Mayra Rocha, RN, is a first generation Cuban American, and she’s been working at Our Lady of the Angels Hospital since 2009 when it was known as LSU Bogalusa Medical Center.
As a bilingual registered nurse in the hospital’s ER, Rocha is able to help many people.
“Having the advantage of speaking Spanish has helped me communicate with patients and ease their fears and anxieties related to a medical issue,” she says.
Honoring Her Hispanic Heritage
Rocha’s mom is from Havana, Cuba, and her stepdad is from Guantanamo, Cuba, both coming to the U.S. as children. They regularly celebrate Cuban culture and heritage through family gatherings.
“We have such a vibrant passionate culture, celebrated with family, food, dancing and fun,” Rocha says. “We love hard and party harder. Christmas celebrations are by far my favorite!”
Rocha is passing along those traditions with her husband Will and their three little boys “I have the most amazingly large, beautiful family,” she says. “Anyone who knows me knows I love my family!”
Keeping Connections Through Food
Food is a way to connect, both to our own culture and to experience others’ cultures.
“Congris, lechon and platanitos frito are our go to for cultural dishes,” Rocha says. Congris is a mixture of black beans and rice. Lechon is seasoned pork, and platanitos frito are fried plantains. “If these three things are not at an event, it’s not even considered a party,” she says.
Our DEI Commitment
Our ministry’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion supports culturally competent care education for our team members all year long, including during Hispanic Heritage Month each September 15 to October 15.
