Hispanic-Today 2009

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CAREER AND BUSINESS NEWS NATIONAL HISPANIC ENTREPRENEURS’ ORGANIZATION LAUNCHED TO EMPOWER HISPANIC ENTREPRENEURS

Charlotte, N.C., with research and development and call centers in Latin America. In 2006, Mr. Giometti founded Viva Carolina, a multimedia Latino network in the Carolinas with focus in Education, Business and Healthcare, that was acquired in 2008 by

Juan Pablo Giometti, president and CEO of NHEO,

The Latin Focus LLC. Viva Carolina was the first

Inc., has announced the launch of National Hispanic

community Hispanic newspaper in eastern North

Entrepreneurs’ Organization (www.nheo.org), a

Carolina.

nonprofit organization created to empower Hispanic Giometti has held several managerial positions for

entrepreneurs who are underrepresented in America.

Fortune 500 companies, including NACCO Materials As the premier business organization serving

Handling Group, Inc. (NMHG), IBM, Pepsi Bottling

Hispanic entrepreneurs, NHEO’s mission is to close

Group and Motorola in the United States and Latin

the minority gap that Hispanics face in the business

America, where he worked in business development

world and foster entrepreneurship among Hispanics

and marketing roles for multimillion dollar projects.

through mentoring, networking and education. The

local, regional and national level. NHEO also helps

NEW REPORT DETAILS MOST COMMON AND FASTEST-GROWING OCCUPATIONS

stimulate economic growth by providing high quality,

Perhaps more than ever, workplace skills are key to

prescreened information in the English and Spanish

finding and retaining employment. If you’re considering

languages.

a new occupation in the new year and want to explore

organization acts as an information hub for new and existing Hispanic business owners and offers timely access to business and community resources at the

some possibilities, check out the new “Occupational “I am excited that NHEO is up and ready for

Opportunities” report issued by ACT, Inc. The eight-

business,” said Giometti, president and CEO of the

page report is available online, for free (click here).

organization. “Our overall objective is to increase the chances of success of Hispanic entrepreneurs by

Three charts in the report present projected annual

providing them needed business wisdom, resulting

openings, recommended skill levels, and average

in increased revenue as well as job growth within the

annual salaries associated with some of the nation’s

country.“

most common occupations. The information is based on ACT research, along with data extracted from the

Juan Pablo Giometti is also Managing Director of

Occupational Information Network developed by the

The Latin Focus LLC, a full-service Hispanic media

U.S. Department of Labor and data published by the

and marketing consulting firm headquartered in

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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HISPANIC TODAY

CAREER AND BUSINESS NEWS THE OCCUPATION CHARTS ARE DIVIDED INTO

states Martin Scaglione, ACT Workforce Division

THREE SECTIONS:

president & COO. “We will continue to see steady

The Now section provides data for 45 occupations

growth in occupations that demand the knowledge

commonly available to high school graduates. These

and skills needed to master complex tasks and

positions frequently serve as gateways to higher-level

responsibilities. Opportunities abound for those who

jobs and careers.

prepare to meet these new challenges.”

The Next section provides data for 55 occupations

In order of Annual Openings, the top five

requiring additional training usually acquired on the

opportunities for each category according to the

job or via educational programs offered by community

number of projected annual openings include:

colleges or other providers.

NOW: Retail salespersons (719,636)

The Later section lists 50 occupations requiring

Customer service representatives (577,955)

postsecondary educational credentials and may call

Office clerks, general (474,658)

for professional experience.

Home health aides (393,920) Janitors and cleaners (except maids and

For each occupation listed in the Now, Next and

housekeeping cleaners) (390,328)

Later sections, three columns list the recommended

NEXT:

WorkKeys® assessment scores an individual should

Bookkeeping, accounting, clerks (303,213)

have to be successful in that occupation. The three

Executive secretaries and assts. (270,183)

WorkKeys assessments used for this chart are

Carpenters (173,807)

Reading for Information, Applied Mathematics, and

Sales reps (171,904)

Locating Information. ACT research shows that

Automotive service techs (131,007)

these three skills are important to 85 percent of the

LATER:

nearly 17,000 jobs that have been analyzed since the

Registered nurses (639,815)

WorkKeys system was launched about twenty years

Postsecondary teachers (420,031)

ago.

Accountants and auditors (249,672) Elementary school teachers (243,257)

These assessments support the National Career

Computer systems analysts (151,659)

Readiness Certificate offered by ACT – a portable credential issued to verify that individuals possess

In order of U.S. Median Wage, the top five median

the essential skills associated with the listed

annual (gross) earnings for each category

occupations. Employers across the nation may

include:

validate the presence of core employability skills that

NOW:

are closely related to job performance and success.

Power-line installers and repairers

($52,570)

“The U.S. economy is in a period of transformation,”

Police and sheriff’s patrol officers

($49,630)

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CAREER AND BUSINESS NEWS NEXT:

DESPITE ECONOMY, NEARLY TWOTHIRDS OF COMPANIES PLANNING YEAR-END BONUSES

Dental hygienists ($64,740)

As the economy struggles to crawl out of the worst

Flight attendants ($61,120)

recession in decades, many companies remain

Diagnostic medical sonographers ($59,860)

focused on containing costs. However, one new

Real estate brokers ($58,860)

survey shows that, despite continued worries about

Cost estimators ($54,920)

costs, 64 percent of employers are planning to hand

LATER:

out holiday bonus checks this year. The survey

Physicians and surgeons ($153,640)

of approximately 100 human resource executives

Chief executives ($151,370)

conducted in November by global outplacement

Airline pilots and flight engineers ($148,810)

consultancy Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc.

Dentists, general ($137,630)

suggests that while companies are not quite ready to

Computer and IS managers ($108,070)

accelerate hiring, they are cognizant of the potential

Postal service mail carriers ($44,500) Brickmasons and blockmasons ($44,070) Firefighters ($43,170)

to lose high performing workers when the job market begins to improve and job creation gains momentum.

“As you might guess,” stated Scaglione, “the occupations in the Next and Later sections requiring postsecondary training and/or postsecondary

The percentage of companies awarding holiday

education are the more highly compensated

bonuses this year represents a marked improvement

positions, as well as the occupations requiring higher

over 2008, when 54 percent of companies planned to

WorkKeys assessment scores.”

give bonuses. Not only are more employers planning to give bonuses this year, but some are planning to

For individuals unsure of what occupation might

give bigger checks. Eight percent of those polled said

be the most suitable for them, ACT offers an

their companies were increasing the size of bonus

assessment called “Fit” designed to match individual

checks. Last year, none of the companies planning

interests and values to the work environment. This

bonuses were giving bigger ones.

tool assesses work-related interests and a broad range of work-related values, such as Autonomy,

While the survey shows an overall increase in the

Physical Activity, Influencing Others, and Precision.

percentage of companies awarding bonuses, it also

For ease of use, information from both interests and

demonstrates the impact that the recession has had

values are combined into a single Fit Index. More

on many companies. Sixteen percent of respondents

information about this assessment is available at

said that, while they awarded bonuses in 2008, they

http://www.act.org/workkeys/assess/fit/index.

did not plan to do so this year. That is up from 13

html. For more information about ACT, visit www.

percent of companies that saw the cancellation of

act.org.

bonuses from one year to the next.

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CAREER AND BUSINESS NEWS Another four percent of companies planned to give

left many workers disgruntled, frustrated and ready to

smaller bonuses than a year ago, which the same

move on as soon as the market improves. Year-end

percentage who said as much in the 2008 survey.

bonuses may not ensure the loyalty of all unhappy

“Companies are not quite ready to ramp up hiring,

workers, but they could help entice some to stay

but they are beginning to see the light at the end

aboard,” said Challenger.

of the tunnel. While most can probably justify postponing bonuses another year, there are growing

While the human resource executives surveyed did

concerns that job market improvements in 2010

not provide details on the amount of bonus checks,

could bring an exodus of workers. Companies are

John Challenger said some companies may choose

also sending a message that we appreciate that

to be creative when it comes to year-end rewards.

this has been a tough year for everyone, and that the workers’ part in ensuring continued survival is

“In some respects, it truly is the thought that

recognized,” said John A. Challenger, chief executive

counts. Employees want to be recognized for their

officer of Challenger, Gray & Christmas.

contribution to the company. It doesn’t have to be a Wall Street sized bonus check. Many workers

Many employers are indeed expecting a rapid surge

would be happy with a $100 gift certificate to a local

in turnover when the economy improves, according

restaurant or store. Many would probably be happy

to a survey by consultancy firm Deloitte. The survey

with a couple of extra days of paid vacation at the

found that nearly two-thirds of managers were highly

end of the year. Many are simply happy to have a job

or very highly concerned about losing high-potential

in this economy,” said Challenger.

talent in the year after the recession ended.

“Of course, those who are just happy to have a job “In addition to layoffs, the recession forced many

are usually the first ones seeking greener pastures at

employers to decrease workers’ hours, institute pay

the first sign of improvement. Companies understand

cuts, force employees to take unpaid vacations and

this and it is why nearly two-thirds of them are finding

halt matching 401(k) contributions. While some of

a way to give bonuses this year,” he concluded. HT

these measures have saved jobs, they undoubtedly

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Work Here. Fly Anywhere. www.skywest.com/careers

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the journey begins here

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REACHING for the STARS

By Richard Chudy

Photos and additional material courtesty of NASA

Hispanics have made their mark in a myriad of fields. Perhaps none more impressive than their involvement in space exploration. Ever since the first Hispanic traveled past the confines of gravity, the number of Hispanics that have joined the ranks of space travelers continues to grow.

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The first Hispanic NASA astronaut was Dr. Franklin Chang-Diaz. His first foray into space took place in 1986 but his career as an astronaut was not a singular flight. In fact, Chang- Diaz flew a total of 7 space missions from 1986 to 2002. All told, he logged over 1,600 hours in space and an impressive 19 hours and 31 minutes of spacewalking.

His first mission, STS 61-C (January 1218, 1986), was launched from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on the Space Shuttle Columbia. STS 61-C was a 6-day flight during which Dr. Chang- Diaz participated in the deployment of the SATCOM KU satellite, conducted experiments in astrophysics, and

Dr. Franklin Chang-Diaz

operated the materials processing laboratory MSL-2. Following 96 orbits of the Earth, Columbia and her crew made a successful night landing at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Mission duration was 146 hours, 3 minutes, 51 seconds. Subsequent missions all had their moments, including milestone trips to establish and upgrade the International Space Station and Russian Space Station Mir. His passion for space exploration was inspiration for many other Hispanics who looked to the stars with dreams of becoming an astronaut. In an interview conducted towards the latter part of his career in January of 2003, Dr. Chang- Diaz relayed these words. “Space is just wonderful,” he said. “It’s a place I long to be now. When I get there, it’s like being home every time. I have the sensation of more familiarity.”

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His journey to becoming an astronaut proves that hard work, dedication and a deep-seated desire to follow one’s dreams can payoff big.

Few NASA astronauts have chalked up more than a decade in space, but Franklin Chang-Diaz says he’s been touring the cosmos for nearly half a century. His first spacecraft? An oversized cardboard box, fueled by the vivid imagination of a small boy who already knew what he wanted to do with his life and would meet every challenge to make it happen.

Chang-Diaz graduated from a Costa Rica high school in 1967. He worked as a bank teller for nine months and saved $50. His father got him a one-way ticket to Hartford, Conn., where he would live with relatives.

“The first thing I had to do was learn English, so I enrolled myself in public high school,” he said.

“Then I planned to find a way to get a scholarship to go to a university.” He got that scholarship, and earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Connecticut in 1973. In 1977, he earned a doctorate in applied physics from the Massachusetts Institute of

A self-described “normal kid” growing up in Costa Rica in the 1950s, Chang-Diaz had an

Technology in Cambridge, Mass.

early interest in science and physics, building and launching his own rockets through the rain gutters of his grandparent’s house. His parents fostered his enthusiasm, but offered some wise counsel as well. “You can’t just be an explorer who goes along and looks for things,” his mother told him. “You have to study and be a scientist, so you can tell what you’re really finding.”

Inspiration also came from Chang-Diaz’s father who always told him to believe in himself. “My dad was my hero,” he said. “He instilled in me a very strong sense of self- assurance.”

Fast-forward to August of 2009 and you’ll find the newest of roughly a dozen Hispanics who have made the grade and attained the position of NASA astronaut – Jose Hernandez. He, like many that have completed training as an astronaut, came from humble beginnings. He was a young boy when he and his family, migrant farm workers, began working the California Circuit – the name given to the grapevine of farms that provided seasonal work for pickers and farm workers. Frequent moves throughout his childhood made getting an education difficult, but regardless, Hernandez earned a first rate education. He obtained a master’s degree in electrical engineering from UC Santa Barbara.

When a NASA official visited Costa Rica to talk to high school students about space exploration, Chang-Diaz made a decision that would alter his life. “I sat in the front row, listening to this guy talk about rockets and rocket propulsion,” he recalls.

“He had copies of a booklet, ‘So You Want To Be a Rocket Scientist,’ by Werner von Braun, it told you how to become a rocket scientist and work for NASA. That’s what I wanted to do,” he said.

But the impetus to reach for the stars came much earlier in life. It was while he was in high school in Stockton, California that Hernandez caught wind of something that captured his attention and stoked a new passion. He heard that fellow Hispanic, Franklin Chang-Diaz was recruited by the Astronaut Corps – and the thought of becoming an astronaut became his new dream.

He immediately wrote to von Braun. NASA’s reply commended him on his interest, but stressed careers in NASA were reserved for U.S. citizens. “That’s when I formulated my plan to come to the United States,” he said.

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Astronaut Jose Hernandez, STS-128 mission specialist, attired in a training version of his shuttle launch and entry suit, awaits the start of a training session in the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

“I was hoeing a row of sugar beets in a field near Stockton, Calif., and I heard on my transistor radio that Franklin Chang-Diaz had been selected for the Astronaut Corps,” says Hernandez, who was a senior in high school at the time. “I was already interested in science and engineering,” Hernandez remembers, “but that was the moment I said, ‘I want to fly in space.’

After graduating high school in Stockton, Hernandez enrolled at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering and was awarded a full scholarship to the graduate program at the University of California in Santa Barbara, where he continued his engineering studies. In 1987 he accepted a full-time job with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where he had worked as a co-op in college.

While at Lawrence Livermore, Hernandez worked on signal and image processing applications in radar imaging, computed tomography, and acoustic imaging. Later in his career, Hernandez worked on developing quantitative x-ray film imaging analysis techniques for the x-ray laser program.

Hernandez applied these techniques in the medical physics arena and co-developed the first fullfield digital mammography imaging system. This system has proven useful for detecting breast cancer at an earlier stage than present film/screen mammography techniques. Hernandez has won recognition awards for his work on this project. He has also worked in the international arena where he represented Lawrence Livermore and the U.S. Department of Energy on Russian nuclear nonproliferation issues.

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NASA astronaut John “Danny” Olivas, STS-128 mission specialist, participates in the mission’s second session of extravehicular activity (EVA) as construction and maintenance continue on the International Space Station.

(PRNewsFoto/MGM MIRAGE)

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Seated are Commander Rick Sturckow (right) and Pilot Kevin Ford. From the left (standing) are mission specialists José Hernández, John “Danny” Olivas, Nicole Stott, European Space Agency’s Christer Fuglesang and Patrick Forrester. Stott is scheduled to join Expedition 20 as flight engineer after launching to the International Space Station on STS-128.

During the astronaut application process, Hernandez had to meet with a review board.

That’s where he came face-to-face with his original inspiration: Franklin Chang-Diaz.

Hernandez applied a total of 12 times and after a long 12 year pursuit, he was finally recruited at the age of forty-one. “It’s okay to dream the impossible because if you work hard enough, get a good education… you can actually obtain the impossible and make it possible.” says Hernandez.

“It was a strange place to find myself, being evaluated by the person who gave me the motivation to get there in the first place,” Hernandez says. “But I found that we actually had common experiences -- a similar upbringing, the same language issues. That built up my confidence. Any barriers that existed, he had already hurdled them.”

But it was not easy to get into the program. In fact, although he obtained a college scholarship and earned a master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering, getting into the Astronaut Corps would take much time and effort. All told,

On Aug. 25, the 47-year-old engineer’s impossible dream culminated with the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery. The seven-member Discovery crew included another Hispanic, Danny Olivas, a graduate of the University of Texas at El Paso. It was the first NASA shuttle crew to include two Hispanic astronauts.

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When asked about how he feels about being an example to others, especially the Hispanic community at large, Hernandez offered these

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words. Well, I think it’s a good story to tell. I just look at it the way I received it when I was a senior in high school and read about Franklin Chang’s story, of how it empowered me to say, “If he did it, why can’t I do it?” And so, that’s the way I feel about my story saying that it’s a feel good story but it’s not a story to tell because, “Hey, look at me. I’m an astronaut. Look how good I am.” It’s more of a story to tell so that folks can say, “Hey, if he was able to do it, why can’t I do it?” So that’s what I’m hoping to do is to empower especially the Latino community, the Latino students, empower them to say, “Hey, Jose did it, why can’t I do it?” And so that’s how I feel about it.

Jose Hernandez doesn’t stop at mere words to inspire others to reach for the stars. In December of 2005 he formed the Jose Hernandez Reaching for the Stars Foundation.

In creating this foundation, he aims to ensure the opportunities for children to pursue their educational and professional goals regardless of perceived obstacles. The efforts and goals of the foundation are designed to carry forward Jose’s aim of giving back to his community. By awarding scholarships, the foundation focuses on

helping students achieve their educational goals.

An annual Space Conference is designed to inspire youth to pursue occupations in the math and science fields. The foundation also looks to connect with the community to establish a network of resources to help children.

On September 28, 2007, the foundation hosted its first annual Space Conference with over 500 eighth graders from throughout San Joaquin County in attendance. This signature event provided students practical and advanced handson experience thought knowledge and concepts from the fields of science, and engineering. And, of course, Jose was on hand to experience the participants’ learning and excitement, as well as to enlighten them about his educational and professional experiences.

In June 2008, the foundation awarded its first (PRNewsFoto/MGM MIRAGE) scholarship to a deserving, local, college-bound student. The recipient was Alejandra Aguilar who is attending the University of the Pacific and intends on studying engineering. For more information about the foundation, or to make a contribution to their scholarship fund, visit http:// www.astrojh.com/foundation.html. HT

Space shuttle Discovery touches down at Edwards AFB in Califorinia’s Mojave Desert as mission STS 128 completes a successful mission. Two final shutlle missions will mark the end of the program.

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Scan the front page of any newspaper in

occupations 17 are healthcare related. While many of those positions are directly related to the increase in the number of retirees and senior citizens in need of specialized healthcare, the greatest number of new positions that are likely to be created in the next 3 years is in the healthcare IT field. That’s right…. Information technology as it relates to healthcare is the new “it” career.

the US and chances are good that you’ll find a headline dealing with the Healthcare reform. Check out MSN, Yahoo or any major news website and you’re in for more of the same. Healthcare reform has taken center stage and for all intents and purposes, the likelihood that new legislation will come out

Part of President Obama’s sweeping healthcare reform deals with cost-cutting by way of digitizing medical records and record keeping, a move that will streamline the way medical professionals access patient records as well as reducing

of Washington with far-reaching implications has never been more likely.

Even without healthcare reform, the healthcare industry is set to realize tremendous need for new hires. The demand for trained personnel is already great and will only increase as baby boomers reach retirement age. According to a US Department of Labor study completed in December of 2009, of the 30 fastest growing

the expense of creating and maintaining those records. Estimates vary but experts anticipate anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000, or more, new IT careers will be created by healthcare reform measures. Those positions are already coming to fruition with demand expected to remain high well into 2013.

President Barack Obama delivers a health care address to a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., September 9, 2009. September 10, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

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With $22-50 billion in federal stimulus incentives available by way of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, deploying e-medical records and other clinical systems is not just something that the healthcare industry is considering, it’s something they must do to meet federal requirements. It’s this very need that is pushing the expansion of IT teams in hospitals, insurance companies and government agencies dealing with or overseeing healthcare modernization.

According to Robert Half Technology, a recent survey of 244 healthcare CIO’s found that hiring plans for the immediate future include recruiting personnel who have the following IT skills.

• Network administration • Desktop support • Windows administration • Wireless network management • Database management • Telecommunications support • Web development/design (image courtesy of: MGM MIRAGE) • Virtualization • Business intelligence/reporting services • ERP implementation

David Blumenthal, M.D., National Coordinator for Health Information Technology

“Critical to achieving the goal of the Heath Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act and supporting meaningful use of health IT is the availability of a skilled workforce that understands the

Demand for IT pros in healthcare is real and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is taking steps to increase the number of qualified applicants. In late November, HHS announced plans to provide $80 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grants for community college programs and curricula to strengthen the nation’s health information technology (IT) workforce. The recipients will develop intensive non-degree training programs and materials to quickly prepare people with some background in health care or IT to help health care practices deploy and support IT systems. Participating colleges will coordinate their efforts through five regional consortia.

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unique technology and management needs within a clinical setting.”

Dr. David Blumenthal

According to Blumenthal, the community college program will establish intensive, non-degree training that can be completed in six months or less by individuals with some background in either healthcare or IT. Participating colleges will coordinate their efforts through five regional consortia. Graduates will fill a variety of roles that both assist healthcare practices during the critical process of deploying IT systems and support these practices on an ongoing basis.

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The curriculum development program will make high-quality educational materials available to the community colleges so these training programs can be established quickly to meet workforce needs, Blumenthal said.

Any U.S. non-profit institution of higher learning currently engaged in providing healthcare IT training that is interested in drafting curriculum or establishing a consortium that includes community colleges may apply for the grants.

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For those seeking to break into this growing field, there are two distinct ways to land a position in healthcare IT – a move from the clinical side

Job opportunities are currently available at HSB Global Standards. Please visit our website for more information on current openings.

into IT, or, a move from a traditional IT career with no healthcare experience. According to some industry experts, moving from the clinical side is easier and more common.

Why? Clinicians already possess many skills that make them more desirable candidates for transitioning. Physicians, nurses and allied health professionals such as respiratory therapists, physical therapists and laboratory personnel come equipped with a thorough understanding of the clinical process as well as an in-depth understanding of medical terminology.

www.hsbglobalstandards.com An Equal Opportunity Employer

While there are positions in healthcare information management that do not require a college degree, the majority of healthcare IT careers will require a bachelor’s degree with a focus on either IT or healthcare. Master’s degrees with specific focus on either healthcare or IT are especially sought after. Clinicians seeking to make the transition should keep the clinical licensing and certifications active as well as maintaining continuing education. These are definite plusses when searching for IT positions.

The same goes for IT professionals. Professional or technical certifications and alliances will only make your resume standout from the crowd. HT 25

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN EMPLOYEES RECEIVE ENGINEER AWARDS Four Northrop Grumman Corporation employees were honored at the Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards Conference for their technical achievements and leadership. Rosa Sandoval and Ana-Luisa Ramirez both received the Luminary award, Teresa Segura was awarded the Most Promising award and Emilio Sovero received the Outstanding Technical Achievement award.

Ana-Luisa Ramirez, tlead systems engineer for the Imagery Intelligence group for Northrop Grumman’s Electronic Systems sector in Baltimore, received HENAAC’s Luminary award for her leadership, collaboration and initiative in programs and research within her organization.

Sandoval and Ramirez were named HENAAC Luminary awardees, which recognized them for their leadership, collaboration and initiative in programs and research within their respective organizations.

“The celebration of these Hispanic achievers helps provide our community and our youth with mentors and leaders who can motivate individuals to attain success in these fields,” said Frank Flores, vice president of engineering for Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems sector. “At our sector, we recognize the advances of our Hispanic employees in many ways, including Adelante, an internal Hispanic networking group. It is their recognition and stories that help mold the engineers and scientists of tomorrow.”

As a subsystems design engineer for the N-UCAS program at Northrop Grumman’s Aerospace System sector in El Segundo, Calif., Sandoval prepares and releases component procurement packages for the electrical power generation and distribution equipment. Furthermore, she is responsible for management of supplier performance including testing and data submittals.

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Rosa Sandoval, a subsystems design engineer for the N-UCAS program at Northrop Grumman’s Aerospace System sector in El Segundo, Calif., received HENAAC’s Luminary award for her leadership, collaboration and initiative in programs and research within her organization.

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Ramirez, the lead systems engineer for the Imagery Intelligence group for Northrop Grumman’s Electronic Systems sector in Baltimore, is involved in the overall design of military products that directly impact the nation’s security. She provides input to several military programs, presents technical subjects to clients, writes technical requirements and oversees program tasks.

Segura was awarded the Most Promising, Advanced Degree award for her technical contributions and achievements. She is a staff scientist of Civil Systems Business Development for Northrop Grumman’s Aerospace Systems sector in Redondo Beach, Calif. She leads concept design and development studies for spacecraft missions related

Teresa Segura, a staff scientist of Civil Systems Business Development for Northrop Grumman’s Aerospace Systems sector in Redondo Beach, Calif., was awarded HENAAC’s Most Promising award for her technical contributions and achievements.

to Mars, Jupiter, asteroids, comets, the Earth, and the Moon. In particular, she develops science investigation goals, sizes the scientific instrument payloads for each mission, and makes decisions on primary subsystem designs such as propulsion, communications, and avionics.

Sovero received the Outstanding Technical Achievement award for his significant contribution to science, engineering or technology by having designed, developed, managed or assisted in the development of a product, service, system or intellectual property. Sovero, chief scientist in the mixed signal and power center at Northrop Grumman Advanced Systems and the program manager of the DARPA A-to-I Receiver Development program at the company’s Aerospace Systems sector in Manhattan Beach, Calif., is involved in several projects as well as writing proposals for new contracts.

Emilio Sovero received the Outstanding Technical Achievement award for his significant contribution to science, engineering or technology by having designed, developed, managed or assisted in the development of a product, service, system or intellectual property.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide. HT

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DIVERSITY/EXECUTIVE NEWS The celebrated USHCC annual awards are focused on extraordinary and visionary Hispanic chambers, as well as business leaders and corporate advocates like Tony Jimenez who have contributed to and demonstrated exemplary excellence and leadership in business. The awards pay tribute to the unparalleled achievements and innovations that have significantly empowered the U.S. Hispanic community, the nation’s largest and fastest growing minority group. The business advocacy award specifically represents significant contributions made to the local Hispanic community and Hispanic business, and support of Hispanic Chambers.

“Some of the best known business people in America are considered for this prestigious award, and I am honored that the U.S. Hispanic Chamber MicroTech President & CEO Tony Jimenez

of Commerce has recognized our efforts,” Jimenez said. “It is important to note that this recognition

CORPORATE BUSINESS ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR AWARDED TO MICROTECH’S TONY JIMENEZ

is not just about me; it’s a testament and welldeserved acknowledgement of all the hard work and commitment of Team MicroTech.

MicroTech was recently named America’s #1

MicroTech President & CEO Tony Jimenez was

Fastest-Growing Hispanic-Owned Business by

named the National “Corporate Business Advocate

Hispanic Business; the #1 ranking on the Washington

of the Year” at the United States Hispanic Chamber

Technology Top 25 8(a) List, recognizing the most

of Commerce (USHCC) Annual Awards Gala, held

successful 8(a) businesses in the government

in conjunction with the organization’s 30th National

marketplace; along with a second consecutive year

Convention and Business Expo in Denver. Jimenez

on the prestigious Inc. 500, moving up 109 spots

was previously a Corporate Business Advocate of

from last year to #174. Jimenez has also received

the Year regional winner and was selected for the

other awards this year, including the “Hispanic

national honor during the September 19th “Hispanic

Entrepreneur of the Year.”

Excellence in Leadership and Business” awards event, with USHCC Chairman David Lizarraga

The USHCC convention was the largest gathering of

presenting the crystal trophy.

Hispanic business owners in the nation. The USHCC 31

HISPANIC TODAY

DIVERSITY/EXECUTIVE NEWS serves as the umbrella organization for 200 local

MicroTech’s 130% annual compounded revenue

Hispanic chambers in the United States, Puerto

growth rate since being founded in 2004 pushed

Rico, Canada, Mexico, Bolivia and Uruguay, and

the company to the top of the list, along with an

represents 3 million Hispanic-owned businesses that

astounding 2693% revenue increase during the five-

generate nearly $400 billion annually. This year’s

year period.

convention promoted best practices on creating wealth, accessing procurement opportunities, and

Away from MicroTech, Tomás Esterrich is also a

securing and sustaining long-term growth.

founding member and the current Vice President of

The national winners were selected from nominations

the Association of University of Puerto Rico Alumni

submitted by numerous local and statewide Hispanic

and Friends Abroad (UPRAA). In this role, Esterrich

chambers of commerce from across the country.

leads the convergence of UPRAA members in the

The selection panel included a wide variety of

D.C. -area and supports charitable and scholarship

professionals that included representatives from

programs for Latino youth entering the University

Fortune 500 companies and national non-profit

of Puerto Rico educational system. His educational

organizations.

and leadership development efforts have proven instrumental in helping young people understand

MICROTECH’S TÓMAS ESTERRICH HONORED AS CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OF THE YEAR BY LISTA

the power of technology for 21st Century jobs and empowering them to go after and secure those positions.

Latinos in Information Sciences and Technology

“We are proud to recognize Tómas Esterrich with

Association announced that it would be presenting

our Chief Financial Officer of the Year award,” says

Tómas Esterrich, Chief Financial Officer of the

Jose Marquez, President and CEO of LISTA. “His

Virginia-based technology firm, MicroTech with

passion for the advancement of Hispanic community

the 2009 LISTA Chief Financial Officer of the Year

and business acumen is a great example of what

Award. Mr. Esterrich earned the honor for his long-

makes Micro Tech’s so successful in the technology

standing commitment to the advancement of the

field. Tómas is why LISTA came into existence. To

Latino community and his philanthropic support

recognize outstanding members of our community

of youth programs and initiatives in Puerto Rico,

who go above and beyond their day to day.”

Washington, D.C. and Virginia.

“I’m deeply honored with this recognition,” said As CFO of Microtech, Esterrich has played a critical

Tomas Esterrich. “The LISTA Award is truly unique

role in spearheading the company’s business and

in that it comes from the industry and provides a

financial strategy, helping propel MicroTech to the

benchmark for my efforts towards my community

No. 1 Fastest-Growing Hispanic-Owned Business

and my career —both of which have been hallmarks

in the Nation, according to HispanicBusiness.com.

throughout my life” 32

HISPANIC TODAY

DIVERSITY/EXECUTIVE NEWS Prior to joining NREL, he was the chief technology officer with CH2M HILL Companies, and before that, an executive with Sandia National Laboratories.

He started his career at the AT&T Bell Telephone Laboratories.

“HACR commends State Farm Insurance Companies for their continued commitment to Hispanic inclusion at the highest levels,” stated Carlos F. Orta, president & CEO, HACR. “Dr. Arvizu’s appointment is a clear indication that State Farm understands the importance of the Hispanic Consumer Market and the Hispanic community to its continued success and profitability.”

Arvizu serves on a number of boards, panels and advisory committees, including: the American Council on Renewable Energy Advisory Board, the Harvard Kennedy School’s Energy Research,

Dan Arvizu, Ph.D.

Development and Deployment Policy Project Advisory Committee, the World Economic Forum’s

ARVIZU ELECTED TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS AT STATE FARM

Global Agenda Council on Alternative Energies, the Singapore Clean Energy International Advisory

Dan Arvizu, Ph.D., Director of the U.S. Department of

Panel, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate

Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory has

Change Working Group III, the Hispanic Engineer

been elected to the Board of Directors of State Farm

National Achievement Award Corp., and the

Mutual Automobile Insurance Co.

Colorado Renewable Energy Authority Board of Directors.

Dr. Arvizu headed NREL, the Energy Department’s primary laboratory for energy efficiency and

His education includes a Bachelor of Science degree

renewable energy research and development located

from New Mexico State University, a Master of

in Golden, Co, for four years. He is president of the

Science and a Ph.D. from Stanford University — all

Alliance for Sustainable Energy, which operates

in mechanical engineering. Dr. Arvizu succeeds Jerry

NREL for the Department of Energy and is the

Porras, Professor Emeritus at Stanford University’s

Executive Vice President of the Midwest Research

Graduate School of Business. Porras is retiring from

Institute.

the board, which he joined in 1998.

33

HISPANIC TODAY

DIVERSITY/EXECUTIVE NEWS STL Engineers. “George’s experience, recognized leadership skills, and national corporate resources will assist us in establishing a strategic blueprint to drive entrepreneurial programs for Latina entrepreneurs and Latina youth.”

A mainstay of the Foundation’s program is the Anna Maria Arias Memorial Business Fund, the most respected and coveted business development awards program for Latina business owners in the United States. The fund celebrates the spirit of entrepreneurship that was Anna’s vision and that today serves to fuel the phenomenal growth of the Latina Business sector.

Robert Bard, President and CEO of LATINA Style,

George Herrera

Inc., stated, “I am very pleased that George has

HERRERA NAMED CEO OF THE ANNA MARIAS FOUNDATION

agreed to help us in moving forward Anna’s legacy,

George Herrera, Founder of the Herrera-Cristina

educational, entrepreneurial, and financial resources

Group, Ltd, and former President and CEO of the

to assist in elevating Latinas into the economic

United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce,

mainstream of business activity in this country.”

and our goal of empowering Latinas in the United States. We are committed to providing the necessary

has been named the CEO of the Anna Maria Arias Foundation. The Foundation has been established

Mr. Herrera is a nationally recognized leader in the

to continue the legacy of Anna Maria Arias, the late

business community. He is a member of the Board

founder and editor of LATINA Style Magazine. Anna’s

of Directors of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation,

drive and mission to empower Hispanic women is

one of the world’s largest hospitality companies; a

one of the true legacies in the Hispanic community.

member of the Diversity Action Council at the Burger King Corporation; and is also the creator of Hispanics

“We are so pleased and excited to have someone

Today, a nationally syndicated television show that

of George’s stature and national prominence to

highlights the positive contributions that Hispanics

carry the mantle of Anna’s mission of empowering

are making in the United States. In 2002, Mr. Herrera

the Latina community in the United States,” stated

was named as a “Fellow”, Wharton Society of

Arcilia Acosta, Chairwoman of the Foundation,

Fellows, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

and President & CEO of CARCON Industries/ 34

HISPANIC TODAY

DIVERSITY/EXECUTIVE NEWS and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, among others.

Washingtonian magazine compiled this list to recognize women leaders in Washington from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Candidates were asked to fill out a survey about their work, home lives, and preparation for their careers including education and previous jobs. They were asked to give advice to young women starting out in their careers and to women who are balancing work and family life.

Murguía has devoted her career to public service.

She began her career in Washington, DC as legislative counsel to former Kansas Congressman Jim Slattery. She then worked in the White House

CEO Janet Murguía

from 1994 to 2000, ultimately serving as deputy

JANET MURGUÍA NAMED ONE OF “WASHINGTONIAN’S 100 MOST POWERFUL WOMEN”

assistant to President Clinton, providing strategic and

NCLR (National Council of La Raza) is pleased

She grew up in Kansas City, Kansas and received

to announce that the October 2009 issue of

degrees in journalism, Spanish, and law from KU.

legislative advice to the president on key issues. In 2001, Murguía joined the University of Kansas (KU) as executive vice chancellor for university relations.

Washingtonian magazine names NCLR President and CEO Janet Murguía as one of “Washington’s

As NCLR President and CEO, Murguía has worked

100 Most Powerful Women.” She made the list

to harness the power of the nation’s nearly 47 million

with Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and

Hispanics and strengthen the partnership between

U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis. Murguía, who

NCLR and its network of nearly 300 community-

has served for five years as President and CEO of

based Affiliates, which annually serves millions of

NCLR, the largest national Hispanic civil rights and

people in 41 states, the District of Columbia, and

advocacy organization in the United States, is being

Puerto Rico. She has also sought to strengthen

featured on this list for a second time, the first being

the Latino voice on issues affecting the Hispanic

in 2006. Other honorees include First Lady Michelle

community, including education, health care,

Obama, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, District

immigration, civil rights, the economy, and the rise of

of Columbia Schools Superintendent Michelle Rhee,

hate rhetoric and hate crimes targeting Latinos. HT 35

ADVERTISER INDEX

HISPANIC TODAY

ALPHABETICAL LISTING

Acushnet

29

Allsteel

3

American Pacific

3

Arbitron

25

Benjamin Moore

21

Bristol Myers Squibb

3

California Highway Patrol

23

CareerBuilder

36

City of Hollywood

10

Covance

26

CR Bard

15

E & J Gallo

25

Golden Coral

10

HSB Global

25

Jacobs Technologies

3

L.A. County Fire Department

30

Ransome Cat

29

Rehrig Pacific

2

Sky West

11

Thermo Fisher Scientific

37

VHB

3

36

HISPANIC TODAY

37