As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Gilman Grove, we’re proud to highlight one of our own — Julie Lopez, a dedicated Med Tech whose warmth, cultural pride, and passion for people shine through in everything she does.
“I wanted to be there for both our residents and our team in a direct and impactful way,” she shares. “Supporting people on the floor, listening to concerns, and making a difference every day means a lot to me.”
Julie’s approach to care is rooted not only in her experience but also in her identity. As a proud Hispanic woman, her culture deeply influences the way she connects with others — with empathy, authenticity, and a strong sense of community.
“Everyone in my household is Hispanic — my culture is a big part of who I am,” Julie says. One of her favorite traditions comes from her father’s hometown of Oaxaca, where they celebrate Virgen De Asunción every August with four days of dancing, flower baskets, and burning a castle in a celebration called El Convite. “We eat mole, a rich sauce made of tomatoes, chocolate, nuts, broth, and chiles, over chicken and rice with homemade tortillas,” she adds with a smile.
Julie also honors her heritage through everyday experiences, like cooking traditional Mexican meals at home and sharing her culture with others around her.
“I just returned from a two-week visit to Oaxaca where I saw my dad and reconnected with my extended family. Staying close to my roots helps me stay grounded.”
For Julie, representation and connection matter, especially in an industry where many team members share similar cultural backgrounds.
“I feel supported here. I don’t have to pretend to be someone else. There are many other Hispanic employees in our building, and being able to connect with them and uplift their voices is so important to me.”
Her father has always said: Vive la vida como si fueras a morir mañana. Aprende como si fueras a vivir siempre.
“Live life as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
And that’s exactly how Julie lives — fully, boldly, and with an open heart. She encourages everyone, especially fellow Hispanic team members, to embrace who they are and go after new opportunities.
“Just go for it! Don’t be afraid to step up. You are more capable than you think.”
Thank you, Julie, for being a culture bearer and a source of inspiration for all of us at Gilman Grove. Your story reminds us that every journey is worth celebrating — and that every act of courage, no matter how small, contributes to a larger legacy of strength and pride.