Hispanic Heritage Month: Shifting the conversation with Gimena Albores

At Sabre, we are committed to embracing and celebrating our diversity. In this inclusion & engagement series, Shifting the Conversation, our people share their stories to engage in open dialog and shed light on their broad, rich and unique perspectives. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Gimena Albores, Senior Project Manager in Montevideo, Uruguay, shares how her Spanish heritage has shaped her identity, guiding her journey through family, tradition and a fulfilling career.  

I was born and raised in Montevideo, Uruguay, but my story begins a generation earlier across the Atlantic. My grandparents migrated from Spain in search of new opportunities, bringing with them not just their belongings but the essence of their homeland, its language, traditions and soul.  

Growing up, I was immersed in the warmth of Hispanic culture. Our home echoed with the melodic cadence of Spanish, stories of village life and the comforting aromas of traditional cooking. Being bilingual has been one of the greatest gifts of my upbringing. Speaking both Spanish and English has allowed me to move between cultures with ease, share my story with a wider community and preserve the language that shaped my family’s identity.  

My professional journey didn’t begin at a tech company; it started at a shoe factory as a shoemaker, thanks to my ability to speak English. That skill opened doors I hadn’t imagined, including the chance to travel abroad. That role wasn’t just a milestone; it was a turning point that broadened my perspective and sparked a desire for more. That desire became even stronger after I had my first child in 2008. I wanted stability and the chance to build a better future.   

In 2010, a friend encouraged me to apply to Sabre and offered to refer me. It took time to gather the courage, but I eventually accepted her help. I landed an interview and soon after, an offer. That decision changed everything.  

I started at Sabre as a Help Desk Agent in agency support. The training was intense, three months of hands-on learning followed by night shifts and rotating schedules. A year later, I had my second child and balancing motherhood with night shifts was incredibly challenging. But those early years laid the foundation for my next role as a System Support Agent. I spent the next eight years in that position, welcomed two more children into the world and eventually took a leap of faith into product management on the Airline IT side of the business, all while navigating postpartum life with my fourth child.  

The airline world was unlike anything I had known. It pushed me, challenged me and helped me grow. I worked as a Product Manager for several years, welcomed my fifth child and eventually felt ready for another transition. That’s when the opportunity to become a Project Manager came along. I stepped into the role and discovered my passion. I truly feel this is where I belong and I continue to grow every day.  

Balancing career growth with raising a family hasn’t been easy, but what made the difference were the leaders who believed in me, the teams who supported me and the colleagues who became trusted friends. Sabre gave me the space to grow professionally while nurturing a rich family life.  

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, I’m proud to honor the culture that shaped me. One of the most beautiful ways I’ve kept that connection alive is through dance. I fell in love with traditional Spanish dances, the passionate rhythms of flamenco, the elegance of sevillanas and the joyful energy of jota. Each step reminds me of my grandparents’ stories, the festivals they once attended and the pride they took in their culture. Dancing helps me feel close to them and keeps their legacy alive.  

Food has also been a powerful thread in my heritage. In my family, cooking is sacred, a ritual of love and remembrance. I’ve earned the title of “queen of tortillas” and I wear it proudly. My tortilla Española is a crowd favorite and I’ve mastered seafood dishes that echo the coastal flavors of Spain. Paella, with its vibrant saffron rice and medley of fresh ingredients, is my signature dish, a celebration of tradition that brings people together just as my grandparents once did.  

Looking back, I’m grateful for the chance I took with Sabre in 2010. What more could anyone ask for? I have a strong family, a fulfilling career and a happy life. I thank my younger self for daring to take that leap, for believing there was more to life and for chasing it. That’s the lesson I carry with me: always follow your instincts. If you feel life has more to offer, it does, but you have to move toward it. Don’t wait on the sidelines. Life unfolds when you pursue your dreams. In the end, it’s all about the journey, the people who walk it with you and the courage to keep moving forward. Just dare. 

Sabre is shifting the conversation with stories from passionate and bold inclusion group members. At the heart of our inclusion & engagement efforts, our eight inclusion groups, and counting, aim to amplify the voices of our team members and create a sense of belonging for all. Together, we celebrate diversity, applaud individuality and embrace unique perspectives to empower our global team members to bring their true selves to work every day. Learn more about our inclusion & engagement mission.