National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 to October 15, is a time to celebrate the rich history, cultural diversity, and contributions from Hispanic communities. USDA’s Research, Education, and Economics (REE) mission area is home to over 8,000 of the world’s best and brightest minds in agricultural science, data, and innovation. This month, REE is spotlighting several brilliant colleagues who are pioneering change at USDA and within their communities.
Name: Noé J. Nava
Title: Research Economist
Agency/Office: Economic Research Service
Briefly describe your job.
I conduct research on domestic and foreign factors affecting agricultural markets and trade. My work also explores the opportunities and limitations of research methodologies to accurately reflect food systems and their impact on farmers' welfare and human health.
Tell us about your heritage and what it means to you.
Family, traditions, modismos*, and community.
(*Note: Modismos is a word in Spanish, popularly used in México, to refer to expressions that “cannot be guessed from meanings of the individual words.")
How do you honor your heritage and culture at work?
Part of my research is to understand the elements that drive consumption for U.S. crops around the world, so I offer my unique perspective because I have years of experience working with Mexican data, and many more years growing up in Mexico. When I observe the results in my data and data visualizations, I am able to provide unique insights based on my personal experiences. This is something that makes me very proud.
How do you celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month?
This year, I will be inviting my friends to eat Mexican food in my kitchen, and I will take them to my Mexican neighborhood in Chicago.
Who is your National Hispanic Heritage Month Hero?
Mi papá. My father is not only the seed of my personality, but also the figure I aspire to become. I share his family-oriented values, “live one day at the time” philosophy, and being able to find joy in the simplest things in life.
