COMPANIES WITH LATIN AMERICAN ROOTS AEM
WILLIE HORNBERGER, Newest Chairman of AEM DFW Elsa Cavazos
PASSIONATE for Mexican culture, Willie Hornberger appreciates and honors his background. Growing up in Laredo, his grandparents immigrated from Mexico and worked hard to survive. “I am living out my grandfather’s, dream. The dream that he had for his. grandchildren, the dream of a better life. I felt in my life a tremendous responsibility to give back to help people like us, the many people that helped him build and grow his business here. This is why I'm very proud to serve as President of AEM. There was no way that with my story I was going to turn this opportunity down,” Hornberger said. Willie also shares about his father’s influence on him, lawyer and politically active. Willie grew up immersed in the political sphere. He pursued an accounting and law degree as well as a master's in tax law from New York University. At the beginning of his career, he was able to work with investors from Mexico and other countries which Hornberger said helped him launch his career. Throughout his career, he has been able to work collaboratively with plenty of people in Mexico. He stressed the importance of the partnership and the important role Dallas plays in it. His goal is to continue to open market opportunities for people in Mexico. “We were very selective about whom we wanted on the board of AEM DFW so that we represent various industries. We plan to have seminars, webinars, for businesses in Mexico, on helping them diversify here into the US, and helping them open up channels for the distribution of their products,” he said. “Mexico is one of Texas's five
“WHEN WE START WITH MORE COLLABORATION, WE WILL ACCOMPLISH SO MUCH.”
Willie Hornberger not only serves as a Partner for Jackson Walker but he’s also involved in several organizations serving the Latino community. He most recently took the role of Chairman for AEM DFW Chapter, an organization encouraging economic competitiveness by helping promote business between companies in the United States and Mexico.
largest trading partners and in the metroplex of Dallas it is like a “hurricane of businesses”. “AEM is all about relationships. We’re not a chamber but we will be working closely with organizations such as the Dallas Regional Chamber and the Dallas Hispanic Chamber. Our objective is to enhance these relationships so that our main targets are reached including both Mexican companies and companies here that serve the Latino market,” Hornberger said. “When we start with more collaboration, we will accomplish so much.” AEM Dallas looks for members to meet a cross-section between business and community. They want various industries to be represented on the board as well. AEM Dallas continues to grow together with its brand awareness. Willie wants businesses to understand how relevant they are in the DFW metroplex area. “I want businesses to grow a network here and have the access to the Latino buying power here in the US. I want to help them understand this access,” Hornberger said. Plans for events in Washington, Guanajuato, New Orleans, and other places are in the works in order to continue that path of networking and collaboration. “We want to share what we're about. We should be sharing the beauty and how wonderful Mexican culture is with everyone not only here in Dallas but at a National level as well.” JANUARY /FEBRUARY 2022 LATINO LEADERS 17
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