Pioneers of Change: Western Union Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Western Union proudly embraces the theme of “Pioneers of Change,” a fitting tribute to the transformative spirit of Latinos and Hispanics. This community embodies a pioneering mindset that continues to drive progress and shape the future, mirroring Western Union’s 170 years of evolution. The company has epitomized innovation and adaptability, evolving from its origins as a telegram company into a global leader in financial services.
This year, Western Union is thrilled to celebrate the impact of its Latino and Hispanic employees who represent the spirit of change. Through their unique stories, we see how the company not only honors their heritage but also supports their personal and professional growth.
Stories of Growth
Rosa Iglesias, VP of Agent Experience and Support, also shares her inspiring account. Rosa’s family were originally from Spain and moved to Mexico. When Rosa turned 13, her family moved to New Jersey where she completed her education and joined the Western Union team in 1996.
Rosa’s Western Union story revolves around change and the opportunity to work with multicultural teams. “I began as a Customer Support Representative in international agent support and now hold a senior role in Global Operations… Moving to Denver from Mexico was my 4th move with Western Union, and in every move, I felt supported both at corporate and local levels,” Rosa explains. Western Union recognizes the important role of its diverse talent in making financial services accessible to humans everywhere, and this is one of the many reasons why Rosa still works with the same company after 28 years.
“I never imagined staying so long at the same company… I am grateful to Western Union, the leaders I had the opportunity to work with, and our global team for always challenging me with new opportunities to grow and drive change.”
From his humble beginnings in Costa Rica to his role as Director of Talent Acquisition and Enablement at Western Union, Roberto Golcher is the epitome of resilience and the pioneering spirit of a true changemaker. After completing high school in Costa Rica, Roberto ventured to Germany and immersed himself in his family’s heritage and learning a new language, a decision that led him to discover Western Union through the money transfers his parents sent him. “The presence of this company, as well as its employer brand in the region, made me join the team in 2018,” he notes. His relocation to the U.S. was driven by a deep commitment to connecting talented professionals with opportunities, and his personal experiences have fueled his dedication to making a global impact.
Roberto’s transition from Costa Rica to the U.S. was not without its challenges, but his perseverance turned these obstacles into opportunities for growth. “Since my early time at the company, I knew I wanted to impact our team globally,” he reflects. His firsthand experience as a recipient of Western Union’s services has given him a profound appreciation for its impact on Hispanic and Latino communities. At Western Union, Roberto has leveraged his unique background and experiences as strengths, building a supportive network for Latino colleagues and creating a sense of belonging.
Roberto’s experiences of navigating the challenges of moving across borders inspire him to foster community and support within the company, making a real difference for those in similar situations.
“I feel a natural responsibility to help others, as I was once helped.”
Mario Hernández’s journey from the poverty-stricken neighborhood of El Barrio del Panteón in Taxco de Alarcón, Guerrero, Mexico, to becoming a pivotal leader at Western Union exemplifies the spirit of resilience and innovation. Driven by the challenges and aspirations of his early life, Mario pursued opportunities with unwavering determination. He ultimately earned scholarships and degrees from prestigious institutions like El Colegio de México and the London School of Economics. “I see immigrants as risk-takers, entrepreneurial, family-oriented, and optimistic about their future through hard work and sacrifice,” he reflects. His personal experience with remittances, described as “an act of love,” provides him with a profound understanding of their transformative impact, particularly on the Hispanic and Latino communities.
In his role as the Director of Public Affairs at Western Union, Mario leverages his unique background to forge meaningful relationships with stakeholders across the Mexico and Latin American regions. His deep connection to the immigrant experience enhances his approach to advocacy and policymaking, ensuring that the company’s efforts are not only effective but deeply empathetic.
His leadership underscores the company’s commitment to diversity and the vital role of remittances in supporting and empowering families, small businesses, and educational goals across borders.
“I feel very proud of my job at Western Union… we must succeed as a company to better serve the evolving needs of our customers.”
At Western Union, we honor the pioneering spirit of Latinos and Hispanics who drive change and progress, both within Western Union and beyond. Their journeys of transformation and growth underscore the company’s commitment to supporting its diverse workforce and customers, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.
You can learn more about Western Union’s dedication to the pursuit of excellence in supporting the communities they represent and serve by visiting Our People page.
