hccstl.com
SPRING / SUMMER 2021
LEADERS REPRESENTING THE HISPANIC COMMUNITY
From left to right: Adriana Osorio, Senior HR Services Representative, Human Resources Operations; Marcela Manjarrez Hawn, Senior Vice President, Chief Communications Officer; Jorge Miranda, Lead Talent Intelligence Advisor, HR-Talent Acquisition; and Kyra Valdez-Shipp, RN, MSN, CCM Staff Vice President, Enterprise Quality Operations
Board of
Facundo Oyenard Jose Ponce Sisi Beltran Jomo Castro Berto Garcia
directors
Claudio Abreu Claire Schenk Robert Clark Suzanne Sierra Daniela Velazquez
Elias Corpas Carlos Rivas Ainette Martinez Claudia Ochoa-Espejo Nolan Ruiz
Editorial
team
Karlos Ramirez Alex McCreary Alejandro Santiago
Leilani Martinez Fernanda Estrada
Spring En Contacto Digital magazine The total or partial reproduction of the content, images, texts, designs, and photographs is prohibited without publisher authorization. The information and content of the articles are the responsibility to the authors. The information and data contained in this publication are for informational purposes only, being able to vary from time to time. The magazine should not be considered as a fundamental, main, or single source of information. This publication may vary without notice, including between the time that the article was made and until the moment of the magazine publication. The citations of opinions and/or comments of people contained in this publication, were made independently by themselves. Connect with us! Send us your comments and suggestions at: festrada@hccstl.com
2
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
NEW MEMBERS
WELCOME to the HCC family!
By joining, the following individuals and companies have decided to make an investment in the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and our community at large. We encourage you to find out more about them and, whenever possible, to use their services. If you would like more information about any of these individuals or organizations, please contact us at 314.664.4432.
» AAdvantage Insurance Group » American Red Cross of Greater St. Louis » Bilingual International Assistant Services » BlueMountain Torpedopot » BMO Harris Bank » Ciggfreeds Liquid and Lace » Clark Dietrich/Strait-Flex » Codiflex International Corporation » Collaborative Strategies, Inc. » Colonial Life » Comfort Inn & Suites » CupaBooks, LLC » Doll Services » Early & Miranda, P.C. » El Papi Churro, LLC
» El sitio, LLC » Food Outreach » Frick’s Quality Meats Incorporated » Genesis Janitorial Services, Inc. » HCB Ideas » Holiday Inn St. Louis - Creve Coeur » Home Café/Personal Chef » Jeff Mitchell Lighting » Jose Espinoza » Kuna Foodservice » Laboratory Research and Design, LLC » Lighthouse International: an Acton Academy » Logan University Orthwein Health Center » Los Angeles Consulting » Manantial de Crecimiento Personal » MindsEye » National Kidney Foundation
» O ffice of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, St Louis University School of Medicine » Our Little Haven » PCs for People » Salt and Smoke » Sonesta International Hotels Corporation » Spectrum Brands » St. Louis County Library » St. Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired » St. Louis Zoo » Tony LaMartina Plumbing Company » United Nations Association of St. Louis » Veterans United Home Loans » Villa Antonio Winery
3
SPRING/SUMMER 2021
letter from the president & ceo
I am very happy to greet you again, and to announce that the HCC team is fully vaccinated and back at the office. This past year has been a challenge, but little by little we are returning to normality, so feel free to come over if you need any help/assistant or just to say hello, it will be a pleasure to see you. A big thank you for supporting the Hispanic Chamber this past year by attending our virtual events and programs. We are now returning to in person events, so we hope to see you on the third Thursday of each month at our Business After Hours; the next one will be held on August 19th at Spry Digital, stay tuned for the invitation, also for the registration info regarding our yearly Adelante Awards event and our Foundation’s Golf Classic. Finally, I hope that you continue using the tools and opportunities we offer at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to not only grow your business, but to also develop yourself as an entrepreneur and leader. We continue working every day on our mission to improve business opportunities for Hispanic firms and professionals, thereby improving the economic development of the St. Louis region.
Karlos Ramirez President & CEO
4
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
3 4 5 6 8 9 10 14 15 16 18 20 22 23 24 25
WELCOME TO THE HCC FAMILY LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO HCC A PARTNER FOR GROWTH LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR MEMBERS 2021 SUMMER VIRTUAL JOB FAIR BUSINESS COUNSELOR RECOMMENDATIONS CENTENE CORPORATION THE SECRET OF ANY SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS THE MUNY BACKSTAGE HISPANIC WORKING WOMEN EVENT HISPANIC LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE A LOOK AT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT EVERYTHING WE CAN OFFER 2021 EVENTS CALENDAR FOLLOW OUR SOCIAL MEDIA TRIVIA
TELL US ABOUT
HCC A PARTNER FOR GROWTH
Written by: Gabriela Ramirez-Arellano, owner of Don Emiliano’s Restaurante Mexicano
My husband Victor and I joined the Hispanic Chamber of Metropolitan St. Louis as soon as we made the decision to move to St. Louis to open our restaurant, Don Emilianos—we were still living in Detroit. A quick google search had pointed me to Spanish restaurant training and we were excited to know about these specific offerings. This was in 2014, way before COVID19 showed us the power of virtual learning and meetings so we could not be able to attend but looked forward to other sessions. It was easy knowing we would have a year to decide if it made sense for our business to be a part of the HCC because of the free first year offered to Hispanic-owned businesses less than three years old. When the renewal time came up a year later, we knew it was the best investment and quickly submitted the check. Shortly after joining I received the HCC Newsletter and saw that the HCC was hiring. I reached out and I was not a fit, but that initial conversation allowed me the opportunity to share the work I had been doing in economic development and supporting small businesses in Detroit and I eventually joined the team as the Business Counselor in 2016. In a few months, I had witnessed firsthand a few of the many resources that the chamber provided including support for small businesses, career and leadership development and even connecting us to a great realtor that helped us find and buy our house, Jose and Victor Ponce. Don Emilianos turns 6 years old this year and every year we have learned and grown thanks to the support, referrals, and power of the members and staff at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. When we needed help costing out our plates and training our staff, we reached out to Angel Jimenez at Profundiza. When we were ready for a new menu we were able to work with a member to photograph our food and
design a new menu. When our credit card processor was not working for us anymore, we reached out to Square, an HCC member and they were able to help us identify the equipment that we needed, help us set it up, and train both our English and Spanish speaking staff on how to use the system - a decision that in 2020 would be detrimental as they helped us transition to online orders as soon as the executive order to stay at home was issued. Through the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, we were able to source our arrachera, a skirt steak for our specialty dishes from Sysco, and when we saw a need to support fellow restaurant workers that were being laid off during the pandemic, it was Sysco who helped us provide meals. The HCC STL Foundation has also supported Don Emiliano’s through catering orders for the Foundation’s leadership trainings and when we found ourselves having to close the doors, the Foundations’ Carryout for la Comunidad was a huge support and aligned well with our own mission to support health care workers at the frontline of the pandemic. There have been so many things we have accomplished that can be traced back to the HCC’s support and network even the purchase of our building in early 2021! Contact information: Don Emiliano’s Mexican Restaurant 8600 Veterans Memorial Pkwy., O’Fallon, MO 63366 Donemilianos.com
5
Learn more about
angel jimenezgutierrez
our members Find out what services or products they offer, and if you have some time, visit them.
Managing Partner
PROFUNDIZA A consulting and coaching firm that includes three different profiles: Profundiza Restaurants We share a simple and clear approach to the administration of Mexican Restaurants. Our approach focuses on how
to maximize the profit margin and minimize the stress within restaurant operations.
Profundiza Mindful Leadership We promote the concept of Awareness and SelfInquiry to the business world. Through the IBC methodology we help individuals develop the ability to identify and
transform obstacles into opportunities. We believe that prior to connecting with people and the world around us it is paramount to connect with ourselves first.
Profundiza Patrimonio y Tranquilidad (Heritage and Tranquility) We help immigrants born in México update their personal information which allows them
angel@profundiza.com www.profundiza.com 6
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
not only to develop a retirement strategy but also understand the importance of having one.
MEMBER SHOUT OUT
Vicki LaRose
Maria Giamportone
PE President
Owner
CIVIL DESIGN, INC.
ASADOR DEL SUR
At CDI, we strive to help our clients create quality infrastructure while also contributing positively to our communities. Our culture is centered around a fundamental commitment to BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIES, meaning our team of passionate individuals is dedicated to revitalizing the spaces that contribute to our daily lives.
Is a family-owned South American cuisine restaurant located in the heart of St Louis, MO. We are so proud of our roots & culture that come from Ecuador, Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil & Portugal, and we wanted to bring this experience to the Midwest and share our traditions, music and many different perfectly planned dishes made with the best ingredients and be able to transport every guest back to our best family gathering.
Since its founding in 1996, CDI has grown to over 80 team members with 37 engineers. Our experience lends us the ability to generate innovative solutions to project challenges, allowing our team to further the ambitions of our clients and the communities they serve. For 25 years, we have consistently offered the most positive, qualitydriven, and authentic experience for our clients.
Learn more about us and our career opportunities at www.civildesigninc.com
Our food is down to earth, much like our atmosphere, creating a relaxing environment where memories are
mgiamportone@aol.com asadordelsur.com (314) 802-8587
made. We offer an exquisite experience along with a fine selection of Uruguayan Famous wineries and its unique Tannat grapes offering the perfect pair, along with many special Argentinian and Chilean wines with the typical gaucho meat cuts and season with salt in our open fire charbroiled “Asador” accompanied with our famous chimichurri sauce as well as many of our seafood dishes creations that are inspired by the North West part of South America cuisine making us an unique experience restaurant to take you to a Latino journey without a passport.
(314) 802-8587 7322 Manchester Rd., Maplewood, MO 63143
7
EVENTS
T H E S E A R E T H E CO M PA N I E S T H A T PA R T I C I PAT E D I N O U R V I R T U A L J O B FA I R :
2021 SUMMER JOB FAIR V I RT UA L
in conjunction with
TITLE SPONSOR, ENTERPRISE HOLDINGS, A N D D I G I TA L P LAT F O R M PLUGGEDIN!
On Thursday, February 18th the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce held the first of two 2021 Virtual Job Fairs, in conjunction with the digital platform PluggedIn. This innovative approach allowed companies and job seekers to meet safely during the Covid-19 pandemic. Over 30 organizations from a wide variety of industries connected with job seekers from all career paths in the job fair’s virtual setting. Each participant, organization, and job seeker alike, created a unique online profile that included a pitch video and contact information to give the virtual space a personal feel. Participants were able to engage with each other by sharing profiles and live chatting during the event. Following the May announcement that Missouri would discontinue Federal pandemic-related unemployment benefits as of June 12th, the HCC scheduled its Summer Job Fair, supported by Title Sponsor Enterprise Holdings, for June 24th in order to better connect employers and job seekers. The HCC partnered with organizations such as the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE) and the Missouri Job Center to ensure that job seekers had access to the fair. The Summer Job Fair was fully virtual and held in conjunction with the digital platform PluggedIn.
8
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
TIPS
Business Counselor
recommendations Hi entrepreneurs! I would like to share with you some tips that could be useful for your business. I know that there have been lots of books and articles written about what it takes to be successful in business and you may have probably read some of them. My intention with this article is to highlight just five common themes and to show you how your involvement with HCC can help you achieve your business goals. H A V E A P LA N The path from a dream to reality is a plan. You just need to outline specific objectives, strategies, financing, a sales and marketing plan, and a determination of the cash you need to get things done. Writing it all down is a crucial first step. The plan could be adjusted as you move forward, it is “live” but sticking to it will help you not to lose track. GET ORGANIZED You may think you are organized but it is not till you create a list of tasks with due dates and responsible parties that you can see the big picture of managing your business. Additionally, having a to-do list each day help you complete tasks and stay on top of things to be done.
K E E P D E TA I L E D R E CO R D S Keep track of everything and manage by the numbers. Knowing your business updated numbers will help you make smart decisions and create strategies to overcome potential challenges. Furthermore, your accurate bookkeeping will help you with your taxes, to get loans, and to apply for business certifications. There are online free software and some of our members can also assist you in this area. USE THE INTERNET Build rapport with your market and generate a close relationship with your clients in an incredibly powerful and very cost-efficient way. Be active with your own social media platforms and share with us your news, events, specials, so we can amplify your coverage through our platforms and e-newsletter. We also host live programs on Facebook you may want to consider. N E TWO R K A N D TA K E A DV I C E You may not find the answer to your business’ challenges using “what” you know but “who” you know. Networking events are not only fun but very effective for your business. We host a monthly Business After Hour event and many signature events during the year. Among our 400+ members you would meet with a wide variety of entrepreneurs, big corporations managers, and non-for-profit organizations leaders. Hope you found this article useful, and it helps you create long-term positive habits that will help you make money in the long run. If you have questions or comments, please contact me at Mdegregorio@hccstl.com
9
members Focused on transforming the health of the community, one person at a time Centene Corporation, a FORTUNE® 25 company, is a diversified, multi-national healthcare enterprise that provides a portfolio of services to government sponsored and commercial healthcare programs, focusing on under-insured and uninsured individuals.
10
Centene takes a local approach – with local brands and local teams – to provide fully integrated, highquality, and cost-effective services to government sponsored and commercial healthcare programs. Centene offers affordable and high-quality products to nearly 1 in 15 individuals across the nation, including Medicaid and Medicare members (including Medicare Prescription Drug Plans) as well as individuals and families served by the Health Insurance Marketplace. Centene also serves several international markets, and contracts with other healthcare and commercial organizations to provide a variety of specialty services focused on treating the whole person.
supports and the No. 1 insurer on the Health Insurance Marketplace. They focus on long-term growth and developing their people, systems and capabilities so that they can better serve their members, providers, local communities, and government partners.
Centene is the largest Medicaid managed care organization in the country, the national leader in managed long-term services and
With the purpose-driven work of nearly 70,000 employees, Centene’s success is built on their commitment to:
Centene was ranked No. 24 on the 2021 FORTUNE 500® list, in addition to ranking No. 2 on the FORTUNE 500® Measure Up Initiative, a new benchmark to identify companies building exclusive and fair workplaces. Centene is also ranked at No. 57 on the FORTUNE Global 500® list, and was included on the 2020 FORTUNE Change the World® list in recognition of their COVID-19 relief efforts.
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Focus on Individuals Whole Health Active Local Involvement
THEIR APPROACH TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION (DEI) The core pillars of Centene’s DEI strategy guide their efforts and hold them accountable for measurable progress. Data and analytics are key, and they continuously adapt the ways they measure and review their data to find opportunities for improvement. Centene remains steadfast in their commitment to a truly inclusive culture within the company and in the communities they serve. Ensuring that each individual feels respected and represented requires ongoing, intentional focus, especially as their workforce grows and the way their work evolves.
MEET OUR MEMBERS
For more information about Centene, visit their website www.centene.com In partnership with their five Employee Inclusion Groups (EIGs), their Executive DEI Council, leaders, and employees across Centene, they are committed to advancing the implementation of DEI principles into all aspects of the business. Centene is proud to be named a Top 50 Company for Diversity by DiversityInc for the second consecutive year. For the third consecutive year, Bloomberg named Centene in its 2021 GenderEquality Index (GEI), which lists companies recognized as global leaders in advancing women in the workplace. While corporate recognitions are meaningful as a reflection of the dedication and diligence of their employees, they’re continually motivated to refine their inclusive policy framework within and outside their enterprise.
16%
White Hispanic or Latino Asian American Indian or Alaskan Native Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
Centene’s dedication to delivering high-quality, culturallycompetent care is central to their purpose. That work begins with the inclusive culture and focus on embracing and leveraging the diverse talents, perspectives, and experiences of their employees. It affects everything they do as an organization and requires active engagement. Centene’s employee base reflects the communities they serve, and they’re continually looking for ways to expand their diverse and talented workforce. Today, nearly 50% of all employees identify as people of color, and women represent 75% of their employees. Centene statistics for Hispanic population:
Hispanic executive on their Board of Directors Hispanic executive in the C-suite Centene employee base is 16% Hispanic or Latino Hispanics make up 27% of the population they serve 7% 2% 1%
Black
Two or More Races
THEIR WORKFORCE AS A WHOLE
25% Male
75% Female
1% 23%
Race
Gender
50%
11
Adriana Osorio Senior HR Services Representative, Human Resources Operations
T E S T I M O N I E S I WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN MY T E S T I M O N I A L by sharing that at
Centene we absolutely have Hispanic voices that are heard both from the community as well as employees that ensures that programs and services for members are completely holistic. I believe it is important that organizations like Centene encourage people of Hispanic ethnicity to participate in the decisionmaking process, to ensure that their experiences and knowledge of various communities are listened to and considered since each demographic of member will have their own unique needs when it comes to healthcare. For Centene, I think it’s very important to partner with organizations like the HCC, as they both impact the community. I am so grateful that Centene gave
kyra valdez-Shipp RN, MSN, CCM Staff Vice President, Enterprise Quality Operations H AV I N G H I S PA N I C V O I C E S AT T H E T A B L E in itself is diversity. Diversity
gives us the opportunity to truly represent the members we serve, specifically our Hispanic communities. Centene has a national footprint, however, we focus on delivering care locally, meaning we alter our approach based on the needs of the local community. Hispanic representation is seen at our Centene corporate headquarters here in St. Louis as well as within our health plans across the
12
me the opportunity to participate in the Hispanic Leadership Institute. When I had first heard of HLI, I was not sure if I was ready for something like that at that point in my career but after I accepted a new job with a new team, I knew I needed to take the time to invest more in my career and build my leadership skills. Because of the incredible program that is the Hispanic Leadership Institute, I knew that this was the opportunity to hone those skills. During the program, the sessions were so inspiring and dynamic that they inspired me to want to do more and be better every day. Each time I left the sessions, I wanted to go back to work and share the incredible things that I had learned. In conclusion, the HLI helped me in my work and to grow in my career and now I have more
confidence to be a better leader. I feel so blessed to work for a company like Centene because they have given me so many incredible opportunities to learn from others, challenge myself, and become a true asset to the work that I do in Human Resources. Their focus around diversity, equity, and inclusion have really impacted me on a deep level and I have truly connected with their commitment to volunteerism. It is a real pleasure to work for an organization that absolutely lives their mission.
country. This diverse representation provides us the opportunity to ensure that our strategy is tailored to the unique need of our Hispanic members, providing the best healthcare solutions. Partnering with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce provides the St. Louis Hispanic community opportunities to elevate talent through various development programs and networking. As I mentioned earlier, it is so critically important to have Hispanic representation at Centene. However, we recognize that this cannot simply be accomplished on our own. It takes the community coming together, and the downstream impact is seen; inclusivity, economic growth, etc. I am a Registered Nurse by trade and have been in the payer space for over 10 years. I made a decision to join Centene a few years back, as I had a desire to shift my focus and serve the underserved. Having been a Medicaid recipient with severe health issues growing up, Centene felt like a company where I could
accomplish just that and give back to those like me. I joined Centene in October 2018 and as you know, it was Hispanic Heritage Month. My first day I walked into the lobby, checked in at the front desk and was directed to the waiting area. As I turn the corner, there was a big, beautiful sign with photos of famous Hispanic men and women in history that said, “Celebrating Hispanic Heritage”. It was at that moment I said to myself “I made the right decision; I think I’m going to like it here”. I continue to enjoy working for Centene because of the company’s moral compass and commitment in staying true to their mission and values. Centene has provided me the opportunity to have a position that allows me the opportunity to care for millions of underserved populations, which is my true calling in life. I am also provided the opportunity to explore and promote my deep-rooted passions for employee development with my teams and working toward a more diverse and inclusive world.
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
MEET OUR MEMBERS
vicente quevedo Technologies Manager - Capitation H AV I N G H I S PA N I C V O I C E S AT C E N T E N E to help develop programs
and services for employees is part of the diverse and inclusive mindset that exists in the corporation, which
I F E E L V E R Y F O R T U N AT E TO W O R K A T C E N T E N E . It is an outstanding
organization with an inspiring purpose, a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We have a Hispanic director on our board (Orlando Ayala), and a Hispanic executive in the C-suite (me). In addition, Centene’s employee base is 16% Hispanic or Latino, and 27% of the members we provide care for through our health plans is Hispanic. Our CEO often reminds us that, at Centene, everyone is in their position not because of their gender, age or ethnicity, but because they are the best person for the job. At Centene, I have been empowered to bring my whole self to work, and to be “all of myself.” I can be both: a Hispanic woman who is a leader and a leader who also happens to be a Hispanic woman. To me, that is “inclusion” in its full sense. Hispanics are our nation’s largest minority group at 18% of the population. A recent listing by Latino Leaders magazine reported only 155 Latinos are in C-suite roles of Fortune 1000 companies. The recent news that
is something that makes me proud. Centene has many internal programs to support learning and development for their employees. I also like to participate in external programs, such as the HLI program from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. I had the opportunity to be part of Class V (2015) and it was a good experience, all my colleagues were from different companies and backgrounds, and you could really get different points of view and opinions on every single topic in each class. The HLI program was divided into three main categories; for me, “Leading Oneself” was one of the best set of classes that the program had to offer. I learned how to manage myself in different situations, how to
publicly listed companies in the U.S. more than quadrupled the appointment of Hispanic executives to their boards in the first quarter of 2021 is welcome, yet only brings the number of Hispanic board members to 3%. As one of the few Hispanic C-suite executives in the Fortune 1000, I believe that we as corporate leaders have an opportunity and a responsibility to promote equity. More work needs to be done across the corporate community. It’s critical that we support one another and work together to ensure we are developing and leaving the ladder down and lifting others—for Hispanics, and everyone. Centene is proud to be a business leader and a corporate partner, investing in institutions and organizations that address local needs while advancing initiatives that focus on inclusion, the whole person, and community development. The work of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is aligned with our mission, and their support of Hispanic small businesses allows us to understand the programs, services, and legislative advocacy that
show leadership, and increased selfawareness on how others perceive me as an individual as well as a professional. I took away many great experiences, networking opportunities, and good friends. We created a Facebook group to keep in touch, even though last year it was difficult to see each other. We try to keep in touch and talk about how we are doing professionally and personally. I highly recommend the HLI program. Centene is a corporation that cares about others and everything it does for its employees and for the community is incredible. Centene has always supported me and that is something that my family and I really appreciate. I am proud to work for a company like Centene.
Marcela Manjarrez Hawn Senior Vice President, Chief Communications Officer benefit our region. By supporting our membership, our community partners, and our workforce, we’re shaping a better world of healthcare, together. I feel privileged to be a part of the team that tells our company’s story of growth, innovation, technology, and jobs, but I feel especially fortunate to be able to elevate our company’s remarkable track record of removing barriers to care, investing in communities, serving the underserved, and providing healthcare to those who need it most.
13
EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
The secret of any business
successful
In my very first college business course, the words my teacher shared struck me. He said, “The secret of any successful business is to figure out how to balance efficiently the two fundamental elements of a business, satisfying a need and being lucrative.” As a small business owner and consultant, I find those words simple in concept, but challenging. However, our evolution in the business world might mean adding a third concept to the aforementioned two elements, ensuring all are balanced. We have aspirations that may not necessarily improve the bottom line. Likewise, we have the goal of business growth that may not always fit into our aspirations. I invite you to ponder the possibility of adding a new fundamental concept that will need to be balanced as well. As the years go by, I find myself paying attention to the impact my business ideology has on my personal and professional life. Throughout my journey, I have discovered that my definition of success had not been clear. It was masked by seeking recognition or increasing the profit margin. And, if I accept this open heartily, the one benefitting from such things was me, and only me. So, my very first step was to delve into my internal experience to understand, respect and engage with the ideas, perceptions, judgments that were very alive within myself. After years of self-inquiry, I realized that I was prepared to add this third concept to the business teachers’ words, which is, promoting connection within our human capital. And so, the challenge was a bit tricky, how to fulfill a need in the market while also making money, all the while, understanding
14
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
that all of us as individuals, as humans, long for connection. Since we spend over 8 hours a day together, we might as well promote such a connection within our organization. We dedicated ourselves to going more in depth into concepts such as communication, service, and connection to promote their application within our own team, and then, apply it to our vendors and customers. I look forward to meeting my college business teacher again so we can talk about this new idea. Anyway, as I wait for an opportunity to connect with him, I ask you to ponder on this new concept. How can we connect with our team? Do we connect with ourselves before connecting with them? What can we do to help them connect with each other? Is the connection to our success causing disconnection from our team? This concludes our invitation to consider promoting connection within our human capital as a third concept that needs to be balanced with satisfying a need and being lucrative.
By Angel Jimenez-Gutierrez — Founder, Profundiza Special collaboration, Lynn Knight — Research Leader, Profundiza
MEMBERS
The Muny backstage CORE10
by
architecture
When most people think about The Muny —America’s oldest and largest outdoor theatre—they likely picture the stage, lights, actors, beautiful costumes, and the 11,000 seats holding their fellow St. Louisans. But for the architects at CORE10 Architecture, the backstage spaces they reimagined for The Muny’s talented team of workers will likely come to mind first. Their backstage workspace celebrated its 100th birthday in 2019. To prepare The Muny for its second century in operation, that space desperately needed an overhaul. CORE10 Architecture spent the summer of 2019 doing what the firm enjoys the most – they made it their business to understand what makes this specific opera house unique by carefully observing the daily operations of its workers. CORE10 architects watched them in meetings, rehearsals, their office spaces, and walking between the stage and the various buildings. They watched them as they went to lunch and while they ate. They watched them before, during, and after shows. And they watched them at the season’s close, which is when they prepare the space for another winter and the next season. This watching led CORE10 to a customized re-design proposition that would meet the needs of each team’s unique challenges and opportunities. Early assumptions were that additional space was needed. But CORE10’s recommendation was the opposite — a complete re-imagining of the existing space. That reimagining included big moves such as swapping the kitchen/canteen and costume shops to bring critical programs in contact with each other, as well as developing a new entry to the main Administration
building, which finally brings full accessibility and connection to those visiting this historic institution. It also included smaller moves that improve the daily functions, and more importantly, the connectivity of the people putting together those amazing shows. Overall, the new design allows The Muny backstage to hum more smoothly than ever throughout the year. The project has come to the tail end of the design and renovation journey. The Muny backstage will be ready for the first show of the 2021 season! This special project shines a light on the strengths of CORE10 Architecture. CORE10 approaches each new project without preconceived notions and aims to let people show them what the space should be by observing them in it. Difficult sites with unique challenges do not scare CORE10. Instead, they present the firm with enjoyable challenges. The team at CORE10 Architecture brings experience from a variety of sectors including higher education, healthcare, mixed-use, multi-family, and houses of worship. And they welcome you to follow them on their journey to serve clients in St. Louis and beyond. Written by: Amanda Partyka Norris, AIA Lead Architect at CORE10 Architecture core10arch.com 4501 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108 (314) 726-4858
15
EVENTS
HISPANIC
WORKING
BLAZING TRAILS & BREAKING CEILINGS A V I RT UA L EV E N T
On April 29, 2021, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan St. Louis broadcast Hispanic Working Women: Blazing Trails & Breaking Ceilings, from Title Sponsor by Midwest BankCentre, into homes all over the nation. With its bold theme and insightful speakers, the event explored the innovation, resilience, and ingenuity of Hispanic Working Women. Gold Sponsor Hart of the City Photo Booth provided a virtual photo booth and Media Partner Feature Group USA broadcast the event.
16
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Guests saw presentations from three amazing women whose journeys each spoke to the evening’s theme. Guest Speaker: Polly Rodriguez—CEO & Co-Founder Unbound, shared her story of resilience in the face of rejection when it came to founding her business Unbound. Guest Speaker: Gabriela Ramírez-Arellano — Director of Entrepreneurship Cortex Innovation Community & Executive Director Center for Emerging Technologies, shared an inspiring speech encouraging viewers to go after their goals without holding back. Keynote Speaker: Helga Flores Trejo: Vice President, Global Public Affairs International Organizations at Bayer, shared her international journey and the lessons that she has learned along the way. After each presentation, guests had the opportunity to ask questions and further learn from each speaker.
Following the initial broadcast, women were invited to join keynote speaker Helga Flores Trejo for a virtual networking session. There, they were able to connect over shared experiences, explore opportunities and even share book recommendations! In addition to hearing from trailblazers of the present, guests learned about groundbreaking women from the past through special content from The Missouri History Museum’s Beyond the Ballot: St. Louis and Suffrage exhibit. One lucky winner took home the evening’s door prize, a book donated by the Missouri History Museum titled Groundbreakers, RuleBreakers, & Rebels: 50 Unstoppable St. Louis Women by Katie Moon with illustrations by Rori! You can watch Hispanic Working Women: Blazing Trails & Breaking Ceilings on the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s YouTube channel at HCC STL.
NATALIA CORRay AVP Sales Enablement and Culture Development at Midwest BankCentre TESTIMONY
At Midwest BankCentre, we were honored once again to sponsor the HCC Hispanic Working Women Event. This year’s event was extraordinary because the diverse group of women attending felt inspired by Polly, Gabriela, and Helga’s personal stories about their path to success, breaking ceilings and blazing trails not only for themselves but for all of us and the future generations. At Midwest BankCentre, we believe that every person, every business, and every community deserve the right to DREAM BIG, and achieve their personal and financial goals. That all starts with access to capital. Access to capital to own a home, start or scale a business or fund a child’s education. That is why we work together with organizations like the Hispanic Chamber to help each individual succeed and our communities thrive.
17
EVENTS
Hispanic leadership institute Friday, June 11, 2021, was a landmark for the Hispanic Leadership Institute as it saw the graduation of its tenth class. With this graduation ceremony, the HLI program has celebrated over 160 graduates in a variety of industries across the region. The students of Class X began their training during the Covid-19 pandemic and were able to complete their courses through a mix of virtual and hybrid sessions. Their hard work and determination allowed them to overcome the “zoom fatigue” and take full advantage of all the lessons that HLI had to offer. Congratulations to the Class X Graduates! The Hispanic Leadership Institute, sponsored by Centene Corporation, is a skills-based leadership training program targeted at Hispanic professionals. The Institute consists of nine training sessions conducted once a month, each focused on a particular skill set for the developing leader. The Hispanic Leadership Institute focuses on both for-profit and non-profit management skills and network development within the St. Louis business community. In addition to their leadership training, participants are encouraged to give back to the St. Louis region through community involvement.
18
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Class X 2020-2021
ISABEL ACEVEDO PÉREZ
JUAN MENDOZA
PATRICIO CORDERO
MIREYA RIVAS
KENIA ARAUZ
NATALIA CORRAY ROSMERY CRUZ
DR. GUILHERME MAIA
SAM MONROY III MARK RODRIGUEZ
CAROLINA SANTANGELO ALEJANDRO SANTIAGO
ALEXANDRA MCCREARY-ELLIS ALEXA SEDA CLARA MCINTOSH
SANDRA VAZQUEZ
Class X Graduates!
sandrA vazquez ISABEL
KENIA
PAT R I C I O
CoDev Forecasting Manager Pfizer Global Supply HLI Student - Class X TESTIMONY
N ATA L I A
ROSMERY
GUILHERME
ALEXANDRA
CLARA
JUAN
SAM
M I R E YA
MARK
CAROLINA
ALEJANDRO
ALEXA
SANDRA
I was honored to be accepted to participate on the HLI program. I have been wanting to do it for a long time, but it was not until this year that due to COVID I was able to attend as most of the lessons were virtual. Our 1st session was in October 2020. What a perfect way to start the course as for me it is critical that I understand the workplace culture, where do I fit in the organization, and how I can maximize colleague’s collaborations by building relationships and sharing my Hispanic values. I identified a lot with the second session, “Serving on Nonprofit Boards” as I have always been involved in volunteering. I am the Pfizer Latino Community Leader in St Louis and I also volunteer at my church. I have over 20 years of business experience and now I feel qualify to serve in nonprofit boards. One of my favorites sessions was “The Business Case for Emotional Intelligence Presented by Ciléia Miranda-Yuen”. Cileia was so easy to understand, and the topic is very relevant these days as the work environment has changed due to COVID. Now more than ever leaders need to be more connected to their personal and their team member’s emotional stage. About the “Getting things Done. The art of stress-free Productivity” session, I learned that if you have something to do that takes less than 2 minutes just get it done now. If it takes longer than 2 minutes delegate or defer by adding to the calendar. I have been using the process for almost a month, and I feel more organize, less stress out and more efficient. My plan is to apply this process to my lifestyle.
19
MEMBERS
A look at
Sustainable Development United Nations Association of Saint Louis To be part of building a society that looks at sustainable development from a human approach and environmental perspective, it must first take a look its definition. According to the United Nations, sustainable development is defined as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
20
In 2015, the United Nations General Assembly adopted 17 global goals to end poverty, fight inequalities and defeat climate change. These Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were developed with the deadline of 2030 and also incorporates 169 targets. As 193 member states have unanimously agreed to these SDGs, it also involves the commitment of the private sector and our own individual efforts from civil society. These global goals include enhancing Gender Equality (SDG 5), improving Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 14) and promoting Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16) — just to name a few.
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The SDG Changemakers: Youth Action Program is open to high school youth entering grades 10-12 and will take place at Cortex Innovation Community and additional partner locations such as the International Institute of St. Louis, Casa de Salud and Rung for Women. It is with this dialogue that we will create a place for young people across the region to bring their perspectives and help drive solutions to these goals. For more information about the program, visit una-stl.org/changemakers. Contact Program Director, Rene Iannotti with any questions at changemakers@una-stl.org and (314) 616-9379.
Involvement with the United Nations Association of Saint Louis The United Nations Association of Saint Louis is membership driven and our mission is to educate, inspire and mobilize Americans to support the principles and vital work of the United Nations and its agencies. We take action to achieve our mission by building awareness and collaborating on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, build support in standing up for human rights and celebrate the longstanding work of the United Nations.
greater international solidarity and improvement in access to education and women’s rights, amongst others.
The United Nations Association also expands into a much larger national and international network. We are associated with our parent organization UNA-USA, a grassroots program of the United Nations Foundation and Better World Campaign based in Washington, D.C. There, UNA-USA provides support to its advocates of more Last year, our organization conducted than 20,000 members nationwide, two local UN75 Consultations on and oversees programming and Child Labor and Child Marriage advocacy efforts. Annually, members to discuss these issues within a also have the opportunity to attend regional context and look at it from the Global Engagement Summit at a global perspective. These UN75 U.N. Headquarters in New York and Consultations on a variety of subject the Global Engagement Summit in matter were done around the world Washington, D.C where it’s easy to to hear from individuals about their connect with other changemakers hopes and fears for the future, and and leaders for personal and their priorities for international professional development, as well cooperation. Overall, ten priorities as learn about career opportunities were compiled into a comprehensive within the United Nations system. report stating the need for If you have a passion for creating enhanced access to basic services, a better world and being part of
carlos Suárez President of the United Nations Association of Saint Louis Carlos Suárez has been serving as President of the United Nations Association of Saint Louis since May of 2017 and has been an active member since 2010. Professionally, Carlos has held various roles within non-profit organizations and startups in the St. Louis area. He is also a proud graduate of the Hispanic Leadership Institute (HLI). To learn more and get involved, visit our website at una-stl.org and become a member at unausa.org/join. Please don’t hesitate to contact Carlos Suárez directly at info@una-stl.org and (314) 374-2732.
building a sustainable and just future, we invite you to join and get involved. Youth ages 12-25 can become a member at no cost, and adults can join at a nominal rate of $50 annually to $1,000 for a lifetime membership. We also count on the support of institutional partners to shape a brighter future for our community.
21
MEMBERS
WHY JOIN US?
Everything
we can offer The Hispanic Chamber offers opportunities for everyone to grow, connect and develop your organization. Being part of our Chamber family gives you many resources & tools, whether you are a small business, nonprofit, big corporation, or an individual. Here are some of the benefits we offer:
WORKFORCE Job Fair: If your company is looking to hire, our Job Fair is a great place to search for talent. Each year, this Job Fair has been able to attract numerous qualified professionals. Amplifying Job Openings: We have a designated section on our website for job openings. We also feature them in our e-newsletter and social media platforms.
NETWORKING Business After Hours: Networking is at the core of what we do. Therefore, we have our Business After Hour events every 3rd Thursday every month. These events are meant to reunite all our members to connect and get to know each other. Make friends and create partnerships!
EXPOSURE Promoting your events, services, products, or accomplishments, is a great way to connect with the community. We help in promoting all of those, using all our platforms. That is our website, e-newsletter, social media pages and your own member-only system called ChamberMaster.
AND MORE! There is so much more that we do! We have a Business Counselor that can help you navigate the business world. Educational events throughout the year for everyone, a great golf tournament and our incredible annual gala! Please reach out to us if you have any questions or would like to learn more. Join our HCC family today! Reach out to our Membership Manager Alejandro Santiago at asantiago@hccstl.com.
22
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2021 Events JAN 21
FEB 18
JUL 15
AUG 19
Virtual
calendar
CALENDAR
MAR 18
APR 15
M AY 2 0
JUN 17
SEP 16
OCT 21
NOV 18
DEC 16
Virtual
Virtual
Virtual
Hosted by
Signature Job Fair February 18
events
Hispanic Working Women April 29
High School Hispanic Leadership Institute June 14-19
Job Fair June 24
Golf Classic September 22
Hispanic Leadership Institute October 8
Adelante Awards October 29
The Business After Hours are held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. the third Thursday of every month. Food and beverages are always provided. RSVP at hccstl.com/events
23
SOCIAL MEDIA
Connect with us
on social media! SCAN THE QR CODE to follow us and receive updates about our events & programs, members, and the community.
24
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
TRIVIA
Trivia
time
1. D I D Y O U L I K E O U R M A G A Z I N E ? 2. H O W M U C H D O Y O U R E M E M B E R O F W H AT Y O U R E A D ? We invite you to answer a trivia and if you are one of the first 10 people to answer everything correctly, you will win a gift card. Scan the QR code to start the trivia. Good luck!
SCAN ME 25
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 P L AT I N U M
DIAMOND
GOLD
S I LV E R
BRONZE
www.hccstl.com | 3611 South Grand Blvd., Ste 105 St. Louis, MO 63118 | 314.664.4432
FRIEND AAdvantage Insurance Ben Hur Corporation Boone Center Inc., DBA BCI BMO Harris Bank Carmody MacDonald Carrollton Bank Central Bank of St. Louis CIBC Commerce Bank CTS Group Dot Foods, Inc. Fedex Ground First Bank Frick’s Quality Meats Garcia Companies Graybar Guarantee Electrical Company Home Depot LHM LUXCO, Inc. Major Brands Midland States Bank Midwest BankCentre Mississippi Lime Company Missouri History Museum Montgomery Bank Mutual of Omaha NextGen Information Services Pangea Group Panera Penn National Gaming, Inc. ReMax Gold Regions Bank RSM US, LLP SLCC, LLC Southern Illinois University—Edwardsville Spire, Inc Stinson LLP St. John’s Bank St. Louis Community College St. Louis County Government— Office of Diversity and Inclusion St. Louis Economic Development Partnership St. Louis-Kansas City Carpenters St. Louis Post—Dispatch St. Louis FC Success Promotions Talisen Technologies, Inc. Tarlton Corporation Busey Bank Thompson Coburn LLP TOTA Investments, LLC TWG Wealth Partners UMSL University of Missouri System ValDivia Enterprises Veterans United Home Loans Washington University World Wide Technology