Valley Baptist Health System invites you to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with us. Lasting from mid-September through October, Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to explore the vibrant cultures, enduring traditions and impactful contributions of Hispanic Americans.

Every day, across our organization, teammates with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives collaborate to deliver high-quality care and services. Our collective knowledge and strong teamwork drive the challenging work we do.

During this month, we will share the stories of members of our Valley Baptist Health System family who play vital roles in our mission to provide compassionate, award-winning care to our communities. We continue our series with Claudia C. Lopez, MSN, RN, Director of Women’s & Children’s Services, Labor & Delivery, MBU, OB-ED, Pediatrics, PICU & NICU Services at Valley Baptist-Harlingen.

Claudia C. Lopez, MSN, RN, Director of Women’s & Children’s Services, Labor & Delivery, MBU, OB-ED, Pediatrics, PICU & NICU Services at Valley Baptist-Harlingen

How does this year’s National Hispanic Heritage Month theme – “Together, We Are More / Unidos, Somos Más” – resonate with you?

Being Hispanic and born and raised here in the Rio Grande Valley, “Together, We Are More / Unidos, Somos Más” holds a very personal meaning for me. I was raised in a culture where family, faith, hard work, and caring for one another are deeply rooted in who we are. For the past 26 years as a nurse, I’ve had the privilege of caring for and serving the very community that helped shape the person and leader I am today.

Being fluent in Spanish has also allowed me to connect with my patients and families on a deeper level—not only through language, but through the shared traditions, values, and experiences that connect me to the roots of my Hispanic heritage. There is something very meaningful about being able to comfort someone in their own language and help them feel understood, respected, and at home.

To me, Unidos, Somos Más represents exactly that — the strength we find in our heritage, our families, and our community. I am incredibly proud of where I come from and grateful that, through nursing, I have been able to give back to the Rio Grande Valley community that has given so much to me.

How has your heritage or personal experience influenced how you approach your work?

My Hispanic heritage has shaped the nurse and leader I am today. I was raised to strongly value family, compassion, hard work, and caring for others — values I have carried with me throughout my 26 years in nursing. I strive to treat every patient, family, and team member as I would want my own family to be treated, with dignity, kindness, and heart. I am incredibly proud of my heritage and grateful that it continues to guide the way I serve others.