As part of the Rams' celebration of Latino Heritage Month, the organization is highlighting the diverse and meaningful ways Latino staff move our team forward on and off the field.
Wrapping up the series is Video Coordinator Sharon Sanders.
Sharon Sanders grew up in a household that values work ethic. Her parents came from humble beginnings, working hard to give her and her siblings the kind of childhood that they never had, Sanders said. She brings the lessons they've taught to her work as a video coordinator for the Rams.
"Their strength is the reason I show up and give my all every single day," she said. "Their sacrifices remind me that nothing is impossible with drive and dedication. As the eldest child, I feel a deep responsibility to set the example for my younger brothers and show them what's possible. Growing up, I saw many relatives take on humble jobs to support their families.
"My family taught me the value of resilience, hard work, and being proud of where you come from, and those lessons continue to guide me every day. Every day I walk into the Rams facility, I carry my family's sacrifices with me. They're the reason I work so hard, and the Rams give me the platform to turn that drive into something bigger."
Sanders' mom immigrated from the state of Michoacán in Mexico "in search of a better life," and her dad grew up with very little resources, but neither of them "ever let their circumstances limit their dreams," she said. For that reason, they are her role models.
"They taught me perseverance and the importance of showing up for others," Sanders said. "Despite their challenges, they created a loving and stable home for me, which continues to inspire me every single day."
She honors her culture in small but meaningful ways, such as gathering with family every weekend for parties, having relatives stay over from Christmas to New Year's, and sharing homemade meals. Those traditions are a reminder of where she comes from and who she is, inspiring her to approach every day with gratitude, and ones that she wants to pass down.
In a Mexican household, she said that you're expected to know what needs to be done without being asked, and she brings that mindset to her work with the Rams.
Entering her fourth season with the Rams as a video coordinator in the coaches video department, she films practices and support coaches and players with their video and technology needs. That includes ensuring film is accessible, troubleshooting equipment and setting up devices so everything runs smoothly.
"The best part of my job is being part of something bigger than myself," Sanders said. "I enjoy working behind the scenes and seeing how every department comes together to create a winning environment. I've learned that what happens off the field is just as important as what happens on it."
Sanders grew up in a Mexican household, but is also half Irish.
She grew up hearing the phrase, "Ni de aquí, ni de allá," which means "Not from here, not from there." For her, being both Mexican and American "often feels like navigating two identities and trying to prove you belong in both." Over the years, she's realized that being part of two communities allows her to connect with both in meaningful ways, and she doesn't have to choose one or the other.
"Watching my relatives work tirelessly to build stability and comfort for the next generation has fueled my own work ethic," Sanders said. "My culture has taught me to show up with loyalty, respect, and a strong sense of responsibility, whether at home or in my professional life."
She believes it's important to celebrate Latino Heritage Month to celebrate and elevate voices that are often underrepresented. Hearing the stories and experiences of Latino people in the United States is impactful for everyone, not just people in that community.
"I feel honored to have a voice during this time and I hope to represent those who might not get the chance to share their story," Sanders said. "Latino Heritage Month is also a chance to educate others that being Latino is more than just hard work. We come from a culture full of incredible artists, athletes, writers, musicians, and thinkers. From the best poetry to breathtaking landscapes, Mexico and many Latino countries are rich in talent, creativity, and natural beauty. We're not just a part of the story, we help write it.
"We should honor those who paved the way for us and made sacrifices so we could chase bigger dreams. Celebrating means embracing our culture openly and with pride. That includes sharing traditions, highlighting Latino excellence, and creating space for real conversations and education."
