Latino Leaders July/August 2023

Table of Contents:

• 101 most influential Latinos 2023: page 9

• Interview with Janet Murguia, UNIDOS US: page 38

• Don’t miss out on Jorge Zamanillo and his project for Latino Heritage: page 40

• Latinos in Finance, the who is who of the industry: page 42

• Interview with Raul Anaya, Bank of America: page 48

• A conversation with Eduardo Tobon, BMO: page 49

Dear readers, this edition has been a journey of discovery and heritage, where we unveil the most relevant Latino talent in many different areas of our society. It is with great care and respect that we select those who shine the brightest, personalities trailblazing in their expertise. We hope to see many new faces join in the next years. Congratulations to all!

On another note, we see Latinos in the finance and banking industry climb to the highest ranks. We are proud to their talent shine. May the tendency continue with the new and upcoming generations.

Enjoy the edition Editor

Writters

Bill Sarno

Daniel Sanchez Torres

Elsa Cavazos

Joanne Rodrigues

Luana Ferreira

Business Development Manager

Cristina Villaseñor cristina@latinoleaders.com

Art Director

Fernando Izquierdo

Editorial Art & Design

Carlos Cuevas

Luis Enrique González Moisés Cervantes

Human Resources Manager

Susana Sanchez

Administration and Bookkeeping

Claudia García Bejarano

Executive Assistant to the Publishers

Liliana Morales

Digital Media & Design Manager

Wendy Zacarias

Events Coordinator

Isabela Herrera

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THE 101

WE STARTED the 101 list 18 years ago, when our magazine was just a few years old. The idea with this edition was to start identifying some of the biggest, more powerful, and influential Latinos in the Country. At that time, it was not common to have these leaders listed and interviewed in a magazine so this edition made its debut with a very original feature.

Over the years, the edition has changed, of course. Just from one year to another more than 30% of the names change due to reasons like position transitions, end of terms, ups and downs on their careers, death, and sometimes an influence that shades away.

We have always maintained that this list could be taken as a snapshot of the Latino Influence in tine Nation, a Nation whose largest minority (Latinos) is growing faster than ever, creating greater impact and influence in many areas and sectors of the society and economy. However, if you look closely, there is still a lot of work to do when it comes to having Latinos in areas like: Technology, Finance, Arts & Culture, Elected Officials and Science.

of the

American Latino (ISSN 1529-3998) is published seven times annually by Ferraez Publications of America Corp., 11300 N. Central Expressway, Suite 300, Dallas, TX, 75243, July/August 2023. Subscription rates: In U.S. and possessions, one year $15.00. Checks payable to Ferraez Publications of America, 15443 Knoll Trail, Suite 210, 75248 Dallas, TX, USA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Latino Leaders, 15443 Knoll Trail, Suite 210, 75248 Dallas, TX, USA.© 2001 by Ferraez Publications of America Corporation. All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without the consent of Latino Leaders: The National Magazine of the Successful American Latino. The periodical’s name and logo, and the various titles and headings therein, are trademarks of Ferraez Publications of America Corp.

Also, in the edition we’re presenting our first event Latinos in Finance feature. This feature was inspired by the huge surge in Latino executives working in banking institutions. On this feature, we identified some of the brightest, more powerful, and reputed professionals in banking, working for institutions that are decided to grow by addressing and reaching out to the Hispanic markets. These markets have already shown tremendous growth and evolution into more sophisticated clients, and many banks of all sizes are showing their best strategies to become real partners and supporters of the Latino Community.

Enjoy this edition.

EXPLORING LEADERSHIP COACHING

IN THE EVER-CHANGING landscape of the business world, leadership has transformed from traditional command into a multifaceted role involving motivation, guidance, and fostering growth within teams. With these evolving expectations, leadership coaching has emerged to elevate skills and drive both personal and organizational success. So, does leadership coaching align with your aspirations? Let us delve into its intricacies, uncover the benefits it offers, and examine its role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Leadership coaching is comparable to a tailor-made development process aimed at refining leadership skills, shaping the right mindset, and enhancing overall effectiveness. It is a collaborative partnership between a coach and a leader, where the coach, through a process of inquiry and dialogue, provides tailored guidance, constructive feedback, and practical tools to address challenges, establish strategic goals, and elevate performance. Unlike traditional training programs, leadership coaching is adaptive, catering to individual needs and addressing real-time issues, making it a personalized and impactful approach to growth.

Leadership coaching spans a comprehensive array of challenges that leaders often encounter in today's complex work environment. These encompass:

1. Change Management: Leading teams through organizational changes requires finesse. Coaching helps leaders navigate transitions, manage uncertainties, and keep the team motivated amid shifts.

2. Team Dynamics: Fostering effective collaboration and synergy among team members is a constant effort. Coaches offer strategies to build cohesion, manage conflicts, and harness diverse strengths.

3. Innovation Leadership: Navigating the innovation landscape demands a unique set of skills. Coaching assists leaders in fostering a culture of creativity, taking calculated risks, and driving innovation initiatives.

4. Strategic Visioning: Crafting a compelling vision for the future is essential. Coaches guide leaders in setting clear goals, aligning strategies, and inspiring their teams to reach new heights.

5. Resilience Building: The ability to bounce back from setbacks is critical. Coaching cultivates emotional resilience, teaching leaders to manage pressure and setbacks with coping mechanisms.

6. Stakeholder Engagement: Building meaningful relationships with stakeholders is paramount. Coaches equip leaders with communication strategies to engage stakeholders and navigate complex partnerships.

From the Return on Investment (ROI) point of view, investing in leadership coaching can yield substantial returns for both individuals and organizations. Research indicates that companies investing in coaching for their leaders experience increased employee engagement, improved team performance, and enhanced retention rates. Leaders who engage in coaching often report heightened self-awareness, increased confidence, and improved leadership skills. These outcomes translate into better decision-making, effective communication, and a positive impact on organizational culture.

In the realm of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), leadership coaching assumes a significant role. It assists leaders in developing cultural competence, recognizing and mitigating unconscious biases, and fostering inclusive leadership styles. Coaching empowers leaders to create an environment where all team members feel valued, engaged, and experience equity in opportunities, regardless of their background.

When considering whether leadership coaching is the right fit for you, it is essential to assess your commitment to growth, your willingness to learn, and your openness to collaboration. Leadership coaching serves as a powerful tool for individuals seeking to enhance their leadership skills, address challenges, and drive personal and professional growth. Moreover, coaching contributes to fostering diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces, where leaders are equipped to lead effectively and create a positive impact on their teams and organizations.

If you are ready to invest in your development and contribute to a more equitable environment, check out our Leadership Coaching programs at the AlliancesHub website (https://www.allianceshub.com).

ABOUT JOE

Joe Bacigalupo, MBA, MPEC, ACPEC is a Managing Partner and an Executive Advisor at AlliancesHub International, LLC. AlliancesHub offers Change Management and Strategy Consulting, Talent Optimization and Analytics, Leadership Development, and Executive/ Leadership Coaching services.

www.allianceshub.com

info@allianceshub.com

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THE INFLUENTIALS: THOSE WHO INFLUENCE & INSPIRE US

Ralph de la Vega

OUR LIFE’S JOURNEY is often defined by the adversities and people we encounter. I happened to encounter both at an early age. My abuela (grandmother) was one of those people who had a significant influence on my life. My journey is chronicled in the book Obstacles Welcome: Turn Adversity to Advantage in Business and Life.

I arrived in the U.S. at the age of ten without my parents. A separation that was supposed to take days took four years. I found myself in a new country, with a new family, without speaking a word of English, and without a penny in my pocket.

After my parents arrived and while enrolling in high school, I went to see a guidance counselor and explained I wanted to become an engineer. The counselor looked at my grades and my family’s financial condition and recommended I study to be a mechanic instead. He explained that this way I would not be a financial burden to my family. I listened to that counselor’s advice and stopped going to regular high school classes, and enrolled in a trade school to be a mechanic.

When my grandmother arrived from Cuba, I explained that my dream was to become an engineer, but I was studying to be a mechanic.

Abuela was a school teacher, a mother to seven children, and a firm believer in the value of a good education. She told me, “Ralph if you want to become an engineer, you can become an engineer. Don’t let anyone put limitations on what you can achieve”. That advice changed the trajectory of my life. I dropped out of trade school, finished high school, and went on to become an engineer, and the rest is history.

Abuela not only influenced me. She inspired me and believed in me. That is all it took to change the trajectory of my life completely. Some individuals, like my grandmother, leave a profound and positive mark on our lives. Their positive influence on our lives is immeasurable. This issue of Latino Leaders recognizes the many remarkable individuals who serve as beacons of inspiration, guidance, and support.

They include leaders who uplift people, who are visionaries in their fields, who lead with integrity and ethics, and who are role models for passion, dedication, and perseverance. As we reflect on these remarkable individuals, let us be reminded of the profound influence and the potential we have to create a positive impact in the lives we touch.

Ralph de laVega is the former vice-chairman ofAT&T Inc. He is the author of the best-selling book“ObstaclesWelcome: TurnAdversity toAdvantage in Business and Life.”He is also a LinkedIn Influencer,posting regularly on leadership and innovation.

THE MISSION: PROFITABILITY INSEPARABLE FROM SOCIAL IMPACT

1. How was growing up for you?

DCL: It was exciting, but challenging! I was fortunate to be born into a very supportive environment with a loving family, but I faced the myriad of challenges that young people growing up in an underserved community faced, including being surrounded by the gang culture that was prevalent in our barrio of Maravilla. My high school counselor told me I wasn’t “college material” and advised me to take as many “shop” classes as I could, but my mom knew I was capable of more. So, she marched me into the principal’s office and demanded that I be given college prep courses. Were it not for her taking action that day, I would not have sought out a college degree and my life, along with my family’s and so many others’, would be very different today.

As a Junior High student, I volunteered as a playground assistant. Over time, I gained more responsibility, organizing activities and even beginning a small club. I saw that quite often the kids left out of clubs were the ones who, at that time, were viewed as “at-risk youth,” and I decided that I would figure out how to provide services to these disenfranchised young people. That’s where I learned the art of community organizing, and the power it has to combat inequitable systems.

2. What were your core family values?

DCL:Our core family values have always centered around hard work, service, faith, family, and building community.

3. What led you into your current business?

DCL: During the mid-60s, the system was broken. It was not meeting the needs of our underserved community. I felt that I needed to give voice to their needs and began my lifelong journey as an activist and community organizer. I started my own community center in the Maravilla Housing Projects where we began addressing the systemic failures that were disempowering our community: police brutality, lack of investment into our neighborhoods, poor and aging housing, lack of political representation and power, and our educational institutions that consistently produced the highest dropout rates in Los Angeles, and possibly across California. The work I did there, the network I grew, and the incredible people who shared how their lives were improved set me on a path that would lead me to TELACU, ultimately becoming its President and CEO for more than 35 years and where I currently serve as Chairman and Founder of the TELACU Education Foundation.

Courtesy of David C. Lizárraga F. Izquierdo

DR. DAVID C. LIZÁRRAGA

CHAIRMAN AND FOUNDER, TELACU EDUCATION FOUNDATION

4. What has been your biggest challenge, and how did you face it?

DCL: The biggest challenge has always been the unresponsive systems that don’t serve our community. And the only tool I have found to be effective in overcoming this is community organizing—preparing the community to penetrate the system and bring about change from within.

One of the things I pride myself on is knowing what I don’t know and surrounding myself with people who do know, and listening to them. When I joined TELACU in the early 70s, we wanted to make sure that the community knew that we weren’t here to do things for them, but with them. So, we reached out to the community for leaders who would sit on our Board, run for office, attend community and service organization meetings, become activists—basically to serve in any capacity that would inform us of what the real needs were that needed to be addressed. And the needs were many! From underemployment and bank redlining to the lack of affordable quality housing and incredibly high dropout rates in schools, there was much work to be done!

In response, we developed the TELACU Model for community and economic development. Each and every business TELACU owns and operates supports a double bottom line—profitability inseparable from social impact. We started at the beginning, building our industrial park, schools, infrastructure, shopping centers, and municipal facilities, which created well-paying jobs for local residents and provided contracting opportunities for small minority-owned businesses. We established responsive financial institutions to provide those small business owners and hardworking families with much-needed access to capital. We developed quality, affordable homes for first-time homeowners and beautiful residential complexes to provide safe living spaces for families and senior citizens. All of this allowed TELACU to become self-sufficient, no longer entirely dependent on other sources of funding. After these first 15 years of successes, in 1983 we created the TELACU Education Foundation to empower first-generation Latinx young people and veterans to change the trajectory of their lives through the power of education.

For 40 years, the Foundation has increased economic mobility for tens of thousands of Latinx students and their families from our underserved communities through higher education, with a specific focus on high-growth, high-impact careers of the increasingly technical and competitive 21st Century workforce. Historically, approximately 99% of our

high school students graduate and more than 99% of our college Scholars earn at minimum a Bachelor’s degree, with an increasing number going on to seek advanced degrees. Over 75% of all college degrees earned are in a STEM- or Business-related discipline, and more than 60% are earned by our Latinas!

Their attainment of higher education, successful careers, and increased earning power lead to the continued socio-economic advancement of our underserved communities as they become the self-sufficient, well-educated professionals who infuse more capital into the local economy and the role models who inspire and invest in future generations of Latinx leaders! The cycle of empowerment they generate as pioneering Change Agents creates positive social impact in virtually every sector. They are leading public policy at all levels of government; engineering a brighter, more sustainable future in cutting-edge labs such as NASA/JPL, CalTech, Harvard and MIT; cultivating leaders from grammar to graduate school; crusading for equality and justice from the boardroom to the courtroom; innovating solutions to cultural, social, and environmental issues; and mitigating disparities in health care as doctors, nurses and public health officials.

5. What are your short and long term goals in your current position?

DCL:The creation of self-sufficiency and empowerment! My career of more than six decades has been dedicated to service, opening doors of opportunity, and building capacity for the next generation. I will continue being a Change Agent for the rest of my life and I will do everything possible to equip, inspire, and encourage others to continue perpetuating this cycle of community empowerment.

6. What advice would you give to the new generation of Latino professionals?

DCL: You are limitless. Prepare yourselves for the long haul and don’t get discouraged—you will learn from your failures as well as from your successes. An important part of being a successful leader is knowing when to step in and when to get out of the way. Remember that none of us can ever do it alone, so make sure to create sound, trustworthy partnerships. When you are so fortunate to open the door of opportunity, don’t close it behind you—open it wide so that others can come with you! When your hard work and perseverance finally give you a seat at that all-important corporate table, remember it’s not the end, it’s just the beginning of your responsibility to pull up one or two more chairs so that other sisters and brothers can join you. We have a long, long way to go to achieve parity!

WE ESTABLISHED RESPONSIVE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS TO PROVIDE THOSE SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS AND HARDWORKING FAMILIES WITH MUCHNEEDED ACCESS TO CAPITAL.

By William Hanhausen Courtesy of artists Carlos Cuevas

CONJUNCTION OF GENRE AND CULTURE POWERED THROUGH THE ART OF OAXACA

The legendary Glassell School of Art at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston and one of the most innovative and dedicated Houston’s art colonnades, Serrano Art Gallery, summoned American artists exploring the creative sunlight and shadows of Oaxaca.

For the first time in the history of the school, on August 11th 2023, is hosting three exhibitions that have a common denominator; “Oaxaca Inspired Art”. An effort, pinnacle of maturity as artists, with works that have a preponderance of color and brightness striking contrasting communication. The Levant Gallery is hosting an exhibition of 4 artists assembled with works in a wide range of styles, but united by an energetic approach translated to the walls of the schools’ galleries. Saul Castro, Didier Mayes, Ixrael Montes, and Rolando Rojas.

On the third floor, Orton Gallery, will be introducing an Exposition of Women Printmakers of Oaxaca, co-curated by Misayo Tsutsui & Mayuko Ona Gray.

This rudder that has been assembled thanks to the “mano a mano” determination between Patrick Palmer faculty chair and dean of The Glassell School of Art at the MFAH and Valentina Atkinson principal at Serrano Art Gallery is not only a cornerstone helm figure of a modern-day cultural tour to the mind-blowing Art Genre and the amazing city of Oaxaca, Mexico. It calls on historical and cultural sites and a region that encapsulates and cradles its own genre, visiting the private studios and workshops of the most prestigious artists of the region.

SOME OF THESE OAXACAN MAESTROS ARE…

Rolando Rojas

A visual artist with a growing international presence, has been an enduring and steadfast presence in the Mexican visual art scene for decades. Born in Oaxaca, Rolando is inspired by the legends, stories, and myths of the Zapotec culture that have permeated his life. In his colorful paintings, Rojas portrays this mythical world and interweaves it with deeply personal narratives. The original and unmistakable work of Rojas places him among the Oaxacan artists whose miscellany of pictorial images become visual keys that open and close cycles and are constantly renewed. In his paintings, he gives testimony to

the dynamization of the cosmos. Nothing is still; nothing remains inert. His pictorial construction - which in some cases might appear monochromatic - reveals a sense of excitement related to the vital earth that is imbued in every tonal graduation.

Didier Mayes

Oaxacan Artist, Didier Mayes studied at the School of Fine Arts of Oaxaca and is also a graduate of the industrial design degree at the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitan Xochimilco campus. Mayés zealously guards his creative freedom, to paint with passion, inspired by the memories and emotions that arise with each stroke he creates in what appears to be a playful pursuit. Every movement of the balanced visual rhythms he captures on canvas hints at the vast expanses of his mind. This artist’s capacity for synthesis does not arise from what lies directly in front of him, but instead confirms a nuanced approach to meaning making.

“SUBJECT THAT PERHAPS HAS THE MAJOR INFLUENCE OF THE COLOR PALETTE IN THE LATINO ART”.

Didier Mayes

Didier Mayes

Rolando Rojas

Rolando Rojas

1O1

MOST INFLUENTIAL LATINOS

2023

OUR 2023 most influential Latinos list is here!

Like every year, we have brought together 101 names representing Latino talent in different areas of expertise. These leaders are spearheading the inclusion of our fellow Latinos in their various industries; they are a clear example of tenacity, talent, and hard work.

This edition celebrates their achievements; we hope to continue seeing them thrive on their professional and personal journeys.

CULTURE RICARDO ALBERTO MALDONADO

PRESIDENT AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ACADEMY OF AMERICAN POETS

Puerto Rico

@ricarditomaldonado

1999-2003 BACHERLOR OF ARTS, ENGLISH / MINOR: ART AND ART HISTORY 2004-2008 MASTER OF FINE ARTS, WRITING 2023 PRESIDENT AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE ACADEMY OF AMERICAN POETS

Ricardo Alberto Maldonado was born and raised in Puerto Rico Previously, he served as the co-director of 92NY’s Unterberg Poetry Center in New York City. Maldonado is the board chair of the Poetry Project and serves on the board of directors of the New York Foundation for the Arts and the Poetry Committee of the Brooklyn Book Festival. He is the recipient of fellowships from the New York Foundation for the Arts, CantoMundo, Queer|Art|Mentorship, and the T. S. Eliot and Hawthornden foundations.

CULTURE GUSTAVO DUDAMEL

MUSIC DIRECTOR AT SIMON BOLÍVAR SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA OF VENEZUELA/ MUSIC AND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR AT LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC Venezuelan

@gustavodudamel

2009 HE WAS NAMED ONE OF TIME MAGAZINE’S 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE 2014 LEONARD BERNSTEIN LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR THE ELEVATION OF MUSIC IN SOCIETY FROM THE LONGY SCHOOL OF MUSIC 2016 AMERICAS SOCIETY CULTURAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 2018 THE PABLO NERUDA ORDER OF ARTISTIC AND CULTURAL MERIT 2019 RECEIVED THE KONEX FOUNDATION CLASSICAL MUSIC AWARD, DISTINGUISHED ARTIST AWARD FROM THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS (ISPA), THE GISH PRIZE, THE PAEZ MEDAL OF ART 2022 RECEIVED THE GRAMMY AWARD FOR MAHLER’S ‘SYMPHONY NO. 8’

Gustavo Dudamel is currently the Music & Artistic Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Music Director of the Opéra National de Paris and Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra. One of the most decorated conductors of his generation, he started studying music during his childhood and became the Music Director of the Amadeus Chamber Orchestra at the age of 13 and received international recognition after winning the Bamberger Symphoniker Gustav Mahler Competition.

CULTURE AGUSTÍN ARTEAGA

EUGENE MCDERMOTT DIRECTOR, DALLAS

MUSEUM OF ART

Mexican

@DallasMuseumArt

@dallasmuseumart

2000-2002 FOUNDING DIRECTOR OF THE MUSEO DE ARTE LATINOAMERICANO DE BUENOS AIRES

(MALBA) FUNDACION CONSTANTINI IN ARGENTINA

Agustín Arteaga has been the Dallas Museum of Art director since 2016 and has been committed to promoting Latin American art. Previously, he served as the director of the Museo Nacional de Arte, Mexico, and the Museo de Arte de Ponce, Puerto Rico. He was also the founding director of the Museo de Arte Latinoamericano in Argentina. Arteaga has organized over 100 exhibitions, including Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Diego Rivera.

CULTURE ANA DE OBREGOSO

VISUAL ARTIST

Peruvian

@anadeobregoso

2009 NALAC -NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LATINO ARTS & CULTURE 2015 BIG APPLE FILM FESTIVAL "THE LAST INCA PRINCESS” WAS AWARDED BEST EXPERIMENTAL SHORT

Ana De Orbegoso is a New York based Peruvian multidisciplinary visual artist. She is recognized for her socially engaged and participatory art practice. Through the use of historical iconography, she explores aspects of gender, identity and collective memory, in photography, videos, sculptures, street projections, installations and multimedia productions. Her project “Urban Virgins”, a decolonial project, is being exhibited since 2006 around Peru’s different regions (+35), as an ongoing itinerant exhibition and performance with local artists’ participation.

CULTURE DANNY VARGAS

PRESIDENT, VARCOM SOLUTIONS

Puerto Rican-American @dvargas

@dannyvargas01

2010 APPOINTED TO THE VIRGINIA BOARD OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, 2009 APPOINTED BY CONGRESS TO SERVE ON A BIPARTISAN COMMISSION TO STUDY THE CREATION OF AN AMERICAN LATINO MUSEUM UNDER THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 2007 - 2008 CHAIRMAN OF THE DULLES REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (FIRST HISPANIC TO CHAIR A MAINSTREAM CHAMBER IN THE HISTORY OF VIRGINIA)

Danny is Chairman Emeritus of the Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino, after having led a national, bipartisan effort to successfully pass the authorization bill in Congress. He is the Secreterary of the Virginia State Advisory Committee to the US Comission on Civil Rights and Chairman of Leadership Fairfax. He was an executive at AOL, France Telecom, and Global One leading multinatiional sales adn marketinng efforts in Latin America and Europe.

CULTURE CARLOS TORTOLERO

FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT, NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MEXICAN ART IN CHICAGO Mexican

@ExploreNMMA @explorenmma

1982

CULTURE VINCENT VALDEZ

PAINTER

Mexican-American @vvaldez77 @vincentvaldez77

Vincent Valdez is recognized for his monumental portrayal of the contemporary figure. His drawn and painted subjects remark on a universal struggle within various socio-political arenas and eras. He states, “My aim is to incite public remembrance and to impede distorted realities that I witness, like the social amnesia that surrounds me.” Without a doubt, one of the most influential artists today.

CULTURE JORGE ZAMANILLO

Carlos Tortolero is the Founder and President of the (NMMA), which features over ten thousand objects in its permanent collection and is the first Latino museum accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Tortolero has been in that position for over 40 years and traveled the world in conferences, and thanks to his dedication, he received the Ohtli Award, one of the most prestigious prizes for individuals in Mexico, and the Chicago History Museum “Making History” Award.

Zamanillo is the founding director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino, which Congress established in December 2020. He is providing leadership and strategic direction for the museum. In addition, he is guiding the museum’s comprehensive plan to preserve, document, display/ interpret and promote knowledge of U.S. Latino history, art and culture. Previously, Zamanillo was the executive director and CEO of HistoryMiami Museum.

FOUNDED THE MEXICAN FINE ARTS CENTER MUSEUM 2003 RECEIVED THE WHITE HOUSE'S COMING UP TALLER AWARD 2006 RENAMED TO NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MEXICAN ART

2005 THE SKOWHEGAN SCHOOL OF PAINTING 2011 THE VERMONT STUDIO CENTER 2014 THE BLUE STAR CONTEMPORARY BERLIN RESIDENCY/KUNSTLERHAUS BETHANIEN 2018 THE JOAN MITCHELL FOUNDATION ARTIST IN RESIDENCY

VOICES MANUEL GARCIA-RULFO

2013 HAD A ROLE IN BLESS ME, ULTIMA, HIS FIST MAJOR AMERICAN FILM 2016 PLAYED ONE OF THE TITLE CHARACTERS AT THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN 2017 CO-STARRED MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS 2019 GOLD DERBY AWARDS NOMINEE

2021 MICKEY HALLER IN A TELEVISION ADAPTATION OF THE LINCOLN LAWYER

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo is a Mexican-American actor and model. He moved to New York, where he attended the New York Film Academy but decided to return to Mexico to continue his acting career. He is best known for roles in films such as Cake and Bless Me, Ultima, as well as the television program From Dusk till Dawn: The Series. He starred as one of the titular characters in the 2016 remake The Magnificent Seven. The actor is currently filming A Man Called Otto.

VOICES CYNTHIA HUDSON

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND MANAGING DIRECTOR, CNN EN ESPAÑOL AND HISPANIC STRATEGY FOR CNN/U.S.

Cuban-American @cynthiacnn

1992 BECAME VICE PRESIDENT OF PROGRAMMING AND PRODUCTION FOR THE TELEMUNDO NETWORK 1997 SERVED AS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND EDITORIAL DIRECTOR OF COSMOPOLITAN TELEVISION 2010 BEGAN HER JOB AS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER OF CNN EN ESPANÑOL AND HISPANIC STRATEGY FOR CNN/U.S.

Cynthia Hudson is one of the most notable names in the communication industry. She is currently the senior vice president and managing director of CNN en Español and Hispanic strategy for CNN/U.S, where she launched CNNEspañol.com and expanded the radio business to include over 150 new affiliates in the U.S. and another 100 markets in Latin America and Europe. Under her watch, the network had won several awards, including two Emmys and three GLAAD Awards.

VOICES

MARIA HINOJOSA

JOURNALIST AND HOST, LATINO USA

Mexican-American @Maria_Hinojosa

@maria_la_hinojosa

2010 RECEIVED AN HONORARY DOCTORATE OF HUMANE LETTERS FROM DEPAUL UNIVERSITY IN CHICAGO 2012 JOHN CHANCELLOR AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM 2015 RECEIVED THE PEABODY AWARD

For 25 years, this journalist has been covering all sorts of issues for radio and TV networks like National Public Radio, CBS and CNN. A winner of four Emmys and other national and international awards, Hinojosa is known for also covering underreported issues, Latinos and other communities. She hosts the radio show Latino USA on National Public Radio since 1992. In 2010 she founded the Futuro Group, a nonprofit media organization that produced the recent PBS TV series “America by the Numbers” and has taken over the production of Latino USA. Hinojosa is considered one of the most reliable Latina journalist in American television.

VOICES LILI GIL VALLETTA

CEO AND CO-FOUNDER, CULTURE+ GROUP Colombian

@liligil

@liligilusa

1994-1999 BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION FROM SOUTHWESTERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY 2012 HARVARD KENNEDY SCCHOOL GLOBAL LEADERSHIP & PUBLIC POLICY 2022 PRWEEK TOP 30 MOST INFLUENTIAL IN HEALTHCARE

Lili is a former corporate executive turned entrepreneur, Cultural Intelligence® expert, and television business commentator known for her analysis of data and cultural trends to impact businesses. Lili is one of less than 1% of Latinas serving on a Fortune 500+ public board, as an independent director for the global youth retailer Zumiez and RCN Television. She also serves as Chairwoman of the FRIENDS of the National American Latino Museum and is an investor and operating executive board member for AUA Private Equity Partners.

VOICES CAMILA CABELLO

SINGER

Cuban-American

@Camila_Cabello

@camila_cabello

2018 "HAVANA" BECAME THE BEST-SELLING

DIGITAL SINGLE 2020 PARTICIPATED IN IHEART MEDIA'S LIVING ROOM CONCERT FOR AMERICA, A BENEFIT TO RAISE AWARENESS AND FUNDS FOR THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC 2021 SHE STARRED AS THE TITLE CHARACTER FROM THE FILM CINDERELLA FOR SONY PICTURES

Camila is known for her advocacy around mental health through her social media presence. Her debut studio album, Camila, reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart in 2018. The Latin music-influenced pop album was critically well-received, and received a Platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Cabello's 2019 duet with Mendes, "Señorita", became her second single to top the Billboard Hot 100. Cabello participated in iHeart Media's Living Room Concert for America, a benefit to raise awareness and funds for the COVID-19 pandemic.

VOICES JOSE ALVARO OSORIO BALVIN "J BALVIN"

SINGER

Colombian

@jbalvin

@jbalvin

2009 SIGNED TO EMI COLOMBIA AND SOON AFTER RELEASED THE SINGLE "ELLA ME CAUTIVÓ," WHICH CHARTED AT NUMBER 35 ON THE BILLBOARD TROPICAL SONGS CHART. 2012 RELEASED A MIXTAPE AND HIS FIRST INTERNATIONAL HIT WAS THE ONE-NIGHT-STANDTHEMED "YO TE LO DIJE", AND SIGNED WITH UNIVERSAL SUBSIDIARY CAPITOL LATIN A YEAR LATER 2018 HE BECAME THE MOST STREAMED ARTIST ON SPOTIFY 2020 HE WAS INCLUDED IN TIME MAGAZINE'S 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE OF 2020 AND ONE OF THE GREATEST LATIN ARTISTS OF ALL TIME BY BILLBOARD

JBalvin received his first award nomination in 2016, and he has won over 100 awards since then, including eight Billboard Latin Music Awards and five Latin Grammy Awards. Balvin was born in Colombia and grew up listening to rap, champeta, bachata, and reggae. He is also known for collaborating with other artists, including Anitta, Bad Bunny and Oasis. In 2017, he received the Global Icon Award given by Lo Nuestro Awards in recognition of his contribution to Latin music worldwide.

AWARDS AND A PULITZER 2016 NAMED ONE OF THE L00 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE BY TIME MAGAZINE

Lin-Manuel Miranda is a multi-talented artist. He wrote his first play, In The Heights, in 1999, but it took him eight years to bring it to the stage. After reading the biography of Alexander Hamilton, Miranda was inspired to create a musical, which is his most famous work to date. Hamilton has received several awards and nominations, including the record-breaking 16 Tony nominations (winning 11), the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.

VOICES

JANELLE RODRIGUEZ

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF PROGRAMMING, NBC NEWS

American

@janelleNBC 2005 RODRIGUEZ LED ALL OF CNN’S CROSS-PLATFORM COVERAGE OF THE 2008 PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY CAMPAIGNS, AND FOR COVERAGE OF HURRICANE KATRINA AND WAS PART OF THE CNN TEAM THAT WON AN ALFRED I. DUPONT AWARD FOR COVERAGE OF THE TSUNAMI IN SOUTHEAST ASIA 2011 ROYAL WEDDING,

Janelle Rodriguez is NBC News’ Executive Vice President of Programming, overseeing NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, the network’s 24/7 streaming news network NBC News NOW, and breaking news special coverage. Under Rodriguez’s leadership, NBC News NOW has become the fastest growing streaming news network in the U.S. Previously, she was Vice President of Programming for CNN, where she was responsible for directing award-winning breaking news coverage. In 2023, Variety named Rodriguez on its Women’s Impact Report for her work across the network.

VOICES JORGE RAMOS

MAIN NEWS ANCHOR AT UNIVISION Mexican @jorgeramosnews @jorgeramosnews

1986 AT AGE 28, HE BECAME ONE OF THE YOUNGEST NATIONAL NEWS ANCHORS IN THE HISTORY OF AMERICAN TELEVISION AND HAS BEEN THE ANCHORMAN FOR NOTICIERO UNIVISION TODAY HE HOSTS “AL PUNTO”, UNIVISION’S WEEKLY PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAM OFFERING IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS OF THE WEEK’S TOP-STORIES AND EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS WITH NEWSMAKERS. HE ALSO WRITERS A WEEKLY COLUNM PUBLISHED IN OVER 40 NEWSPAPERS IN THE UNITED STATES AND LATIN AMERICA.

According to Pew Hispanic Center, Jorge Ramos is the second most recognized Latino leader in the United States and has won eight Emmys during his career. He has been the host of Noticero Univision since 1986, writes a weekly column for more than 40 newspapers for several countries and also makes comments on Radio Univision. Ramos is also hosts Al Punto Univision’s weekly public affairs program offering analysis of the week’s top stories, and Fusion’s AMERICA with Jorge Ramos.

2014 GAME OF THRONES 2015-2017 NARCOS 2019 DISNEY+ STAR WARS SERIES THE MANDALORIAN 2023 THE LAST OF US

In 1999 Pascal made his television debut, appearing in several shows, including Buffy the Vampire Slayer. He began to regularly land guest roles in such series as Touched by an Angel, NYPD Blue, Nurse Jackie, Homeland, and various shows in the Law & Order franchise. While Pascal focused on television, he continued to occasionally appear on the big screen.

VOICES

2003 BEST CHEF OF THE MID-ATLANTIC REGION 2010 ORDEN DE LAS ARTES Y LAS LETRAS DE ESPAÑA VILCEK

PRIZE IN CULINARY ARTS 2015 NATIONAL HUMANITIES MEDAL, NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE HUMANITIES (NEH), UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT 2018 JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION AWARD FOR HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR. 2009 CHEF OF THE YEAR, GQ 2012 ONE OF THE WORLD'S 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE,TIME 2016 2 MICHELIN STARS FOR MINIBAR BY JOSÉ ANDRÉS 2015 APPOINTED BY PRESIDENT OBAMA AS AN AMBASSADOR FOR CITIZENSHIP AND NATURALIZATION 2022 SERVICE TO AMERICA LEADERSHIP AWARD, THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTERS LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION (NABLF) HIGHEST INDIVIDUAL HONOR.

Chef José Andres is a pioneer of Spanish tapas in the United States and owns an award-wnning group of more than 30 restaurants ranging in a variety of culinary experiences from a food truck to his multi-location vegetable-focused fast casual Beefsteak, to world-class tasting menus like minibar by José Andrés and Somni, both of which have received two Michelin stars. A true celebrity that has gone beyond his original culinary universe to become a global ambassador for good causes.

VOICES ILIA CALDERÓN

JOURNALIST

Colombian

@iliacalderon

@iliacalderon

2017 SHE WON AN EMMY AWARD FOR HER 2017 INTERVIEW OF CHRISTOPHER BARKER, THE KU KLUX KLAN IMPERIAL WIZARD, SHE MADE HISTORY WHEN SHE REPLACED FORMER CO-ANCHOR MARIA ELENA SALINAS ON NOTICIERO UNIVISION. THIS MADE HER THE FIRST AFRO-LATINA TO ANCHOR A WEEKDAY PRIMETIME NEWSCAST FOR A MAJOR BROADCAST NETWORK IN THE UNITED STATES 2020 SHE CO-HOSTED THE ELEVENTH DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE ON CNN

Ilia Calderón is co-anchor of Univision Network’s flagship evening newscast, “Noticiero Univision.” and she also co-hosts Univision’s primetime newsmagazine, “Aquí y Ahora.” Calderón is the first Afro-Latina anchoring an evening newscast for a major broadcast network in the United States. She previously a similar milestone in her native Colombia, was the first black woman to ever host a national news program in her country.

2012 SHE WAS INTERVIEWED ABOUT HER POETRY AND LANGUAGE REHABILITATION WORK ON THE PBS NEWS HOUR 2013 AMERICAN BOOK AWARD WINNER 2018 SHE WAS NAMED AS THE MAXINE AND JONATHAN MARSHALL CHAIR IN MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY POETRY AT ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY 2021 WAS ELECTED A CHANCELLOR OF THE ACADEMY OF AMERICAN POETS

Diaz is the author of Postcolonial Love Poem, winner of the Pulitzer Prize in Poetry and finalist for the National Book Award and the Forward Prize in Poetry. She speaks Mojave, Spanish and English and has developed a language all her own. She calls attention to language both in her poetry and in her efforts to preserve her native tongue through the Fort Mojave Language Recovery Program where she works with its last remaining speakers. She has received fellowships from The MacArthur Foundation, the Lannan Literary Foundation, the Native Arts Council Foundation, and Princeton University.

VOICES NICOLE FERNANDEZ

SPANISH SENIOR ASSOCIATE COORDINATOR, SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING & INNOVATION, LAS MAYORES- MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL (MLB) Colombian-American @nicolefernandez11.11

2017 RECEIVED THE AWARD “LOS 22 MÁS”, WHICH WAS GIVEN BY THE COLOMBIAN EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON D.C. 2019- 2020 SOUTH FLORIDA CORRESPONDENT AND SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT CREATOR FOR LA VIDA BASEBALL 2022 PUBLISHED ' 9-INNING DREAM UN SUEÑO DE 9 ENTRADAS'

Nicole Fernandez is a freelance Sports Journalist, Content Creator, Philanthropist and Children’s Book Author . She currently resides in her hometown Miami, FL. She’s bilingual and fluent in both English & Spanish. Since May 2021 she began working with Las Mayores- Major League Baseball. She has a passion for sports, journalism and how both bring people together. Her key attributes are that besides reporting she writes, shoots and edits her own stories in both English and Spanish.

VOICES

BENITO (BAD BUNNY) MARTÍNEZ OCASIO

Bad Bunny won the Latin Grammy for best album two years in a row. In 2020, he received the award for two albums he released that year: YHLQMDLG and Oasis, this one was released with J Balvin. In 2021, he received the award again for his albun El Último Tour del Mundo. He was also the artist who received the most Billboard Latin Music Awards last year (ten in total) and was the first Latin urban music artist on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.

Since the opening of Pujol 23 years ago, Enrique has not ceased to celebrate Mexican gastronomy, his work has attracted international attention to Mexico City as a gastronomic destination and has also been, through the different restaurants, a school and mentor for countless talents. As from the beginning, and surrounded by a solid team, Enrique is today a driving force for creativity and the prospection of new hospitality businesses in Mexico and the world.

BUSINESS THADDEUS ARROYO

CHIEF STRATEGY AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICER OF AT&T American

2007 OFFICIALLY JOINED AT&T VIA A MERGER (CINGULAR) 2013 NAMED ONE OF CNET EN ESPAÑOL’S

20 MOST INFLUENTIAL LATINOS IN TECHNOLOGY

2016 NAMED MEXICO’S 300 MOST INFLUENTIAL LEADERS BY LÍDERES MEXICANOS MAGAZINE 2022 CHIEF STRATEGY AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICER OF AT&T, WHERE HE ALSO SERVED AS THE CEO OF AT&T BUSINESS AND CEO OF AT&T MEXICO, WHERE HE LEAD THE ACQUISITION OF TELECOM GIANT IUSACEL.

Thaddeus Arroyo is AT&T's current Chief Strategy and Development Officer of AT&T and has vast experience driving strategic growth through change and using technology to transform business models. He is one of the most recognized leaders in the Technology and Communications industry and has many recognitions, including the CIO Hall of Fame Award for individuals whose work has profoundly shaped the technology-driven business landscape and the 4 MIT Sloan CIO Leadership Award.

BUSINESS MARCELO CLAURE

CEO AND FOUNDER AT CLAURE CAPITAL Bolivian-American @marceloclaure

@marceloclaure

2001 ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR BY USA TODAY 2001 NAMED ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR BY ERNST & YOUNG 2008 ACQUIRES BAISA 2014 SELECTED AS SPRINT'S NEW CEO 2017 JOINED SOFTBANK'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS OR CLAURE HAS WON A NUMBER OF BUSINESS AWARDS. A WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM (WEF) YOUNG GLOBAL LEADER, HE WAS NAMED AN ERNST & YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AND IS A LIFETIME MEMBER OF ERNST & YOUNG'S ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR HALL OF FAME. HE WAS NAMED THE HISPANIC BUSINESSMAN OF THE YEAR BY THE UNITED STATES HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND A "FORTY UNDER FORTY" LEADER BY GLOBAL TELECOMS BUSINESS. 2016 APPEARED IN THE CARNEGIE CORPORATION OF NEW YORK’S GREAT IMMIGRANTS: THE PRIDE OF AMERICA INITIATIVE 2022 FOUNDED CLAURE CAPITAL

Six months after leaving his position as the CEO position at the SoftBank Group International, Marcelo Claure announced a new chapter in his career: he is the Founder & Chairman of Claure Capital, a multi-billion-dollar global investment firm focused on public and private companies in different industries. Claure is also also a member of multiple boards, and the president of Bolivia’s largest professional soccer team Club Bolívar, and the co-owner of the Spanish soccer team Girona FC.

BUSINESS RAMON LAGUARTA

CHAIRMAN & CEO, PEPSICO

Spanish @ramonlaguarta

1988 JOINED CHUPA CHUPS COMPAÑÍA DEL GRUPO PERFETTI VAN MELLE AS BUSINESS DIRECTOR

1996 SPAIN VP BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OF SNACKS AT PEPSICO 2010 PRESIDENT DEVELOPING MARKETS, EUROPE AT PEPSICO 2014 CEO, EUROPE SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA AT PEPSICO 2017 PRESIDENT AT PEPSICO 2019 CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Born in Barcelona he is the CEO of PepsiCo, a global food and beverage leader with 23 brands generating more than $1 billion each in annual retail sales. Believer in purposeful leadership, sustainable performance, and fostering a culture of opportunity. Focused on simplicity, accountability, and executional excellence. He joined PepsiCo in 1996 and served as President of Developing Markets in Europe, CEO of Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa, and President of PepsiCo.

BUSINESS CESAR CONDE

CHAIRMAN, NBCUNIVERSAL

As the Chairman of NBCUniversal News Group, Conde has oversight of NBC News, CNBC, MSNBC, NBC News NOW, NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises Group and NBCUniversal Local. Under his leadership, NBCU News Group has increased its position as the mostviewed news organization in America, reaching about seven in 10 American adults each month across its broadcast, cable, streaming and digital platforms. He also established a bold initiative to build trust with its widely diverse audiences by increasing diversity among team members by gender, race, geography, socio-economic background and perspective. When Conde was Chairman of NBCU Telemundo Enterprises, he was instrumental in building it into a world-class media company that produces and distributes high-quality Spanish-language content across a range of platforms. In 2023, the Hispanic Heritage Foundation honored Conde with the Media Award at its 36th Annual Hispanic Heritage Awards in a ceremony at the Kennedy Center.

BUSINESS CASTULO DE LA ROCHA

PRESIDENT AND CEO, ALTAMED HEALTH SERVICES CORPORATION

Mexican-American

@AltaMedHealthS

@altamedhealths

1992 U.S. SURGEON GENERAL'S GOLD MEDALLION FOR PUBLIC HEALTH 1995 COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD FROM THE AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION 1995 SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FROM THE CHICANOS FOR CREATIVE MEDICINE

2016 LEADER IN ACTION AWARD FROM UCLA PRIME 2017 AWARDEE OF THE MEDALLION OF EXCELLENCE FROM CHCI 2021 HONORED WITH A LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD BY THE SOUTHWESTERN VOTER REGISTRATION EDUCATION PROJECT.

During the 1970s, Castulo de la Rocha noticed that low-income neighborhoods struggled with essential health resources and changed their realities through AltaMed Health Services, which offers affordable health care for 300,000 patients each year and has a staff of 3,200 employees. In 2016, he was honored with the Action award from the PRIME Program at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and in 2017 he received the Medallion of Excellence from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), among other recognitions.

BUSINESS RICHARD GONZALEZ

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD & CEO, ABBVIE American @abbvie @AbbVie

1977 JOINED ABBOTT 2009 - 2011 SERVED AS PRESIDENT, ABBOTT VENTURES INC., ABBOTT'S MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENT ARM 2010

- 2012 ABBOTT'S EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS GROUP AND WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR ABBOTT'S WORLDWIDE PHARMACEUTICAL BUSINESS 2013 JOINED ABBVIE

Richard Gonzalez is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of AbbVie, a global biopharmaceutical company that employs approximately 47,000 people worldwide and markets medicines in more than 175 countries. Prior to AbbVie’s separation from Abbott in January 2013, Mr. Gonzalez was a 30-year Abbott veteran. He served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Abbott before briefly retiring in 2007. He also held various senior leadership positions in Abbott’s medical products business.

BUSINESS ANDRES GLUSKI

PRESIDENT AND CEO, AES American @AndresGluski

2001 TO 2000 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF AES GENER (CHILE). GLUSKI WAS EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OF EDC, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF BANCO DE VENEZUELA (GRUPO SANTANDER) 2003 TO 2006 SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR THE CARIBBEAN AND CENTRAL AMERICA, 2002 TO 2003 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF EDC 2006 TO 2007 EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND THE REGIONAL PRESIDENT OF LATIN AMERICA 2007 APPOINTED EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND COO OF THE COMPANY 2013-2016 MEMBER OF THE PRESIDENT’S EXPORT COUNCIL

Andres was the leader of a reorganization of the company that resulted in the implementation of a cost savings model that has changed the way that AES does business and operates. These changes were implemented in 2011 and since that time, the company experiences a savings of more than $250 million per year. As a result of his efforts, AES was named by the Ethisphere Institute as one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies. He set goals for the company that culminated in the inclusion of the company in the North American Dow Jones Sustainability Index and that has been ongoing for the past years.

BUSINESS ERNIE GARCIA III

Ernie Garcia, III co-founded Carvana and has served as President and Chief Executive Officer since inception in 2012. Garcia is also Chairman of the Carvana Co. Board. Prior to founding Carvana, he held various roles at the DriveTime Automotive Group, Inc. from January 2007 to January 2013. Prior to DriveTime, Mr. Garcia was an associate in the Principal Transactions Group at RBS Greenwich Capital from 2005 to 2006, where he focused on consumer credit-based investments. Mr. Garcia holds a B.S. in Management Science and Engineering from Stanford University.

BUSINESS MAURICIO GUTIERREZ

BUSINESS IGNACIO ALVAREZ

CEO, BANCO POPULAR Cuban @popularbank

1988 - 1992 HE WAS AN ADJUNCT PROFESSOR AND LECTURER, UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO LAW SCHOOL. ALVAREZ IS ALSO ON THE BOARD OF FUNDACIÓN BANCO POPULAR, INC. AND POPULAR COMMUNITY BANK FOUNDATION, INC. AND MEMBER-REGENTS BOARD AT GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY.

Mauricio Gutierrez is President and CEO of NRG. Gutierrez joined NRG in 2004 and helped build the company from a regional wholesale generation business to a national, Fortune 500, diversified energy company. Before that, he held the position of Chief Operating Officer of the NRG. During his tenure as COO, Gutierrez led NRG's engineering and construction activities related to a new generation and repowering projects. Under his leadership, the company reduced corporate debt by 80%.

BUSINESS JORGE MAS

CHAIRMAN AND CO-FOUNDER OF MASTEC, INC. Cuban-american @Jorge__Mas

1984 BEGAN HIS CAREER AT CHURCH AND TOWER, MASTEC’S PREDECESSOR 1994 INVOLVED IN ALL PHASES OF THE FIRM’S DEVELOPMENT SINCE ITS CREATION

Ignacio Alvarez is President and Chief Executive Officer of Popular, Inc., the leading financial institution in Puerto Rico with operations in the mainland United States and the Virgin Islands and ranks among the top 50 bank holding companies in the United States. Ignacio and his team are responsible for more than $62 billion in assets, 8,500 employees and 1.86 million clients. He previously served as President and Chief Operating Officer from 2014 to 2017 and as Chief Legal Officer from 2010 to 2014.

BUSINESS ENRIQUE LORES

PRESIDENT & CEO, HP INC. Spanish @EnriqueJLores

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2015 WAS A KEY ARCHITECT OF THE SEPARATION OF HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY 2017 WORKED ON THE COMPANY’S ACQUISITION OF SAMSUNG’S PRINTER BUSINESS 2019 BECAME CEO AND IS DRIVING A BOLD STRATEGY TO ADVANCE HP’S LEADERSHIP IN PERSONAL SYSTEMS AND PRINTING, DISRUPT INDUSTRIAL SECTORS THROUGH INNOVATIVE HP SOLUTIONS, AND TRANSFORM THE WAY THE COMPANY OPERATES TO BETTER SERVE ITS CUSTOMERS

Jorge Mas is a business leader, entrepreneur, philanthropist and an active defender of human rights. MasTec is expected generate $13 billion in revenue in 2023.Mas is also the managing partner of a Private Equity Group which manages a diverse portfolio of operating companies and investments. Jorge Mas is Managing Owner of the recently awarded Miami Major League Soccer franchise. He Mas is the Chairman of the Board of the Cuban American National Foundation (CANF) founded in 1981 and dedicated to the promotion of a free and democratic Cuba. He is also president of soccer team Real de Zaragoza.

Enrique Lores has a degree in electrical engineering from the Polytechnic University of Valencia and started his journey at HP in 1989 when he was hired as an engineering intern and navigated through different positions in the company. In 2017 he was named the President and CEO of HP Inc. Heʽs committed to make HP Inc. the most sustainable technology company in the world. He also serves on the boards of PayPal, Silicon Valley Leadership Group, and ESADE Business School.

BUSINESS ANDRES LOPEZ

CEO, O-I (OWENS ILLINOIS) Colombian

2004 JOINED THE COMPANY'S EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM, ADVANCING THROUGH A SERIES OF FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL ROLES. 2015 BECAME PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER OF THE COMPANY 2016 NAMED PRESIDENT AND CEO.

As CEO, Andres Lopez’s focus is to enhance the performance of the business to benefit customers, employees, investors and other key stakeholders. Lopez has established himself as a strong and successful leader, serving as chief operating officer during 2015 and playing a leading role on the acquisition of Vitro’s Food and Beverage business in Mexico, the U.S. and Bolivia. He has also served as president of O-I Americas, with a focus on strengthening O-I’s North America operations. Prior to that role, he served as president of O-I’s South America operations, where he led the region through significant organic and acquisition-based growth, adding new capabilities in Brazil and Argentina. Lopez has held various other leadership positions at O-I, including global vice president of manufacturing and engineering; vice president of manufacturing, North America; and country general manager for O-I Peru.

BUSINESS DANIEL LUBETZKY

Prior to joining Kraft Heinz, Abrams-Rivera served as Executive Vice President of Campbell Soup Company since 2019 and President, Campbell Snacks from 2018 to 2020. Prior to that, Abrams-Rivera was President, Pepperidge Farm from 2015 to 2018, where he led the turnaround of the business and led the strategic work that led to the company’s snack strategy and acquisition of Snyder’s Lance. Abrams-Rivera previously spent 21 years in leadership roles with the business that is today known as Mondelēz International.

Daniel Lubetzky is a social entrepreneur best known for founding KIND Snacks. With the introduction of KIND’s first fruit and nut bar in 2004, Daniel and KIND created an entirely new snacking category. Daniel has since grown KIND into a multi-billion-dollar health and wellness platform on a mission to make the world a little kinder. The son of a Holocaust survivor, Daniel’s first major foray into business began with PeaceWorks, a venture that used market forces to bring neighbors in Middle Eastern conflict regions together.

Luciano had a successful 25-year tenure at The Dow Chemical Company, where he last served as executive vice president and president of the Performance division. He serves on the boards of directors of Eli Lilly and Company, and the nonprofit economic development organization Intersect Illinois, and is an alternate member of the board for Wilmar International. He serves on the Global Advisory Board of the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

BUSINESS JAVIER RODRIGUEZ

BUSINESS ALVARO

Javier Rodriguez is the Chief Executive Officer of DaVita Inc. He is an experienced leader committed to transforming care delivery for patients with kidney disease. He is passionate about accelerating the digital transformation and delivering customized care to each patient while lowering costs for the health care system. In more than 20 years with DaVita, he has continued fostering a powerful sense of inclusivity and community among teammates and patients.

BUSINESS VICENTE REYNAL

Alvaro has transformed the produce industry by delivering innovative marketing strategies that not only defy established paradigms but also deliver impressive results. With more than 28 years of marketing experience in the CPG and produce industries. Under Alvaro’s leadership, AFM has led the growth of U.S. avocado consumption to more than 2.5 billion pounds per year, and today, 8 in 10 avocados in the U.S. come from Mexico. Alvaro’s vision for making AFM the first fresh produce brand to advertise in the Super Bowl is one of many industry firsts that have positioned AFM as the most preferred brand of avocados in the U.S. and one of the most innovative produce companies in the world.

BUSINESS ANTONIO NERI

@AntonioNeri_HPE

JOINED INGERSOLL RAND AS CEO 2021 BECAME CHAIRMAN & CEO AT INGERSOLL RAND

Prior to Ingersoll Rand, Vicente served as chief executive officer of Gardner Denver and was a member of its board of directors. In this role, he was responsible for driving overall growth and profitability leading to the IPO of Gardner Denver in May 2017 and subsequently in early 2020 acquiring the Ingersoll Rand Industrial Segment. Vicente has led a tremendous value creation increasing the enterprise value by more than 7x over the past five years.

Antonio Neri is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Hewlett Packard Enterprise. His journey at the company started over two decades ago, and he has held numerous leadership positions, including Executive Vice President and General Manager. Antonio led the strategy, development and introduction of many breakthrough innovations at HP and HPE, including HPE Apollo, the industry-leading high-performance compute platform; HPE Superdome X, the world’s most scalable and modular in-memory computing platform.

BUSINESS PEDRO PIZARRO

BUSINESS GUILLERMO PERALES

Pedro Pizarro is president and chief executive officer of Edison International, the parent company of Southern California Edison (SCE). He started his journey in the company in 1999 and served in several executive roles. He also serves as a director of the Edison Electric Institute and the Electric Power Research Institute, a member of the Board of Governors for Argonne National Laboratory, a Caltech Trustee, and a member of the Secretary of Energy Advisory Board.

BUSINESS JORGE PEREZ

Guillermo Perales began his journey into the world of franchise ownership with a single store in 1997. Today, Sun Holdings’ portfolio features over 800 locations that employ nearly 17,000 people and generate revenue of over $1.3 billion dollars a year. Sun Holding’s properties include Burger King, Popeyes, Arby’s and Krispy, T-Mobile, and Taco Bueno which brand is owned by Sun Holdings, among others. His impressive acquisitions have positioned Perales as the second largest franchise owner and the top Hispanic franchisee in the country.

BUSINESS JOSE ALMEIDA

@Related_Group @related_group

Billionaire real estate developer Jorge M. Perez has created an empire. He has built his fortune by building and operating low-income multifamily apartments across Miami, then branched off into rental apartments before becoming one of the most prolific high-rise condo builders in the Southern United States. The firm has built and managed over 60,000 apartments and condominium residences. Its current portfolio represents assets under development of more than $10.7 billion.

Jose Almeida was named Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Baxter in January 2016. He is now leading the company through a period of dynamic transformation powered by accelerated innovation, operational excellence and strategic execution. Previously, Almeida served as chairman, president and chief executive officer of Covidien plc from 2012 through 2015 and was named a director of the company in 2011. He also served in several leadership roles at Covidien's predecessor, Tyco Healthcare.

BUSINESS DARREN REBELEZ

CEO, CASEY'S STORES

Mexican-American @caseysgenstore

2020 NAMED BY CSN AS ITS RETAILER EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR FOR HIS ROLE IN LEADING CASEY'S THROUGH BOTH ITS STRATEGIC ROADMAP AND THE CHALLENGES OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, AS WELL AS HIS 20-PLUS YEARS IN THE FOODSERVICE AND CONVENIENCE RETAILING BUSINESSES

Since 2019, Darren Rebelez has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of Casey’s General Stores, Inc., where his goal is to ensure they’re making life better for guests and communities every day. He has a career of more than two decades in operations, marketing and merchandising in the convenience retail, fuel and restaurant industries, including leadership roles at IHOP, 7-Eleven and ExxonMobil. Since 2013. he is an advisory board member at the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation.

BUSINESS JOSÉ R. MAS

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, MASTEC, INC

BUSINESS ROBERT SANCHEZ

CEO, RYDER SYSTEM

American @RyderSystemInc

2002 HE SCOOPED HIS FIRST TROPHY AFTER BEING NAMED ENGINEER OF THE YEAR BY THE ASSOCIATION OF CUBAN ENGINEERS 2010, THE SOUTH FLORIDA BUSINESS

Mas was appointed CEO of MasTec in 2007 and during his tenure MasTec’s revenues have grown more than 1,300%. Since assuming the top executive position at MasTec, Jose has diversified the company into the growing fields of construction and maintenance of wireless infrastructure, electric transmission and distribution lines, wind, solar and other renewable energy sources, heavy civil, industrial and pipeline infrastructure while expanding its traditional communications business. Jose Mas has grown up in the business, and over the last three decades, has worked his way from the field to the executive suite.

BUSINESS NINA VACA

CHAIRMAN AND CEO, PINNACLE GROUP Ecuadorian @ninavaca @ninavaca

2005 ERNST & YOUNG, ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR/HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE 2013 GOLDMAN SACHS, MOST INTRIGUING ENTREPRENEURS 2013 NBCLATINO INNOVATOR 2016 MINORITY BUSINESS HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM INDUCTEE 2018 PVBLIC FOUNDATION/UNITED NATIONS IMPACTO LATINO 2017–2019 ALPFA, 50 MOST POWERFUL LATINAS 2019 HISPANIC WOMEN’S NETWORK OF TEXAS TRAILBLAZER OF THE YEAR 2008-2022 LATINO LEADERS, 101 MOST INFLUENTIAL LATINOS

Robert Sanchez is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ryder System, Inc., a FORTUNE 500® commercial fleet management, dedicated transportation, and supply chain solutions company. Over the course of two decades at Ryder, Sanchez has served in senior executive leadership positions in operations, finance, and information technology. He has been a member of the company’s Executive Leadership Team since 2003. Sanchez is also part of many boards of directors, including the Association of Cuban Engineers and Texas Instruments.

Nina Vaca is the Chairman and CEO of Pinnacle Group, a workforce solutions powerhouse that has been included in the Inc. 500/5000 list of fastest-growing companies 13 times and was named the fastest-growing women-owned/led company by the Women Presidents’ Organization in both 2015 and 2018. She has received numerous awards and recognition for her business success, including the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award and the Goldman Sachs Most Intriguing Entrepreneur award.

53 BUSINESS RAFAEL SANTANA

Rafael is President and CEO of Wabtec, a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions and value-added services for freight and transit rail. Born in Brazil, he brings roughly 25 years of commercial, product management and executive leadership experience to this post, including more than 10 years in the transportation industry. He has a proven track record of transforming businesses while delivering top-and bottom-line growth.

BUSINESS PERSIO LISBOA

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Gonzalez joins Foot Locker from Nike Inc., where she served as vice president of North America product merchandising and brings more than 19 years of experience across various leadership roles at the U.S. sportswear giant in marketing, merchandising, and sales.

A global, C-suite executive, Persio Lisboa has an extensive record of crafting and implementing transformational initiatives that improve performance and profitability for international industry leaders. A business leader who leverages extensive sales and marketing, manufacturing, R&D, procurement, and supply chain experience to lead organizations into operational excellence while driving growth organically and through strategic initiatives.He is fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, and English..

Born in Mexico, Isaac Alarcón started playing football at the age of 14 at Club Pumas. Currently, he is an American football offensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL) — The first Mexican to play on the team. He aims to e a role model for his country and played college football at the Monterrey Institute of Technology (ITESM) and joined the Cowboys in 2020 as a part of the league's International Player Pathway Program.

SPORTS ABRAHAM ANCER

GOLF PLAYER

Mexican-American

@Abraham_Ancer

@abrahamancer

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2015 EARNED HIS FIRST PROFESSIONAL WIN ON THE WEB.COM TOUR AT THE NOVA SCOTIA OPEN 2017-2018 CARDED FIVE TOP-FIVE FINISHES DURING THE PGA TOUR SEASON AND QUALIFIED FOR HIS FIRST MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIP 2018 HE PLAYED THE EMIRATES AUSTRALIAN OPEN ON THE PGA TOUR OF AUSTRALASIA AND PICKED UP HIS SECOND PROFESSIONAL VICTORY, WHICH VAULTED HIM TO 60TH IN THE OFFICIAL WORLD GOLF RANKING 2019 QUALIFIED FOR HIS FIRST PRESIDENTS CUP TEAM AND WENT 3-1-1 REPRESENTING MEXICO, HIS ONLY LOSS COMING TO U.S. CAPTAIN TIGER WOODS IN SINGLES ACTION. HE ALSO FINISHED TIED FOR 21ST IN THE FEDEX CUP STANDINGS 2022 JOINED LIV GOLF

The World No. 20-ranked golfer Abraham Ancer used to play golf at Odessa College and the University of Oklahoma, where he graduated in 2013. Ancer became famous among golf fans thanks to his debut at the Presidents Cup, where he went undefeated until meeting Tiger Woods. He won the 2018 Emirates Australian Open and the 2021 WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational for his first PGA Tour career victory. This year, he officially signed with LIV Golf aiming to have a better life quality.

SPORTS JUAN TOSCANO

LAKERS Mexican @juanonjuan10 @juanonjuan10

SPORTS ARTURO MORENO

OWNER, ANAHEIM ANGELS

Mexican-American

1996 TOOK OUTDOOR SYSTEMS PUBLIC 1998 SOLD THE COMPANY TO INFINITY BROADCASTING FOR $8 BILLION 1986 WITH BASEBALL BEING MORENO'S FAVORITE PASTIME, HE APPLIED HIS BUSINESS ACUMEN IN THAT ARENA, AS WELL, PURCHASING THE SALT LAKE TRAPPERS MINOR LEAGUE TEAM ALONGSIDE 17 OTHER INVESTORS 2001, 2003 MORENO HAD AGREED WITH THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY TO PURCHASE THE TEAM FOR $180 MILLION 2003 MLB COMMISSIONER BUD SELIG ANNOUNCED THAT THE SALE OF THE ANGELS TO MORENO HAD BEEN APPROVED 2006 FORBES MAGAZINE ESTIMATED THE TEAM TO BE WORTH $368 MILLION—TWICE THE AMOUNT MORENO PAID FOR THE CLUB ONLY THREE YEARS EARLIER 2020 PURCHASED ANGEL STADIUM AND THE SURROUNDING PARKING LOTS FROM THE CITY OF ANAHEIM FOR $150MM.

Arturo "Arte" Moreno is an American businessman. On May 15, 2003, he became the first Mexican-American to own a major sports team in the United States when he purchased the Anaheim Angels baseball team from the Walt Disney Company for $184 million. He donates millions of dollars annually to the Moreno Family Foundation, which supports underprivileged youth and education nonprofits. He made his fortune in the billboard advertising business, which he sold in 1999.

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2011 JOINED THE MARQUETTE TEAM 2013 RECEIVED THE DARIUS JOHNSON-ODOM "SACRIFICE FOR THE STRING" AWARD 2015 JOINED SOLES DE MEXICALI 2016 JOINED FUERZA REGIA DE MONTERREY 2018 JOINED SANTA CRUZ WARRIORS 2020 JOINED GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS 2022 SIGNED WITH LOS ANGELES LAKERS

Juan Toscano was born in Oakland and is a Mexican-American professional basketball player who worked his way through the G-League. He played college basketball for the Marquette Golden Eagles. He played at the Golden State Warrior for some years and won the NBA Finals with the team in 2022. After an emotional farewell earlier this year, he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Toscano defined it as a new chapter in his life.

60 SPORTS XAVIER GUTIERREZ

CEO & PRESIDENT, ARIZONA COYOTES Mexican-American @MrXavierAG

2020 NAMED AS THE PRESIDENT, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND ALTERNATE GOVERNOR OF THE ARIZONA COYOTES HOCKEY CLUB AND CO-FOUNDED SUMA WEALTH, 2016 - 2017 APPOINTED AND SERVED AS A VOTING MEMBER OF THE US SECURITIES EXCHANGE COMMISSION ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON SMALL AND EMERGING COMPANIES, 2010 - 2017 CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER FOR MERUELO GROUP, 2014 - 2016 BOARD DIRECTOR FOR SIZMEK.

He's first Latino President & CEO in the history of the National Hockey League. Xavier is also the co-founder of Suma Wealth, a financial inclusion platform that inspires, informs, and empowers the Latino community with the vision to help close the wealth gap in our community by creating culturally relevant content. He joined the Coyotes from his position as Managing Director at Clearlake Capital Group. Gutierrez has more than 20 years practicing as a business executive, investor and dealmaker focused on investment management, corporate strategy & operations, finance and business development.

61 SPORTS MARISSA SOLIS

SVP GLOBAL BRAND AND CONSUMER MARKETING, NFL American

2003- 2021 HELD ROLES WITH INCRESING SENIORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY IN PEPSICO 2021 JOINED HER CURRENT POSITION AT NFL 2022 BOARD MEMBER FOR CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS

Solis has served since November 2021 as the Senior Vice President of Global Brand and Consumer Marketing at the National Football League. Prior to this, Solis spent 18 years at Pepsico where she held numerous marketing leadership roles in brand marketing, portfolio marketing, partnerships and omnichannel media. Solis was a management consultant at Deloitte Consulting from September 2000 to November 2003. She began her career in 1995 as a Brand Manager in Procter & Gamble Latin America.

COMMUNITY RAMIRO CAVAZOS

PRESIDENT & CEO, UNITED STATED HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Mexican-American

@RAConomics

COMMUNITY SOL TRUJILLO CO-FOUNDER, L'ATTITUDE

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2008 NAMED “CEO OF THE YEAR” BY AUSTRALIAN TELECOM MAGAZINE, RECOGNIZING ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE PRIVATIZATION AND TRANSFORMATION OF TELSTRA 2000 CORPORATE RECOGNITION AWARD FROM A BETTER CHANCE, FOR HIS COMMITMENT TO SUPPORTING AND ADVANCING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS OF COLOR 1999 PRESENTED WITH THE RONALD H. BROWN CORPORATE BRIDGE BUILDER AWARD BY PRESIDENT CLINTON FOR CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN AND MINORITIES

Sol Trujillo is an international business executive and global CEO with three decades’ experience in the rapidly-changing telecommunications and media industries. As a CEO of global companies headquartered in the US, the EU, and Asia-Pacific regions, he has managed operations in more than 25 countries. He's a digital pioneer, a long-time champion of high-speed broadband, and an early advocate of the mobile Internet to stimulate productivity and advance innovation across all sectors of the economy. He's the Co-Founder of the event L'Attitude which along with NAHREP bring an impressive line up of Speakers avery year. He and his partners recently lunched L'Attitude Ventures, a Venture Capital firm to support Latino owned business in technology and other areas.

COMMUNITY JANET MURGUIA

64

PRESIDENT AND CEO OF UNIDOSUSA

Mexican-American

@JMurguia_Unidos

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Ramiro Cavazos is President and Chief Executive Officer of the USHCC. He is a trusted economic development expert and champion for bipartisan solutions that generate wealth to advance economic opportunity for the Hispanic community.

Prior to his role at the USHCC, Ramiro was the President and Chief Executive Officer of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SAHCC). Ramiro has shared his views on Latino entrepreneurship, small business growth, trade, and commerce on various media outlets.

2005 MURGUÍA HAS SOUGHT TO STRENGTHEN UNIDOSUS WORK AND ENHANCE ITS RECORD OF IMPACT AS A VITAL AMERICAN INSTITUTION. SHE ALSO RECEIVED THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS (KU) LAW ALUMNI ASSOCIATION DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS/NA AWARD 1994 - 2000 SERVED AS DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO PRESIDENT CLINTON, PROVIDING STRATEGIC AND LEGISLATIVE ADVICE TO THE PRESIDENT ON KEY ISSUES 2001 SHE JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS AS EXECUTIVE VICE CHANCELLOR FOR UNIVERSITY RELATIONS

Janet Murguía has devoted her career in public service to opening the door to that dream to millions of American families. Now, as a key figure among this generation of leaders in the Latino community, she continues this mission as President and CEO of UnidosUS (previously known as NCLR, the National Council of La Raza), the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States. She emphasized on turning Latino growth into empowerment through the Latino vote.

COMMUNITY GARY ACOSTA

PRESIDENT, NAHREP American @garynahrep @garyacosta7025

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1996 CEO AT PRADO MORTGAGE 2013 PARTNER THE MORTGAGE COLLABORATIVE 2000 CO-FOUNDER AND CEO AT NAHREP - NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HISPANIC REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL 2019 PARTNER AT L'ATTITUDE VENTURES

Co-Founder and CEO of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) and a 25-year veteran of the housing industry. NAHREP is the largest Hispanic business organization in America. He founded several successful mortgages, real estate and technology companies, including Prado Mortgage, New Vista Asset Management, CounselorMax, and RealEstateEspanol.com. NAHREP brings a huge attendance of it's members to the L'Attitude event every year. Gary is a Co-Founder of L'Attitude Ventures, which provides funding and investment money to hispanic owned companies.

COMMUNITY GLORIA GONZALES-DHOLAKIA

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT JEREMIAH PROGRAM AUSTIN American @drgloriaggd @drgloriaggd

2013 JOINED AS CONSULTANT FOR DIGITALMOM.ME

2018 JOINED AS BOARD

COMMUNITY SINDY BENAVIDES

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LATINO VICTORY PROJECT

Honduran-American

@SindyBenavides

@sindy.benavides

2009 - 2011 DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY OUTREACH FOR THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE

2012 VOTO LATINO'S VICE PRESIDENT OF FIELD AND OPERATIONS AND NORTHERN VIRGINIA NATIONAL DIRECTOR FOR KAINE FOR VIRGINIA 2013 DIRECTOR OF CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AND COMMUINTY MOBILIZATION 2018-2023 CEO OFLEAGUE OF UNITED LATIN AMERICAN CITIZENS 2023 LATINO VICTORY PROJECT

Sindy Benavides is a Honduran-American immigrant. She is the Executive Director of Latino Victory, a progressive organization dedicated to building Latino political power at the local, state, and federal levels. Sindy is a recognized national civil rights leader deeply committed to uplifting the voices of vulnerable and underserved populations. With nearly two decades in the non-profit sector, Sindy has helped build organizations to scale from the bottom up through strategy development, governance, communication, partnerships, and outreach.

COMMUNITY MARIA TERESA KUMAR

PRESIDENT AND CEO OF VOTO LATINO & MSNBC CONTRIBUTOR

Colombian-American @MariaTeresa1 @mariateresakumar

2004 FOUNDED VOTO LATINO WITH ROSARIO DAWSON

2010 PUSHED TO GET AMERICAN LATINOS TO FILL OUT THE 2010 CENSUS VIA A BILINGUAL IPHONE APP 2010 KUMAR WAS THE RECIPIENT OF AN EMMY NOMINATION IN THE OUTSTANDING NEWS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS CATEGORY FOR HER ROLE AS CO-CREATOR AND HOST OF THE TWO HOUR MSNBC TELEVISION SPECIAL, BEYOND BORDERLINES 2013 NAMED ONE OF THE 10 MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN WASHINGTON D.C. BY ELLE MAGAZINE 2016 PARTICIPATED IN A REDDIT'S ASK ME ANYTHING. HISPANIC BUSINESS IN 2017 AS ONE OF THE 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL LATINOS IN AMERICA

Gonzales-Dholakia joins Jolt after serving as Executive Director of the Hanger Foundation, where she tripled the Foundation’s revenue and developed a new scholarship program for students of color entering the orthotic and prosthetic fields. She is the first Latina to be elected as a school board trustee for the Leander Independent School District.

María Teresa Kumar, Voto Latino’s founding president, is an American activist and social entrepreneur and an Emmy-nominated MSNBC contributor seeking to shake up the political process. Leveraging youth, technology, social platforms and influencers, Voto Latino reaches 6.5 million monthly. Voto Latino is a key civic engagement organization, registering 500,000+ voters.

COMMUNITY HÉCTOR SÁNCHEZ BARBA

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CEO, MI FAMILIA VOTA American @HESANCHE @hectorsanchezbarba

2012 HE WAS ELECTED CHAIR OF THE NATIONAL HISPANIC LEADERSHIP AGENDA AND WAS APPOINTED BY THE U.S. OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR AS CO-CHAIR OF THE HISPANIC COUNCIL ON FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT 2019 JOINED MI FAMILIA VOTA AS CEO AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND OINED THE NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF PLANNED PARENTHOOD FEDERATION OF AMERICA

Héctor Sánchez Barba is the Executive Director and CEO of Mi Familia Vota, a Senior Fellow at GW Cisneros Hispanic Leadership Institute, and the Chair Emeritus of NHLA (National Hispanic Leadership Agenda). In these roles, he is an indefatigable voice advancing policy priorities, civic participation and fighting systemic injustices against Latinos, immigrants and the most vulnerable communities. Previously, Hector has worked in non-profit organizations.

COMMUNITY OZZIE GROMADA MEZA

ACTING PRESIDENT AND CEO, LATINO CORPORATE DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION

Mexican-American

@Ozziemeza1

2014-

COMMUNITY ELENA RIOS

PRESIDENT AND CEO OF NHMA AND PRESIDENT, NATIONAL HISPANIC HEALTH FOUNDATION

Mexican-American

@ElenaRiosMD

1989 CO FOUNDED THE NATIONAL NETWORK OF LATIN AMERICAN MEDICAL STUDENTS 1992 WORKED FOR THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF STATEWIDE HEALTH PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT AS A POLICY RESEARCHER 1993 SERVED AS THE NATIONAL HEALTH CARE REFORM TASK FORCE COORDINATOR OF OUTREACH GROUPS AT WHITE HOUSE 2006 APPOINTED TO THE MINORITY ALUMNI HALL OF FAME OF STANFORD UNIVERSITY 2007 WAS APPOINTED AS A FELLOW TO THE NEW YORK ACADEMY OF MEDICINE 2009 TOP 100 INFLUENTIAL AND INNOVATIVE HISPANICS FROM HISPANIC BUSINESS MAGAZINE 2017 LATINO LEADERS MAESTRO AWARD

Elena Rios serves as President & CEO of the National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA), representing Hispanic physicians in the United States. The mission of the organization is to improve the health of Hispanics. Dr. Rios also serves as President of NHMA’s National Hispanic Health Foundation to direct educational and research activities. She also serves as a board director for many institutions, including Better Medicare Alliance and the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda.

COMMUNITY ANA MARIE ARGILAGOS

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PRESIDENT & CEO, HISPANICS IN PHILANTHROPY Puerto Rican-American @AM_Argilagos @anamarieargilagos

2010 DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY, OFFICE FOR INTERNATIONAL & PHILANTHROPIC INNOVATION 2013 ADJUNCT PROFESSOR AT NEW YORK UNIVERSITY 2014 SENIOR ADVISOR FORD FOUNDATION

Ozzie brings 10+ years of direct corporate experience and 5 years of entrepreneurial experience. He developed his expertise in boutique and Fortune 50 organizations. Prior to joining LCDA, Ozzie was an intelligence lead at JamesDruryPartners, a leading board advisory services firm, where he focused on aligning C-level executives backgrounds with Board of Director opportunities. During his hiatus from corporate America, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to build the award-winning Gromeza Design Studio focused on small to mid-event production.

Ana Marie Argilagos is the President and CEO of Hispanics in Philanthropy (HIP) and is guiding the organization with a bold vision: to usher in a new generation of philanthropy that is for, by, and about the Latino community. Under her leadership, HIP has spearheaded rapid responses to the biggest challenges facing Latinos today. Ana Marie is an entrepreneurial thinker with a track record of working within and between the philanthropic, public, and nonprofit sectors.

COMMUNITY FLORENCIA VELASCO FORTNER

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CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, THE CONCILIO Mexican

2003-2005 PROGRAM DIRECTOR AT EDUCATION IS FREEDOM 2005 JOINED THE CONCILIO 2007 ASSISTED THE ORGANIZATION IN REACHING A MILLION-DOLLAR FUNDRAISING FOR THE FIRST YEAR AND HAS CONTINUED EVER SINCE

COMMUNITY ANTHONY ROMERO

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION (ACLU)

Puerto Rican-American @AnthonyACLU

2001 BECAME EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION 2005 NAMED TIME MAGAZINE’S 25 MOST INFLUENTIAL HISPANICS 2007 CO-AUTHORED A BOOK CALLED “IN DEFENSE OF OUR AMERICA: THE FIGHT FOR CIVIL LIBERTIES IN THE AGE OF TERROR” 2011 RECEIVED THE MARGARET SANGER AWARD FROM PLANNED PARENTHOOD.

Velasco Fortner is a highly respected non-profit executive with more than 25 years of experience in community organizing, child advocacy, and Latino Leadership. Her focus on parental engagement has had a significant impact by improving the lives of low-income and immigrant families. As CEO she has grown the organization from a $400k budget to 5.4M. The organization impacts over 20,000 individuals annually eliminating the cycles of generational poverty in the slating community.

Anthony D. Romero became the American Civil Liberties Union executive director seven days before the September 11 attacks and launched the Keep America Safe and Free campaign to protect fundamental freedoms. He created the ACLU’s National Security Project, achieving legal victories, uncovered thousands of pages of documents detailing the torture and abuse of detainees in U.S. custody, and filed the first successful legal challenge to the Bush administration's illegal NSA spying program.

COMMUNITY MARCO. A. DAVIS

PRESIDENT & CEO, CONGRESSIONAL HISPANIC CAUCUS INSTITUTE

American @MarcoADavis

2007 - 2010 HE WAS DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL FELLOWSHIP AND REGIONAL MANAGER FOR LATIN AMERICA AT ASHOKA'S YOUTH VENTURE, AND LED LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT FOR UNIDOSUS (FORMERLY THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF LA RAZA), WHERE HE CREATED THE LÍDERES INITIATIVE 2010 - 2012 SERVED AS A DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT FOR THE CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE 2012 - 2016 SERVED IN THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION AS DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE WHITE HOUSE INITIATIVE ON EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE FOR HISPANICS

Marco A. Davis is President and CEO of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to developing the next generation of Latino leaders. Davis has over 25 years of experience and was a partner at New Profit and he served in the Obama Administration as Deputy Director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics and as Director of Public Engagement for the Corporation for National and Community Service.

COMMUNITY MILDRED GARCIA

CHANCELLOR, CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM American

2018 MERICAN ASSOCIATION OF STATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES (AASCU) OCTOBER 2023 TO BEGIN HER TENURE AS CHANCELLOR OF THE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY (CSU)

García is the first Latina appointed to oversee the CSU's 23-campus system. As AASCU president since 2018, García has been a strong advocate for public higher education at the national level, working to influence federal policy and regulations on behalf of 350 member colleges and universities. She is the first Latina to lead one of the six presidentially based higher education associations in Washington, D.C.

GOVERNMENT MAYRA FLORES

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XAVIER BECERRA

Mayra was the first Mexican-born woman to be elected to the United States House of Representatives, she served the 34th District of Texas on the Homeland Security and Agriculture Committees after our historic special election victory in 2022. She was born and raised with humble beginnings in Burgos, Tamaulipas, Mexico. She is a proud U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) wife.

GOVERNMENT ALEJANDRA OCASIO CORTEZ

In 2021, Xavier Becerra became the first Latino to hold the position of Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services in the United States, where they battled the pandemic. Previously, he was the 33rd Attorney General Incumbent of California, where he led a campaign to protect the Affordable Care Act from being dismantled by his Republican counterparts. He has also been vocal in the Democratic Party about fighting for women’s health.

Controversial and sometimes viewed as a radical democrat, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is an American Democratic Congress Representative who made headlines in 2018 by beating a 10-term New York Democrat incumbent in a congressional primary before becoming the youngest woman ever elected to Congress at the age of 29. She quickly gained a reputation as an effective questioner in committee hearings, and over her first term, she introduced a total of 23 pieces of legislation, including the Loan Shark Prevention Act, which would cap credit card interest rates at 15%.

One of only three Latinos in the Senate, Cruz was among the first Republicans to announce his candidacy in the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election. Previously he served as the first Hispanic (and youngest) Solicitor General of Texas, the State’s chief lawyer before the U.S. Supreme Court. He suspended his presidential bid in May 2016. He returned to the Senate to resume his fight to require the Library of Congress to use the term ‘illegal aliens’. At the 2016 Republican Convention, he defied the GOP denying Trump his endorsement, urging the audience to “vote their own conscience.”

GOVERNMENT BEN RAY LUJÁN

U.S. SENATE FROM NEW MEXICO. Mexican American @benraylujan @benraylujan

2008 LUJÁN WON THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY, DEFEATING FIVE OTHER CANDIDATES 2004 ELECTED TO THE NEW MEXICO PUBLIC REGULATION COMMISSION 2021 BECAME A MEMBER OF THE U.S. SENATE FROM NEW MEXICO.

In 2018, Ben Ray successfully chaired the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, leading the Democratic effort to take back the majority in the U.S. House while electing the most diverse and youngest Congress in history. As Assistant Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Ben Ray is the highest-ranking Hispanic in Congress and has helped put forward a people-first legislative agenda that addresses disparities to help all Americans achieve equity.

GOVERNMENT SUSANA MENDOZA

COMPTROLLER, STATE OF ILLINOIS Mexican @susanamendoza10 @ilcomptroller

2000 ELECTED TO THE ILLINOIS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AS THE YOUNGEST MEMBER OF THE ILLINOIS GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2011 WAS ELECTED CHICAGO CITY CLERK, TAKING CHARGE OF AN OFFICE RESPONSIBLE FOR

Susana Mendoza was elected Illinois Comptroller in 2016 and she is the first Hispanic independently elected to statewide office in Illinois. As Comptroller, Mendoza led a transparency revolution because she believes taxpayers deserve to know how their tax dollars are being spent. She fought for and passed, over Governor Rauner’s veto, the Debt Transparency Act, requiring State agencies to report monthly, instead of annually, the number of unpaid State bills they are holding.

GOVERNMENT ERIC GARCETTI

MAYOR OF LOS ANGELES- D Mexican-American @ericgarcetti @mayorofla

2005 HELPED FOUND THE LOS ANGELES NEIGHBORHOOD LAND TRUST 2006 SERVED AS PRESIDENT OF THE LOS ANGELES CITY COUNCIL 2013 FIRST ELECTED MAYOR 2014 HONORED AS PERSON OF THE YEAR BY THE NAACP 2015 BECAME THE FIRST MAYOR OF A MAJOR AMERICAN CITY TO SIGNA A $15 MINIMUM WAGE LAW 2017 WAS RE-ELECTED FOR A SECOND TERM AS MAYOR

Native Angeleno, LA’s mayor, Democrat Eric Garcetti, has earned his B.A and Masters at Columbia University but returned to his hometown to roost. Garcetti’s political career launched in 2001 when elected representative of the 13th district to the Los Angeles City Council, where he served four terms as President of City Council. He was elected Mayor of Los Angeles in 2013 and re-elected in 2017, He is also a former Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy reserve.

GOVERNMENT ALEJANDRO MAYORKAS

SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY Cuban-American @AliMayorkas @alimayorkas

1996 - 1998 SERVED AS CHIEF OF THE OFFICE'S GENERAL CRIMES SECTION, OVERSEEING THE TRAINING AND TRIAL WORK OF ALL NEW ASSISTANT UNITED STATES ATTORNEYS IN THE CRIMINAL DIVISION 1998 APPOINTED AS THE UNITED STATES ATTORNEY FOR THE CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA, BECOMING THE COUNTRY'S YOUNGEST UNITED STATES ATTORNEY 2009 APPOINTED BY PRESIDENT OBAMA AS THE DIRECTOR OF U.S. CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES 2021 WAS SWORN IN AS SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY BY PRESIDENT BIDEN

Mayorkas was sworn in as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security by President Biden in 2021 and became the first Latino and immigrant confirmed to serve as Secretary of Homeland Security. He has a 30-year career as a law enforcement official and a nationally-recognized lawyer in the private sector. Previously, he served as the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (2013-2016) and as the Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (2009-2013).

GOVERNMENT ROBERT MENENDEZ

U.S. SENATOR FROM NEW JERSEY- D Cuban-American

@SenatorMenendez

@senatormenendez

1992 ELECTED TO THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 2006 SWORN IN AS U.S. SENATOR 2009 APPOINTED CHAIRMAN OF THE DEMOCRATIC SENATORIAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE 2013 PUBLIC NO.3 SCHOOL IN NEW YORK WAS RENAMED AFTER HIM

He grew up the son of Cuban immigrants in a tenement building in Union City and has risen to become one of 100 United States Senators. He is currently the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and served as Ranking Member in the 116th Congress. He has earned a national reputation for his international leadership in the Senate, which pairs with his long-time reputation as a fighter for New Jersey families who puts their economic security ahead of powerful special interests.

GOVERNMENT JULIE CHAVEZ RODRIGUEZ

SENIOR ADVISOR AND ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND DIRECTOR OF THE WHITE HOUSE OFFICE OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

Mexican-American

@JulieR2019

2001 - 2008 WORKED AS A PROGRAM DIRECTOR AT THE CESAR CHAVEZ FOUNDATION 2008 - 2016 SHE SERVED IN THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION, INITIALLY WORKING FOR THE UNITED STATES SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR AND LATER IN THE WHITE HOUSE OFFICE OF PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT 2016 SHE WAS APPOINTED STATE DIRECTOR FOR SENATOR KAMALA HARRIS 2021 SHE BECAME THE DIRECTOR OF THE WHITE HOUSE OFFICE OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

Julie Chavez Rodriguez was born in Delano, California, and currently serves as Senior Advisor and Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. Previously, she served as a Deputy Campaign Manager on the Biden-Harris presidential campaign and was the National Political Director and traveling Chief of Staff for then-Senator Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. She also served as California State Director in her Senate office.

GOVERNMENT MICHELLE LUJAN-GRISHAM

GOVERNOR NEW MEXICO

Mexican-American @GovMLG @michellelujangrisham

2019 BEGAN TO SERVE AS THE 32ND GOVERNOR OF NEW MEXICO 2018 SHE BECAME THE FIRST DEMOCRATIC WOMAN ELECTED GOVERNOR OF NEW MEXICO, AS WELL AS THE FIRST DEMOCRATIC HISPANIC WOMAN ELECTED STATE GOVERNOR IN U.S. HISTORY 2004 - 2007 SERVED AS SECRETARY OF HEALTH OF NEW MEXICO 2016 WAS SELECTED AS THE CHAIR OF THE CONGRESSIONAL HISPANIC CAUCUS

Michelle Lujan Grisham is the first Democratic Latina to be elected governor in the U.S. She has implemented a series of policies to transform New Mexico’s public education system, expanding the state’s economy to include more high-quality employment opportunities and preserving New Mexico’s air, land and water. She introduced and led the push for Care Corps, a caregiving initiative that places volunteers in communities to provide non-medical services to seniors and individuals with disabilities.

GOVERNMENT MARCO RUBIO

U.S. SENATOR FROM FL- R Cuban-American @marcorubio @senatormarcorubio

2000 BECAME MEMBER OF THE FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 2010 ELECTED TO THE U.S. SENATE 2015 ANNOUNCED HIS CANDIDACY FOR THE 2016 U.S. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION 2016 ON MARCH, HE QUIT THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE 2016 RE-ELECTED AT U.S. SENATOR.

Marco Rubio has represented Florida in the United States Senate since 2010. Non-partisan analyses by GovTrack and the Center for Effective Lawmaking ranked Rubio the Senate’s number two leader and most effective Republican in 2020. Senator Rubio currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, where he oversees our nation’s intelligence and national security apparatus. He is also a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, where he fights to promote human rights

GOVERNMENT ISABELLE CASILLAS GUZMAN

89

GOVERNMENT MIGUEL CARDONA

SECRETARY OF EDUCATION

American @SecCardona @seccardona

2001 GRADUATED FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT WITH A MASTER'S DEGREE IN BILINGUAL AND BICULTURAL EDUCATION 2013-2015: PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION SPECIALIST 2015-2019 ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING 2019-2021 COMMISSIONER OF THE CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 2021 U.S. SECRETARY OF EDUCATION

Isabella Casillas Guzman has made supporting small businesses her life’s work, and she was sworn in as the 27th Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration in 2021. She serves as the voice for America’s 32.5 million small businesses and innovative startups in President Joe Biden’s Cabinet. She started working beside her father in his chain of veterinary hospitals in Southern California and gained a deep appreciation for the small business.

Cardona began his career in education as an elementary school teacher and became the youngest principal in Connecticut at the age of 28. He worked in this role for a decade before becoming the superintendent for teaching and learning in Meriden, Connecticut. In 2019, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont (D) appointed Cardona as the state education commissioner. Since 2021, he is the 12th United States Secretary of Education under President Joe Biden.

GOVERNMENT SONIA SOTOMAYOR

Sonia Sotomayor earned a B.A. in 1976 from Princeton University, receiving the Pyne Prize, the highest academic honor Princeton awards to an undergraduate. Later, she entered the record book as the first Hispanic and the third woman to serve on the High Court. In 2009, President Barack Obama nominated her as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. She is also vocal on the Court’s rulings and remains outspoken about decisions that she believes go against the interests of the American people.

GOVERNMENT KEN SALAZAR

UNITED STATES AMBASSADOR TO MEXICO

American @KenSalazar

2005 - 2009 WAS A UNITED STATES SENATOR FROM COLORADO 2013 HE BECAME A PARTNER IN THE MAJOR INTERNATIONAL LAW FIRM OF WILMERHALE 2016 SALAZAR WAS APPOINTED TO HEAD PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE HILLARY CLINTON'S TRANSITION TEAM 2021 PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN NOMINATED SALAZAR AS THE UNITED STATES AMBASSADOR TO MEXICO

American lawyer, politician, and diplomat who is the United States ambassador to Mexico. He previously served as the 50th United States Secretary of the Interior in the administration of President Barack Obama, where he had a lead role on the Obama-Biden agenda on energy and climate, the nation’s conservation agenda including America’s Great Outdoors, and Indian Country. Ambassador Salazar has been a lifelong fighter for civil rights and the inclusion of Latinos in the American dream.

SCIENCE SABRINA GONZÁLEZ PASTERSKI

93

RESEARCH FACULTY, PERIMETER INSTITUTE FOR THEORETICAL PHYSICS

Cuban-American

@sabrina.pasterski

2005 FOUNDER SABRINA AIRCRAFT MANUFACTURING 2011 AERONAUTICAL ENGINEER, BOEING PHANTOM WORKS 2013-2019 PHD CANDIDATE, THE CENTER FOR THE FUNDAMENTAL LAWS OF NATURE, HARVARD UNIVERSITY

Gonzalez Pasterski is a high energy theorist who joined the Perimeter faculty in 2021 after completing a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Princeton Centre for Theoretical Science. As the founder and principal investigator of our new Celestial Holography Initiative, she is leading a team of amplitudes, mathematical physics, and quantum gravity researchers in a concerted effort to tackle the problem of uniting our understanding of spacetime with quantum theory by encoding our universe as a hologram.

SCIENCE ALFREDO QUIÑONES-HINOJOSA

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NEUROSURGEON, CHAIR OF NEUROLOGIC SURGERY AT MAYO CLINIC Mexican

@DoctorQMd @doctorqmd

2008 NAMED AS ONE OF THE 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL HISPANICS IN THE U.S.

Cocero is a seasoned pharmaceutical executive with over 25 years of experience in diverse leadership positions. Most recently, Cocero was the Global President of Pfizer Vaccines where she led an over $30B global business and managed a diverse vaccines portfolio aimed at protecting lives at all stages, from infants to older adults. Cocero was responsible for the development, global commercialization, and delivery of >2B doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine to 152 countries and territories around the world. Throughout her 21-year tenure at Pfizer, she held a number of senior positions touching every market of the world, from United States, Europe and Japan to emerging markets.

Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa is a consultant and serves as chair of the Department of Neurologic Surgery at Mayo Clinic's campus in Florida. He also leads NIH-funded research to find a cure for brain cancer. His cutting-edge research focuses on brain tumors and cell migration, health care disparities and clinical outcomes for neurosurgical patients in which the operating room is used as an extension for his research scenario. He has signed numerous high-impact scientific publications.

José is Senior Advisor to the Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology CORD19 Project and is Senior Advisor to the NASA AI Breathing Space Initiative. He is also Chief Medical Innovation Officer for Liberty BioSecurity and CEO and Founder of Ad Astra Media LLC.

FINANCE SILVANA MONTENEGRO

Silvana brings a wealth of experience from her leadership roles in the U.S. and Latin America, as well as a proven reputation for empowering leadership teams and individuals to reach their potential. She is passionate about developing talent, driving an inclusive workplace and excels at connecting the dots to deliver business results. Prior to her current role, Silvana was the Head of Commercial Banking Talent, Diversity & Inclusion at JPMorgan Chase.

MAIZEL

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Tobon is a dynamic senior advisor and business leader with broad domestic and international background in financial services plus a track record with a network of talent and contacts in growth oriented and transformative places. His specialties include strategy with emphasis on pragmatic execution for growth; leadership and general management; business development; extensive industry expertise in banking and payments.

Maizel has been a leader in the Hispanic community throughout his adult life, and previously served as a Director of United PanAmerican Financial Corporation, Pacific Commerce Bancorp, and Vibra Bank, the first Hispanic community bank in San Diego. He has also been a board member of the United States Board of Directors of Nacional Financiera (NAFIN, Mexico’s National Development Company), and was Board Chairman of the Hispanic National Mortgage Association. In addition, he held a seat on the Wells Fargo San Diego Community Board. Maizel is equally devoted to education.

JOSE FELICIANO

José co-founded the SUPERCHARGED Initiative, a philanthropic grantmaking and impact investment organization, in 2014 with his wife, Kwanza Jones. The Initiative invests in both nonprofits and for-profit ventures that are compatible with its goal to make a lasting impact across four key priorities: Education, Entrepreneurship, Equal Opportunity and Empowerment. In addition, Feliciano serves on the board of directors of the Robert Toigo Foundation and Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights.

Raul is President of Business Banking, one of Bank of America’s eight lines of business, and is a member of the company’s executive management team. He leads a nationwide team that serves mid-sized businesses with annual revenues of $5 million to $50 million by delivering financial advice and solutions to help companies grow, improve cash flow, and invest for the future. Additionally, Raul serves as Bank of America's President for the Greater Los Angeles region and its 8,000 associates.

How would you describe your professional journey?

OGM: My professional journey has been a dynamic path of growth and learning, shaped by diverse experiences and opportunities. From the foundation of my education, I embarked on a journey that led me to various roles, each contributing to my development as a capable leader. I've been fortunate to work in both corporate, and now, nonprofit sectors, giving me a well-rounded perspective on business strategies, governance, and community impact.

My journey has been woven with challenges I've eagerly embraced. My parents, immigrants who instilled in me the values of education and authenticity, remind me to never take anything for granted. To this day, I vividly remember spending my summers in my father’s small village helping my family tend to their farms. A humbling experience. My husband, an immigrant himself and an uplifting companion, reminds me that anything is possible with the right support system.

Now, in the role of acting President and CEO of the Latino Corporate Directors Association (LCDA), alongside a dynamic board and team, I am privileged to lead an organization dedicated to advocating for greater Latino representation in corporate boardrooms. This role is the culmination of my passion for smart corporate governance and my dedication to advancing opportunities for underrepresented communities.

LEADING LATINOS INTO SUCCESS:

GROMADA MEZA SHARES HIS VIEWS AS ACTING CEO AND PRESIDENT OF LCDA

In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge Latinos face when rising in the corporate world?

OGM:The underrepresentation of Latinos in corporate boardrooms presents a critical challenge that demands our attention. As evidenced by the stark statistics, Latino corporate board representation is distressingly low, making us the most underrepresented racial and ethnic group in these crucial decision-making spaces. The journey towards equitable representation has its obstacles. The biggest issue lies in the fact that Latinos often lack the overt physical traits that immediately signal diversityfrom skin color to non traditional Hispanic surnames. This frequently results in our exclusion from leadership pipelines. My own experience, gained through extensive years within executive recruiting firms and engaging in regular dialogues with corporate directors, has attested to this issue. While there's been a noteworthy development with the Latino share of Fortune 1000 company board seats surpassing 4% for the first time, it remains a far cry from our population's size and potential.

In the year 2023, we continue to build upon the strides we've made, unwavering in our commitment to drive the acceleration of Hispanic/Latino presence within America's corporate boardrooms. LCDA's pioneering efforts are indispensable as we navigate these challenges and work diligently to rectify the disparity that persists. We require collaboration, bolstered by ally support, to elevate the visibility

of outstanding Latino talent. I firmly believe that the solution lies in harnessing the potential of the roughly 20% US Latino population. Let's channel the power of our numbers to advocate for and uplift one another.

Now that you are leading LCDA, where do you see the organization going?

OGM: I am honored to have the transformative opportunity to be a part of shapinge the future of corporate governance to influence board composition across corporate America. As I facilitate the strategy to guide the organization, I envision LCDA becoming a trailblazing force that propels Latinos into influential boardroom roles, creating a ripple effect of change across our community. By fostering collaboration among Latino leaders, LCDA can establish a powerful network that supports the development and advancement of talented individuals. Additionally, we plan to leverage research and best practices to influence smart, inclusive corporate decision-making and approach board influencers with a solution-based strategy. For instance, LCDA's involvement in developing partnerships with board influencers including search firms, private equity, and board of directors will lead to increased representation, ultimately benefiting companies' innovation and strategic planning. Our commitment to equity and inclusion will ensure that

OZZIE

Courtesy of LCDA Carlos Cuevas

LCDA continues to be a catalyst for reshaping the corporate landscape to be more reflective of the communities it serves.

How would you describe your leadership style?

OGM: At the core of my leadership style lies a commitment to collaboration and inclusivity. I firmly believe that the synergy of diverse perspectives enhances problem-solving and drives innovation. This belief has translated into my approach of fostering open lines of communication, encouraging active listening, and creating an environment where every team member feels valued. To advance LCDA’s mission, it is important to do so with a team that elevates the mission and exemplifies an atmosphere of mutual respect.

What is your biggest source for inspiration?

OGM: My inspiration is drawn from the resilience and triumphs of individuals who have overcome adversity to achieve success. The stories of individuals who have surmounted insurmountable odds

to make a meaningful impact inspire me to push the boundaries of what's possible. Witnessing someone rise above challenges, like a young entrepreneur who transformed a personal setback into a thriving business or someone who leaves all of what is familiar to them to start a new life in a new country, fuels my dedication to effecting positive change. Furthermore, the unwavering support of my family and their stories of perseverance serve as a constant reminder of the importance of my mission. Equally important, the prospect of creating lasting change for future generations, like my children, motivates me to persist, knowing that the work I do today can pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive tomorrow.

THE STORIES OF INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE SURMOUNTED INSURMOUNTABLE ODDS TO MAKE A MEANINGFUL IMPACT INSPIRE ME TO PUSH THE BOUNDARIES OF WHAT'S POSSIBLE.

INCLUSION FOR EVERYONE

JANET MURGUÍA PRESIDENT AND CEO OF UNIDOS US

1. What is the greatest satisfaction you get out of your role at UnidosUS?

JM: Since 1968 this has been a powerful institution that has at its heart the mission to improve the lives of our community. And there are so many ways my colleagues throughout the organization work to support and advance the priorities of the Latino community, working across all sectors, and I am hugely proud of all they achieve every day.

We have made measurable progress for our community. Our work on the Affordable Care Act helped 4 million Hispanics get health care insurance for the very first time. Our work on the Earned Income Tax Credit has helped lift millions of Latino families out of poverty. And so much more.

But I think my greatest satisfaction is being able to see the impact of that work directly in communities, and our Affiliate Network makes that possible. Our Affiliates are nearly 300

community-based organizations located throughout the country and in Puerto Rico. The impact of our policy and programs work would not be possible without our Affiliate Network.

What is the vision for your leadership? How do you inspire the team and the organization overall?

JM: I’ve had the opportunity to work on Capitol Hill, in the White House, on the campaign trail, and in the academy. There are lessons you learn as a professional

and as an advocate on the importance of building relationships and getting buyin to bring people along, and you bring those learnings to your work as a leader. One example of that is the process we undertook to rebrand our organization. As we neared our 50th anniversary, we saw that we needed to position ourselves in a way that would make our work and our story relevant for the next 50 years. Our research and conversations with our Affiliates, stakeholders, and directly with our community showed that the name National Council of La Raza was not considered inclusive to everyone in our community. The name NCLR, or La Raza, spoke to the moment in which our organization was founded in the country’s Southwest and would go on to become a national institution. It was important to acknowledge and own this history, while also taking the steps to keep up with the dynamic changes that have happened in our community and our country over the last 50-plus years.

Courtesy of UnidosUS Carlos Cuevas

Quote to live by:

On the other hand, I considered it a blessing as well. I learned so much, met so many people, including the Clinton family, who have been part of my work and my life ever since. I will never forget the day I brought my parents to the Oval Office and the President said “I may have given Janet a job and she brought you into this office, but you’re the ones who got her here.”

What do you think are the biggest barriers for the Latino community?

the next generation of leaders. The next generation should be aware of the history of social advocacy but also well-versed in the tools of the future to continue this vital work.

What do you want your legacy to be?"

JM: Several things: First, helping UnidosUS become an American institution for the 21st century, which includes our name change.

There were many important and sometimes challenging conversations we had with our Affiliates, our allies, and with our own teams. We were very intentional in being thoughtful and bringing people along with us. We were able to make it clear and have stood by the fact that although our name had changed, our work and our mission remains the same, and we have been able to expand and grow that impact as UnidosUS and will continue to do so.

During your extensive and successful professional journey, what has been the biggest challenge? And which one has been the biggest fortune/blessing?

JM: I consider my time in the Bill Clinton White House as one of the most challenging times in my career. I believe in working in collaboration and seeking consensus, and the White House was very competitive, very turf-conscious, and a lot of the work was siloed. It was a tough adjustment for me.

JM: Our community is diverse, and the challenges we face are diverse. More than 62 million Latinos live and work in the United States, contributing $2.7 trillion to the economy. Our community is part of the fabric and history of this country and is helping to shape its present and future. But some of our fellow Americans are not aware of the contributions made by the Hispanic community across all sectors. That impacts our community’s equal access to quality education, to homeownership, to quality health care, and it can unfortunately sometimes lead to divisive politicians using us as scapegoats, particularly our immigrant communities. That’s why I believe our work and the work of our sister organizations, our partners, our Affiliates, and others interested in social change is so important. That is what UnidosUS is all about.

How do you think current leaders should mentor and empower the upcoming generations of social advocates?

JM: The most important thing for current leaders to understand is that part of their responsibility should be to mentor and empower the next generation of leaders. One of the consequences of our historic underrepresentation in so many institutions is that there is a lack of natural mentors and advisors. Not only does that place the onus on those leaders who are there, it is important to focus on increasing Hispanic representation in leadership roles across sectors.

Another thing today’s leaders should recognize is that a good part of their legacy depends on how well they prepare

Second, the work we have done to build bridges and form partnerships with other communities, such as the Black and LGBTQ+ communities.

Third, our impact on empowerment and representation. We have registered more than a million new Latino voters and are working through our Proyecto 20% to ensure that our community is well-represented in the Biden-Harris administration, which has the highest percentage of Latino representation in U.S. history.

And finally, we have a phenomenal, dedicated, and passionate staff, and have helped develop leaders who will continue to take our community forward after I move on to my next chapter. I can’t think of a better legacy than that.

About Unidos US

UnidosUS is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that serves as the nation’s largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization. Since 1968, we have challenged the social, economic, and political barriers that affect Latinos through our unique combination of expert research, advocacy, programs, and an Affiliate Network of nearly 300 community-based organizations across the United States and Puerto Rico. We believe in an America where economic, political, and social progress is a reality for all Latinos, and we collaborate across communities to achieve it. For more information on UnidosUS, visit unidosus.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

MY FATHER ALFREDO ALWAYS TOLD ME AND MY SIX BROTHERS AND SISTERS THAT “EL SOL SALE PARA TODOS, (THE SUN SHINES FOR EVERYONE).” WHAT HE MEANT IS THAT WE WERE NO BETTER THAN ANYONE ELSE, BUT WE WERE ALSO NO LESS THAN ANYONE ELSE. HIS INSPIRATION CARRIES ME TO THIS DAY.

SPEARHEADING THE REMEMBRANCE OF HERITAGE:

Meet Jorge Zamanillo, founding director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino.

JORGE ZAMANILLO is the founding director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino. His journey traces back to his tenure as the executive director and CEO of the HistoryMiami Museum. In this role, Zamanillo managed day-to-day operations, spearheaded expansion projects, doubled the size of the museum, and created four additional exhibition galleries. Further amplifying his prowess, he holds the role of chair and board member of the American Alliance of Museums. Zamanillo's academic underpinnings encompass a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Florida State University and a master’s degree in museum studies from the University of Leicester, expanding the depth of his expertise.

As the founding director of the museum, Jorge is aware of the responsibility resting on his shoulders. He must develop a strategic plan, fundraise, grow the team; essentially, he must steer the ship – and make sure it is done the right way. Undoubtedly, he acknowledges the significant contribution of those involved in the original commission to create the museum. Jorge explained, “Going back to the nineties, there have been people here involved in working to get the legislation passed to build this museum, so we owe a lot to them.” Looking towards the job ahead, he

01 National Museum of the American Latino Director Jorge Zamanillo.

Photo by Tony Powell, 2022. Smithsonian Latino Museum. 02 National Museum of the American Latino Director Jorge Zamanillo.

Photo by Tasos Katopodis, Getty Images, 2022. Smithsonian Latino Museum.

F. Izquierdo

said, “This is the fun part. It’s when you start to develop the program, decide what you’re going to see in the museum, and design the architecture.”

Jorge, inspired by the uniqueness within the Latino community, envisions this project with particular distinction. Drawing from his time in Miami, he seeks to implement a concept that connects different Latino communities with their heritage and allows them to discover the richness of other cultures. He elaborates on this notion saying, “I envision this museum to be different from the ones around today. I see this as a convening space for different Latino communities to recognize their stories, commonalities, and shared experiences within this national museum.”

Optimistic about the future, Jorge doesn’t see many challenges; rather, he sees more opportunities. His foremost objective is to establish bridges among the diverse Latino community. Proactively, both Jorge and his team have embarked on a nationwide journey, engaging with people to gather insights. He acknowledges, “As tough as it can be sometimes to do all this legwork, it’s really rewarding.” Recounting a personal story, Jorge conveyed, “I get a little overcome with emotion when people feel a special connection to finally seeing their stories being told, and it really resonates. It can be something as simple as connecting with similar immigration experiences or growing up at the border, and they connect, and that’s what is important.”

When asked about the aspirations of the museum's visitors, Jorge highlighted the Latino community's strong desire to see their values and beliefs authentically represented. He

underscored, “I want people to know this was made in a fair manner by asking people what they want to see. Everyone has many opinions, but at the end of the day we will be able to capture the shared experiences. I think that will be very impactful.” While the current space may be constrained in its ability to explore these compelling themes, the future holds promise: a museum spanning over three hundred thousand square feet, poised to offer countless opportunities to share diverse stories and foster community connections.

Reflecting on the impact of the Latino community, Jorge expressed, “It’s so impactful – the economic impact is incredible, and our communities will continue to grow and gain influence. We need to highlight how impactful we are as a community because that will be our legacy moving forward.”

As he contemplates his personal legacy, Jorge harbors a distinctive ambition. In his words, "I want to convene and bring people together through the museum. I want to facilitate conversations that foster connections within our communities." Guided by this profound objective, Jorge is poised to leave an indelible mark, not solely within the Latino community, but across the entire United States.

I ENVISION THIS MUSEUM TO BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONES AROUND TODAY. I SEE THIS AS A CONVENING SPACE FOR DIFFERENT LATINO COMMUNITIES TO RECOGNIZE THEIR STORIES, COMMONALITIES, AND SHARED EXPERIENCES WITHIN THIS NATIONAL MUSEUM.

LATINOS IN FINANCE

Finance is a highly competitive industry, and Latinos have steadily reached the highest ranks. This proves their strength and capacity, plus the added value they bring to the changing business environment.

Latinos are shaping the market in many ways; it is only natural for Latinos to shape the finance industry. We hope to see more and more Latinos join the corporate ranks, helping corporations understand more deeply the relevance of inclusion in all aspects of business operations.

Brief bio:

Langagne has spent over 30 years accelerating and transforming businesses in leading high-tech companies around the World. After working for IBM, Sun, and Compaq in Mexico; he joined HP -when it acquired Compaq- and moved to the US, holding the roles of Worldwide Global Accounts Director and Americas Strategy & Operations VP, then moved to Mexico as Country CEO, and to Singapore as Strategy & Operations VP for Asia Pacific & Japan. After 19 years at HP, he joined Oracle for 3 years as North America Strategy & Operations VP, and then Prosegur also for 3 years as CEO for Latin America and later for the US. In late 2022 Langagne joined Softtek to lead the Banking & Financial Services vertical for the USA and Canada markets.

ALEXIS LANGAGNE, a native of Mexico City, has consistently served as a catalyst for growth and transformation within every organization with which he has been associated. Beginning his educational journey at the Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, he later pursued advanced education at prestigious US institutions, including Rice University, Babson College, and Columbia Business School. Armed with the knowledge and skills acquired at these esteemed institutions, Alexis has continually advanced his career, assuming senior leadership positions at renowned companies such as Oracle, Prosegur, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Currently, Alexis serves as Senior Vice President at Softtek, leading the banking and financial services division for the United States and Canada. However, his journey within Softtek began decades ago, evolving through diverse roles—from a client to a vendor, and eventually, a consultant, culminating in his return to the company in a leadership capacity. When discussing his responsibilities at Softtek, Alexis stated, "Softtek enjoys significant brand recognition in Mexico, but its presence in the United States is not as robust. The American market presents a more substantial challenge, but it also offers a significantly larger opportunity. Hence, my primary responsibility is to drive business growth."

REFLECTING ON THE INFLUENCE OF LATINO HERITAGE

ALEXIS LANGAGNE SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT SOFTTEK

Reflecting on the influence of his Latino heritage on his professional trajectory, Alexis remarked, "My Latin roots have proven to be exceedingly valuable; I doubt I would have achieved what I have without them." He elaborated further, emphasizing the multidisciplinary perspective, profound humility, and innate ability to connect with others that his background has provided. Illustrating this point, he shared an anecdote, stating, "Upon my arrival in the US, I was taken aback by the initial reluctance of people to engage in handshakes during meetings, prompting me to take the initiative in initiating this practice. It’s a small action that can make a big impact."

In addition to his Latino heritage, Alexis recounted a pivotal challenge that has profoundly shaped his character. After accepting an executive role in Singapore overseeing 25 countries, he received news of an impending merger. A critical condition of this merger was the retention of the existing leadership team, meaning Alexis would not retain the position he had originally accepted. Nonetheless, he embraced the task of ensuring the merger's success.

Reflecting on this unique situation, Alexis remarked, “Taking a job and knowing on day one it wouldn’t be mine a few months later is one of the craziest and best learning experiences I’ve had.” He went on to emphasize the essential lesson he gained from it: “I learned that to be successful and face the greatest challenges, you must have absolute trust in your colleagues.”

He continued, “Trusting 100% is really easy to say, but incredibly difficult to do.” Alexis successfully navigated this intricate merger, anchoring himself in a steadfast commitment to teamwork and trust, values that would continue to shape his career.

With trust and teamwork in mind, Alexis developed a clever strategy to open doors for Softtek in the United States. He heavily relies on the ability to provide real-time interaction and cultural proximity, saying, "We tell our customers our culture is different. We tell them we are big enough to serve them, but small enough to care."

Looking toward the future, Alexis emphasized Softtek’s goal to expand in the United States and become a key player in the market. He concluded, "It’s very exciting, and the opportunity is immense."

Inspirational quote:

AS YOU THINK ABOUT DEVELOPING YOUR CAREER: “EXPOSURE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EXPERIENCE”.

"MY LATIN ROOTS HAVE PROVEN TO BE EXCEEDINGLY VALUABLE; I DOUBT I WOULD HAVE ACHIEVED WHAT I HAVE WITHOUT THEM.”

THRIVING IN THE REAL OF FINANCIAL ADVISORY

AN INTERVIEW WITH VANESSA WAGNER AND STEVEN WAGNER, UBS

How do you think being a female Latina has influenced your professional development?

VW:I attribute growing up with strong Latina role models in my family a direct and pivotal influence on my success and professional development.

Being Latina and bilingual has undoubtedly served as an asset in my career. In particular, while working with our international and bilingual clients, I’ve been able to build and solidify those relationships through sharing the same language and background.

Our clients expect a high level of knowledge, trust, transparency, and the appreciation & understanding of culture. These are precisely the fundamental elements Latinos embody. We have a tremendous amount of resilience, grit, and loyal devotion to our work. I’ve embraced those positive characteristics during my professional journey and can thank my Hispanic roots for that.

How do you think the finance industry will change for the new generations?

What challenges have you faced on your corporate journey?

VW: As most Latinas can relate, starting a career in the corporate world can certainly bring challenges. I can remember graduating college and working with recruiting agencies and executive search firms, which some, from the onset discouraged me from interviewing and applying for certain positions that I was absolutely qualified for. During one of their interviews, it was mentioned that my bilingual skills will not be necessary in the corporate world. I immediately realized the direction of that interview and rather than taking the bait or being deterred, I used my strength to overcome what they thought was an obstacle, and I ended up having a positive meeting. Fortunately, I was taught and encouraged at a young age to be optimistic in the face of adversity and to turn challenges into opportunities, so that’s exactly what I did then and continue to do today.

VW:I think there certainly will be changes in the financial industry for the new generation due to technological advancements, but many clients may still look for guidance from a professional, while seeking to integrate a more robust technology-based approach for their financial matters. I think financial firms will continue to offer to educate and organize all facets of their clients’ financial needs for such things as financial planning, retirement, tax optimization strategies, home ownership, and savings, but the elements of technology will be ever present in many more aspects of servicing clients. I also believe the demographics of the banking industry will look more diverse for the new generation as consumers demand adequate representation and companies continue taking concrete actions on Diversity Equity & Inclusion efforts.

What have been the key highlights in your career?

SW: To put the key highlights of my career in context, I would first have to refer to my childhood. Growing up in a Hispanic household, we always led with God, family values, commitment, and a strong emphasis in striving relentlessly to better oneself despite any setbacks, and never forgetting to give back.

On a professional level, I’ve been privileged to have the opportunity to become a Private Wealth Financial Advisor. Measuring the degree of success in my field is easily determined as we’re evaluated amongst colleagues and peers, and I’ve always been driven to reach and surpass my goals. Being Latino, I understood the importance of overachieving and proving my strengths. Consequently, I enjoyed key career highlights in my junior years as I developed and expanded my business, which led to three consecutive annual promotions, and several financial recognition awards. I later became a senior team member of a team in New York City.

As I mentioned, a great part of the principal values instilled in my upbringing was to give back, so I feel it’s incumbent upon me to help pave the way forward for others. I’ve reached a place in my 30+ year career that affords me the opportunity to serve through local Hispanic organizations for underserved communities. I’ve sponsored and hosted multicultural roundtable events with a theme of Diversity Equity & Inclusion for Latino professionals, and I always find the time to sponsor & mentor others in my profession.

What are your short- and long-term goals professionally?

SW: My short-term professional goals are working with and advising my clients within an ever changing financial environment and creating strategies to help build their wealth.

I employ a goals-based investment approach, matching my clients’ investment strategies with their life needs, from career objectives to retirement to legacy planning. This investment concept, what at UBS we call Wealth Way and incorporates the 3 L’s, begins with managing their cash flow Liquidity needs, moves towards their Longevity and wealth accumulation, and incorporates their Legacy planning for the next generation and philanthropic goals. My long-term professional goal is knowing that I’ve made a positive impact with my clients and their families’ personal and financial journeys.

How do you think you can empower new generations of Latinos going into the finance industry?

SW: As I mentioned earlier, I feel compelled to pay it forward and that begins with leading by example. Specifically, over the years I’ve worked and built relationships with external Hispanic organizations, and we have leveraged our synergies through speaking engagements and sponsorships in efforts to make strides and help move the agenda forward of uplifting the professional Latino community. I believe that representation matters and telling our story as Latinos on platforms such as this publication can be very empowering to the new generations of Hispanics entering the financial Industry.

Steven Wagner and Vanessa Wagner are Financial Advisor(s) with UBS Financial Services Inc. a subsidiary of UBS Group AG. Member FINRA/SIPC in {299 Park Avenue New York, NY 10171}. The information contained in this article is not a solicitation to purchase or sell investments. Any information presented is general in nature and not intended to provide individually tailored investment advice. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be suitable for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. Investing involves risks and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest. The views expressed herein are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views of UBS Financial Services Inc

UBS Wealth Way is an approach incorporating Liquidity. Longevity. Legacy. strategies that UBS Financial Services Inc. and our Financial Advisors can use to assist clients in exploring and pursuing their wealth management needs and goals over different timeframes. This approach is not a promise or guarantee that wealth, or any financial results, can or will be achieved.

As a firm providing wealth management services to clients, UBS Financial Services Inc. offers investment advisory services in its capacity as an SECregistered investment adviser and brokerage services in its capacity as an SEC-registered broker-dealer. Investment advisory services and brokerage services are separate and distinct, differ in material ways and are governed by different laws and separate arrangements. It is important that you understand the ways in which we conduct business, and that you carefully read the agreements and disclosures that we provide to you about the products or services we offer. For more information, please review client relationship summary provided at ubs. com/relationshipsummary, or ask your UBS Financial Advisor for a copy.

For designation disclosures please visit ubs.com/us/en/designation-disclosures.htm.

UBS FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

WORKING TO CREATE STRONGER COMMUNITIES

CAROLINA JANNICELLI

Brief Bio:

Carolina is the head of Community Impact at JPMorgan Chase –leading the governance, firmwide strategy and implementation of the bank’s $30 billion commitment to help close the racial wealth gap. In this capacity, Carolina partners with CEOs and leaders across the firm’s lines of business, as well as Corporate Responsibility, Global DEI and city-level leadership teams, to deliver the best of business, philanthropic and policy efforts to drive inclusive economic growth.

She began her 27-year career at the firm in investment banking, covering Latin American clients with a focus on Debt Capital Markets and later M&A. She then moved to the buy-side of the market, covering clients in the Private Bank and leading businesses both for the Latin American and domestic markets.

The insights from those experiences and her personal journey as the daughter of Central American small business owners forced to emigrate and overcome economic obstacles, shaped her deep understanding of some of the challenges faced by minority communities in the United States.

Carolina serves on the Corporate Board of Advisors of UnidosUS, the nation’s largest Hispanic/Latino civil rights and advocacy organization. She is also a member of the Arts of the Americas Circle at the Americas Society/Council of the Americas.

Inspirational quote:

JPMORGAN CHASE   HEAD OF COMMUNITY IMPACT

“YOUR BACKGROUND IS YOUR STRENGTH. YOU BROADEN THE PALETTE OF IDEAS AND EXPERIENCES BROUGHT TO THE TABLE AND, BY SHOWING UP AUTHENTICALLY, YOU WILL GAIN CONFIDENCE IN YOUR VOICE AND IMPACT.”

Courtesy of JPMorgan Chase

1. What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a female Latina in the finance industry?

CJ: One of the biggest hurdles starting off my career in investment banking in the ’90s, as a woman, was being underestimated. As an immigrant from Latin America and the first person in my family to work in a corporate job, I also experienced moments when I questioned if I belonged. But in those moments of doubt, I focused my energy on excelling at work, building connections and learning how to make an impact.

2. What are the main benefits Latinos bring into the banking sector?

CJ: At JPMorgan Chase, we strive to create a company that reflects the diverse communities that we serve, including the Latino community. Integrating Latino talent into the banking sector and better serving the financial needs of Latino communities makes our company stronger, more profitable, and better positioned to drive financial inclusion. The data also makes a clear business case – according to The Urban Institute, 70% of new homeowners in the U.S. will be Hispanic by 2040, and Hispanic-owned small businesses contribute more than $800 billion to the American economy annually, according to the Small Business Administration. Simply put, serving the needs of the Latino community is critical for our business and for the longterm success of the U.S. economy.

3. How are you empowering more Latinos to join the corporate ranks?

CJ: JPMorgan Chase is striving to recruit the best talent for all roles across the firm to best serve our clients and customers. Helping employees advance their skills and professional development is key to attracting and advancing top talent. We are investing in our employees’ growth through a robust suite of training, leadership development, upskilling and reskilling programs, mentorship initiatives, and performance evaluations. Additionally, our Hispanic Leadership Forums and Adelante Business Resource Group, which has been an important factor in my development over the years, supports career development and community engagement opportunities for thousands of members across the globe.

4. Where do you see yourself going into the next 10 years?

CJ: My team oversees JPMorgan Chase’s Racial Equity Commitment – a $30 billion, five-year commitment announced in 2020 to help close the racial wealth gap and advance economic inclusion among Hispanic, Latino, Black and underserved customers and communities across the nation. We are pleased with the progress achieved so far, but we’re aware of the long work that remains. Our journey is ongoing and will not be limited to five years. Rather, our work is serving as a catalyst for the sustainable business innovation needed to advance economic inclusion. When I think about the next ten years I think about scaling the impact of this work across sectors, because systemic change requires the private, public and community-focused sectors to work together to reduce the racial wealth gap. To learn more about JPMorgan Chase’s Racial Equity Commitment, visit jpmorganchase.com/racialequity.

WHEN I THINK ABOUT THE NEXT TEN YEARS I THINK ABOUT SCALING THE IMPACT OF THIS WORK ACROSS SECTORS, BECAUSE SYSTEMIC CHANGE REQUIRES THE PRIVATE, PUBLIC AND COMMUNITYFOCUSED SECTORS TO WORK TOGETHER TO REDUCE THE RACIAL WEALTH GAP.

1. What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a Latino in the finance industry?

RA: When I first joined banking, there were only a handful of Latinos in leadership positions in banking, so at the time, it didn’t occur to me that I could one day be a senior leader within the company or the financial services industry. The saying “You can’t be what you can’t see,” resonates with me. By working hard, being intellectually curious, and having many mentors throughout my career, I climbed the corporate ladder and now serve on the Bank of America executive management team, where I am the highest-ranking Latino within the company. Fortunately, the landscape is very different today than it was 30 years ago and, collectively, we have more Latino representation in finance.

2. What are the main benefits Latinos bring into the banking sector?

RA: Latinos are quickly approaching 20% of the U.S. population, so as a group, we are a huge part of the national economy. Latinos are entrepreneurial and pursuing generational wealth

EMPOWERING BUSINESS OWNERS

RAUL ANAYA

BANK OF AMERICA PRESIDENT OF BUSINESS BANKING; PRESIDENTGREATER LOS ANGELES

creation for their families, frequently starting new businesses across all industries. At Bank of America, we recognized this growing trend many years ago. We have continued to place increasing focus on Latino business owners, which has allowed us to have the #1 market share within the Latino community. Today, we are proud to serve 13.4 million Latino individuals, with 1.2 million of them being business owners.

3. How are you empowering more Latinos to join the corporate ranks?

RA: Starting early in my career, I have mentored and championed Latinos as a way to pay it forward and create new career opportunities, just like my mentors, who opened doors for me. Given my role at BofA, I continue to champion diversity efforts broadly within the company, and more specifically, help drive our efforts to attract, retain and develop our Latino teammates. Since 2015, our representation of Latino teammates in the top three management levels has increased by 50%. Plus, we are committed to supporting and developing our Latino teammates

through our Hispanic-Latino Executive Council (HLEC), which is comprised of more than 300 U.S.based senior Latino leaders who help influence strategies that grow talent representation across our company and who serve as a sounding board on Latino issues to our CEO and executive management team.

4. Where do you see yourself going into the next 10 years?

RA: Today, I run one of Bank of America’s eight lines of business — Business Banking. I love what I do because I get to work closely with my banking teammates to help entrepreneurs and families grow their businesses and solve their challenges. Although I have been in banking for over 30 years, I continue to grow and learn every day about different types of businesses and industries that my clients are involved in. I’m having fun and expect to continue to do so for many more years. At some point in the future, I’d like to take my years of experience in banking and apply it as a board member to large multinational companies to help them grow and thrive. Lastly, I hope to improve my golf game!

Inspirational quote:

“PEOPLE DON’T CARE HOW MUCH YOU KNOW ABOUT THEM….UNTIL THEY KNOW HOW MUCH YOU CARE”.

THEODORE ROOSEVELT

I LOVE WHAT I DO BECAUSE I GET TO WORK CLOSELY WITH MY BANKING TEAMMATES TO HELP ENTREPRENEURS AND FAMILIES GROW THEIR BUSINESSES AND SOLVE THEIR CHALLENGES.

Courtesy of Courtesy of Bank of America Carlos Cuevas

UNDERSTANDING HERITAGE TO SERVE BETTER

EDUARDO TOBON

BMO COMMERCIAL BANK DIRECTOR, ECONOMIC EQUITY ADVISORY GROUP

Brief Bio:

Tobon is a dynamic senior advisor and business leader with broad domestic and international background in financial services plus a track record with a network of talent and contacts in growth oriented and transformative places. His specialties include strategy with emphasis

on pragmatic execution for growth; leadership and general management; business development; extensive industry expertise in banking and payments. He joined BMO in 2022 to lead strategy and business development to expand BMO's Commercial Bank in the United States with Hispanic/Latino and Black led and owned companies.

Inspirational quote:

1. What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a Latino in the finance industry?

ET: Being bilingual and bicultural, I’ve seen people underestimate the value I can bring to strategic discussions because either English is my second language or the way I look. Traditionally, I’ve let my actions and track record speak louder than perceptions. At this stage in my career, I’m unapologetic about the value inclusion brings to the industry and I’ve been proudly a voice of encouragement to other Latinos and diverse leaders.

2. What are the main benefits Latinos bring into the banking sector?

ET: Latinos are the largest ethnic group in America and extremely resourceful. Our

culture encourages entrepreneurship as well as doing more with less. In banking, we go through many cycles and Latinos can be very resilient and adjust to the conditions required. Our Latino clients are starting to accumulate wealth and their companies are growing faster than the general market. Our Latino bankers can understand how to best serve the needs of growing companies as well as companies being forced to do more with less resources.

3. How are you empowering more Latinos to join the corporate ranks?

ET: One of the groups that I’m part of is Angeles Investors, and we have hundreds of members who are either starting/running their own companies or pursuing a successful corporate career while investing in other companies

to generate more opportunities for themselves and others. For those more inclined to pursue a corporate career, I’ve dedicated time to mentor from students to young professionals by connecting them with other successful Latino leaders.

4. Where do you see yourself going into the next 10 years?

ET: My dreams and ambitions have so far aligned with companies that want a positive change agent and are not afraid to invest in “intrapreneurial” initiatives to generate meaningful results. I’m going into a stage in my career where my most productive and impactful years are going to be in front of me. In ten years, I’m expecting to have significant impact with strategic initiatives that I will drive and influence.

“A WINNER IS A DREAMER WHO NEVER GIVES UP”

NELSON MANDELA

OUR LATINO BANKERS CAN UNDERSTAND HOW TO BEST SERVE THE NEEDS OF GROWING COMPANIES AS WELL AS COMPANIES BEING FORCED TO DO MORE WITH LESS RESOURCES.

Courtesy of Eduardo Tobon

EMPOWERING THROUGH BETTER FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS

RICARDO ELIAS

INTERNATIONAL BANKING OFFICER TEXAS REGIONAL BANK

Brief Bio:

Elias is a financial seasoned executive with over 32-year experience. He started his career in Mexico City back in 1991 as a credit analyst at Citibank Mexico until 1998 when he joined NationsBank Mexico (now Bank of America) to lead the Corporate Bank for the Multinational Clients with presence in

Mexico. From 2012 to 2014 he worked overseas in Hong Kong with HSBC Hong Kong as Asia Pacific Regional Head for the receivables financing business unit, having under his responsibility 12 countries and over 200 people. Currently he works at Texas Regional Bank, leading the International Private Bank initiative responsible for the DFW, Houston and Austin regions based out of Dallas.

1.What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a Latino in the finance industry?

RE: One of the biggest challenges I have faced and seen in my career as a Mexican in the finance industry is finding the ideal balance for the banker and for the client. That includes finding an institution that has a clear business strategy, but at the same time pursues helping the communities in which it is present to thrive financially. Also finding a business model that provides a product suite for an identified group or groups of people with similar needs, in addition, finding a bank that is willing to understand the risks associated in dealing with the Latino communities.

2.What are the main benefits Latinos entrepreneurs bring into the community? Why is Texas Regional bank interested in that specific sector?

RE: I wouldn’t just limit my answer to the Latinos

entrepreneurs, I would include established businesses in an expansion stage and large Latino corporations.

In addition to the obvious - which is investment, job creation, products and services needed by the market, etc. I would include the not so obvious items such as: a broad and proven experience in starting and running businesses under harsh economic environments and volatile economies, you can only develop this ability by being there while it happens and having to make the businesses successful and profitable. Latinos bring a cultural know-how to the community, speaking the same language and understanding the communities’ values and customs, that creates a stronger bond among the individuals.

Inspirational quote:

“BANKING WITH THE PEOPLE WE KNOW ONE RELATIONSHIP AT A TIME AND DOING IT RIGHT AT THE FIRST TIME”

Courtesy of Ricardo Elias

If you put that together with a solid institution and products and services tailor-made for such communities, you have a winning combination.

Texas Regional Bank, a regional financial institution based out of Harlingen in the Rio Grande Valley and with a significant percentage of Mexican nationals as employees. As the presence of Mexican companies and individuals continues to increase importantly in Texas, fewer banks understand what their needs are, and the people required to properly advise and solve those needs. Evidently there is a big gap between those needs and the banks willing to fulfill them, Texas Regional Bank fills that gap with, what we believe to be, the ideal business model, providing products and services to the Mexican Businessman personally and their companies in an integral approach and with the client as the center of the relationship.

3.What is the key differentiator of Texas Regional Bank?

RE: Texas Regional Bank has implemented a strategy to support in a differentiated way the Mexican community of businessmen and its companies. Mexican foreign nationals have found it very difficult to find a bank that has a real appetite towards the Mexican community, as most of the established domestic banks are not willing to invest in people with the appropriate background and knowledge of the Mexican customs that would allow the identification and mitigation of the associated risks.

Texas Regional Bank fills that gap by creating a specialized business unit named International Private Banking Group (IPBG) to pursue and support the Mexican businessman and its companies and does it in a differentiated approach both, service and credit analysis wise. The IPB group is composed of Mexican nationals that are bilingual and bicultural. We know how to negotiate and operate the “Mexican way” and the clients feel comfortable doing business with the people they know and think alike.

We can execute most of the processes utilizing electronic means which greatly facilitate the way to open and conduct business and transactions.

We have an integral approach to the relationship in every sense, we try to provide products and services for the individual and its companies, having them at the center of the relationship and bringing the product suite to suit their needs. When analyzing the client for their creditworthiness we take into consideration all cash flows and assets that the companies have both in the USA and Mexico; Most banks would limit to local cash flow and assets. Last but not least, we offer each customer a customized "concierge"-style personal service from an experienced and dedicated private banker.

These combinations of elements differentiate Texas Regional Bank as a bank that provides not only a solution and product but a whole different way to bank with the Mexican community in the US.

4.What are the main challenges Latinos face when selecting a financial institution for their needs?

RE: As already mentioned, in general, it’s difficult for Latinos to find a bank that understands and mitigates the risks involved in banking with them, a bank that speaks their language, understands and appreciates their idiosyncrasies and cultural customs. A bank that can support their companies both in their country of origin and the USA with a product suite developed and operated to fulfill their needs and not only over-the-counter solutions.

Because there aren't many options, the Latino population has been forced to bank with the institution that will take them rather than the one they select. Texas Regional Bank through their IPB Group is bringing this support to the Mexican community and hopefully soon we will be able to expand, as a whole or with individual products, to other foreign nationalities.

5.Where do you see yourself going into the next 10 years?

RE: After over 30 years of experience, working in several large international and domestic financial institutions, both in Mexico and overseas providing products and solutions to companies and individuals, I wanted to find the right institution where I could contribute and collaborate on a larger scale. An institution in a growth stage, with a sound and professional Management and operational team and, If possible, with a soul to give back to the community. Texas Regional Bank checked all the boxes for me.

Texas Regional Bank, an institution that was chartered with the main objective to support the communities in which they have a presence and that maintained a very strong growth pace through organic growth and M&A activities, this has allowed the bank to grow not only in number of clients, but in geographical presence in the state of Texas and in products and business capabilities.

Having said that, I clearly see myself with Texas Regional Bank in the long run, helping the bank maintain the growth pace, increasing the client base, expanding the product suite and providing solutions to the communities we serve.

6.What is the most critical issue banks are facing?

RE: Finding the sweet spot in which to participate in such segments and markets in a profitable and sustainable manner, putting the right team in place to effectively attend such markets, and having the appropriate product suite in place to meet the identified needs are, in my opinion, these are some of the most important challenges banks face.

Texas Regional Bank identifies gaps in communities and client groups where we find an opportunity or niche, places the right people in the right positions, creates a product suite that is specifically designed for each person and business, and offers individualized attention and care. This has turned out to be a successful combination for everyone.

Inspirational quote:

TWO OF MY FAVORITE SAYINGS:

PROMOTING CULTURAL AWARENESS

MAURICIO ORTIZ

COMERICA BANK EVP, CONTROLLER & CHIEF ACCOUNTING OFFICER

Brief Bio:

Mauricio was born and raised in Chihuahua, Mexico as the oldest of three boys. During his fifth-grade year of elementary school, his family moved to El Paso, TX. He attended the University of Texas for college, and upon

graduation, Mauricio began his career with PwC in its audit department. While his tenure at PwC was relatively short, it was very influential to his professional journey, as it led to an opportunity at Comerica Bank. Mauricio joined Comerica in 2010 and has since held positions of increasing responsibility.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a Latino in the finance industry?

MO: The biggest challenge I’ve faced is being the “first'' in many things. I was the first in my family to attend college in the States. For example, I missed registering for classes my freshman year because I didn't know I was required to attend orientation to do so. Similar scenarios were repeated in many of the subsequent milestones along my career as I was unable to draw firsthand experiences from others.

Other formative factors involved my experiences during junior high and high school, including struggles my parents endured during that time. For example, my dad was a successful accountant in Mexico, but he faced many challenges in that career once in El Paso. So, to help make ends meet my mom started a

home daycare (4 kids) which eventually grew into two large day care centers (50+ kids each). As you can imagine, this instilled in me a desire to be in business, but an aversion to pursue something in accounting. Ironically, accounting is where I’ve spent my entire professional life. On the other hand, there were many aspects of my upbringing and heritage that have helped me along the way. Coming from a different country helped broaden me and understand that there is more than one way to do things and more than one perspective. Growing up in my household taught me that when you set high expectations, with the right balance of support and understanding, you can get the most out of people. It also taught me to be confident and have conviction in your actions.

"EL FLOJO TRABAJA DOBLE" / "LAZY PEOPLE WORK TWICE AS HARD"

"EVERY LIVING THING RESPONDS TO CARE"

Kelly Williams Photography

What are your key objectives within your current position at Comerica?

MO: As Controller and Chief Accounting Officer, my team is responsible for all aspects of accounting, such as recording transactions and paying bills, as well as external reporting, regulatory reporting and tax filings. In addition, my team oversees financial transformation initiatives to better position the bank for the future from a finance infrastructure perspective.

I started at Comerica in 2010. It was a period of transition for the accounting department as it was moving many of its responsibilities down to Texas from Michigan. This provided a lot of opportunities for exposure, including an extended role in an acquisition working directly with the Chief Accounting Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and other key executives. I learned to take risks and stretch out of my comfort zone. After a period at Comerica, I started to feel that I belonged, and over the course of my tenure I’ve had the fortune of working for people who believe in me and not only give me opportunities to succeed, but also room to make mistakes.

What are the main benefits Latinos bring into the banking sector?

MO: The Latino culture tends to be a very warm, familial culture. Banking can have a stigma of being a calculated and cold industry, but Comerica has always taken pride in being a relationship bank, and these aspects of the culture play right into that. Latinos already represent a significant portion of the

population, and having people who have the ability to relate to and understand that segment of the population is a significant benefit. In addition, Latinos bring a lot of passion, heart, and soul to life. This can be a powerful fuel that drives individuals to be successful and be a force for change in the industry.

How are you empowering more Latinos to join the corporate ranks?

MO: I am the Executive sponsor of Mi Gente, an internal employee resource group whose purpose is to cultivate unity amongst Comerica’s Latino/ Hispanic colleagues and those that support our mission. This goal is accomplished through collaborative efforts from our Mi Gente leaders and members to promote colleague advancement, cultural awareness, talent attraction, and professional development while making a strong social impact in our communities. In addition, I happily participate in a variety of other forums to tell my story or support events that seek to empower and advance Latinos in the industry.

Where do you see yourself going into the next 10 years?

MO: Over the next 10 years I hope to continue making a difference in my organization. Beyond the corporate goals and personal achievements, to me the most important thing is to provide the same opportunities and support that I was afforded to those who are behind me. I hope my greatest achievement from a professional perspective will be to have a collection of folks in whose lives I’ve made a positive impact.

LATINO CULTURE TENDS TO BE A VERY WARM, FAMILIAL CULTURE. BANKING CAN HAVE A STIGMA OF BEING A CALCULATED AND COLD INDUSTRY. COMERICA HAS ALWAYS TAKEN PRIDE IN BEING A RELATIONSHIP BANK AND THESE ASPECTS OF THE CULTURE PLAY RIGHT INTO THAT.

EMPOWERING THE FUTURE:

Next Generation of Latino Legal Professionals

As a Latina in the banking industry, she has a unique perspective. She has pride in her Latino roots, although she reflected on the weight of expectations that can come from feeling that she is representative of a larger diverse culture, and the privileges she gained from her parents' emphasis on education during her formative years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Princeton University, plus a Juris Doctor and a Masters Degree from the James E. Beasley School of Law. Despite her background, Suzanne also acknowledges that she is not immune to feelings of self-doubt. She relies on her community both for support and for pointing out blind spots and areas where she can continue to grow.

SUZANNE PRYBELLA

Suzanne is influenced by her Colombian heritage on her father's side, complemented by Salvadorian and Italian roots from her mother's: “My mom instilled a pride in our heritage”, she adds, “She gave me the gift of a second language because she prioritized the need to use bilingualism as a way of furthering our community.” When asked about how this background makes her a stronger professional, Suzanne highlights the childhood values she was taught. As a young girl in Northern Virginia, she learned about bilingualism and helping others through her mom's role as a certified court interpreter in the state's legal system. She spent her high school summers volunteering in different roles in the legal community.

Regarding the positive contributions Latinos make in the banking sector, Suzanne reflected on her own family and highlighted her strong extended family bonds (which span multiple generations), loyalty, and a strong work ethic: “We celebrate our accomplishments as a family and as a community. Es nuestro orgullo de ser Latino – we take pride in our shared heritage.” She delights in sharing her culture with her children and her husband through food, language, and traditions such as adding cheese to hot chocolate, enjoying her mom's pupusas, and having piñatas at birthday celebrations.

“IF YOU’RE NOT FAILING, THEN YOU’RE NOT TRYING. DON’T BE SO AFRAID OF MAKING MISTAKES OR RISKING FAILURE THAT YOU DON’T TRY.”

Suzanne Prybella is a Senior Counsel in the Commercial Banking and Finance department at PNC, where she provides crucial support to the business and finance practice group, from small business lending to middle market and commercial lending. Her tasks involve providing legal guidance on a variety of transactions and initiatives, maintaining up-to-date form documents, and acting as a trusted advisor to her internal clients.

Suzanne Prybella Inspires the

Luisana Rodriguez Courtesy Moisés Cervantes

PNC SENIOR COUNSEL FOR COMMERCIAL BANKING AND FINANCE

PASS DOWN THE ASPECTS OF CULTURE AS THEY COME UP NATURALLY TO THE EXTENT YOU CAN.”

The conversation then shifted toward how she can encourage more Latinos to enter the corporate world from her current role. Suzanne stated that she hopes her visibility in her current role is empowering to other Latinos who may be considering a similar career. “To paraphrase Justice Sotomayor, a living role model is not only inspiration but confirmation that yes, someone like you can do this because I am just like you and here I am.” Additionally, she emphasizes her involvement in the Hispanic Bar Association of Pennsylvania (HBAPA) and its sister organization, the Legal Education Fund (LEF). Suzanne has been a board member of these organizations since graduating from law school and serves as vice president of the HBAPA and treasurer of the LEF this year. Both organizations are dedicated to strengthening the Latino community, offering representation, and nurturing the upcoming generation of Latino lawyers: “In a profession where Latinos are still very much a minority, it’s amazing to be surrounded by a community of lawyers who have been in your shoes, and who are helping to raise up the next generation of Latino lawyers. It's also just a good reminder of how it used to be, how much progress we've made, and why we're here.”

In her senior roles, she has the privilege of guiding others in her field, something she takes pride in. Suzanne believes in the importance of connecting with a community. In reflecting on her career path, she credits her network which helped her navigate the process that ultimately resulted in her current role at PNC: “I’ve been fortunate to have mentors, colleagues, friends and organizations to guide and support me on my path to becoming an attorney - from law school to law firm to in-house counsel.”

“PNC has been incredibly supportive of me both in my role as an employee and as an officer of the HBAPA and the LEF. They are invested in my professional development and leadership. It is awesome to work for an organization that values diversity and actively seeks to encourage it in the legal profession.”

Looking ahead, Suzanne is committed to being a strong role model for her children, while also focusing on her ongoing career development and honing her skills as an attorney. From her early work experiences and bilingual upbringing to her leadership positions, Suzanne serves as a representative of Latina professionals in the U.S. legal field.

“YOU

“I HOPE THAT I'M BECOMING A WISER LATINA EVERY YEAR.”

UPLIFTING LATINOS IN THE FINANCE INDUSTRY

1. Please share more about the story and mission behind Latinos in Finance.

AN: Latinos in Finance (LIF) was born in 2008 when two Latinos, Oscar Gonzalez and Emanuel Pleitez, bonded over familial and cultural values and their sad realization of the underrepresentation of Latinos at the table. They set out to build a network of others like themselves to advance our community forward, one member at a time. Today LIF continues to empower and uplift Latinos and Latinas in the finance industry, while increasing our cultural representation in Fortune 500 companies, through educational events, networking opportunities, and educational initiatives. During Hispanic Heritage Month, we hold our signature event, the Annual Finance Bootcamp, which allows us to bridge the gap for college students and professionals through scholarships, mentorship, connectivity and career advancement opportunities. Although the stats have shifted, our mission is still focused on promoting diversity, inclusion, advancement and professional development of the Latino community within the complexities of the ever-evolving finance sector.

2. What is your role within the organization?

AN: As President, I am entrusted with leading and growing LIF so that we may begin to branch out to other areas of the nation that were touched by our virtual capabilities and spread the vision of our Founders and past presidents in places where we are still unfairly represented such as in the C-Suite and Executive levels and where Latinos continue to have their names mispronounced due to the lack of diversity. Ultimately, as President, I set the course for our organization's success through leadership, strategic vision and implementation.

3. What challenges have you faced as a Latina in the finance industry?

BRIEF BIO:

Adriana Navarro, currently an Assistant Vice President (AVP) Wealth Relationship Manager at Citibank and President of Latinos in Finance (LIF), embodies a decade of unwavering dedication to the banking and financial services industry. As a trusted advisor, community leader, and ardent advocate for diversity and inclusion, her journey stands as a testament to resilience and determination. Throughout her career, Adriana has been deeply involved in organizations and initiatives dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Adriana's professional journey has spanned various esteemed firms, including Wells Fargo and Bank of America

ADRIANA NAVARRO LATINOS IN FINANCE PRESIDENT

AN: Latinas in finance face a plethora of challenges, including gender and ethnic biases, limited access to mentorship and networking opportunities, wage inequality and underrepresentation in leadership roles. Challenges like these can hinder one’s career

Escritor Courtesy of Adriana Navarro Carlos Cuevas

progression hence the importance of a supportive network like LIF. As not only a Latina, but also a DACA recipient, I was faced with the harsh reality that many first-generation students battle: work to survive or study and amass debt. A decade later, as I look back on my tenure as a working professional in finance I continue to see the disparity of the number of Latinas in high power positions. As a Latina in finance without a college degree, I found myself feeling unable to advance and break through the glass ceiling, until I encountered Latinas in Finance (LAIF), a sub-committee of Latinos in Finance. Now I am able to leverage the resources LIF and LAIF have to offer not only for my own advancement but to continue to give back to others like myself and continue to have an impact en nuestra raza until no one is faced with the impossible sacrifice made by myself and others before me.

4. How do you think the finance industry has evolved? Where do you think it is heading?

AN: The finance industry has undergone significant changes in recent years, driven by regulatory shifts, volatility, artificial intelligence and generational shifts. Technology advancements have allowed finance to become increasingly data-driven and automated, with a growing focus on sustainability, ethical investing, career pivots and risk taking. In the future, the finance industry is likely to continue evolving in these directions, embracing fintech innovations and emphasizing responsible and sustainable financial practices; however, the human connection can never be replaced as we slowly revert back to

basics – like sending handwritten notes, and picking up the phone. The finance industry will leverage AI to make processes more efficient, but humans will continue to be at the helm of innovation.

5. What advice would you give to new generations of Latinos joining the industry?

AN: Unfortunately, there is no secret sauce to succeeding in the finance industry, but as I have learned in my career trajectory, it is essential to:

i. Build a strong professional and personal network: Una conversación con un Cafecito can teach and offer you more than you could ever expect. It allows for others to see your passion and skills and to have you top of mind when the time comes.

ii. Your continuous education will give you the best ROI: Never stop learning and always be humble enough to admit when it is time to dust off your books. Always be open to pivot!

iii. Rally behind diversity: It is our differences that set us aside in the black and white world that is finance.

iv. Lead the conversation in the room: Don’t conform to other’s ideas of what you or Latinos should be - speak up and stand up for your ideas and values.

v. Be your biggest advocate: Never short sell yourself - always remember you are as worthy of the opportunity as anyone else and pursue it with passion and preparation.

Inspirational quote:

"LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE OF IT"

IN THE FUTURE, THE FINANCE INDUSTRY IS LIKELY TO CONTINUE EVOLVING IN THESE DIRECTIONS, EMBRACING FINTECH INNOVATIONS AND EMPHASIZING RESPONSIBLE AND SUSTAINABLE FINANCIAL PRACTICES; HOWEVER, THE HUMAN CONNECTION CAN NEVER BE REPLACED AS WE SLOWLY REVERT BACK TO BASICS

ELEANOR ROOSEVELT

Share some important facts about your background, family origin and education.

AS: I was born and raised in San Antonio, TX, with a younger sister, in a lower-middle class household, managed by a single mother. I grew up surrounded by my Mexican American family (predominantly females), and authentic home cooked Mexican food! I attribute my critical thinking skills, patience, and kind-hearted spirit to my upbringing, witnessing firsthand how gracefully my grandmother, mother, and aunts dealt with adversity and persevered through it all. Strong family values are what shaped the person I am today and prepared me for the journey ahead.

At the time of college graduation, I was the second in my family to graduate from college. I received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Texas at San Antonio. I am the first in my family to work for a global corporate company.

STRONG ADVOCATE FOR LATINOS

ANDREW SANCHEZ

CHIEF OF STAFF, ENTERPRISE STRATEGY TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA

Courtesy of Toyota Motor North America

Brief Bio:

Prior to serving as Manager of Local Content and Parts Analysis, Andrew was the Supervisor of Corporate Fixed Assets for TMNA. He was responsible for overseeing all fixed asset related transactions for TMNA, Toyota Motor Sales, Toyota Logistics Services, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North

America, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA. He joined TMNA in 2016 however, began his career with Toyota in 2007 at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (TMMTX). He has an extensive manufacturing background having served as a Specialist in various Accounting & Finance functions including Financial Management, General Ledger, Fixed Assets and Cost Management

What made you pick your college studies and majors?

AS: In my first year of college, I had the opportunity to work for the Archdiocese of San Antonio, a non-profit organization, in a summer temporary position helping in the accounting office. I first was assigned general administrative tasks and then learned other tasks such as accounts payable and accounts receivable. I started to take interest in that work and asked to learn more. I began to work closely with the Accounting Manager and supported billing, financial analysis, and month-end processing of journal entries to close the books. As I returned to college to start my second year, I decided at that point to further my education in accounting and pursue my degree in that field. The summer job turned into a permanent part-time job while I was in college and then I was offered a full-time position after graduating. It goes to show how important internships and “real-life” work experience early on in your college journey help influence your education and professional path.

Inspirational quote:

What have been constant values and skills you have worked with during your professional career?

AS: My commitment to teamwork, empathy, and ability to connect with others to drive change and engagement. I am an innovative and motivational leader who takes pride in being able to bring my authentic self to work every day. People feel and recognize this and can connect easier with me. These connections have helped build a strong network which have afforded me opportunities throughout my professional career.

How did the opportunity to work for Toyota come?

AS: When Toyota announced they were building a manufacturing plant in San Antonio, it was BIG news for the city. I remember family and friends talking about how many jobs this was going to bring. Although I never pictured myself working in manufacturing, given my accounting background, I started to do research on the company, just for my own curiosity. I learned about the types of products they build, services they provide, jobs they offer, and how quality, continuous improvement, and respect for people was foundational in the company’s day-to-day operations. I thought to myself, wow, Toyota sounds like a great company to work for but honestly, I was not looking to leave my job with the Archdiocese. I was comfortable with my responsibilities and enjoyed working with the people on my team. I moved on and gave no other thought in looking to change jobs. One evening as I was surfing the internet, I came across a local news report that mentioned Toyota. The report was highlighting the workforce in San Antonio and how Toyota was starting to make a positive impact in the community. I remember clicking a link in the article to the company’s website which then lead me to the careers page. I saw that there was an open position in the accounting and finance department for a cost management specialist. I did not understand what that meant but looked at the job description, thought it sounded interesting, and simply applied. I knew it did not hurt to apply and if I did not hear back, it would be ok because I had stability in my current job. A few months later I heard back from HR, interviewed three times with various levels of management, and then I was offered the position. The rest is history!

Can you share facts about your role and position at Toyota?

AS: For the past year and a half, I serve as Chief of Staff in Toyota’s Enterprise Strategy Division. I am responsible for collaborating with Toyota North America top executives to deploy company-wide strategic initiatives, help set the decision framework to bring strategies to reality, and support Enterprise Strategy’s objective to set Toyota North America’s North Star, ever increasing customer delight in a connected, electrified future of mobility.

I spent most of my 15-year Toyota career in corporate and manufacturing Accounting & Finance functions including Financial Management, General Ledger, Fixed Assets and Cost Accounting & Management. Most recently I held the position of Manager, Local Content and Parts Analysis in Toyota’s Finance division. I ensured $2B+ of annual vehicle duty savings by leading Toyota’s transition from North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to United States, Mexico, Canada Free Trade Agreement (USMCA). Additionally, I was responsible for manufacturing cost analysis & intercompany pricing for North American powertrains and service & production parts.

I currently serve as Chair on the North American Advisory Council for Toyota’s Business Partnering Group, TODOS - Toyota Organization for the Development of Latinos. The advisory council serves as a strategic umbrella for 9 TODOS chapters across our North American operations, ensuring alignment to overall company goals and objectives, providing advice and support to our chapter boards, and connecting strategic goals of the chapters to impact business around Workforce, Workplace, and Marketplace.

What do you think we can do to promote more Latino(a) professionals in corporations like Toyota?

AS: Sponsorship plays a leading role in helping to promote more Latino(a) professionals. Professionals in our community are over mentored and under sponsored. We need strong advocates who are willing to help drive visibility and take risks on Latino(a) leaders who do not have the opportunity to come from under the radar. Building a strong pipeline is important and can be achieved by other Latino(a) leaders helping to “pay it forward” by means of sharing their own experience, coaching, and sponsorship.

“IT’S US AGAINST THE WORLD, FOCUS ON CONQUERING YOURSELF, AND CLAIM YOUR OWN VICTORY!

WE NEED STRONG ADVOCATES WHO ARE WILLING TO HELP DRIVE VISIBILITY AND TAKE RISKS ON LATINO(A) LEADERS WHO DO NOT HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO COME FROM UNDER THE RADAR.

DRIVING CHANGE IN THE FINANCE INDUSTRY

Brief Bio:

Carlos Funes Garay has more than 30 years of experience in the ICT industry, where he has distinguished himself for being a strong promoter of this sector as an engine of development for the country, acting actively

from different positions in local and global organizations in the industry. With his incorporation to Softtek in 1988, Carlos Funes began a trajectory characterized by business-focused achievements, culminating in a project management specialization and being invited to join Softtek's group of partners.

How do you think being a Latino has influenced your professional journey?

CF: In this sense, I would first highlight the positive impact that I have had professionally and personally from the opportunity to work in different countries, particularly in the US. Being exposed to new markets, where the way of doing business was very different from what I had experienced in Latin America, as well as understanding a path of professional and personal relationships based on foreign cultures, became a new skill that allowed me to begin to open doors and develop new opportunities globally, always with an understanding that encompassed business, but also interpersonal relationships with executives from different countries.

Likewise, I believe that my Latin culture helped to enrich the knowledge and training that I was gaining by being able to participate in different markets since the warmth that characterizes us was a critical factor in facilitating the development of relationships with my colleagues, not only professionally, but also personally, thus

generating several relationships that ultimately, several of them became friendships, who today continue to help me open doors and continue to deepen my understanding of how business and different cultures evolve around the world.

Finally, it has been essential for me to capitalize on all this learning to pass it on to the people in the Latino community with whom I have the opportunity to collaborate, as well as to establish precedents that will open the way for more Latinos seeking to develop in different and highly challenging markets such as the United States, thus motivating them to continue working to bring their talent to a global level and in turn pass on what they have learned to their countries of origin, creating new spaces of opportunity and talent for the community.

What has been the biggest challenge you've faced professionally?

CF: Throughout my career, I have faced many significant challenges of different kinds, where undoubtedly, one of the

most important was understanding how to manage and develop global relationships in a business world where personal relationships are essential, as I pointed out in the previous question. However, besides that, one has to learn to understand the technical factors that play in each country, from the labor culture, the different regulations that exist in each country, the understanding of tax factors, and customer expectations, which can change radically from country to country. Achieving this is undoubtedly key to being able to play a global role that helps to accomplish the objectives of the organizations with which you collaborate.

Likewise, it is always important to keep in mind that you do not act alone. We constantly work in teams, which can be very diverse in every way, so achieving a clear focus towards the same objectives and alignment to global organizational standards is vital to achieving the result. However, this is only the first stage, since in my opinion, the main challenge comes later, having to lead teams that remain united and motivated in the pursuit of results in the short, medium, and long term, whereas professionals and people

CARLOS FUNES SOFTTEK

GLOBAL HEAD OF BANKING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES AND CEO OF MEXICO

Courtesy of Carlos Funes F. Izquierdo

have to be aware of the need to remain in a constant evolution, allowing them to adapt to the continuous changes that are experienced in the world of technology, so that they can always maintain a vision focused on innovation and customer value, so that they can transcend in time, beyond geographical, cultural, political, economic, labor and many other barriers that they will face continuously throughout their career, thus achieving the formation and consolidation of high-performance teams, who know how to provide continuous value to the customer, the organization and society.

How would you describe your leadership style?

CF: I consider that my leadership is based on an inclusive style, focused on fostering collaboration and recognition of people and their work. Likewise, I like to encourage people's creativity by constantly opening spaces for innovation, where they feel free to express their ideas and concerns in a safe and highly collaborative environment so we can transform this into value for our clients, our company, and our communities.

Likewise, I always seek to motivate my teams to keep their vision oriented to strategic issues, thus enriching the dynamics of the group and achieving a common approach that allows us to have a continuous understanding of the problems of our customers and the changes they have daily so that we can always be aligned and at the forefront so that the solutions we provide add value and allow us to remain relevant as an organization, as a team and as professionals through continuous evolution and growth.

Another thing that characterizes me as a leader is that I always try to be close to people, beyond the professional, creating long-term relationships that every day give me precious professional and personal learning, allowing me to continue leading in a real, reciprocal and human way, in an environment where people can feel free and confident to unleash their potential.

What are your goals for your current role at Softtek?

CF: I am currently responsible for developing and consolidating Softtek's capabilities to serve in a specialized way and with a focus on generating business value for organizations in the global banking, financial services, and fintech industry so that through a deep understanding of this sector, as well as the technology that today and in the future will guide its evolution, we can deliver the capabilities and talent to help successfully enable their transformation on the road to become fully digital organizations.

Thus, today, my main goals are focused on being able to evolve our competitive value offering and align it to the needs and objectives of banking, fintech, and financial services organizations, addressing not only the change they seek within their organization but also deepening the understanding of their customers and the expectations they have of these companies, so that, through the use and implementation of next-generation technologies, they can provide personalized and unique experiences. At the same time, their business operates increasingly efficiently and agilely, allowing them to become increasingly digital and flexible organizations to adapt to the continuous disruptions of the market, business, people, and, of course, technology.

We must achieve all this within a framework of profitability for the business, allowing us to transfer more and more value to our shareholders, our employees, and, of course, to our customers in each of the markets where we operate, always taking into account the particularities of each one of them, their objectives and their needs in a local and global environment, thus positioning ourselves as a technological leader capable of accompanying their digital evolution from end to end.

In this way, we seek to position the banking and financial services unit I lead as one of Softtek's three most successful units in each market where we operate, with the United States being our primary objective.

Inspirational quote:

If you were to go back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self?

CF: In general, I am satisfied with my achievements and how I have gotten here. I don't think there are many things I would change in the decisions I have been making throughout my professional career since, in the end, each one of the successes and mistakes I have had has become lessons that have made me the person I am today, not only as a professional but also as a person, husband, son, and a very proud father.

In the same way, assuming and being aware of each of these learnings today allows me to be a leader capable of supporting my teams in their respective processes so that they can achieve their definitions of success.

But, if, in the end, I could go back in time and give some advice to my past self, maybe it would be to seek a better balance between my personal and professional life since that is the only part in which I think I wish I had done something different so that without neglecting my professional goals and objectives, I could have also dedicated more time to be with my family and friends, which would have made this path a much more enjoyable and complete one than it has been so far.

I LOVE WORKING IN THE DIGITAL WORLD, ALWAYS PROMOTING THE IDEA THAT WE HAVE TO LEAVE SOMETHING THAT ALLOWS US TO TRANSCEND EVERY DAY THROUGH PRACTICES, SHARED EXPERIENCES, AND BUILDING WHILE ALWAYS THINKING BEYOND THE PRESENT IN A FUTURE WHERE YOU CAN LEAVE YOUR MARK.

MY MAIN GOALS ARE FOCUSED ON BEING ABLE TO EVOLVE OUR COMPETITIVE VALUE OFFERING AND ALIGN IT TO THE NEEDS AND OBJECTIVES OF BANKING, FINTECH, AND FINANCIAL SERVICES ORGANIZATIONS, ADDRESSING NOT ONLY THE CHANGE THEY SEEK WITHIN THEIR ORGANIZATION BUT ALSO DEEPENING THE UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR CUSTOMERS

BY FRANCISCO ARIAS

CIGAR REVIEW

GOD OF FIRE SERIE ANIVERSARIO SALOMON (6.5"X56))

The God of Fire line pays homage to Prometheus, who took fire from the deities to bestow upon humanity. Unfortunately, Prometheus faced dire consequences for his theft and endured neverending suffering. Crafted by Arturo Fuente cigars in the Dominican Republic, the God of Fire series stands as one of the most coveted and prized cigar collections worldwide.

The God of Fire Aniversario showcases an Ecuadorian wrapper enveloping a blend of Dominican long fillers. This cigar, available only for a limited time, offers a mild to medium-bodied experience characterized by an initial nutty essence that gradually transforms into velvety, creamy undertones. The flavor profile remains well-balanced, intricate, and unwavering from start to finish. With its understated, delectable, and invigorating character, this cigar is suitable for indulgence at any hour of the day.

Wrapper: Ecuador Sun grown

Binder: Dominican

Filler: Dominican

Price: $29.50

Pre light cold draw: sweet and bitter sensations

First Third: This beauty, begins with sweet flavors that beautifully complements my Puerto Rican Coffee

Second Third: Slightly spicier during the second third, which I love!

Final Third: Hints of cinnamon complement this early morning smoking experience.

As anticipated, the retro hale offered a seamless experience, and the draw required minimal effort. The ash appeared white and somewhat brittle, though not as solid as my usual preference. The burn remained consistent throughout, and a full guillotine cut was selected for this 60 ring work of art. The smoking duration extended for an hour, and in terms of strength, it ranks as a 5 on a scale of 1 to 10.

These God of Fire cigars stand out for their exceptional smoothness, making them an ideal choice whether it's morning, afternoon, late evening, or a round on the golf course.

Recently I had the pleasure of visiting San Francisco, my favorite city, including its surroundings. It’s of big significance because that’s the place where everything started for me regarding my passion for cigars and tobacco.

PALATE CELEBRATION

Molly Dooker Wines

“Blue Eyed Boy” Shiraz

2020 McLaren Vale. ($45)

•Always an outstanding wine, this deep and fruity Shiraz is no exception. After some oak and vanilla notes, it shows deep fruit background followed evolving plum, ripe cherry marmalade and vanilla accents. It is a deep, muscular wine with complexity and concentration, showing finesse and soft tannins. Aromatic, perfumed, savory and succulent, would be my perfect description words. This is a great Australian producer, and their wines are complex and sophisticated but at the same time easy to understand. We drank this one while prepping the grill for a Sunday evening BBQ.

DuMOL Bressay

Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir

Sonoma Coast ($124).

•This wine is always a beauty; awesome flowery and cherry notes with violet and rose petal hints. Sweet spice and some chocolate insinuations. Medium to full bodied, fresh, candid and perfumed. Elegant wine with succulent fruity notes, well rounded structure, and long mellow finish. DuMol is a pretty reliable producer and one of my favorite producers of Pinot Noir Noir and Chardonnay, their Burgundy-like style is refined and delicious!

Chateau Rieussec

R Blanc 2018 ($43).

• Someone having a terrible warm summer?? This one is the perfect way to end a warm day before dinner: Clean and crisp with tropical notes of mangoes, guava, and watermelon. Medium bodied with certain mineral and citric hints. Easygoing wine, with enough punch to pair a meal with white fish, sushi or a veal sausage. Based in Sauvignon Blanc and perhaps some Semillon into the blend, since this is a reputed Sauternes producer, this wine is a hidden jewel for its price.

Produttori del Barbaresco “Ovello” Riserva 2016 BARBARESCO ($75).

• Pure Nebbiolo magic here! From this reputable producer and from a single vineyard and outstanding vintage. Couldn’t ask for more! Luscious wine with ruby red color and lots of fresh fruit on the first nose. Aromatic, with plum, cherry, red candy, and hibiscus notes on the palate. Beautiful wine to sip with a good old pizza slice!! I recommend decant it at least three hours before drinking, this kind of wine will express all they have to give by doing that, although this is still young with maybe 20 more years in the bottle.

Chateau Los Boldos Grand Cru 2008 (Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot) Alto Cachapoal. ($38).

• So, this came from my cellar where I have bottles that I bought long time ago and have been ageing there for years. It turned to be a perfect mature and ripe Cabernet Sauvignon, probably at its best, displaying fabulous red fruit notes with accentuated spiced, earthy and baked blueberry pie hints. Medium body, soft tannins and silky texture. A delicate wine, that shows the elegance of high-quality production from Chile.

Pago de Carraovejas “El Anejon” Ribera del Duero 2016 ($156).

• It took a long time for me to get this bottle. Only way to get it is on-line and I had to wait for weeks to arrive. A very sought-after label, this one comes from a fantastic producer from Ribera del Duero. Finally, the night that I decided to open is it was showing nice lactic and vanilla aromas emerging from the glass as I poured. Deep dark red berries, and before start noticing the fruit, you discover the amazing silky and sophisticated texture. Cherries, blueberries, and blackberries. Complex with an amazing body and roundness. Impressive, bold and 100% fruit driven. A true experience worth every penny and minute.

Jorge Ferráez @ JFerraez_Latino @ferraez.wine Luis E. González