CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Carlos Minetti Discover Financial Services
TITLE:
President, Consumer Banking and Operations EDUCATION:
BS, Texas A&M University; MBA, University of Chicago LAST BOOK I READ:
Steve Jobs, by Walter Isaacson MY PERFECT DAY:
Christmas Eve, when my immediate and extended family gets together INTERESTS:
Sailing, coaching and playing soccer, reading, traveling
HEADQUARTERS: Riverwoods, Illinois WEBSITE: www.discoverfinancial.com BUSINESS: Financial services REVENUES: $7.1 billion EMPLOYEES: 11,650
› What motivated you to choose your field/career path? How did you come by your current position? I had a summer internship at Peru’s largest bank where I was able to help analyze and rate commercial loans. The work was challenging and I was able to make a contribution in a short period of time. This is when I developed an interest in financial services. ›
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? Being a part of the fastest growing minority is exciting, as the Latino community’s presence in both politics and business in the U.S. is expanding rapidly. Both as a consumer and as a business person, I am more aware of businesses recognizing and beginning to cater to the growing Latino consumer. I am confident that we will see great things from the next generation of Latino men and women.
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What are the major values of your heritage? How have they helped you in your career? I learned the values that shaped my career from my father and grandfather. They taught me to always give 100 percent, be resilient, and to treat everyone the way I want to be treated. I learned more about business from listening and being around them than anywhere else, which highlights the importance of strong role models.
Hannah Breshin-Otero DynCorp International HEADQUARTERS: Falls Church, Virginia
TITLE:
WEBSITE: www.dyn-intl.com
Senior Counsel, Labor and Employment
BUSINESS: Government services REVENUES: $3.7 billion
EDUCATION:
EMPLOYEES: 25,000
AB, Princeton University; JD, Columbia Law School
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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? Approximately 50 million Hispanics account for 16 percent of the U.S population. These demographics revealed by the 2010 census, coupled with a purchasing power estimated at over $1 trillion, shows that Hispanics are undoubtedly influencing the consumer marketplace.
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Are there any groups, social or business, that have been particularly helpful to you? My long-time and active involvement with the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) has been invaluable. I have served on the Board of Governors as Region V President and currently serve on the Board for the HNBA’s Legal Education Fund. It’s a great organization serving an important mission with an impressive network of professionals.
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What advice would you give the next generation of Hispanic/Latino business leaders? What are some tips for other Hispanics/Latinos beginning their careers? Work hard and remain true to yourself. Remember to give back to your community and mentor those behind you.
September/October 2012
LAST BOOK I READ:
Even Silence Has an End, by Ingrid Betancourt MY PERFECT DAY:
Spending time with my family, ideally at a beach INTERESTS:
Traveling, cooking, cycling
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