Hispanic Heritage Month 2025: Meredith Baade

At TD Securities, we are committed to championing a thriving, inclusive workplace and amplifying the voices and experiences of diverse colleagues. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we're spotlighting Meredith Baade, Vice President, Corporate Banking (Consumer & Retail).

What inspired you to become an ally for the Hispanic and Latinx community?

I have had an affinity for Latin culture and languages since I started learning Spanish in high school. As an adult, I've been lucky enough to travel to many countries in Latin America and experience the culture, learn about their histories, practice the language, enjoy the music, dance, et cetera. While I think it's important to be an ally to all communities, the Hispanic and Latinx community is one I feel particularly connected to in spirit. Also, my fiancé is Brazilian, but I think that's an effect rather than a cause.

Separately, someone once asked me what work I've done for a community I am part of, and what work have I done for a community I am not part of. That stuck with me and was another reason I got involved.

How do you educate yourself about the diverse cultures, histories and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx people?

I think my travels have enabled me to educate myself about the histories and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx people through experiences and reading. In daily life, I try to stay curious, ask questions and stay mindful of the origins of people and things. Avoiding making assumptions about one subset of the community is important too; just because some terminology or custom applies to folks with roots in one region doesn't mean it applies to another, which speaks to the diversity within the broader community.

What myths or misconceptions about Hispanic and Latinx communities have you encountered, and how do you address them?

That everyone speaks Spanish! Firstly, many people identify with a culture but may not have grown up practicing the language. Secondly, Brazil! I'm surprised how many people don't realize that Portuguese is the official language there. My view is to ask questions and avoid assuming.

What steps do you take, big or small, to support Hispanic and Latinx colleagues or neighbors in your everyday life?

In day-to-day life, I try to be mindful and empathetic of peoples' experiences personally or in relation to broader news headlines and the political climate. At work, and particularly with the Latin Employee Network, I try to balance sharing my views and executing in a way that supports our goals while always being deferential to the views of members of the community. That's how the theme for our Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration event, "Elevating Latinx Voices", resonates with me.

What does true allyship mean to you in the context of Hispanic Heritage Month and beyond?

Showing up! Making it a priority to show up for the community during signature events during Hispanic Heritage Month and during other parts of the year. The Hispanic and Latinx community is one that is underrepresented in our business, unfortunately, so being engaged with the community's initiatives is a show of support.

What have you learned about your own culture or perspectives by engaging with Hispanic and Latinx history and heritage?

I think contemplating Hispanic and Latinx heritage and experience in this country, it contextualizes my understanding of my own. I can trace a part of my family lineage back to the Declaration of Independence, and when I was younger, I thought that made me "so" American. While I think that part of my own history is fascinating and something to be proud of (with mixed feelings), there is no spectrum of how American someone is. That concept is dangerous. Instead, I recognize and celebrate Hispanic and Latinx heritage as a piece of America's own history and its vibrance today.

Is there a project or initiative you’re passionate about right now?

We are of course all-hands-on-deck with planning and execution of our Hispanic Heritage Month event, so I'm passionate about making sure it resonates with attendees. This year we're showcasing Hispanic/Latinx artistic talent and featuring a panel of industry leaders, all of whom will talk about elevating Latinx voices in society and in industry.