Latinos in the Workplace – breaking barriers, shaping the future.
Key takeaways and learnings from the event shared by Jose Alvarez:
Latinos play a vital role in the economy and have a strong presence in important companies and organizations nationally. It is important for Latino leaders to continue to be a voice for their community and rally for representation and inclusion.
Leaders have a significant impact on organizational culture, and it is important to understand and cultivate a positive and inclusive culture. Sharing personal stories and passion for what you do can inspire and impact others.
All of us are leaders and have a responsibility to our community and we have a great opportunity to shape the future of not just RCU but all the communities we serve! Listen to Jose’s short video message:
Teamwork makes the dreamwork.
RCU’s Business Services Hispanic Chamber of Commerce partnered to deliver a free Small Business Seminar all in Spanish in May for Small Business Month It was a success and wonderful demonstration of teamwork cross departmental (special shout - outs to Alma Magallon, Jose Bustamante, Cristian Zendejas & Rio Macchia) .
We had over 42 attendees, all who were very engaged Having this partnership between RCU and the Hispanic Chamber is important as a way to further support our Latino Spanish - speaking business community. As a result from the event, we’ve identified ways we can better serve our community through our business financing options (lines of credit, credit cards), business services (merchant and insurance services) and business banking .
Meaningful impact beyond a sponsorship
RCU was the presenting student showcase sponsor at CTE Foundation’s Spark the Future event. The event was a celebration of our Sonoma County youth and the work they are doing through career technical education pathways at their respective schools. Over 10 local high and junior schools were represented. RCU team member, and CTE Foundation Board Member, Priscilla Jaworski-Quintanilla had the opportunity to represent onstage, share remarks and announce the student showcase winner. During the onstage remarks, messaging around diversity, equity and inclusion were incorporated and commitment to student equity proclaimed.
RCU’s people power was in full force volunteering on-site raising over $6,000 in just a few hours. The evening was a huge success, surpassing the fundraising goal and reaching nearly $380,000 funds raised to support. Finally, we were able to share Analy High School’s culinary class as the winner of the student showcase, and shared that the winning class would receive teen accounts with $25 deposited into their account for each student in the class. After the event, we met with the winning class, delivered the good news about their new teen accounts, provided some money tips, and in partnership with CTE Foundation, presented the class with a proclamation from Senator McGuire's office. The RCU magic was in full force on so many levels, making a tremendous impact not only for this nonprofit organization, but directly with our students and school communities. The RCU magic in action!