The CrossCountry community celebrates the cultures, stories, and traditions that shape who we are, both as individuals and as one firm. Through the leadership of our Community Resource Groups (CRGs), we honored South Africa’s Heritage Day and Hispanic Heritage Month with experiences that blended learning, tradition, and belonging.
Honoring South Africa’s Heritage Day
In September, our Cross Borders Alliance (CBA) CRG hosted a firmwide celebration of Heritage Day, a holiday that recognizes the diverse histories and customs that form South Africa’s national identity.
The festivities included a virtual event featuring South African colleagues who shared personal traditions and reflections on the spirit of community and “ubuntu,” meaning “I am because we are.” Their stories reminded us of the power of connection, shared identity, and community across borders.
In our Washington, DC office, Accounting Advisory Partner Olivier Bouwer brought that spirit to life with a live braai (South African barbecue) demonstration, grilling traditional boerewors sausage, while sharing the meaning and joy behind Braai Day. It was a sensory experience of togetherness, complete with the smoky aroma of community and cultural pride.
“Heritage Day invites us to honor where we come from while celebrating how our diverse paths connect. It’s a reminder that difference isn’t division — it’s the foundation of belonging.” – Jason Van Niekerk, Manager
Commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month
From September 15-October 15, our Bringing Out Latinx Diversity (BOLD) CRG led Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations across the firm and within local markets.
Team members came together for in-person gatherings in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Seattle, and San Francisco, and joined a virtual trivia event that connected colleagues nationwide in honor of Hispanic and Latinx history, culture, and influence.
In Boston, BOLD partnered with ALPFA Boston to host a student networking event, creating an opportunity for emerging professionals to engage with our team and learn about career pathways at CrossCountry.
The month culminated in a proud moment for our firm as we co-hosted and sponsored the ALPFA DC Hispanic Heritage Month Gala in collaboration with Latinas in Tech. The event celebrated Latino leadership, community impact, and the power of partnership. Further showcasing our shared commitment to belonging, representation, and purpose.
“I’m deeply inspired by the sense of belonging fostered through our CRGs. From the energy at the ALPFA Gala to the genuine connections being built every day, it’s motivated me to participate more fully and be part of the culture we’re creating together.” – Oscar Palacio, Partner
Looking Ahead
These events remind us that belonging grows stronger when we honor the cultures that shape our teams and our clients. Thank you to the CBA and BOLD CRGs for leading with authenticity and purpose, and to all who participated in making these moments meaningful. Together, we continue to build a culture where every story adds richness to our shared experience.
