WASHINGTON, D.C.
HACR YHCA 10TH ANNIVERSARY INTERVIEW SERIES NYC
HACR TO HOST SECOND ANNUAL LEADERSHIP PIPELINE PROGRAM
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VOLUME 19, NO. 3, 2016
EMPLOYMENT · PROCUREMENT · PHILANTHROPY · GOVERNANCE
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO
DEAR HACR STAKEHOLDERS, As another successful Hispanic Heritage Month comes to an end, we would like to honor those who have made great strides in our community, and recognize the leaders who are paving the way for Hispanics in Corporate America. In this issue of the Corporate Observer, you will find the latest news from our Corporate and Coalition Members, our calendar of events, as well as the next installment of the HACR Young Hispanic Corporate Achievers™ 10th Anniversary Interview Series. This installment features Joedis “Joe” Ávila, manager of the Ford Motor Company Fund; Michelle Caraballo, director of Public Affairs and Government Relations for WalMart Stores, Inc.; and Diana Navas-Rosette, senior global diversity & inclusion manager for Microsoft.
And last but not least, we would like to announce that Prudential Financial, Inc. will be the host sponsor of the second Annual HACR Leadership Pipeline Program (LPP) which will take place October 31-November 1, at the Marriott Marquis in New York City. The HACR LPP was launched in 2015 to provide companies with a forum to develop their Hispanic employee resource group (ERG) leaders as well as mid and upper level Hispanic corporate leaders. We hope you enjoy this issue of the Corporate Observer and we are looking forward to seeing you at the second annual HACR Leadership Pipeline program in NYC. Sincerely,
Cid Wilson President & CEO
This summer, we welcomed two new team members to the HACR familia. Natalie Intondi, HACR’s new senior manager of programs and events, and Briana Wright, HACR’s new graphic designer.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ignacio Salazar Ser-Jobs for Progress National, Inc. HACR Board Chair Dr. Juan Andrade United States Hispanic Leadership Institute HACR Board Vice Chair Ronald Blackburn-Moreno ASPIRA Association, Inc. HACR Board Treasurer Amy Hinojosa MANA, A National Latina Organization HACR Board Secretary Angel Zúñiga American GI Forum of the United States The Honorable Linda T. Sánchez Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute
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CORPORATE OBSERVER The Honorable Lincoln Díaz-Balart Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute, Inc. Sonia Lopez Cuban American National Council Dr. Antonio R. Flores Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities Roger C. Rocha League of United Latin America Citizens Martha Montoya National Association of Hispanic Publications Janet Murguía National Council of La Raza Thomas Savino Prospanica 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 Ajavon Executive Assistant, Operations Dr. Lisette Garcia Senior Vice President and COO Natalie Intondi Senior Manager, Programs and Events Eric Lopez Manager, HACR Research Institute Sarah Negris-Mamani Manager, CEF Program Yariany Perez-Nieto Associate, Corporate Partnerships Ariana Solis Gómez Director, Communications Elia Quintana Director, Corporate Development Briana Wright Graphic Designer
HACR LE ADERSHIP PIPELINE PROGRAM
MARRIOTT MARQUIS NEW YORK, NEW YORK OCT. 3 1 - NOV. 1 , 2 0 1 6
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HACR YHCA 10TH ANNIVERSARY INTERVIEW SERIES
HACR YHCA 10TH ANNIVERSARY INTERVIEW SERIES It is fitting that Joedis (Joe) Ávila works for a corporation dedicated to designing and manufacturing automobiles: the Venezuelan-American executive has drive, and he is definitely going places.
JOEDIS (JOE) ÁVILA HACR YHCA CLASS OF 2008 BY LESLIE FROELICH
of is Ford Driving Dreams (FDD), an education initiative that provides resources including scholarships and afterschool programs to middle and high school students, with the goal of inspiring participants to stay in school and pursue higher education. “It has been a very successful program so far. We have impacted more than 50,000 students and invested more than $3.5 million in resources,” said Ávila, a founding team member of FDD, which last year was selected as a “Bright Spots in Hispanic Education” recipient by the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics. In addition, Ávila, who has held his current position at Ford Motor Company Fund for five years, also manages Hispanic strategic investments nationally and the expansion of key international signature programs throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.
FORD MOTOR COMPANY As manager of the Ford Motor Company Fund—the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company—Ávila directs and oversees Ford’s strategic partnerships with key organizations and corporate initiatives on a national and local level. One program in particular of which Ávila feels very proud 4
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Previous to his employment with Ford, Ávila spent a decade of his career in the world of brewing, holding a series of diverse positions at companies including Miller Coors, Molson Coors, and Coors Brewing Company. There, his last role was as the multicultural relations, corporate social responsibility, and marketing program manager. As well, Ávila played a pivotal role in building the global procurement strategy during the Molson Coors merger, when he was in supply chain. In addition to his day to day professional responsibilities with Ford, Ávila also serves on the board of directors for the Smithsonian Latino Center, the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute, and SER - Jobs for Progress National, Inc. He is also a corporate board advisor for several national Hispanic organizations including the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, the National Council of La Raza, the League of United Latin American Citizens, and he is the current chair of the Cuban American National Council’s Corporate Board of Advisors.
HACR YHCA 10TH ANNIVERSARY INTERVIEW SERIES Ávila earned his bachelor’s in political science from Rafael Urdaneta University in Venezuela and a Master of Business Administration and Master of International Business from the University of Denver. “We need to give back” Taking all of Ávila’s professional success into account, it should come as no surprise that he has also been the recipient of key accolades, such as his selection in 2008 to the Young Hispanic Corporate Achievers™ (YHCA) program, HACR’s flagship leadership and professional development initiative, which this year celebrated its 10th Anniversary. Ávila was nominated for the program by Mauricio Cardenas, the former chief multicultural officer for Coors USA & Head of Latin America (CMO & regional president) for Molson Coors Brewing Company. “I was honored to be nominated,” said Ávila. “I was very familiar with the work of HACR, and I knew the organization was instrumental in making sure Hispanics are engaged in Corporate America. At the time I was nominated, I wasn’t familiar with [the program] specifically, but I was excited about the opportunity, and it has been an important element of my career.” Ávila was one of 26 Hispanic executives invited to attend the 3-day long workshop, which, at the time, was the program’s second annual gathering. Participants were employed by either Fortune 500 or HACR Corporate Member companies, with representation from diverse industries and fields, including telecommunications, banking, gaming, and hospitality, to name a few. During his time at the HACR YHCA, Ávila was able to establish both personal and professional relationships that, almost a decade later, are still going strong. One such connection was with former HACR President and CEO, Carlos Orta.
“You have to build relationships at all levels: with people who work with you on the same level and a higher level as well. That’s key; I learned that from the program.”
“I met Carlos a year before the program, but I was able to build a better relationship through my participation in the program. Today, he is still a mentor and a friend,” Ávila explains. “Once you create that personal connection, the advice a mentor can provide, or another professional who understands Corporate America, is very valuable.” For Ávila, the HACR YHCA program not only provides excellent networking opportunities; it also gives its participants a profound sense of professional camaraderie.
“The program is a great platform to share best practices and network with peers on the executive level. Not everybody has the same background, but you are in the same class, and you face the same challenges in different Fortune 500 companies. Having that professional network and connections with people who can relate to that, that is key,” explained Ávila. “I have to say that participating in the HACR YHCA made a big difference in my career,” he added. “It expanded my professional network, and it also gave me a broader perspective on the importance of Hispanic inclusion in Corporate America.” To that end, Ávila considers one of the greatest lessons he learned over the course of his workshop was the importance of paying it forward and helping fellow Hispanics find success at the corporate level. “I definitely still carry with me today the lesson that we need to give back,” said Ávila. “I’m talking specifically about mentoring younger generations and honoring the importance of leadership. By that I mean, how someone like myself, as a leader, can inspire others, through mentoring or through advice, or through a specific one-on-one conversation.” As well, Ávila pointed out the significance of treating all employees with respect and dignity. “You have to build relationships at all levels: with people who work with you on the same level and a higher level as well. That’s key; I learned that from the program,” he explained. For Ávila, the road to increased inclusion for Hispanics at the corporate level is a journey that is just beginning, thanks to organizations like HACR. “I want to congratulate HACR for coming up with the [HACR YHCA] program and for building a pipeline of future generations of corporate leaders. I want to thank them for their commitment to making a difference in the Hispanic community and Corporate America,” said Ávila, who is additionally involved with HACR through the organization’s Corporate Executives Forum™ (CEF), an initiative launched in 2008 with the mission of providing networking opportunities for senior Hispanic corporate executives at Fortune 500 and HACR Corporate Member companies, as well as providing a platform to discuss business issues of mutual interest. It is initiatives like this one, according to Ávila, which will allow Hispanics to continue to grow and evolve in the professional arena. “Moving forward, we have to make sure Hispanics’ presence is visible in Corporate America,” assured Ávila.
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HACR COALITION MEMBER NEWS SUBMISSIONS
THE AMERICAN GI FORUM OF THE U.S. CONCLUDES ITS 68TH NATIONAL CONFERENCE The American GI Forum of the U.S. concluded its 68th National Conference in Kansas City, Mo. on July 30, 2016. Ángel Zúñiga, Corpus Christi, Texas, was reelected national commander and Felicita Lugo, Detroit, was reelected as national chairwoman. The national conference is comprised of the veterans forum, women, and youth delegations. Various veteran related workshops were conducted and the organization’s committees had the opportunity to meet. Two sister organizations, AGIF National Veterans Outreach Program and the Hispanic Education Foundation, also used the opportunity to meet and conduct their business. National resolutions are reviewed and voted for public release.
Over the past two years, ASPIRA has served over 900 students in the program. Over 95 percent of the participants completed high school. This year, ASPIRA brings its brand new ASPIRA Youth Development App that can be found at the Google and Apple App Store, which includes the entire 13 module, 100 activity AYPD curriculum.
CHLI RED WHITE Y TÚ SEEKS TO EDUCATE, ENGAGE, AND EMPOWER MILLENNIAL VOTERS TO LEAVE THEIR MARK
Veterans that served during the period of November 1955 and March 1975 were recognized during a pinning ceremony commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War.
The Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) launched its Red White Y Tú tour and brought together congressional speakers, distinguished civic and community leaders, experts in electoral research, and student leaders to discuss the importance of being educated about the political process and the importance of Hispanic/Latino voter participation.
Several members were honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards including AGIF- Texas CEO, Gilbert Rodriguez; Past National Commander, Albert Gonzales; and Past National/ Vice Commander and current AGIF-CO State Commander, Luis Vazquez-Contes.
The first stop of the Red White Y Tú tour was on September 22, at the California State University in Los Angeles. The tour then continued on September 26, at the University of Texas in San Antonio, and ended on September 29, at the Miami Dade College – Wolfson Campus.
The AGIF continues its mission of veteran advocacy and education.
At the conclusion of the Red White Y Tú tour, CHLI visited the Miami Dade College – Kendall Campus which hosted its Future Leaders Conference on October 13.
ASPIRA RECEIVES $750,000 CONTINUATION GRANT FROM THE AT&T FOUNDATION
Spearheaded by Conference Chairman, Congressman Carlos Curbelo (FL-26), the Future Leaders Conference is aimed at student interns, young professionals, and community leaders, bringing together congressional speakers, distinguished corporate executives, and academic and nonprofit leaders to talk about public service, leadership development, and global competitiveness.
The keynote speaker for the Commander’s Banquet was Assistant Deputy Undersecretary, Field Operations Veterans Benefits Administration, Lisa Jeanne Pozzebon.
The AT&T Foundation awarded ASPIRA a two-year $750,000 grant to continue its expansion of its signature program, the ASPIRA Youth Development Program (AYDP) with ASPIRA of Florida, ASPIRA of New Jersey, and ASPIRA of New York. This program will build on the expansion initiative implemented two years ago with a $1 million grant from the AT&T Foundation, under its Aspire Connect to Success
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program. Aspire Connect to Success funds “best-in-class programs that help underserved students earn their diplomas and prepare for the next step in life.” Over the next two years, ASPIRA will expand this after-school program through its ASPIRA Clubs in a total of eleven schools New York City, Patterson, N.J., Jersey City, N.J., and Miami, adding over 900 at-risk Latino high school students to the program.
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HACR COALITION MEMBER NEWS SUBMISSIONS
SER OFFERS NEW BILINGUAL EARLY HEAD START PROGRAM SER is now offering an Early Head Start (EHS) program to children ages 0 to 3 in Dallas County, Texas. The new bilingual early childhood education program was created after SER was awarded one of only five grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The SER EHS program provides access to innovative, high-quality, culturally relevant, and comprehensive services to low-income toddlers and their families, including children with disabilities.
million new voters including newly naturalized citizens; motivated and trained 1.2 million new leaders; published over 425 studies and reports on Hispanic demographics; and empowered local leaders to influence the redistricting process utilizing USHLI-generated maps of jurisdictions at all levels of government based on Census date. For more information please contact USHLI at (312) 427-8683.
The Early Head Start Program is an important addition to SER’s array of services because it is critical that young Hispanic students start out on equal footing. Right now, research suggests that Hispanic and Black children hear 30 million fewer words by age 4 than other ethnic and racial groups. We are enthusiastic about the future and know that educating the youngest among us is an important role, given that 25 percent of children in the United States are Hispanic, a number that will continue to rise. We recognize that the need to address this issue, not just for the good of our community, but also for the good of the nation as a whole, is imperative.
USHLI TO CELEBRATE ITS 35TH NATIONAL CONFERENCE USHLI is preparing a historic celebration of its 35th National Conference, which will be held February 16-19, 2017 in Chicago. Over 6,000 present and future leaders representing nearly 40 states are expected to attend this premier event. The demographic characteristic of USHLI National Conference participants are unique and distinctly different from other Hispanic conferences sponsored by other groups. Not only is it the largest annual gathering of the broadest cross section of the Hispanic leadership community, approximately 78 percent will be 18-34 years of age. An estimated 65 percent will be female, and over 83 percent will have graduated or currently attending college. USHLI National Conference participants comprise the largest annual gathering of the next generation of Hispanic leaders. Over its 35 year history, USHLI has registered over 2.2 CORPORATE OBSERVER
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THE 2016 HACR CORPORATE INCLUSION INDEX WILL BE RELEASED IN THE 4TH QUARTER OF 2016
HISPANIC ASSOCIATION ON CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY WWW.HACR.ORG
HACR UPDATES
HACR NEW TEAM MEMBERS Join us in welcoming our new team members. Natalie Intondi, HACR senior manager of programs and events, and Briana Wright, HACR graphic designer. Natalie and Briana are incredibly talented and we are thrilled to have them joining our familia! Read more about their professional backgrounds and new roles at HACR.
NATALIE INTONDI Natalie Intondi joined the staff of the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility in August 2016 as the senior manager of programs and events. She is responsible for HACR’s annual programs and events, which support the organization’s efforts to accomplish our mission of promoting the advancement of Hispanic inclusion in Corporate America. Some of her responsibilities include supervising all aspects of the development, planning, presentation, and evaluation of the organization’s programs and annual events. Intondi has worked in the nonprofit field, state government, and the legal industry. Prior to joining HACR, Intondi was the meetings and events manager at NAF, where she planned, implemented, and oversaw all the components of the organization’s board meetings, regional meetings, and the annual conference which hosted over 1,000 attendees. As the former legislative aide to Florida’s State Representative Victor M. Torres, Jr., Intondi coordinated large and small legislative events, conducted legal research, assisted in crafting legislation, and wrote, proofread, and edited the Representatives’ press releases and speeches. Intondi graduated from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s degree in history.
BRIANA WRIGHT Briana Wright joined the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR) in August 2016. As the Graphic Designer, Wright creates visual concepts to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate HACR’s key stakeholders. She is also responsible for combining art and technology to communicate ideas through compelling images. Before joining HACR, Wright worked as a freelancer in the corporate and nonprofit sectors, including M.O. Marketing and Event Solutions, and Maria Luisa de Moreno International Fund. Most recently, she worked with 123rf.com, where she designed templates for a variety of purposes, logos for commercial use, and edited content for print and web. Wright received her bachelor’s degree in fine arts and graphic design from The Art Institute of Washington in Rosslyn, Va. in 2013.
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HACR YHCA 10TH ANNIVERSARY INTERVIEW SERIES
HACR YHCA 10TH ANNIVERSARY INTERVIEW SERIES Since birth, Michelle Caraballo was a bonefide world traveler, thanks to her parents’ service in the United States Armed Forces. Eventually, Caraballo herself would go on to serve her country in Baghdad. Today, she holds a high-profile position for the largest retail corporation in the world and is in the process of obtaining her second master’s degree, because one just simply is not enough for this ambitious Latina executive.
MICHELLE CARABALLO HACR YHCA CLASS OF 2015 BY LESLIE FROELICH
this position, which Caraballo has held since February of 2015, she develops and implements legislative strategies, monitors legislation, and coordinates state association management, key contacts programs, training, and compliance. Prior to her current role, Caraballo was the director of global leadership development for Walmart. In this capacity, Caraballo specialized in the accelerated development of high potential leaders within the business. Throughout her seven years of employment with Walmart, Caraballo has held various operational leadership positions within the Walmart International and U.S. stores business, leading supercenters in both Florida and Illinois with businesses totaling over $175 million. Before commencing her career with Walmart, Caraballo followed in her parents’ footsteps and served on Active Duty as a Logistics Captain in the 1st Infantry Division out of Fort Riley, Kan., where she was deployed to Baghdad, Iraq with the 4IBCT as part of the ‘surge’ operation.
WAL-MART STORES, INC. In her current role as director of Public Affairs and Government Relations for Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Caraballo is responsible for the state legislative, regulatory, and public policy matters for the Illinois and Missouri region. In 10
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Caraballo, who was born in Germany and is of Puerto Rican descent, holds an MBA from Capella University and a bachelor’s in philosophy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Currently, she is pursuing a master’s in international relations from American University in Washington, D.C. Caraballo is an active professional, currently serving on three board positions: Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA), Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE), and Helping Hands for Freedom. Throughout her successful career, Caraballo has also been recognized on a national level for her outstanding work and achievements. In October 2011, she was honored by HACE with the Experto Award, an accolade
HACR YHCA 10TH ANNIVERSARY INTERVIEW SERIES which recognizes young professionals who are positively impacting the Hispanic community and who reflect the mission of that organization.
actually discovered new interests and passions that would ultimately lead the executive down the path to a second master’s degree.
Furthermore, in April 2015 Caraballo was honored as a Young Hispanic Corporate Achiever™ (YHCA), a decade long initiative of HACR which recognizes the extraordinary achievements of young Hispanic professionals in Corporate America.
“Of all the things that we did in the workshop, the one that stuck out to me and that I felt was really impactful was the timeline class, where we learned about the history of the Hispanic movement during the Civil Rights era. I was never really exposed to the Hispanic movement, I didn’t really have an understanding of it. Maybe it’s not as obvious [as the African-American Civil Rights movement] or people don’t talk about it, but we had a movement too,” explained Caraballo.
Career inspiration For Caraballo, who was selected to participate in the program by Mark Espinoza, senior director of Corporate Affairs at Walmart and fellow member of the company’s Hispanic associate resource group, the nomination in and of itself was an eye opening experience. “I downplay a lot of my accomplishments, I have a tendency to think that what I do is just everyday work, so to be selected, it was neat to see that people thought that I was doing great things in the community… it was nice getting recognized,” explained Caraballo. The connections—both personal and professional—that the program provides are one of the highlights of the HACR YHCA, said Caraballo. One person in particular whom she names as a key contact from her experience is Alberto Ortega, a public relations and communications executive for Sodexo. Ortega, a 2014 HACR YHCA recipient himself, was in Atlanta for HACR’s annual Corporate Achievers Summit™ (CAS), which is a program that reconnects past HACR YHCA participants through leadership development and educational training sessions.
“I have taken away many lessons from the HACR YHCA program, but the value that Hispanic professionals have to each other in supporting each other and helping each other grow is the most valuable.” “Just knowing he was from Chicago – I went [to the program] at the end of April, and I moved back to Chicago two months later – he became someone I wanted to talk to in the public affairs space, in Chicago,” said Caraballo. “It was a great feeling, to be able to connect to someone and feel welcomed back into a city that I was going into in a different capacity than before,” she said. For Caraballo, the program left a lasting impression that not only taught her vital business lessons, but she
“For me, that woke up a different aspect of my career, or maybe a different passion, within the space of the government affairs aspect of my career,” she said. “The HACR YHCA program gave me more definition as to where my career could go,” assured Caraballo. Another significant benefit to the program is the professional solidarity and insight it provides its participants, according to Caraballo, whose HACR YHCA class included representatives from Fortune 500 and HACR Corporate Member companies such as UPS, Kraft Foods Group, Capitol One, and GM, to name a few. “For me, it impacted the way I look at things, in terms of my career. I was able to look at the different experiences of other Hispanic leaders and see, what does that look like for everyone else? It was about gaging my own career with others and seeing their challenges and successes. I was able to see other distinguished Hispanic professionals and how their career was going, and I was able to understand the greater picture of careers,” explained Caraballo. In addition, the program also allowed the executive to tap into her own heritage and better understand how her identity as a Latina can be an asset at the corporate level. “One of the things I’ve always struggled with, growing up in my lifestyle, was not knowing if I was truly Hispanic,” said Caraballo. “One of the lessons from the workshop that stayed with me is that I’m not alone in that process. There were others who felt they didn’t fit a mold, but we all had values ingrained into us, ways of being, values that really guided us as Latinos and Hispanics.” “I learned that it’s ok to accept that and embrace it, and I know now, as a corporate person, that I don’t have to hide it or downplay it. It’s an incredible gift and asset and we should use it,” assured Caraballo, who added that organizations such as HACR play an integral role in Hispanic inclusion and diversity within Corporate America.
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HACR CORPORATE MEMBER AND MEDIA PARTNER SUBMISSIONS
10 MILLION PLEDGES AND WHY IT MATTERS It happens at least once a day. Sitting at a traffic light, idling for more than a minute, and temptation hits. One little swipe, just this one time, can’t hurt. Every car on the road carries someone else’s children, grandparents, or loved ones. And the actions we take behind the wheel can have deathly repercussions. According to findings from new It Can Wait research, almost half of people who pledged said they now don’t use their smartphones while driving. In the six years since AT&T launched It Can Wait, the campaign: • Helped grow awareness of the dangers of smartphone distracted driving to more than 90 percent of audiences surveyed. • Inspired more than 5 million downloads of the free AT&T DriveMode® app, now available in Spanish and open to all carriers. • Worked with state departments of transportation on research that suggests a correlation between It Can Wait campaign activities and a reduction in crashes. • Collaborated with AT&T data scientists on research that shows how statewide anti-texting laws impact the rate of texting while driving. By the end of 2016, AT&T strives to reach 16 million pledges.
CELEBRATING SUCCESS THROUGH DIVERSITY Since 2003, the Capital One Hispanic business resource group (BRG), known as ¡HOLA!, has made tremendous strides to increase the visibility and support the development of Hispanic and Latino talent. With over 2,500 members and allies across 13 chapters, ¡HOLA! is one of seven BRGs that contributes to Capital One’s diversity & inclusion strategy by providing programs, resources, and tools that enhance the recruitment, retention, and development of Hispanic and Latino talent across the organization, many of whom are driving innovation and advancing Capital One as a tech leader. Through its targeted campus and professional recruiting and mentoring efforts, ¡HOLA! supports development initiatives like Capital One’s Coders program that targets Hispanic high-school students, with the goal of inspiring them to become software engineers. 12
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With deep roots in the community, ¡HOLA! awarded $35,000 in total scholarships. Scholarship finalists were paired with a Capital One mentor to support them throughout college, opening the doors to future opportunities with Capital One. The program continues to be a model for other BRGs to connect with the community in impactful ways. Through a shared cultural point of view, ¡HOLA! is constantly seeking to better serve associates and customers in powerful ways.
ESPN2 TARGETS HISPANIC VIEWERS WITH THE LAUNCH OF NACIÓN ESPN Nación ESPN, a new interactive sports talk show dedicated to sports news, will break ground as the first ESPN English-language show tailored to the bilingual, Hispanic sports fans. The one-hour show will air live on ESPN2 on Mondays from ESPN’s studios in Los Angeles. Jorge Sedano, co-host of ESPNLA’s Mornings with Keyshawn and Jorge and LZ; Bernardo Osuna, from ESPN Deportes’ A Los Golpes; and ESPNDeportes.com baseball reporter, Marly Rivera, will host the show with the contributions from other ESPN on-air personalities, and special guests. Although the show will be produced in English, guests will be free to communicate in their language of preference – Spanish or English. The show will include fan interaction, debates, and engaging discussions. “Nación ESPN will speak to the audience in a way that resonates with their evolving multicultural lifestyles and interests,” said Freddy Rolón, vice president and general manager of ESPN Deportes. The program is a fusion of the two Emmy Award-winning shows, SportsNation on ESPN and Nación ESPN on ESPN Deportes and will serve as a connection between both audiences. The telecasts on ESPN2 will be complemented with additional content available across ESPN and ESPN Deportes platforms, and via social media platforms NacionESPN2 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
HACR CORPORATE MEMBER AND MEDIA PARTNER SUBMISSIONS
GENERAL MOTORS’ IT TRANSFORMATION IMPACTS HISPANIC COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY In addition to the manufacturing, assembly, and corporate facilities across the country, General Motors opened ITfocused Innovation Centers in Arizona, Georgia, and Texas as a part of its on-going IT Transformation. These IT Transformation Centers are working hard to also transform their local communities through employee resource groups (ERGs), most notably the Hispanic Initiative Team, HIT. HIT members and leaders across the country have cultivated existing GM partnerships and programs, as well as forged new ones to develop a pipeline of success. The A World in Motion program where GM and SAE teach the full engineering lifecycle by building grade-appropriate projects such as straw rockets and jet powered cars has come to new cities thanks to these new technologies focused partnerships. GM’s HIT continues to develop new programs and partnerships, such as in Austin where they have adopted the dual-language River Oaks Elementary School. The students, administrators, and GM employees involved are gearing up for their second annual Day of Giving. They will celebrate their community partnership by preparing a meal for the 500-strong student body on November 19th, 2016. The dedicated volunteers of GM HIT are thrilled to work in their communities to cultivate a pipeline of talent in their local Hispanic communities; providing a route to success through engagement, career opportunities, and diverse positive role models.
JOHNSON & JOHNSON CELEBRATES HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH Each year Johnson & Johnson celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize the important contributions of Hispanics and Latino Americans in the U.S. and celebrate their culture and heritage. This year’s celebratory events at Johnson & Johnson addressed issues of importance within the Hispanic community. Dr. Jane Delgado, president and CEO of National Alliance for Hispanic Health spoke about health care disparities, unmet medical needs, genomics, and future prospects. Joaquin Duato, executive vice president and worldwide chairman, Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson, spoke on leadership
lessons from his career and shared insights on how embracing diversity can make you a more effective leader. Also, for the fifth consecutive year, Johnson & Johnson again participated in the NYC Hispanic Day Parade on October 9th, celebrating their continued partnership with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund to provide scholarships and student support services to exceptional Hispanic American students. “Our support of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund exemplifies Johnson & Johnson’s longstanding support for the Hispanic community,” said Wanda Bryant Hope, chief diversity officer, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. “Our Credo inspires us all to be a positive influence in the communities where we live and work.”
A LATINA’S JOURNEY FROM DOMINICAN REPUBLIC TO IMMIGRANT TO CEO Maria Trusa was born and raised in the Dominican Republic and moved to New York at the age of 15, where she finished high school and attended college. She has been in the healthcare industry for over 30 years, most of which was as the executive director of the Scarsdale Medical Group, a successful multi-specialty medical practice in Westchester, NY. In September 2015, Trusa became a partner and CEO at Formé Medical Center, a new social enterprise medical practice that offers highquality, dignified medical care to residents of Westchester County and the surrounding communities. Trusa is proud to be in a position today to affect change and make a difference in the lives of the people in need of preventative and/or immediate healthcare. Trusa knew that with all of the knowledge she had gained throughout her time in the medical field that she could help transform the quality of care for a much neglected population. Through her leadership at Formé Medical Center she has been able to open their doors for the community to get access to affordable, dignified, high quality health care in a state-of-the-art facility. Go to www.latinbusinesstoday.com to read Trusa’s full story.
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HACR CORPORATE MEMBER AND MEDIA PARTNER SUBMISSIONS
LATINA STYLE CELEBRATES 13TH ANNUAL NATIONAL SYMPOSIUM In celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, LATINA Style Inc., in partnership with Parents Step Ahead (PSA), hosted its 13th Annual National LATINA Symposium “A Celebration of Latina Achievement.” The symposium was held in Washington, D.C. on September 8th, 2016. LATINA Style is the premier company addressing the needs of Latina professionals, civic leaders, entrepreneurs, college students, veterans, and the military. The symposium which was attended by over 250 people and dignitaries such as Congresswoman Ileana RosLehtinen (R-FL 27) and the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Gabriel O. Camarillo. The highlight of the symposium was the Distinguished Military Service Award Luncheon. The Award Luncheon honored Latina military and civilian personnel who through their service have enhanced the role of Latinas in their community. The 2016 honorees were Sergeant Major Linda Kessinger, U.S. Army; Staff Sergeant Christina Mota-Aguiar and Maritza Carrillo, U.S. Marine Corps; Legalman Second Class Evelin-Yanet Garcia and Belia Cook, U.S. Navy; First Lieutenant Karen Rubin-Santos, Master Sergeant Sonora Vasquez, and Rosa Marlin, U.S. Air Force; Lieutenant Katrian Hernandez and Lushens McNamara, U.S. Coast Guard; Chief Warrant Officer 3 Darysabel Lopez and Dania Aponte, U.S. National Guard. Also honored were four cadets from the Military Academies: Cadet Gabriela Barrera-Gutierrez, Military Academy (West Point); Midshipman First Class Isabel Krause, Naval Academy; Cadet First Class Leslie Perez, Air Force Academy; Cadet First Class Ruth T. Salvatori, Coast Guard Academy. Visit www.nls.latinastyle.com for more information.
MANA® & PGA OF AMERICA TEAM-UP TO HOST HERMANITAS® LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE GET GOLF READY CLINIC On July 23rd, 2016, at East Potomac Golf Course in Washington, D.C., MANA® teamed up with the PGA of America to provide a day of golf instruction, career insight, and leadership training for 75 young women who are part of the MANA Hermanitas® Program, a national mentoring initiative that provides young Latinas with educational and skill-building opportunities, leadership development, mentoring, and peer support. 14
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The golf clinic, which was co-funded by the PGA of America and its charitable foundation, PGA REACH, offered girls, ages 11-18, expert advice on all aspects of golf, from swing techniques to careers in the golf industry. It was created to fit the mission of the MANA Hermanitas® Program, which is designed with cultural competence and addresses the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual needs of Latina youth. In fact, the program is recognized as a Bright Spot in Hispanic Education by the White House Initiative in Educational Excellence for Hispanics. Highlighting the July 23rd event, the participants learned about the PGA of America’s Golf Management University Program, a 4.5- to 5-year educational program that blends university degree requirements with extensive classroom studies and internship experiences to ensure graduates are armed with the business knowledge, training, and skill sets necessary to succeed in a desired career path within the golf industry.
NISSAN CELEBRATES HISPANIC HERITAGE Nissan North America Inc.’s Hispanic Heritage Month recognition began even before the celebration’s official start date when José Muñoz, executive vice president, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and chairman, Nissan North America, Inc., launched the 2017 Nissan Rogue in early September at the Miami Auto Show. Hispanic media and influencers were invited to see and touch the new Rogue up close while learning more about Nissan’s new and innovative product lineup. Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, Nissan produced and shared a series of videos highlighting Hispanics who have overcome sometimes great obstacles to achieve success while bettering the lives of those in their community. On October 8, the Nissan-sponsored Mexican National Football Team took on New Zealand at Nissan Stadium in the automaker’s North American headquarters town of Nashville. The teams matched up during one of the Mexican National Team’s five U.S. tour stops. The match featured an array of activities for fans including a Nissan-sponsored interactive fan zone featuring Nissan cars and trucks, including a TITAN XD wrapped in “El Tricolor’s” signature red, white, and green. Rounding out National Hispanic Heritage Month was Nissan North America’s sponsorship of and presence at the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) National Convention in Miami. This event marked the largest gathering of Hispanic business people in the country.
HACR CORPORATE MEMBER AND MEDIA PARTNER SUBMISSIONS
THE IMPACT EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT HAS ON COMMUNITIES Employee engagement is a company’s most powerful lever for driving results, building great places to work, fostering diversity and inclusion, and contributing to a better world. For Inspirus, part of Sodexo’s Benefits and Rewards Services, that means creating a workplace that encourages employees to contribute to their communities, ultimately aligning with Sodexo’s views on quality of life. Whether it is volunteering, mentoring, or simply participating in community activities, such as Habitat for Humanity, the American Heart Walk or Meals on Wheels, the employees of Inspirus and Sodexo are dedicated to the communities in which they work. “When I started working for Inspirus, I found out that I could volunteer on the job,” said Dea Whatley, an Inspirus employee who helps deliver Meals on Wheels twice a week. “This is the first company I’ve worked for that has allowed me to volunteer and give back to the community on company time.” When it comes to encouraging employees to volunteer, Inspirus and Sodexo practice what they preach by being actively involved in their communities. Through the Inspirus Engagement Platform, they enable other companies to do the same, rewarding employees for contributing.
BOARD SERVICE IS A STRATEGIC INITIATIVE THAT MULTIPLIES BENEFITS AT UPS The mission of the UPS Latino BRG, Crecer, is to empower individuals through leadership and development, accelerating growth for UPS, our customers, and our communities in a multicultural world. To get the most of every hour we invest, we seek ways to combine our communitydriven culture with leadership development to create winwin outcomes. One example of engaging strategically with other organizations to multiply our impact is board service. Our Crecer members are joining boards to advance their individual professional development, open more career opportunities, and improve the communities where they live and work. As a testament to the high value our members place on these goals, in 2016 we are proud to have more than a dozen Crecer members hold board seats. The organizations they serve are diverse but have one thing in common—the
desire to unite business and community as ambassadors for growth and opportunity. Boards include ALPFA, Hispanic Council of Atlanta, Hispanic Organization Promoting Education, Women Mentor Atlanta, and the Georgia and U.S. Hispanic Chambers of Commerce. Both employees and UPS win when our valued, engaged people are embedded in the community as servant leaders. Organizations who are seeking capable leaders for board service should consider tapping into Latino employee resource groups to acquire both skills and diversity.
WALMART FOUNDATION AIMS TO INCREASE ECONOMIC MOBILITY IN GROWING RETAIL INDUSTRY In an effort to increase economic mobility of workers in retail and adjacent sectors in the U.S., the Walmart Foundation today announced 10 Workforce Development Boards (WDBs) across the country will receive funding from The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership (The Partnership). The Partnership selected 10 WDBs to collectively form and implement new models of career services specific to retail. The funding is part of a $10.9 million grant the Walmart Foundation made to The Partnership in March 2016. The two-year grant program is the largest investment to date as part of Walmart and the Walmart Foundation’s Opportunity initiative, which aims to increase the economic mobility of workers in retail and adjacent sectors by working with nonprofits, educational institutions, and government agencies to make it easier for frontline workers to move faster into middle skills roles. “Through our work with The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, we are helping ensure that retail workers have the skills, training, and education needed to build longlasting careers,” said Kathleen McLaughlin, president of the Walmart Foundation. The 10 WDBs receiving funding from The Partnership will provide a variety of services to job seekers, including: • Job readiness training customized to the retail sector, including helping jobseekers acquire the “soft skills” that are critical for workplace success such as teamwork, leadership, communication, and conflict resolution. • Specialized skills training. • Job placement assistance, resume writing assistance, and interviewing skills workshops. • Post placement services to promote job retention. For more information about the Walmart Foundation’s grant to The Partnership, visit http://workforceboard. CORPORATE OBSERVER
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HACR CORPORATE MEMBER AND MEDIA PARTNER SUBMISSIONS
DISNEY’S “ELENA OF AVALOR” PRAISED FOR ITS MULTICULTURAL STORY AND CHARACTERS Before her TV simulcast debut on July 22nd, which ranks as 2016’s #1 series telecast among all kidtargeted TV networks, Disney’s princess inspired by Latin cultures, Elena of Avalor, was recognized by millennialtargeted outlet Mic.com as, “the right girl for a multicultural world.” Set in the enchanted fairytale land of Avalor, the series Elena of Avalor tells the story of Elena, a brave and adventurous teenager who has saved her kingdom and must now learn to rule as the crown princess until she is old enough to be queen. The series’ stories incorporate influences from diverse Latin and Hispanic cultures through architecture, traditions, food, and customs. Magic, mythology, folklore, and music also play an important role, with each episode featuring original songs spanning an array of Latin musical styles including Mariachi, Latin Pop, Salsa, Banda, and Chilean Hip Hop. To learn where Elena of Avalor’s production crew drew their inspiration from for the series go to www.mic.com.
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HACR CORPORATE MEMBERS UPDATE
HACR CORPORATE MEMBERS UPDATE Bloomberg LP and PGA of America have recently partnered with HACR as our newest Corporate Members to advocate for Hispanic inclusion in Corporate America. These companies have demonstrated their commitment to the professional advancement of Hispanics at all levels within their companies. We look forward to building strong relationships with them, as we continue to further HACR’s mission.
Bloomberg, the global business and financial information and news leader, gives influential decision makers a critical edge by connecting them to a dynamic network of information, people, and ideas.
Since its founding in 1916, the PGA of America has maintained a twofold mission: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and grow interest and participation in the game of golf.
The company’s strength—delivering data, news, and analytics through innovative technology, quickly and accurately—is at the core of the Bloomberg Professional service, which provides real time financial information to approximately 325,000 subscribers globally.
The PGA of America delivers world-class championships while building the public’s interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility for everyone, everywhere. Celebrating its Centennial, the PGA represents the very best in golf. For more information about the PGA of America, visit www.pga.org.
Diversity and inclusion at Bloomberg is our commitment to fostering an inclusive culture where employees feel respected for their diversity and empowered to impact the business globally.
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HACR YHCA 10TH ANNIVERSARY INTERVIEW SERIES
HACR YHCA 10TH ANNIVERSARY INTERVIEW SERIES “Don’t be afraid to be who you are and embrace your culture and heritage.” For Diana Navas-Rosette, these sage and selfreflective words represent more than just one of the many lessons she took away from her time as a 2015 HACR Young Hispanic Corporate Achiever™ (YHCA); they have become a sort of credo that defines both her personal and professional life.
DIANA NAVAS-ROSETTE HACR YHCA CLASS OF 2015 BY LESLIE FROELICH
performance and elevate the brand of one of the globe’s largest and most influential technology corporations. The Medellin, Colombia native is a human resources leader with more than 11 years of experience developing, managing, and executing key initiatives for Fortune 500 firms. Prior to joining Microsoft, Navas-Rosette worked for Charles Schwab and PepsiCo, among others. She has extensive experience in strategic planning, change management, diversity, inclusion, employee relations, union avoidance, organizational development, diversity branding, and community relations. She is currently an advisory board member for Latina Vida, a nonprofit dedicated to Navas-Rosette’s passion: preparing and developing the next generation of Latina executives. She also volunteers as an interpreter for Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), an initiative founded by actress Angelina Jolie and Navas-Rosette’s own employer, Microsoft, which aims to support and protect unaccompanied immigrant children by providing high quality pro-bono legal representation in immigration proceedings. Navas-Rosette holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in management with an emphasis in human resources, both from the University of Central Florida.
MICROSOFT As senior manager of Global Diversity & Inclusion for Microsoft, a position that Navas-Rosette has held since August of 2015, she is responsible for developing and leading innovative strategies that drive organizational 18
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A “life changing” experience It was in 2013 that Navas-Rosette began unknowingly laying the groundwork for her future nomination to HACR’s prestigious networking and professional development program, HACR YHCA, which she attended in Atlanta just last year. At the time, Navas-Rosette was still employed by Charles Schwab. There, she developed and implemented a
HACR YHCA 10TH ANNIVERSARY INTERVIEW SERIES
Diversity Branding Initiative, which sought to increase Schwab’s brand visibility with diverse talent pools. The project resulted in key recognitions by national diversity publications like G.I Jobs magazine, U.S. Vets magazine, Diversity Journal magazine, and Latino magazine. “It gave me the opportunity to be more connected to the work I wanted to do in the Latino community,” explained Navas-Rosette, who added that it was through this initiative that she discovered HACR and, subsequently, was invited to attend the organization’s annual symposium in 2014, in San Diego. “I was blown away. I came back really reenergized and excited to continue partnering with HACR and continue the relationships I had built at the symposium,” she said. Those relationships have indeed flourished since then, thanks in large part to Navas-Rosette’s selection as a participant of the 2015 HACR YHCA program, which she refers to as “one of the most beautiful experiences I’ve had in my professional career.” “There were a lot of expectations built around the program. We learned that they receive a lot of applicants, but only a few are selected. You know you’re going to be surrounded by the best of the best,” she assured. For Navas-Rosette, the connections forged through this program have been easy to maintain, thanks to technological conveniences.
“I feel the program helped me crystalize the steps I needed to take; it gave me the energy to take calculated risks to continue on my journey to grow as an individual and as a professional.”
Beyond the professional networking the three-day long program provided, Navas-Rosette also developed a close, personal bond with her fellow classmates that has translated into genuine investment into one another’s lives. “This is my extended family,” she assured. “Every time there’s a baby born, we feel like honorary aunts and uncles,” she laughed. “We celebrate each other’s successes and accomplishments, but we also support and encourage each other in difficult situations.”
best-selling author who has led the HACR YHCA since its inception. “As the program was coming to an end, Juana challenged us to set three personal goals we wanted to accomplish after the program. One of my goals was to find a role that would give me the opportunity to build on skills and continue learning, a role in the tech industry and at a company with a global footprint,” explained Navas-Rosette. “I feel the program helped me crystalize the steps I needed to take; it gave me the energy to take calculated risks to continue on my journey to grow as an individual and as a professional,” she added. In addition to key lessons about the importance of identifying professional strengths and learning how to properly converge skills and talents with creative abilities, Navas-Rosette feels that the HACR YHCA program helped her reconnect with her Latino heritage. “One of the sessions that I found extremely insightful and impactful was walking though the history of the Latino community in this country. I came to the United States when I was 15, and I didn’t learn about any of this in my history classes,” said Navas-Rosette. “It helped me gain perspective on the advances our community has made. We are standing on the shoulders of giants; there were so many Latinos that made sacrifices, who fought a hard fight for the rights that we now enjoy. We now have a responsibility to continue moving things forward for future generations.” Furthermore, Navas-Rosette says she gained a fresh perspective on the intrinsic values and traits that Hispanics bring to Corporate America. “One of the lessons I took back with me was the importance of embracing my culture. I was indoctrinated in the belief that I have to suppress who I am to make it in Corporate America. There are so many cultural traits that are of value and set us apart as Latinos; we just need to reengage with our true self,” said Navas-Rosette. She added that she is grateful to HACR for “creating an opportunity for Latinos to connect, grow, and empower each other.” “The HACR YHCA program was a wonderful and enriching experience; it was life changing.”
Navas-Rosette has also maintained the relationships she built with some of the program’s speakers and presenters, including Juana Bordas, a motivational speaker and
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HACR YHCA 10TH ANNIVERSARY INTERVIEW SERIES
HACR YHCA 10TH ANNIVERSARY INTERVIEW SERIES SPONSORED BY:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR LESLIE FROELICH Leslie Froelich is a national award winning journalist who currently works as a freelance writer for the National Association of Hispanic Publications (NAHP), as well as providing Spanish to English translation services for Cox Media Group (CMG). Froelich worked as a reporter for Mundo Hispánico newspaper, a CMG subsidiary, for five years in Atlanta, covering a variety of beats including business and finance, health, entertainment, community affairs, and sports. During this time, Froelich received both Gold and Silver Jose Marti Publishing Awards, which are presented by NAHP, as well as a Gold award from New America Media, which recognizes excellence in journalism within ethnic media outlets. Froelich earned a bachelor’s in spanish and Hispanic linguistics from The Ohio State University (OSU). Prior to attending OSU, Froelich spent a year in Argentina as a Rotary Youth Exchange student. She resides in the Cleveland suburb of Avon Lake, with her husband, Nick, and her daughters, Elizabeth and Maggie.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
CORPORATE MEMBERS 2016 HACR CALENDAR OF EVENTS
BENEFACTORS ALTRIA GROUP DELL GENERAL ELECTRIC INTEL MCDONALD’S CORPORATION TARGET CORPORATION TIME WARNER INC. WELLS FARGO & COMPANY
OCTOBER 31-NOVEMBER 1, 2016 HACR Leadership Pipeline Program Marriott Marquis New York City
GENERATIONS
2017 HACR PROGRAMS APRIL 28-30, 2017 HACR Corporate Directors Summit™ Westin Book Cadillac Detroit APRIL 28-30, 2017 HACR Corporate Executives Forum™ Westin Book Cadillac Detroit APRIL 28-30, 2017 HACR Corporate Achievers Summit™ Westin Book Cadillac Detroit
APRIL 30-MAY 2, 2017 HACR Young Hispanic Corporate Achievers™ Westin Book Cadillac Detroit MAY 1-2, 2017 25th Annual Symposium: The Power of Hispanic Inclusion™ Westin Book Cadillac Detroit
HISPANIC ASSOCIATION ON CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY 1220 L Street, N.W. Suite 701 Washington, D.C. 20005
AETNA, INC. ANHEUSER-BUSCH AT&T INC. BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CARNIVAL CORPORATION & PLC CHEVRON CITI COMCAST CORPORATION FCA US LLC FORD MOTOR COMPANY GENERAL MOTORS CO. HERBALIFE INTERNATIONAL OF AMERICA, INC. JOHNSON & JOHNSON MILLERCOORS NORTHROP GRUMMAN SODEXO INC. STATE FARM TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY ASSOCIATES AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE BLOOMBERG LP CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION CHARTER CIGNA CISCO THE COCA-COLA COMPANY COMERICA INCORPORATED DELTA AIR LINES DENNY’S DIAGEO ERNST & YOUNG GOOGLE THE HOME DEPOT HUMANA INC. J.P. MORGAN CHASE & CO. KPMG MACY’S MANPOWERGROUP INC. MARSH & MCLENNAN COMPANIES MEDTRONIC PLC MERCK MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL MICROSOFT MORGAN STANLEY NATIONWIDE NISSAN PEPSICO PGA OF AMERICA PRUDENTIAL FINANCIAL, INC. SOUTHWEST AIRLINES TD BANK UPS USTA VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS INC. WAL-MART STORES, INC. WYNDHAM WORLDWIDE