vol. 17, no. 3, 2014
TRANSCRIPT
CORPORATE OBSERVER
VOLUME 17, NO. 3 2014
EMPLOYMENT · PROCUREMENT · PHILANTHROPY · GOVERNANCE
HACR ELECTS NEW EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
HACRRESEARCH INSTITUTE UPDATE
AIDA ALVAREZ WALMART BOARD MEMBER FEATURED IN THE WALMART LEADERSHIP INTERVIEW SERIES
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A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO
Now that 2014 has drawn to a close and we start a new year, I want to thank you for your continuing support of HACR. We value your commitment, and our entire team is working diligently to help advance Hispanic inclusion in Corporate America.
The HACR Research Institute (HRI), led by Dr. Lisette Garcia, recently released the 2014
HACR Corporate Inclusion Index (HACR CII). The results of the 2014 HACR CII are optimistic and indicate that more than 25 percent of this year’s returning participants have improved their rating. Moreover, participation and retention rates have improved since the first HACR CII was conducted in 2009, reflecting a growing commitment to diversity and Hispanic inclusion. The HACR CII provides a comprehensive measurement of the business practices and strategies of the Fortune 100 and HACR Corporate Members around HACR’s four pillars: Employment, Procurement, Philanthropy, and Governance.
In 2015, the HRI will release two more important studies: Identifying Opportunities for Hispanic Inclusion in STEM
Careers, funded by Merck & Co. and the Merck Foundation; and the 2015 HACR Hispanic Procurement Report, funded by Walmart. Over the past year, we have also highlighted leaders who advocate for Hispanic inclusion, through the support of Walmart. This issue of the Corporate Observer features interviews from Aida Alvarez, Pat Pineda, and Lisa Garcia Quiroz.
I’d like to thank all of our supporters for the warm welcome I received when I joined HACR nearly 7 months ago. Working closely with our board of directors, our partners, and our staff, I’m confident about what we will accomplish in 2015. I hope to see everyone this spring at our 23rd Annual Symposium, The Power of Hispanic Inclusion™, in Atlanta, GA at the Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead from April 27-28!
Best Wishes for 2015,
Cid Wilson
President & CEO
COLLEAGUES AND FRIENDS,
Margaret Moran League of United Latin American Citizens HACR Board Chair
Guarione Díaz Cuban American National Council HACR Board Vice Chair
Ronald Blackburn-Moreno ASPIRA Association, Inc. HACR Board Treasurer
Dr. Juan Andrade, Jr. United States Hispanic Leadership Institute HACR Board Secretary
Janet Murguía National Council of La Raza HACR Immediate Past Chair
Angel Zuniga American GI Forum of the United States
The Honorable Rubén Hinojosa Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, Inc.
The Honorable Lincoln Díaz-Balart Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute, Inc.
Dr. Antonio R. Flores Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
Amy Hinojosa MANA, A National Latina Organization
Martha Montoya National Association of Hispanic Publications
Cecelia Espenoza National Hispana Leadership Institute
Rafael Fantauzzi National Puerto Rican Coalition
Manuel “Manny” Gonzalez National Society of Hispanic MBAs
Ignacio Salazar SER-Jobs for Progress National, Inc.
Javier Palomarez United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
The Corporate Observer is a publication of the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR). HACR’s mission is to advance the inclusion of Hispanics in Corporate America at a level commensurate with our economic contributions.
Cid D. Wilson President and CEO
Vanessa Bowling Executive and Operations Assistant
Emma Etheridge Programs and Initiatives Manager
Dr. Lisette Garcia Director, HACR Research Institute
Kevin Klich Senior Manager, Finance and Administration
Jason D. León Senior Director, Corporate Relations, Communications, and Programs
Cecilia Majors LCDA Program Manager
Ariana Solis Gómez Communications and Programs Associate
BOARD OF DIRECTORS CORPORATE OBSERVER
2015hacr HISPANIC ASSOCIATION ON CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY
ATLANTAGEORGIA THE RITZ-CARLTON, BUCKHEAD
23rd annual hacr symposium:the power of hispanic inclusion™
4.27.15-4.28.15
HACR.ORG
4 CORPORATE OBSERVER
WALMART LEADERSHIP INTERVIEW SERIES
El Latino American: Can you tell us about yourself: where were you born and where did you go to college?
Alvarez: I was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, we moved to New York when I was nine months old. My mother was 16 and my father was 23. Imagine how hard it was for two young parents with a baby to deal with the harsh realities of life in
the city. Thankfully they were resilient and determined to succeed. My parents never gave up on their dreams for themselves and their children.
New York was not a welcoming place for Puerto Ricans in those days. Even though Puerto Rico is part of the United States and we are U.S. citizens, Puerto Ricans were treated like outsiders who had no business coming here. At best we were accepted as long as we knew our place, which was definitely not at the front of the line. I was an “A” student but when I indicated that I wanted to attend college the school principal called in my mother. She made it clear that college was not an option for me.
I was not about to give up on my goal of college. I maintained my grades, applied for a National Science Foundation grant, and was introduced to an organization called Aspira. Aspira provided the college counseling that was missing at my school. It focused on Latino youth aspiring to fulfill their dreams of college, but lacking the know-how or resources. Thanks to Aspira I got the opportunity to attend Harvard College on a full scholarship.
El Latino American: What was your career path and what were some of the highlights along the way?
Alvarez: I began my career as a journalist for the New York Post where I won a Front Page Award. Later I became a reporter and anchor for Metromedia Television which is now Fox TV. While there I won an Associated Press Award for Excellence and received an Emmy Award nomination for going undercover with guerilla soldiers during the war in El Salvador and producing a week long television series.
I had been wanting to become a public servant. Having risked my life for a story I decided that changing careers was not as big a risk as I had feared. That transition happened when I was asked to head the Public Affairs Department for the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation. An unlikely opportunity arose when Bear Stearns offered me a job as a Vice President in Public Finance. What followed was a position in public finance at First Boston. In the meantime I had become involved in national politics. Then San Antonio Mayor, Henry Cisneros, asked me to help him launch a National Hispanic Agenda, convening Latino leaders from around the country. I never imagined at the time that I was on my way to fulfilling my dream to become a public servant – at the national level!
“We need to be a part of our collective future. The responsibility largely rests on us to advocate, to engage, to excel, and to demonstrate to everyone that we can make a difference. ”
WALMART LEADERSHIP INTERVIEW SERIES
AIDA ALVAREZBY: NORMA CONDREAY
The history of Latin America is packed full of influential people: artists, politicians, reporters, economist, and entertainers. One of the most prominent Latinas who has made a resounding impact is the Honorable Aida Alvarez, the first Hispanic woman to serve in a President’s Cabinet.
El Latino American Newspaper was fortunate enough to sit down with Ms. Alvarez to hear about her rise to success and her thoughts on Hispanic inclusion in Corporate America.
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WALMART LEADERSHIP INTERVIEW SERIES
Presently I serve on the Board of Directors of Walmart, the world’s largest retailer. I’m also on the boards of Progreso Financiero and Zoosk. I recently stepped off the Union Bank board.
As Chair of the Latino Community Foundation in California I continue to strive to create opportunities for Latinos. I also have the honor of being a Commissioner on the board of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and a Governor on the Board of the San Francisco Symphony.
El Latino American: Which of these careers stand out to you as something you enjoyed or that was most meaningful to you?
Alvarez: I have been blessed with many opportunities and I’ve tried to make the most of each one. I’ve always had the love and support of my parents and I’ve been guided and sponsored by outstanding men and women. It is so true that it takes a village to succeed. No one gets there without the help of others.
I’ve enjoyed every stage of life, every career but if I had to pick a single accomplishment it would be serving as a Cabinet member in the Clinton Administration. I was the first Latina to hold a Cabinet position. The opportunity to travel with the President and the First Lady, to sit in on high level meetings to discuss the future of this great country – nothing can compare to that experience. I will always treasure that opportunity.
El Latino American: What advice from a mentor or peer really impacted your career?
Alvarez: In college I was contemplating taking a year off from school. I sought the advice of one of the Deans. She said it was perfectly fine to take the time off but, “remember, always keep your options open. When you walk out of a door, make sure you can walk back in.” I never did take the year off. But her words stayed with me. I have had many different jobs and when I was being considered for the Cabinet all of my previous employers were interviewed. They all gave me positive reviews. I had walked out the door but never shut it behind me.
El Latino American: What would you recommend for Hispanic professionals on advancing and succeeding Corporate America?
Alvarez: You have to excel at your job and that means going beyond the job description and the stated goals to
making a significant contribution. Along the way a mentor can guide you but it’s important to have a sponsor who can advocate for you. When that closed door meeting is being held, where futures are being decided, you want a sponsor who will step up and champion your promotion.
El Latino American: Could you share some of the advocacy and inclusion efforts in which you have been involved, especially those focused on Hispanics?
Alvarez: Throughout my life I have championed diversity and inclusion, especially for Hispanics. As a journalist I won a Front Page Award for a week long series on “New York’s Latins” focusing on the rich diversity of our Hispanic community. While an investment banker I created Latinos for a Better New York, which provided forums for civic engagement between Latinos and the city’s decision makers. I have also served on the Diversity Advisory Board for Deloitte Touche and while at the Small Business Administration (SBA) I championed diversity, tripling SBA guaranteed loans to women and doubling them to minorities. At Walmart, Union Bank, and other boards I advocate for inclusion and I am also involved with an effort called Champions for Change, advocating for diversity, especially for women, on corporate boards. I support the vision of the Latino Corporate Directors Association, whose goal is to expand Hispanic representation on corporate boards and as chair of the Latino Community Foundation, I strive to have Hispanics included at every level of opportunity in California.
El Latino American: Moving forward, what do you see as some of the most effective strategies to increase Hispanic representation in Corporate America?
Alvarez: Education is key. As Hispanics enter the professions, especially business, finance, and law, they have greater opportunities to move into Corporate America and up the ladder. Once in the C-suite, that is Chief Executive Officers, Chief Financial Officers, Chief Operating Officers, they are most likely to be attractive candidates for board positions. Those of us already on corporate boards can advocate for the value they bring to a company. Corporations are eager to create more diverse boards.
El Latino American: What specific suggestions do you have for increasing Hispanic representation?
Alvarez: I think I’ve said it all. Education is important as is the desire to climb to the top, to do all the hard work, to make a difference. Identifying sponsors who will advocate for you is essential for helping people through the pipeline. And of course we must always stay connected to the community.
El Latino American: What does it take to be a leader in Corporate America?
Alvarez: You must stand out above the crowd in your chosen profession and make yourself indispensable by making a unique contribution.
El Latino American: What should HACR be doing to advocate on behalf of Hispanics?
Alvarez: HACR is doing an excellent job. They have been really working hard on providing value and increasing awareness on the lack of Hispanic inclusion in Corporate America. The Corporate Inclusion Index (CII) survey for example, helps to identify areas where there are opportunities for increased Latino representation. So when a company participates it provides them an assessment of how they are doing and gets them thinking about what they could be doing better.
El Latino American: What is your company doing to create more opportunities for the Hispanic Community within Corporate America?
Alvarez: Companies like Walmart have identified top Latino talent, individuals who are up and coming in their careers but are still involved in Hispanic Employee Resources groups, and are working with national organizations like the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. These partnerships are critical for helping to develop talent that can contribute to the company.
El Latino American: Hispanics are increasingly important for the future of America, what message do you have for those individuals raising our future leaders?
Alvarez: We need to be a part of our collective future. The responsibility largely rests on us to advocate, to engage, to excel, and to demonstrate to everyone that we can make a difference. But the main thing is we need to take charge care of our own future. Voting, participating in meetings, and expressing our opinions on what is going to affect us and our family life.
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HACR COALITION MEMBER NEWS
ASPIRA AWARDED MAJOR GRANT AND CONTRACT AND LAUNCHES FORD DRIVING DREAM IN CHICAGO
ASPIRA was awarded a $1 million
grant by the AT&T Foundation under
its Aspire Program to significantly
expand ASPIRA’s model Youth
Development Program (AYDP). The
AYDP, ASPIRA’s premier drop-out prevention initiative,
will serve an additional 990 students in 11 high schools in
low income Latino communities in Florida, New Jersey,
New York, and Puerto Rico. ASPIRA was selected among
only a handful of organizations in a highly competitive
process.
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)
Foundation awarded ASPIRA a $450,000 contract to
implement a national communication and outreach
campaign in the Latino community on identifying and
preventing investment fraud. The campaign will reach 10
million Latinos using television, print, radio, social media,
and the internet with messages in Spanish based on
economic behavioral research.
The Ford Motor Company Fund partnered with ASPIRA
of Illinois and the United States Hispanic Leadership
Institute (USHLI) to launch the Ford Driving Dreams
Tour at seven high schools in Chicago. Over 3,200
students, teachers and school personnel attended the
launch. Scholarships totaling $50,000 will be awarded to
students at the schools, and schools will receive $25,000
in grants. Students will compete in an essay contest to
win a 5,000 scholarship and other prizes. The events
featured motivational speaker Roy Juarez, Jr., and Mr.
Joedis Ávila of the Ford Motor Company Fund.
ADVANCING THE HISPANIC COMMUNITY’S DIVERSITY OF THOUGHT
The Congressional Hispanic Leadership
Institute (CHLI) invites you to the
Annual Gala and Leadership Awards
in Washington, D.C. on May 13, 2015.
CHLI annually recognizes exemplary
United States and international leaders who value and
support the diversity of thought among all Americans
and who through their leadership promote public service,
economic progress, and educational excellence – core
values of the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute.
In 2014, CHLI honored former House Majority Whip Eric
Cantor, Senator John Cornyn, music producer Emilio
Estefan, and Michel Camuñez, former assistant secretary
of commerce.
On October 8, 2015, CHLI will celebrate Hispanic Heritage
Month at the Annual International Affairs & Trade
Symposium in Washington, D.C. The symposium highlights
how Hispanics contribute to the global economy from
inside and outside of the United States. In 2014, special
guests included Luis Alberto Moreno, president of the
Inter-American Development Bank and His Excellency
Ambassador of Mexico to the U.S., Luis Medina-Mora.
For more information, please visit www.CHLI.org.
HACU CORPORATE NEWS, PARTNERSHIPS AND OPPORTUNITIES
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and
Universities (HACU) announced its Corporate
& Philanthropic Council (C&PC) has re-elected
as its Chair Jerrold “Jerry” S. Gattegno of
Deloitte Tax LLP and as Vice-Chair Joseph
“Joe” T. Mella of Goldman Sachs for 2014-
15. The C&PC members serve in advisory capacity to
the association and represent companies that share
an interest in diversity and Hispanic higher education,
including: General Motors, Travelers Insurance, Southwest
Airlines, Hobsons U.S., Nelnet, Educational Testing Service,
Aetna, Ford Motor Company Fund, Sodexo, DiversityInc
Media LLC, MillerCoors, and The Coca-Cola Company.
2015 partnerships opportunities including sponsorships
and advertising, are available for the following HACU
events: 11th International Conference, February 25-27,
Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico; the 20th Annual National
Capitol Forum, March 23-24, Washington, D.C.; and
the 29th Annual Conference, October 10-12, 2015,
Miami Beach, FL. For additional information, contact
[email protected], (210) 576-3536.
Businesses seeking college students for internships are
encouraged to become a partner of the HACU National
Internship Program. Since the program’s inception in 1992,
more than 10,000 interns have been placed at federal
and corporate sites nationwide. Information on corporate
partnerships is available by contacting jorge.burwick@
hacu.net, (210) 692-3805. For information on federal
partnerships, contact [email protected],
(202) 467-0893.
7CORPORATE OBSERVER
HACR COALITION MEMBER NEWS
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO ADVERTISE IN HISPANIC NEWSPAPERS?
According to the Pew Research
Center, among all adults,
newspapers were cited as
the most relied upon source of information on local
government activities, schools, local politics, community/
neighborhood events, and local social services among
others.
Local newspapers are in a unique position because of
their strong bond with readers and because they fill an
essential community role – providing readers information
about issues close to their hearts which moves them to
get involved in their communities.
The Hispanic newspaper in particular, also has several
advantages over the general market newspaper. Hispanic
newspapers provide large and small advertisers with
meaningful ways to tap into their highly coveted markets
and access to their readers resulting in a greater reach
and receptiveness to advertising messages which can
boost the local economy.
Local newspapers are in the hearts and minds of the
readers in a community, their audience is highly engaged,
and certainly advertising with them can impact the local
economy. When an advertiser supports a community
newspaper they support the community.
MIDTERM ELECTIONS CREATE MOMENTUM FOR MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE
Almost one-quarter of U.S.
Latinos live in poverty. While it’s
been more than five years since
the Great Recession and Latino unemployment figures
are slowly decreasing, a recent poll shows that many
Hispanic families still feel insecure about their economic
status. NCLR’s (National Council of La Raza) Monthly
Latino Employment Report noted that the October
unemployment rate for Hispanics was approximately
6.8 percent, an entire percentage point higher than
the national average. Although Latinos represent the
fastest-growing segment of the workforce, they are
overrepresented in low-wage occupations and, as a result,
experience high rates of poverty.
Luckily, momentum could be on the side of struggling
workers. This election cycle, Alaska, Arkansas, Nebraska,
and South Dakota approved ballot measures to raise their
state’s minimum wages, while voters in Illinois approved
a non-binding referendum to raise wages. Although
legislation that would increase the federal minimum
wage is stalled in Congress, these important victories,
coupled with the overwhelming support for an increase
in the minimum wage among Latino voters, will bolster
the case that NCLR and other groups continue to make to
our lawmakers: that every American worker deserves a
decent, livable wage.
NATIONAL HISPANA LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE HONORS THE GRADUATING 2014 CLASS OF THE EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
The National Hispana Leadership
Institute (NHLI) is honored to
celebrate the graduation of their 16
outstanding fellows from the 2014 Executive Leadership
class. The graduation ceremony was held Thursday,
October 16th, 2014 at 5:00pm, in the Rayburn House
Office Building in Washington, D.C. The keynote address
was given by Rita Jaramillo, ELP Alumna from the Class
of 1988.
NHLI’s annual Executive Leadership Program (ELP)
promotes and fosters the development of mid-career
professional Latinas and advances a model that
emphasizes and builds upon personal strengths. The
rigorous training curriculum consists of four one-
week sessions, each implemented in a different city,
which develops participants’ skills in cross-cultural
communication, strategic management, public policy, and
leadership building. The mentorship component commits
participants to mentoring a minimum of two other Latinas
during the program year.
The 2014 ELP class had the opportunity to meet with
several high-level officials in federal offices such as the
White House, State Department, and Department of
Education. They also fine-tuned their management skills
and personal branding.
“Being surrounded by such inspirational and passionate
women of the 2014 ELP graduating class through this four
week journey, I am looking forward to seeing what each
Leona will accomplish in the next coming years,” said Ann
Marquez, “I am confident that these Latina Leaders will
continue to move NHLI forward through their hard work
and continued dedication.”
8 CORPORATE OBSERVER
HACR COALITION MEMBER NEWS
MOVING INTO OUR 51ST YEARAt SER-Jobs for Progress National, Inc.
(SER National), we are excited about
moving into our 51st year with two new
partners: The Coca-Cola Foundation
and the Walmart Foundation.
The Coca-Cola Foundation awarded $425,000 to
SER National for the SER MUJER (Mastering and
Understanding Jobs and Entrepreneurship Relationships)
Program. This award will support entrepreneurship and
business development, job training, and financial literacy
for women in five areas across the country: Dallas/Ft.
Worth, Fresno, Los Angeles, Miami, and Washington,
D.C. This program will be offered in traditional workshop
setting, online, and mobile app delivery format.
The Walmart Foundation awarded a $1.05 million grant to
SER National for the “One Job at a Time,” project which
allows for the training, job preparedness, and eventual
employment of 3,000 people in Texas, Florida, Illinois,
New Mexico, and California. The training, which will be
provided by SER National and its affiliates will prepare job
seekers with the skills and instruction they need to rapidly
enter into retail, leisure and hospitality, and services
industries.
SER National and affiliates have decades-long history of
providing workforce services, experience in operating or
implementing workforce center systems, and the ability to
partner with employers and community resources.
HACR ELECTS NEW EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
On December 10, 2014, the HACR Board elected,
Ignacio Salazar, president of SER-Jobs for Progress
National, Inc., as HACR board chair. Mr. Salazar
succeeds Margaret Moran, president of the League
of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), who will
remain on the executive committee in the role of
immediate past chair.
“We are excited to welcome Ignacio Salazar as the
new chair of HACR’s board of directors,” said Cid. D.
Wilson, HACR president & CEO. “Ignacio brings with
him a wealth of leadership experience, an intimate
knowledge the issues that are critical to Hispanics
in Corporate America, and an understanding of how
to help HACR further its mission. We are honored to
have him as our board chair.”
Also elected to HACR’s board was Amy Hinojosa,
president of MANA, a National Latina Organization.
Ms. Hinojosa succeeds Dr. Juan Andrade from the
United State Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI)
as HACR board secretary. Guarione Diaz, president
emeritus of the Cuban National Council, was
reelected as HACR vice chair, and Ronald Blackburn-
Moreno from ASIPRA was also reelected as HACR
treasurer.
9CORPORATE OBSERVER
AT&T HOLDS NATIONAL EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUP (ERG) CONFERENCE
Jim Cicconi, AT&T’s senior
executive vice president of
external & legislative affairs,
may have summed it up best when he closed out the
company’s recent National Employee Resource Group
(ERG) Conference. “There’s no technology that will
replace the warmth of one human reaching out to
another,” he said.
That’s what AT&T’s ERGs and this annual event are all
about. Nearly 1,700 employees gathered at the company’s
Dallas headquarters for two days in September to hear
from leaders and participate in workshops like: Where We
Are Headed Technologically, Your 2020 Evolution, and
Taking Customers to 2020.
The theme for this sixth annual conference – which sold
out in 38 minutes – was ERG: #champion2020. “The event
and theme recognized our very important journey to
achieve the vision our chairman has set for 2020,” said
Debbie Storey, chief diversity officer. “So, we wanted to
ask our leaders – who lead the 76,000 ERG members – to
truly champion that journey.”
Attendees got a glimpse into that future when they heard
from several officers, including Chairman and CEO Randall
Stephenson. “We want to make sure that our people are
prepared to go to 2020 with us,” Stephenson said. “We
are going to work to make sure that we get our people’s
skills upgraded, changed, and modified to fit the new
world.” The conference celebrated “ERG in Action” award
winners – local and national ERG initiatives which involve
many employees, impact the business strategically, and
promote the company brand.
Employees spent the second day of the conference
spreading out across Dallas to volunteer with groups
like the Boys & Girls Club and Meals on Wheels. It’s that
atmosphere of giving and dedication that keeps ERG
members coming back year after year to the conference.
CONAGRA FOODS TEAMS UP WITH NCLR’S ALMA AWARDS TO CREATE AWARENESS AROUND CHILD HUNGER
Even after two decades of fighting
child hunger, ConAgra Foods and
the ConAgra Foods Foundation
know new partnerships will drive
impact. ConAgra Foods partnered with the National
Council of La Raza’s (NCLR’s) iconic event, the ALMA
Awards to engage celebrities and fans in their signature
cause, the Child Hunger Ends Here (CHEH) initiative. Child
hunger impacts more than 1 in 5 children in the U.S. and
among U.S. based Latino children the statistic is even
higher, 1 in 4 children.
The 15th annual NCLR ALMA Awards is the only nationally
broadcast English-language show recognizing the
accomplishments of Latinos in American entertainment
and media. These awards remain a unique entertainment
special with a cause: to highlight how inclusion
strengthens the entertainment industry and diversity
strengthens our country.
ConAgra Foods enlisted the help of Jorge Vega, child
actor from The Amazing Spider-Man 2, as the evening’s
CHEH ambassador. Vega empowered other celebrities
and attendees to support and spread awareness. Two
life-size pledge walls were placed at the venue, each
with a dramatic empty plate image and a message that
read, “THIS IS WHAT A CHILD’S DINNER LOOKS LIKE
TONIGHT.” In total, over 50 celebrities and thousands of
guests took a moment to sign the plates, take a photo,
and share via social media.
Fighting child hunger is an ongoing commitment for
ConAgra Foods and their Foundation has invested in
programs to feed kids and help attain resources and food
knowledge to get obtainable solutions to child hunger.
CHEH promotes and engages even more people to donate
meals and volunteer time in pantries across the country.
PUTTING ESSAY IDEAS TO WORKDenny’s Hungry for Education
scholarship program offers more
than $200,000 in scholarships
to eligible students across the
country. The inspiring program, in partnership with eight
leading nonprofit minority advocacy organizations,
was created by Denny’s as part of the brand’s ongoing
commitment to helping end childhood hunger in the U.S.
Students are asked to create and submit unique,
actionable ideas on how Denny’s can impact childhood
hunger in their local community. Denny’s is currently
bringing to life the program idea of 2013 scholarship
winner, llse Delgado, whose submission proposed that
Denny’s identify a select menu item of which proceeds
from be donated to a local family in need each week. The
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CORPORATE MEMBER AND MEDIA PARTNER NEWS
10 CORPORATE OBSERVER
brand is now working with Ilse to further develop and
implement her idea into a local program in her hometown
of El Paso, Texas.
Applications for the 2014- 2015 program are now being
accepted online at www.dennyshungryforeducation.com,
and will be open for submission through Feb. 3, 2015.
THE 2015 DIVERSITYINC TOP 50 EVENT | APRIL 23 | CIPRIANI WALL STREET, NYC
Join more than 900 senior
executives for an unmatched
opportunity to learn, network
and build business relationships with key leaders of
companies that have demonstrated leadership and
commitment to diversity and inclusion.
What you’ll learn at the best practices conference:
• The Differences Between Mentoring, Coaching &
Sponsorship
• How to Hold Onto Mid-Career Women & Executive
Presence
• How to Reach White Male Leadership
• How to Reach Middle Managers
• How to Include Hourly Workers in Employee Resource
Groups.
Lunch speaker: Enrico Moretti, author of The New
Geography of Jobs: Who Wins, Who Loses in the New
Innovation Economy.
Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR)
Supporter Discount: 15% OFF Full Registration ticket! Use
code: HACR-15 at checkout. Early-bird pricing valid until
Jan. 31.
The 2015 Top 50 Companies for Diversity will be unveiled
at the dinner that evening following a networking and
cocktail reception. Contact Nicole Dewhurst at (973) 494-
0503 or [email protected] with questions.
GE STRENGTHENS ITS COMMITMENT TO THE HEALTH OF HONDURAS
The GE Foundation, through its Developing
Health Globally (DHG) program, helps
build sustainable health infrastructure in
Honduras through biomedical equipment
training, which improves care for mothers and newborns
and allows them access to clean water.
In partnership with Assist International Organizations
and Consultants for the Development of Honduras, the
GE Foundation is also improving the quality of maternal,
natal, and infant health care available in Honduras. The
program works to identify gaps in essential care and
the development of effective and viable solutions to
the problems of natal and prenatal deaths and health
complications.
Additionally, employees of the GE Hispanic Forum,
through the “Blankets for Babies” initiative, donated more
than 6,000 blankets for newborns this year bringing the
total donated to more than 23,000 blankets for newborns
over the past several years.
“Building capacity in healthcare through simple
interventions and scalable solutions is a primary goal of
the GE Foundation,” said Deborah Elam, president of the
GE Foundation and chief diversity officer for GE. “The
collective effort of GE employees volunteering time each
year to provide blankets for newborns, combined with
the GE Foundation’s investment in skills development for
healthcare workers, reflects our commitment to helping
the community and improving health around the world.”
HISPANIC EXECUTIVE HONORS ITS 2014 TOP 10 LÍDERES IN NEW YORK CITY
Hispanic Executive (HE) was
proud to honor this year’s
class of business leaders with
its third annual Top 10 Líderes issue released in October.
The Top 10 Líderes invite-only VIP dinner sponsored by
Northwestern Mutual was held in New York City’s Toro
restaurant on Wednesday, October 22. The event was also
the fourth installment of the Uniting Powerful Leaders
dinner series, which was unveiled earlier this year in
Miami, followed by events in Chicago and Los Angeles.
Joining HE in New York City were a few of the magazine’s
guests of honor from its 2014 Top 10 Líderes list, which
included Beatriz “Bea” Perez, chief sustainability officer
at The Coca-Cola Company; Luella Chavez D’Angelo, chief
communications officer for Western Union; Monica Diaz,
vice president of diversity & inclusion and wellness at
ESPN; Antonio Gracias, CEO of Valor Equity Group; and
HE‘s fall cover star, Robert Chavez, president and CEO of
Hermès of Paris, Inc.
CORPORATE MEMBER AND MEDIA PARTNER NEWS
11CORPORATE OBSERVER
KRAFT PARTNERS WITH HACE TO EXCEL LATINO TALENT
Kraft understands the power
of Latinos in the economy and
the workplace. This is why Kraft
has partnered with the Hispanic Alliance for Career
Enhancement (HACE) to recruit and retain great Latino
talent.
Through HACE’s strategic programs, Kraft has recruited
several of HACE’s members. Kraft not only recruits HACE
members, but also actively engages its employees with
leadership development programs such as the women’s
leadership program, Mujeres de HACE, and the HACE
Leadership Academy for mid-career professionals. In
addition, several Kraft employees volunteer to meet with
and mentor HACE students via their high school and college
programs.
HACE is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to the
advancement of Latino professionals. Through education,
access and professional development, it helps Latinos
succeed in every phase of their careers. HACE has nearly
45,000 individual members across the U.S. and partners
with hundreds of employers seeking to recruit, retain, and
develop Latino talent.
Kraft is committed, now more than ever, to having a diverse
workforce and an inclusive workplace where employees can
meet their professional and personal aspirations. Through
partnerships with organizations such as HACE, Kraft is able
to nurture and grow the next generation of leaders.
CELEBRATING OUR 21ST ANNIVERSARY – LS50 FEBRUARY 5, 2015
In celebration of our 21st
anniversary, LATINA Style
will be enhancing all of our
programs including The LATINA Style 50 Awards & Diversity
Leaders Conference this coming February 5, 2015 in
Washington, D.C. The conference highlights the success of
the top 50 corporations, their Latina executives, and their
Employee/Business Resource Groups.
The LATINA Style 50 Annual Report evaluates corporate
America’s sensitivity to Latinas’ needs and goals in the
work place. This national report is the most respected
survey of corporate America’s policies and practices as
they pertain to the advancement and development of
professional Hispanic women.
Companies responding to the questionnaire are evaluated
based on the issues that LATINA Style Magazine’s readers
have identified as most important to them in the workplace.
Among the principal areas of evaluation are: number of
Latina executives, mentoring programs, Latinas on the
board of directors, educational opportunities, career
development opportunities, alternative work policies,
dependent/child care support, leave for childbirth, and
healthcare benefits.
The increased number of inquiries from companies wishing
to find out how they can improve their diversity strategies
prompted us to create the LATINA Style 50 Diversity
Leaders Conference.
MCDONALD’S INSPIRES EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AMONG HISPANIC YOUTH WITH THE 2014 USHLI STUDENT LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
For many Hispanic students in the U.S.,
finding inspiration is just as important as
financing an education. To help students
stay focused on the next step in their
lives, McDonald’s partnered with the United States Hispanic
Leadership Institute (USHLI) and CoolSpeak for the second
consecutive year to present the USHLI Student Leadership
Summit. The 10-city summit was part of USHLI’s 2014
Student Leadership Series and reached approximately
20,000 students and faculty across the country.
“At McDonald’s, we understand the importance of education
in creating opportunities for Hispanic students,” said Patricia
Diaz, director of U.S. Hispanic Marketing for McDonald’s
USA. “As a leading supporter of higher education for
Hispanics since 1985, we’re always exploring new ways to
motivate youth, and through this partnership, we were able
to connect with students in a fun, relevant way.”
The summit featured USHLI President Dr. Juan Andrade
and motivational speakers from CoolSpeak, a youth
engagement organization that improves education and
inspires students to learn by infusing a “cool” factor into
programs and events.
CORPORATE MEMBER AND MEDIA PARTNER NEWS
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PEOPLE EN ESPAÑOL 25 MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN
Target was the exclusive retail sponsor
of the 4th Annual People en Español’s
Las 25 Mujeres Más Poderosas (25 Most
Influential Women Awards) VIP luncheon
and consumer workshop on Thursday, October 16, in
Miami. The event recognized influential Latinas who are
shaping the future and inspiring women.
As a sponsor, Target partnered with Univision’s Despierta
America fashion reporter, Andrea Chediak to host a fall
style preview of the Ámbar collection for media and
Latina bloggers inside the “Target Dream Closet.”
For the event Target also styled Latina influencers:
Adamari López, Telemundo’s national morning Show
Un Nuevo Día co-host, who wore the Altuzarra for Target
wrap dress, Ana Patricia Gámez, Despierta América
co-host, who wore a metallic snake printed dress from
Ámbar, and of course Andrea Chediak, who wore a floral
cocktail dress also from the Ámbar collection.
During the event, Target also co-hosted a fall fashion
show with People en Español beauty editor Ursula
Carranza and Latina Instagrammer Marcia Jones.
Nydia Sahagun, group manager, multicultural marketing
at Target, shared remarks during the luncheon
highlighting Target’s commitment to the Hispanic
community.
WALMART BUILDS ON LEADERSHIP OF COMMERCIAL SOLAR DEPLOYMENT AND EXPANDS ON-SITE SOLAR ENERGY PROJECTS
Walmart announced
the company will
install up to 400
new solar projects at facilities across the nation over
the next four years. This advances the company’s global
commitment to drive the production or procurement of
seven billion kWh of renewable energy by the end of 2020
and its goal to be supplied by 100 percent renewable
energy. To facilitate these installations, Walmart selected
proposals from two preferred solar energy providers,
SolarCity and SunEdison, following an RFP process.
“We are pleased to announce this expansion on the heels
of the Solar Energy Industries Association’s commercial
solar report, which recognizes Walmart as having the
most installed solar capacity in the U.S.,” said Pam Kohn,
executive vice president at Walmart and president of
Walmart Realty.
Working with numerous solar providers, Walmart
has installed approximately 260 solar projects to
date in the United States. Walmart’s commercial solar
deployment is now 105 MW, more than double the
capacity of the next largest business. This has saved
more than $5 million in energy expenses, demonstrating
that Walmart can keep costs low for customers while
reducing environmental impact.
DISNEY INVESTS IN YOUNG LEADERS WITH A $1 MILLION COMMITMENT TO THE HISPANIC SCHOLARSHIP FUND
The Hispanic
Scholarship Fund
(HSF) announced
a $1 million commitment from The Walt Disney Company
to provide scholarships to outstanding Hispanic students.
The donation is part of a three-year agreement between
Disney and HSF that will create The Walt Disney
Company-HSF Scholarship Program. With this generous
support, Disney and HSF will help hundreds of students
across the country realize their full potential as leaders in
their chosen professions, and as volunteers who give back
to the community.
“The Walt Disney Company is one of the most iconic and
respected companies in the world, and we are thrilled to
be working together,” said Fidel A. Vargas, President &
CEO, Hispanic Scholarship Fund. “Support from insightful
corporate partners like The Walt Disney Company makes
it possible for HSF to increase the number of college
scholarships we are able to award to outstanding Hispanic
students.”
“Education is the foundation upon which dreams are built,
and increasing access to higher learning is an investment
with infinite returns for individuals and society as a
whole,” said Robert A. Iger, chairman and CEO, The Walt
Disney Company. “That’s why we’re committed to raising
public awareness and supporting even more outstanding
Hispanic students with scholarships that encourage and
empower them to achieve their goals.”
CORPORATE MEMBER AND MEDIA PARTNER NEWS
13CORPORATE OBSERVER
WELLS FARGO SURVEYS HISPANIC INVESTORS
Wells Fargo strives to understand the
financial health of Latinos and actively
gathers insights from the community
to better serve their needs. For the
second consecutive year, the company
conducted a nationwide survey of Hispanic investors to
uncover their unique needs and viewpoints on finance.
The study shed light on a strong desire by Hispanic
investors for financial education and more sophisticated
investment knowledge.
The study found that, among non-retired Hispanic
investors:
• Three out of four (76%) wish they had learned more
about managing money when they were growing up
(compared to 61% of U.S. investors overall).
• Most Hispanic investors (72%) stated they wish they
knew more about investing in mutual funds, stocks,
and bonds (versus 64% of U.S. investors overall).
• Despite a strong interest in personal finance and
investing, one in three Hispanic investors surveyed
(34%) do not feel comfortable investing in mutual
funds, stocks, or bonds (versus 27% among U.S.
investors overall). However, if they did invest in stocks
and bonds, most Hispanics surveyed (70%) felt they
would earn money on those investments (12% feel
they would lose money, and 18% feel they would
break even).
CORPORATE MEMBER AND MEDIA PARTNER NEWS
BENEFACTORS
ALTRIA DELL, INC. GENERAL ELECTRICINTEL CORPORATION MCDONALD’S CORPORATION TARGET CORPORATIONTIME WARNER, INC. WELLS FARGO & COMPANY
GENERATIONS
ADPAETNA, INC. ANHEUSER-BUSCH COMPANIES, INC. AT&TBANK OF AMERICACAESAR’S ENTERTAINMENT, INC. CARNIVAL CORPORATION & plcCHEVRON CHRYSLERCITICOMCAST CORPORATION FORD MOTOR COMPANYGENERAL MOTORS JOHNSON & JOHNSON KRAFT FOODS MILLERCOORSNORTHROP GRUMMAN SODEXOSTATE FARM INSURANCE COS.TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATIONVERIZON COMMUNICATIONSTHE WALT DISNEY COMPANY
ASSOCIATE
AARPAMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTECISCO SYSTEMSTHE COCA-COLA COMPANYCOMERICA BANKCONAGRA FOODS, INC. CSX CORPORATIONDENNY’S CORPORATIONDIAGEO NORTH AMERICA ERNST & YOUNGGOOGLEKPMGMACY’SMANPOWERGROUP INC.MARSH & MCLENNAN COMPANIESMERCK & CO.MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONALMICROSOFT CORPORATION PEPSICOPRUDENTIAL FINANCIALTHE HOME DEPOTUNITEDHEALTHCAREUPSVOYA FINANCIAL SERVICES WALMARTWYNDHAM WORLDWIDE
CORPORATE MEMBERS
14 CORPORATE OBSERVER
WALMART LEADERSHIP INTERVIEW SERIES
WWW.INSIDERGAME.ORG
PS&LR: Please share your career highlights with us.
Salas Pineda: I started my career in the automotive industry 30 years ago as a member of the initial start-up team at New United Motor Manufacturing (NUMMI), Toyota’s joint venture with General Motors. I served as general counsel and head of human resources and government and environmental affairs. Ten years ago, I moved to Toyota’s holding company in New York as general counsel and group vice president for corporate communications, which included overseeing national philanthropy and the Toyota USA Foundation.
PS&LR: Is there a particular career highlight that stands out to you?
Salas Pineda: It was an honor to join NUMMI as part of the start-up team. It was Toyota’s first foray into manufacturing in the United States and my initial introduction to Toyota. Another highlight was my transition to philanthropy and the
Toyota USA foundation. I am proud that Toyota has made close to $800 million in charitable donations to organizations that serve diverse communities including Latinos. I have had the opportunity to collaborate with a number of organizations doing meaningful work in areas such as the environment, vehicle safety, leadership development, and STEM education.
About 10 years ago, I became acutely aware of the need to educate Hispanic families on child passenger safety and the importance of using child car seats correctly. Unfortunately, Latino children are less likely to be buckled-up than other children which results in a disproportionate share of injuries and death. I championed funding the national expansion of Buckle Up for Life/Abróchate a la Vida, Toyota’s partnership with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital which to date has educated thousands of parents and caregivers and provided over 40,000 car seats
BY: PABLO SCHNEIDER AND LAURA RIVAS
“Certainly people younger than me and as old as me, I got news for all of them, ‘You’re going to have to remake yourself. You’re going to have to remake your set of skills, what you know, how you operate, over and over and over again.”
WALMART LEADERSHIP INTERVIEW SERIES
Patricia Salas Pineda is group vice president of the Hispanic business strategy group (HSBG) at Toyota Motor North America. She is the highest-ranking Hispanic executive at Toyota, and was recently recognized by People en Español magazine as one of the 25 Most Powerful Latinas in the country. During her 30 years with the company, Ms. Pineda has served in various key leadership positions including general counsel and head of corporate communications, human resources, and philanthropy. Her role at the newly created HBSG is unique. She oversees a team focused on strengthening ties between Toyota and Hispanics, building on 20 years of engagement and 10 consecutive years as the preferred automotive brand for Hispanics. A board member and founding chair of the Latino Corporate Directors Association, she has also served on the board of Levi Strauss & Co. since 1991.
PATRICIA SALAS PINEDA
“Certainly people younger than me and as old as me, I got news for all of them, ‘You’re going to have to remake yourself. You’re going to have to remake your set of skills, what you know, how you operate, over and over and over again.”
“I believe education is the most important strategy. We need to increase the number of Latinos with college degrees, advanced degrees, and STEM and technology skills to prepare them for the 21st century workplace.”
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WALMART LEADERSHIP INTERVIEW SERIES
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to families in need. This program is so important because two-thirds of all car seats in the U.S. are improperly installed. Today, the program is active in 14 cities across the country.
PS&LR: Could you share some of the advocacy and inclusion efforts in which you’ve been involved, especially those focused on Hispanics?
Salas Pineda: While still at NUMMI I served on the board of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) for five years. When I arrived in New York in 2004, through my work at Toyota, I started to build sponsorship relationships with key organizations such as the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO), the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the Mexican-American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF), and the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR). I served on the board of CHCI and the corporate advisory board of NCLR. More recently, through our association with HACR, I am a founding chair and board member of a new 501(c)(6) organization called the Latino Corporate Directors Association, which seeks to increase Latino participation on corporate boards.
PS&LR: What do you see as some of the most effective strategies moving forward to increase Hispanic inclusion especially in Corporate America?
Salas Pineda: I believe education is the most important strategy. We need to increase the number of Latinos with college degrees, advanced degrees, and STEM and technology skills to prepare them for the 21st century workplace. Our community will comprise a significant part of the future U.S. corporate workforce so I believe it is in both our community’s and Corporate America’s interests to work together to help prepare our future Latino corporate leaders and employees.
PS&LR: What do you think about connecting the supply side and the demand side? Company’s needing leadership say there are too few in the candidate pool but others say the
criteria are too narrow. There’s good awareness on the part of boards but the number of Hispanics on corporate boards is generally around two percent which is significantly under indexing.
Salas Pineda: I think we need to raise awareness of the many qualified Latinos who have management, C-Suite, and boardroom experience. It is also critical that we begin making efforts to increase the number of Latinos in the C-Suite and boardrooms. Today, Latinos are woefully underrepresented. I say it’s critical because Hispanics will represent a significant and growing percentage of our future U.S. corporate workforce and they must be prepared for future leadership roles in Corporate America. I think it’s worth noting that research on high performing teams shows that diverse teams outperform homogenous teams when managed well. I believe that a diverse management team is also better equipped to help its company connect with our increasingly diverse U.S. consumers, including Latino consumers who represent the fastest growing consumer base for many companies.
PS&LR: What advice do you have for Hispanic professionals on advancing and succeeding in Corporate America?
Salas Pineda: Get the best possible education and network in the corporate community. Work hard, demonstrate leadership, become a good listener, and communicate effectively. I always encourage young people to raise their hand for challenging and varied assignments outside their comfort zone because those assignments will broaden their professional experience and skills, which will make them more appealing candidates for new jobs. I also think it’s important to speak up, articulate your vision, be a team player, and do your best not to burn bridges—the world is a very small place.
PS&LR: What advice from a mentor or peer really impacted your career?
Salas Pineda: When I was in high school, I told my father that I wanted to quit my part-time job because I didn’t like the owner’s harsh management style. My father
explained to me that there will always be people and things that we don’t like in our jobs so leaving one job for another isn’t necessarily the solution—he encouraged me to persevere and make it work. My father, who at 90 is still a community leader and Latino advocate in California, instilled in me a real staying power that has served me well. I have enjoyed a lot of success and there were points in my career when I wanted to give up or not do something, but in the back of my mind my father’s message was always with me.
16 CORPORATE OBSERVER
WALMART LEADERSHIP INTERVIEW SERIES
16CORPORATE OBSERVER
El Mundo had the opportunity to interview one of these exemplary executives, Lisa García Quiroz, chief diversity officer and SVP, corporate responsibility for Time Warner Inc., who was named one of the “25 Hispanic leaders near the top of the corporate ladder” in 2014 by Hispanic Business magazine.
Before joining Time Warner Inc., Ms. García Quiroz worked at Time Inc., where she launched two businesses that identified and successfully served new markets: People en Español and Time for Kids.
In addition to her responsibilities as chief diversity officer, Ms. García Quiroz also serves as president of the Time Warner Foundation, and oversees Time Warner’s philanthropic outreach, focused primarily on identifying new and diverse voices in storytelling. This has led to the development of groundbreaking new programs at the Sundance Institute, Tribeca Institute, the Public
Theater, and other preeminent arts organizations that cultivate the next generation of storytellers.
Ms. García Quiroz is also actively involved in community service and engagement. She was nominated by President Obama and confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve on the board of the Corporation for National and Community Service and currently serves as its chairperson. She also serves as vice chairperson of the board of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund and on the boards of the Apollo Theatre and the Public Theater in New York City.
El Mundo: Can you tell us a little bit about your ethnic heritage?
García Quiroz: My cultural heritage is Mexican and Puerto Rican. My mother was born and raised in Puerto Rico and she comes from a very big, close family that is a tremendous influence in my life. My dad was born in Brooklyn to Mexican parents and my grandmother lived with us when I
BY GUSTAVO A. MONTOYA
LISA GARCÍA QUIROZ
WALMART LEADERSHIP INTERVIEW SERIES
According to a recent report issued by Catalyst, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase opportunities for women in business, the percentage of executive positions held by females in Fortune 500 companies in the U.S. is just under 15 percent. The same report also indicated that the percentage of females occupying board seats within the Fortune 500 is only 16.9 percent. HACR estimates that the number of board seats held specifically by Latinas is less than one percent. Clearly there is more work to be done regarding women and minority representation in leadership positions in Corporate America. In spite of this lack of diversity within the highest levels of Corporate America, the Hispanic influence can be felt in the executive ranks of select companies such as Time Warner Inc., a 29.7 billion dollar revenue company in 2013.
“To be a leader means to excel, to be really good at your job, to make a difference at your organization, and to clear a path for Latinos. For many of us, we have been pioneers but it is critical that we hold the door open for Latinos that will come after us.”
17CORPORATE OBSERVER
was growing up. She was very proud of her Mexican ancestry and instilled in me a great sense of appreciation and pride for Mexican history and culture. People oftentimes ask me if I feel more one than the other but I truly don’t. In fact, my mother and grandmother made sure of that. I consider myself completely tri-cultural…Puerto Rican, Mexican American, and New Yorker.
El Mundo: Looking back to your bi-cultural experience as a child and in college, did you think you would achieve the level of professional success you have achieved today?
García Quiroz: I don’t think I had a clear vision of what I would do but I had a strong drive to succeed and a feminist dad who never made me feel like there were any barriers or limits to my dreams. I wasn’t micromanaged as a child and my parents were not constantly directing me but they certainly celebrated my achievements and instilled a great sense of confidence in me.
Going to Harvard was a bit of a lifelong dream and while there I was a very active and involved student. I considered myself an activist and I found my voice there. When I was trying to decide what graduate studies to pursue, it was a mentor at Harvard who suggested that I consider business school. At first, I thought this seemed so outside of my core interests but the more research I did the more I realized that it made complete sense. The Harvard Business School prides itself on training leaders and general managers. This is clearly a skill set that I could leverage across sectors and in fact, I have.
When I graduated from Harvard Business School, my “north star” was to work in an industry in which I could make a difference and that is what led me to media. I believe media helps tell our story, it shows who we are, what we care about, and how the world sees us – that’s what I am passionate about and that’s what led me to this industry. As a Latina, I felt there was no greater calling and there were very few Latinos who had followed this path.
El Mundo: What words of wisdom or advice would you share with young graduates?
García Quiroz: I hate to be too prescriptive about what I tell young people since many have had success following different paths. However, if I were to look at my career and draw lessons from it I would boil it down to hard work and big dreams. I followed a path of hard work, challenging myself along the way and learning as much as I could. I positioned myself to be able to take risks in my career and to dream big. Especially for young people, I think this is especially important. You cannot achieve great things unless you are willing to pursue your dreams, doggedly, passionately, and tenaciously. “No” is not a word that I have ever let drive my career.
El Mundo: Could you share some of the advocacy and inclusion efforts in which you have been involved, especially those focused on Hispanics?
García Quiroz: As a media company, our most significant diversity and inclusion efforts are those that ensure that we as a company are creating content that is reflective of and appealing to increasingly diverse audiences in the U.S. and globally. As the launch publisher of People en Español I had a front seat to seeing companies across the country recognize the importance of the Latino consumer in the U.S. For this reason, the business case for diversity and stimulating efforts to reach diverse audiences are our most important work. In the past decade, Time Warner has been a leader in reaching Latino audiences with leading brands such as HBO Latino, People en Español, and CNN en Español. In addition, we have become expert in reaching diverse audiences with our content, be it feature films where Latinos account for a significant percentage of opening weekend box office, or the launch of a new talk show like “The Real” with a very diverse cast of women.
Moreover, I am currently launching a new initiative focused on developing digital content with new, diverse storytellers. The proliferation of digital content is a huge opportunity for diverse storytellers, an opportunity to ensure that we are telling our stories. We need to make sure that we provide opportunities for these storytellers because we know that there are
audiences hungry for this content.
El Mundo: Moving forward, what do you see as some of the most effective strategies to increase Hispanic representation in Corporate America? What specific suggestions do you have for increasing Hispanic representation?
García Quiroz: There are more Latinos graduating from college than ever in our history. We need opportunities and jobs with real career paths, and we will see our numbers rise. I have been involved with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) for over a decade. HSF supported me at Harvard Business School and I am proud to support the organization. If you spend time with our young people, attend one of the HSF gatherings; you can witness firsthand our very exciting future. All these young people need are opportunities, a path to success, and mentorship. We, as a community, need to support our young people, be role models, and open doors.
El Mundo: What does it take to be a leader in Corporate America and an advocate for Hispanics?
García Quiroz: To be a leader means to excel, to be really good at your job, to make a difference at your organization, and to clear a path for Latinos. For many of us, we have been pioneers but it is critical that we hold the door open for Latinos that will come after us. There is no pride in being the only, only in being the first of many.
WALMART LEADERSHIP INTERVIEW SERIES
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HACR RESEARCH INSTITUTE UPDATE
HACR RESEARCH INSTITUTE UPDATE
The HACR Research Institute (HRI) is the research arm of HACR and is devoted to objective research, analysis, and publication of Hispanic-related issues in Corporate America. The institute focuses its research on HACR’s four pillars: Employment, Procurement, Philanthropy, and Governance, and also explores other issues pertaining to Hispanic inclusion in the workforce and national demographics. The goal of the HRI is to assess current Hispanic trends and stimulate discussion on Hispanic inclusion in Corporate America.
In 2014, the HRI received a grant from Merck & Co. and the Merck Foundation to fund a study exploring STEM opportunities for Hispanics. The study, Identifying Opportunities for Hispanic Inclusion in STEM Careers, is due out in 2015. The primary objectives of this project are to gain a richer understanding of the barriers that limit the inclusion and professional progression of
Hispanics in STEM fields within Corporate America and to promote strategic actions to enhance recruitment, career development, and advancement opportunities for Hispanics.
The HRI also received a grant from Walmart in 2014 to fund a study examining trends in one of HACR’s four pillars: Procurement. The 2015 HACR Hispanic Procurement Report builds on the work of the HACR Corporate Inclusion Index tracking trends in supplier diversity for a sample of Fortune 100 companies. The goal of the project is to identify challenges companies are facing in working with Hispanic entrepreneurs as well as identifying opportunities for sourcing to Hispanic vendors. The report will include recommendations and best practices to help Corporate America overcome challenges in sourcing to Hispanic vendors.
20 CORPORATE OBSERVER
CII EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The HACR Corporate Inclusion Index (HACR CII) provides a comprehensive measurement of the business practices and strategies of the Fortune 100 and HACR Corporate Members around HACR’s four pillars: Employment, Procurement, Philanthropy, and Governance. The data collected in the HACR CII provide a “snapshot” of Corporate America’s Hispanic inclusion efforts and form the basis for HACR’s advocacy efforts on improving Hispanic representation in Corporate America.
A total of 129 corporations comprised of the Fortune 100, HACR Corporate Members, and 2013 HACR CII participants received invitations to take part in the survey of that number, 61 submitted surveys this year. More specifically, 39 percent of Fortune 100 companies participated in this year’s survey which like last year included 4 out of the top 10 Fortune 100 companies.
More importantly though is the fact that 15 of this year’s participants have improved their rating from 2013 which reflects their commitment to diversity and Hispanic inclusion and can also likely be in part attributed to the close working relationship between HACR and the participants.
There is still work that needs to be done but we have come a long way since the first HACR CII in 2009. We have seen participation slowly increase, retention rates raise, but most importantly ratings improve. The HACR CII is poised to make real and lasting change in Corporate America.
2014 HACR CORPORATEINCLUSION INDEX
• Hispanics comprise an average of nearly 14 percent of the total reported employee base in Corporate America.
• Hispanics were nearly three times as likely to be found in non-exempt positions as compared to exempt positions.
• On average, participants reported directing slightly more than one percent of total procurement spend to Hispanic-owned businesses.
• Only 10 percent of the CII participants reported that they were unable to disclose their Hispanic spend.
• Total average charitable contributions made by participants in 2014 equaled $81,634,125 while total average contributions to Hispanic-led and community organizations amounted to only $5,195,119.
• Hispanics held just over six percent of board seats amongst the participating companies which is higher than the average within the Fortune 500 more generally, but it is still very low.
• Hispanics held only 137 executive officer positions out of over 4,000 executive officer positions.
KEY FINDINGS
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HACR PRESIDENT & CEO, CID WILSON’S WELCOME RECEPTION
HACR PRESIDENT & CEO, CID WILSON’S WELCOME RECEPTIONDECEMBER 10, 2014 | M. BRASSERIE, WASHINGTON D.C.
HACR Board Members with HACR President & CEO Cid Wilson.
HACR President & CEO Cid Wilson.
HACR President & CEO Cid Wilson with reception attendees.
WELCOME RECEPTION SPONSORS
DIAMOND
BRINDIS
EMERALD
RUBY
SAPPHIRE
23CORPORATE OBSERVER
HACR PRESIDENT & CEO, CID WILSON’S WELCOME RECEPTION
HACR President & CEO Cid Wilson with reception attendees. HACR President & CEO Cid Wilson with Miguel Pozo past president of the Hispanic National Bar Association.
HACR Board Member Guarione Diaz with a reception guest. HACR reception attendees.
HACR Board Member Ignacio Salazar with a reception guest. HACR Board Members with reception attendees.
Throughout the program, participants must also develop a project that will impact the well-being of their region.
Marcela’s project: Social Communication and Design Lab, proposes the creation of a marketing, design, and communications agency specializing in meeting the needs of Hispanic nonprofit organizations and institutions in Washington D.C. and Mexico. Marcela will present her project to her state governor in January of 2015.
Q&A with Marcela Pérez
What do you hope to do in the future? In thinking about my future goals, I’d like to be a part of a social impact business, where I can apply all I have learned to improve living conditions for people who are socially and
economically disadvantaged around the world. I can see myself working for a social development organization like IDB, as a project planner and manager.
What did you like about working at HACR? I really enjoyed every single day of it, from the experience of commuting, to all the projects I worked on, to getting to know more about HACR and the team, and especially my boss Ariana Solis.
What was the most important thing you learned while at HACR? I have learned a lot of priceless things at HACR, but the main thing I have learned is that an organized work team makes a difference.
What was your favorite thing you did while visiting the U.S.?
Living cliché moments are as magical as I imagined. Picking pumpkins, watching the snow fall, having the opportunity to visit different amazing cities, and discovering hidden places in D.C., are just a few of my favorite things.
What are your plans when you return to Mexico? I will continue with my entrepreneurial projects and to begin the implementation of “Social Communication and Design Lab”, the project I developed during my semester at The Washington Center. I would also like to get involved with a social development organization and I would love to start teaching courses on social entrepreneurship and design thinking process.
24 CORPORATE OBSERVER
HACR WELCOMES NEW TEAM MEMBERS
VANESSA BOWLING
MARCELA PÉREZ
HACR NEWS
Vanessa Bowling joined the staff of HACR in October 2014 as the executive and operations assistant to the president and CEO. Her primary functions include handling the president and CEO’s myriad of administrative responsibilities including correspondence, meeting schedules, travel itineraries, and speaking engagements. She also assists the senior manager of finance
and administration and supports the 16-member HACR Board of Directors.
Prior to joining HACR, Vanessa was the office manager and executive assistant for Equality Maryland. While there, she honed her skills in event planning, graphic design, and developing marketing and advertising materials.
A 2010 graduate of Morgan State University with a B.S. in Telecommunications.
She is currently enrolled in the University of Baltimore’s master’s program in publications design with an anticipated graduation date of May 2015.
Marcela Pérez joined the staff of HACR in September 2014 as the Communications Intern. Marcela is part of the Governors Internship Program at The Washington Center.
The Governors Internship Program is a highly competitive program that places students from the participating states of Mexico in a rigorous professional and academic program.
HISPANIC ASSOCIATIONON CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY
1444 I Street, N.W. Suite 850Washington, D.C. 20005
2015 HACR CALENDAR
FEBRUARY 11-12, 2015
League of United Latin American Citizens: 2015 LULAC National Legislative Conference & Gala Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C.
FEBRUARY 12-15, 2015
United States Hispanic Leadership Institute National Conference Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers Chicago, IL
FEBRUARY 25-27, 2015
Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities: 11th International Conference RIU Plaza Guadalajara Hotel Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
MARCH 3, 2015
National Council of La Raza: 28th Annual NCLR Capital Awards New York Hilton Midtown New York, NY
MARCH 24-26,2015
United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce: 2015 Legislative Summit Ronald Reagan Building Washington, D.C.
MAY 12, 2015
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute: Fiesta de Golf Scholarship Challenge Renditions Golf Course Davidsonville, MD
MAY 13, 2015
Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute: CHLI Annual Gala & Leadership Awards Mandarin Oriental Washington, D.C.
2015 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
2015 HACR PROGRAMS
APRIL 24-26, 2015
HACR Corporate Directors Summit™ The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead Atlanta, GA
APRIL 24-26, 2015
HACR Corporate Executives Forum™ The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead Atlanta, GA
APRIL 24-26, 2015
HACR Corporate Achievers Summit The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead Atlanta, GA
APRIL 26-28, 2015
HACR Young Hispanic Corporate Achievers™ The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead Atlanta, GA
APRIL 27-28, 2015
23rd Annual HACR Symposium: The Power of Hispanic Inclusion™ The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead Atlanta, GA
APRIL 28, 2015
HACR CEO Roundtable The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead Atlanta, GA