CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Lucy Sorrentini-Garcia Booz Allen Hamilton TITLE:
Principal, People Services Talent Acquisition & Deployment EDUCATION:
BS, College of New Rochelle; MBA, Farleigh Dickinson University LAST BOOK I READ:
The 10 Laws of Enduring Success, by Maria Bartiromo MY PERFECT DAY:
Hanging out in my backyard listening to music, enjoying a nice brunch, a good mimosa, and sharing stories and laughs with family and friends INTERESTS:
Exploring possibilities and problem solving, real estate
HEADQUARTERS: McLean, Virginia WEBSITE: www.boozallen.com BUSINESS: Management and technology consulting REVENUES: $5.86 billion EMPLOYEES: 25,000
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How has your heritage been beneficial or helpful in your career/and or business relationships? My Hispanic heritage has been very beneficial to me both personally and professionally. Growing up, I learned the value of having strong relationships, hard work, appreciating opportunities big and small, valuing differences, and focusing on doing what is right. I personally witnessed my Mom’s incredibly strong work ethic as she came to this country and with the unexpected passing of my father, she quickly learned to balance work outside of the home while simultaneously raising seven children as a young widow. She taught me all about work/life balance even before that was a common term in corporate America. I learned through her stories and through her example all about my Puerto Rican Heritage and how much a Puerto Rican woman can and does contribute to society.
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Are there any stereotypes of Hispanics/Latinos that should be refuted or are incorrect? I think we will always find stereotypes, positive or negative, of any ethnic group and when I come across the ones that don’t fit for Hispanics, I take this as an opportunity to educate and refute any misperceptions. I also believe that as Hispanics we have an obligation to educate and lead by example. Thus, while my words might have an impact and set the record straight in specific conversations, my actions have been known to carry more clout and many times speak much louder than my words.
Joe Ripoll Caesars Entertainment Corporation TITLE:
Regional Vice President of Latin Marketing EDUCATION:
BS, University of Nevada, Las Vegas LAST BOOK I READ:
The Art of Happiness, by the Dalai Lama MY PERFECT DAY:
Every day is the perfect day. I try not to take a single one for granted. INTERESTS:
Family time, traveling, meditation, reading, any activity that allows for introspection and reflection
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HEADQUARTERS: Las Vegas, Navada WEBSITE: www.caesars.com BUSINESS: Hospitality/gaming REVENUES: $8 billion EMPLOYEES: 70,000
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What does it mean to be a part of the fastest growing minority in the U.S.? How does that alter how you are treated as a consumer and a person? It means a lot to me. It is great to feel much more culturally integrated into the U.S. as others have embraced our ethnic food, holidays, and music. As a member of this demographic it is exciting to be a part of the many upcoming opportunities to contribute to economic development. I am positive in the next five years we will see a much larger representation of Hispanic/Latino leaders in the U.S. in every sector than ever before.
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Are there any stereotypes of Hispanics/Latinos that should be refuted or are incorrect? Hispanic/Latinos are not just one ethnic group. We are very diversified within our group that comes from everywhere (Europe to South America). Our ethnicity is a collection of many culturally rich groups of people.
› What do you think is the greatest issue or dilemma facing the Hispanic/Latino community today? The cost of higher education. With the ever-increasing cost of higher education, many youth are writing off the importance of education because they feel that they are priced out of the opportunity to attend. In short, they quit before they have ever begun.
PROFILES IN DIVERSITY JOURNAL
September/October 2012