Oct 10, 2024

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: Denise A. Abreu
Title: Deputy Director, Frame and Survey Development Branch
Agency/Office: National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS)

Briefly describe your job.
As Deputy Director, I lead a staff comprised of over 25 highly qualified Mathematical Statisticians, Data Scientists, Survey Statisticians, Geographers, and Cartographers. I am heavily involved in improving the agency’s statistical processes, ranging from sampling to model-based estimates as well as modernizing existing systems.

Tell us about your heritage & what it means to you.
Having moved to New York City from the Dominican Republic as a child, I was the first in my family to graduate college. My greatest pride is that my three children are fluent Spanish speakers; love rice, beans, and tostones (a true Dominican signature dish); and enjoy listening to Merengue, Bachata, and Salsa.

How do you honor your heritage and culture at work?
One of my favorite things to do at work is to chat in Spanish with anyone who wants to. I also love telling stories to staff comparing how my family does things to how they are typically done here in the U.S., such as celebrating Three Kings Day (Día de Reyes) every January 7 with my kids where they get a special present. I love to play music in my office so people can listen to it when they stop by.

How do you celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month?
I celebrate my heritage every day of my life, from calling my mom several times daily to watching novelas (soap operas). My heritage is an integral part of my day-to-day living.

Who is your National Hispanic Heritage Month Hero?
I greatly admire Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor for setting such a wonderful example of how far we Latinos can go in life.