chestnut Street Office
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
Hispanic Heritage Month is very important to me because it’s a time to share our traditions and culture with upcoming generations and other cultures. It gives us the opportunity to share great accomplishments, intentions, and ideas with everyone in the community.
Can you tell us about your background, and any traditions your family had growing up or now?
I grew up on the eastside of Rochester. Both my parents moved here from Puerto Rico. My mother is from Cayey, Puerto Rico, and my father is from Villalba, Puerto Rico. They taught me Spanish growing up, and I learned English in school.
I have a passion for helping the community where I work, whether it’s doing community outreach or being able to translate or interpret. I’m especially passionate about helping the Hispanic community by sharing information about different programs and opportunities that they didn’t know they had access to.
My dad always told me to share my knowledge so that others can also win in life! My family has preserved our family traditions for the holidays, making sure we all participated in making traditional Puerto Rican dishes such as pasteles (similar to tamales, but with a meat filling inside the dough that’s wrapped in banana leaves), pernil (slow-roasted pork shoulder), and sancocho (a traditional stew in Puerto Rico and throughout the Caribbean).
What has your career journey at ESL been like for you?
My career journey here at ESL has been amazing. I have been able to learn so much and meet so many different people from all walks of life. I take every lesson I learn and every piece of information and share it with others to help guide them in their own journey.
Is there a piece of advice you have received or an experience that helps guide you in your life journey, personally or professional?
A piece of advice I remember often is to use everything in life as a learning lesson. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and work hard to overcome generational obstacles to have an even brighter future!
