Latino Leaders Magazine | September 2015

September 2015 Vol. 16 No. 5

www.latinoleaders.com

The Corporate and Board e d i t i o n

TORCHBEARER:

JAVIER

PALOMÁREZ ’S QUEST FOR TAKING LATINOS TO THE NEXT LEVEL

MEET

THE BEST HAT DESIGNER IN THE WORLD (HE’S HISPANIC)

PORTFOLIO

FOUR INSPIRATIONAL LEADERS FOR HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2015

20

COVER STORY: LEADER OF THE PACK Javier Palomรกrez, the bold president of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Comerce, is taking his organization to unprecedented heights.

2 โ ข September 2015

CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2015

14 Portfolio

For Hispanic Heritage Month, Víctor Cornejo is making the most stylish hats in the world; Claudia Sandoval makes a run to become the Masterchef; Linda Camacho is forming inroads in the publishing industry and Benjamín Galaz is the gastronomic star of the Sonoran desert and wants to convert a Tucson street into a Latino cultural niche.

VÍCTOR CAMACHO, DESIGNER FOR MILANO HATS AND DORFMAN PACIFIC, AT THE MANUFACTURING PLANT IN GARLAND, TEXAS.

14

20 Media relations Inez González is preparing the next generation of Hispanics for media.

22 Proust Ralph de la Vega comes clean in our Proust Questionnaire.

24 The corporate and board edition The sage of the industry, Pablo Schneider, edits and homes in on the latest from the corporate and board world.

By Pablo Schneider, Kristen Schneider, César Arredondo and Laura Rivas.

56 Moving up Alice Rodríguez, one of the top

bankers in the nation, talks about business, family and leadership.

62 Alpfa Always believe Erica Hernández, an

analyst from Detroit, believes that teamwork is the key to success.

64 Club Leaders of Los Angeles

The Hispanic leaders of tomorrow convened in Los Angeles at the Club Leaders of the Future.

67 Miami in motion The brightest of the youngest got together at the Club Leaders of the Future in Miami for a memorable night.

70 Master of masters Latino Leaders Magazine

and sponsors recognize this year’s Chicago’s best leaders of Chicago.

74 Back to the ’80s The Walkman makes a comeback with the goal of recuperating its throne; Bowers & Wilkins P5 S2 headphones may be the best cans of their level in the business.

76 Wealth Miami’s entrepreneurs gathered for the Wealth Creation event.

4 • September 2015

LINDA CAMACHO, AT A MANHATTAN BOOKSTORE. CAMACHO IS A BOOK AGENT FOR PROSPECT AGENCY.

JORGE & RAUL FERRAEZ / PRESIDENTS OF FERRAEZ USA

A CONVERSATION WITH THE PUBLISHER

I

Good Leadership, good assets for the USHCC

I met Javier Palomárez for the first time in Dallas just after he started as President and CEO of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, thanks to my good friend Nina Vaca, who also was starting as Chair of the Board of the USHCC. I already stated that previous to the arrival of this “fantastic duo” as many call them; the USHCC for me was not that relevant. It is through the work of Javier and his team that this organization has acquired the relevance it once had and the one it should have.

That is why we’re dedicating our cover to Javier Palomárez in a very candid interview he gave us in two parts, the first one in Dallas on July 23rd 2014 and the second part in Washington D.C. on August 20th, 2015. Both conversations were good and well nurtured.

The first one in Dallas was from the heart: it was passionate, intimate and very JAVIER PALOMÁREZ (LEFT), PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE U.S. HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, WITH LATINO LEADprofound. I was about his personal story, ERS MAGAZINE PUBLISHER, JORGE FERRÁEZ (TOP RIGHT) AND JOSEPH TREVIÑO (BOTTOM RIGHT), EDITOR. a great story of leadership.

The second one in Washington came from the head. It was more about his job, his dreams and his objectives and challenges as head of this great organization.

Javier is a fantastically well-connected person. His position has given him access to many leaders, access that many other people would die for.

I’m sure he is using all these contacts to work in advancing the Latino businesses in the US. And also, to pave the road for others to keep growing their businesses, which is absolutely necessary to continue generating that critical mass that Latinos need to be more influential in our country.

Also, in this edition, we present our First Corporate Edition, which is the evolution of what used to be the Boards Edition. Thanks to the talent and work of our Special Editor Pablo Schneider and the work of all of the writers and researchers under the direction of Joseph Treviño, our Editor in Chief, this edition is probable the best ever in terms of the coverage of the status and role that Latinos play in corporate America.

Hope you enjoy it!

6 • September 2015

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR WHAT THIS ALL MEANS

T

Connecting Leaders, Inspiring the Future

A LOOK AT THE BOARD WORLD AND A KID WHO TELLS IT LIKE IT IS.

This is a special edition.

Well, all Latino Leaders issues are special in one way or another. But this one is even more so.

For this issue we have Mr. Pablo Schneider, a sage of the corporate and board world like few writers out there. Mr. Schneider, who is our guest editor for this edition, has covered these areas for decades and knows the Latino corporate area perhaps better than anyone.

We are proud to have him with us.

So why is covering the corporate and board beat so important? Ah, good question.

There, within the boards of America’s corporations lie tucked in the dreams and aspirations of countless who hope to advance in their careers.

As Mr. Schneider points out, it is here that the next wave of civil rights for minorities will be fought. Civil rights in popular culture are a noble cause, but lets face it, for most people, if you want to get to the next level in life, it often comes via their careers.

It is not enough that Latinos find good mentors.

That’s great.

But without no one looking out for them, a supervisor to guide them, someone from up the corporate ladder who recognizes their talent and passion, they will, at best remain where they are at.

There lies the problem. As many human resources directors insist, someone needs to go beyond mentoring. In corporate lingo, it’s called “sponsoring.”

That is just one of the areas where new board members can do a lot of good. They not only have to make sure that good Latino employees are mentored, but insist that people on top take the risk and sponsor them.

The folks that Mr. Schneider interviewed for this issue are striking in every way. If the rest of the nation needs proof that Hispanics could be the guiding light out of the chasm of mediocrity darkness, they only need to read this edition.

I was at the feast of Los 300, a dinner gala in Mexico City that celebrates the 300 most influential Mexicans of 2015. All the heavy hitters where there and if you weren’t there, you are not influential.

Amidst some of the most talented people in Mexico, with their beautiful families in the Auditorio Nacional, Rafael España de la Garza, a 14-year-old kid stole the show. The schoolboy made an impassioned plea to Mexico’s top leaders (President Enrique Peña Nieto was supposed to show up but canceled at the last minute) to fight for a better country, criticizing “business and political leaders who only look out for their own interests.”

“What makes me sad is to see that what they are doing is not changing my reality,” he said.

Publisher Jorge Ferraez

President and CEO Raul Ferraez

Editor-in-Chief: Joseph Treviño jtrevino@latinoleaders.com Director of Journalism: Mariana Gutierrez Briones mariana@latinoleaders.com Director of Communications & Special Events Yol-Itzma Aguirre yaguirre@latinoleaders.com Administrative Director: Christina Bacon cbacon@latinoleaders.com Circulation Manager and Editorial Assistant Stephanie Rivas srivas@latinoleaders.com Washington, D.C. Sales Associate and Representative Deyanira Ferraez dferraez@latinoleaders.com Art Director: Fernando Izquierdo ferdiseno@latinoleaders.com Editorial Art & Design: Rodrigo Valderrama Carlos Cuevas Luis Enrique González Human Resources Manager: Susana Sanchez Administration and Bookkeeping: Claudia García Bejarano Executive Assistant to the Publishers: Liliana Morales Circulation System Manager: Raúl Hernández For advertising inquiries, please call 214-206-4966 x 225.

Latino Leaders: The National Magazine of the Successful American Latino (ISSN 15293998) is published seven times annually by Ferraez Publications of America Corp., 15443 Knoll Trail, Suite 210, 75248 Dallas, TX, USA, September 2015.

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.

Go Rafael. A brave new leader indeed.

And a child will lead them.

Member of The National Association of Hispanic Publications

Audited by Member of Reg. # 283/01

MEMBER OF SRDS

8 • September 2015

Latino Leaders The National Magazine of the Successful American Latino 15443 Knoll Trail, Suite 210, 75248 Dallas, TX, USA Phone: (214) 206-4966 / Fax: (214) 206-4970

LEADERS

Stories by Staff

MONITOR

of Latino Leaders

Courtesy photos

UNITED AIRLINES NAMES OSCAR MUÑOZ AS CEO

U

nited Airlines has a new president and chief executive officer, following the ousting of their previous CEO due to a government probe.

Effective immediately Oscar Muñoz, who recently served as president and chief operating officer for the transportation company CSX Corporation, is in, and former chairman and president Jeff Smisek, who is under federal investigation, is out, according to a release from United Continental Holdings. Muñoz will continue to serve on United’s board of directors.

Muñoz comes to his new title with a background working in the transportation as well as consumer industries. His résumé includes such brand names as AT&T, PepsiCo and the Coca-Cola Company.

A release from United Continental Holdings Inc. reports the new CEO will continue to serve on at United’s board of directors.

Oscar Muñoz

HOW WE SEA THE FUTURE

A

s the world’s largest travel and leisure company, with a workforce of over 120,000 employees from 60 countries, diversity is part of the DNA of Carnival Corporation.

Arnold W. Donald, President and CEO, certainly embraces and values diversity and inclusion, “Across 10 incredible brands, our employees work hard every day to deliver memorable moments that exceed our guests’ expectations.I believe that a cohesive, diverse team will outinnovate a homogeneous team 99.9% of the time.”

Diversity starts at the helm where six of the 10 brands are led by diverse leadership. The company’s highest-ranking Hispanic is Arnaldo Pérez, General Counsel Carlos Orta, Vice President of and Secretary, who has been on board Corporate Affairs of Carnival since 1996.

Earlier this year, Carnival Corporation became the first cruise company to receive U.S. approval to begin travel to Cuba in May of 2016, aboard its newest brand, Fathom. For more information, please visit the World’s Leading Cruise Lines at www.wlcl.com.

10 • September 2015

4TH ANNUAL COMADRES AND COMPADRES LATINO WRITERS CONFERENCE

T

he 4th Annual Comadres and Compadres Writers Conference, which will take place at The New School in New York City, New York on October 3, 2015 will provide Latino writers with access to published Latino authors as well as agents and editors who have a proven track record of publishing Latino books.

In previous years writers have traveled from as far as California, Mexico, and England to attend.

Feedback from participants has been enthusiastic, according to organizers and they invite people to join them this year as a sponsor, advertiser, and/ or attendee.

The conference, which will feature Christina García as a keynote speaker, will include one on one sessions with agents and editors, panelists, organizers and will take place at 55 W 13th Street, New York NY 10011. For more information, organizers ask that you contact Nora de Hoyos Comstock at nora.comstock@gmail.com, or at 512928-8780.

PORTFOLIO

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH Stories by Staff

of Latino Leaders Magazine

VICTOR CORNEJO

12 • September 2015

HAT DESIGNER AND BRAND MANAGER FOR MILANO HATS AND DORFMAN PACIFIC, AT THE COMPANY’S GARLAND, TEXAS PLANT.

Yes, yes yes.

It’s true that Hispanic Heritage Month may have begun as a government-pushed festivity, but the 30-day celebration has gone legit since President Lyndon B. Johnson approved it (starting out as a week).

For this Portfolio we are steering about from the corporate side and showcasing leaders who have defied the odds and made it when few thought they would. They all went off the beaten path and came through.

There’s Victor Cornejo, perhaps America’s best hat designer; Benjamín Galaz, the modern father of the Sonoran Hot Dog; Linda Camacho, one of the few Latinas in the publishing industry and Claudia Sandoval, who is following a family tradition of cooking while competing in Fox’s Superchef TV series.

From different backgrounds and places, they all make us proud.

HAT TRICK Víctor Cornejo went from being a young prodigy hat designer for Stetson to a master hat brand manager of some of the most famous styles in the world

Photo by Jason

Kindig

HE DESIGNS Bruno Mars’ Panamas, trilbys and fedoras.

Jorge Hernández, the lead vocalist of Los Tigres del Norte, can’t be seen without a cowboy hat created by Víctor Cornejo. He also brings to production Carlos Santana’s cool hat collection.

When it comes to hats, Cornejo could possibly be the best stylist in the world. As the head brand manager and designer of Milano Hats and Dorfman Pacific, he does everything from economical caps to high-end, sophisticated brands.

But as Cornejo walks past thousands of hats of all types, steaming machines and workers who press, buff and sew at the large factory in Garland, Texas, he reflects on the days in Ciudad Juárez, when he was too poor to even dream of shopping in El Paso. His father left his family when he was two and school tough kids constantly bullied him while growing up as a nerdy, skinny kid in the dangerous slums of the border town.

But as a teen, Cornejo won a Halloween costume contest for rich kids, using the money to pay for a good high school and later, college. He earned a scholarship to a Florida school, where a newspaper story on one of his designs for a Disney company caught the attention of a Stetson executive, who saw something in the young man.

Back then, Stetson, the venerable hat brand known for its classic Western hats and fedoras, was going through some trying times and the company thought that some fresh ideas were needed. Under the tutelage of Gary Rosenthal, a legend in the hat industry, Cornejo quickly turned out some mean designs like “La Guadalupana,” a Western hat with the emblem of the Virgin of Guadalupe in the hatband.

“Why not integrate some spirituality into the hat,” he reasoned.

It was a hit.

Now at Milano Hats and Dorfman Pacific, Cornejo, 40, is in charge of designing many hat lines. Some of his creations are sent to exotic locales in Asia for diverse customers like Tibetan Cowboys – how cool that?

Cornejo now designs hats for people like Los Tucanes de Tijuana, Huracanes del Norte, John Legend, Kenny Chesney and for cool brands like Stacey Adams. He also designs the Larry Mahan Collection, one of the most popular hat collections in Western wear.

But why wear hats? Aren’t they so old school?

Not so, Cornejo says. Yes, in the past they were mostly for function, but now they also bring some style.

“With a hat, you can spot a person in the middle of a thousand people,” he says. “It distinguishes you.”

PORTFOLIO HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

THE EMPEROR OF SONORAN CUISINE Photo by Jason

Benjamín Galaz created what some say is the best Mexican Sonoran food in Arizona, but the culinary master is now helping entrepreneurs be the best they can be IN THE EARLY 1990S, Benjamín Galaz and his wife, helped perfect what is starting to become one of America’s next favorite fast foods: the Sonoran Hot Dog. “It’s not just your ordinary hot dog with a little bit of ketchup and mustard. This is a whole new experience,” said Maribel Álvarez, an anthropology professor at the University of Arizona and co-founder of Sabores Sin Fronteras. “With the first bite you take, you know you’re biting into something pretty unique and incredibly tasty.”

Wrapped in bacon and grilled till crusty, the Sonoran Hot Dog comes with freshly baked Mexican bread, grilled onion, mayonnaise, mustard and a chile güero. It’s irresistible, fans say.

Galaz, who expanded his business from a hot dog cart to several BK Carne Asada and Hot Dogs restaurants, now offers foodies culinary heaven in Tucson by serving some legit vaquero chow like steaks cooked with real mesquite firewood that are a real feast to discernible palates.

But now, Galaz is on a mission to turn South 12th Avenue, Tucson’s most Latino district, into one of the Southwest’s most well-known cultural corridors. For that he has enlisted the help of the community and local leaders, aiding resident businesspeople succeed in their ventures.

Some years ago, he understood that he had to go beyond his needs, and share his success with other local business owners who were sweating to make ends meet. He also noticed that there were many new merchants who desperately needed help.

His soul-searching led him to realize that though for decades he had been living and doing business in Tucson (Galaz is born in Tucson but was raised in Sonora, Mexico), he really never felt part of South 12th Avenue, partly because of cultural differences in how to run a business. A couple of years ago it dawned on him that Tucson was his real home.

“We have to be less selfish. We have to stop thinking only about our own business,” he says.

In the meantime, Galaz is getting ready to unveil his new creation come October: a new restaurant that will fuse real Mexican seafood. Foodies are starting to line up.

14 • September 2015

Kindig

BENJAMÍN GALAZ

OWNER OF BK CARNE ASADA & HOT DOGS, AT ONE OF HIS RESTAURANTS IN TUCSON, ARIZONA.

THE POWER OF THE PEN

PORTFOLIO HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

Courtesy photos

Linda Camacho, a New York agent, is one of the few Latinas in the publishing business

LINDA CAMACHO

WHO WORKS FOR PROSPECT AGENCY, IS ONE OF THE FEW LATINAS IN THE PUBLISHING INDUSTRY

16 • September 2015

THERE ARE FEW LATINO WRITERS in the U.S. and even fewer in the publishing business.

Thank goodness for people like Linda Camacho, a young, talented and passionate book agent in New York who is looking for a few good authors. Just 32, she already has stints under her belt with powerhouse firms like Random House, Penguin and Simon & Schuster.

But it wasn’t easy getting there. In fact, it was a labor of love, she says.

“Your not in it to make a million bucks,” Camacho says.

Though the industry wants more Latinos, cracking the business is hard, Camacho says. Most of the publishing firms are in New York, they form a close-knit mien, and newcomers typically have to serve in internship roles for years before someone offers them a job.

That’s what Camacho did. After graduating from Cornell University, the Bronx-raised, book-devouring, chocolateloving reader of spine-tingling tales and romance novels by the likes of Dean Koontz and Stephanie Perkins (author of “Anna” and “The French Kiss”) dove headfirst into the publishing world. She credits her parents for supporting her and letting her live with them as she interned at several places, building a portfolio and honing her skills.

Ten years later and with an MFA in creative writing, she is now a book agent for Prospect Agency, a literary office in New York City.

Camacho is into literary fiction, but she also loves genre (previously known as popular fiction), welcoming works with a commercial appeal, including romance, horror, fantasy and sci-fi.

So what is her advice for people who want to go into publishing? Besides an undying passion for the book industry, prepare to have a support system which is key and make those connections, Camacho counsels.

She says: “That’s how I was able to get in; one connection at a time that would lead to another.”

MASTERCHEF Courtesy photos

Claudia Sandoval’s gastronomic arts are shining in Fox’s hit television show

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE FIRST LOVE. Claudia Sandoval has been an events manager, a community organizer and has held positions on government, hospitality, management and real estate. But Sandoval, who is originally from the Mexican tropical city of Mazatlán, México, finally found her calling: food.

This year, Sandoval is strutting her stuff in Fox’s television hit, Masterchef, as one of the contestants. Showcasing classic Mexican dishes like Pastel de Tres Leches and other delicacies, she has impressed everyone.

Sandoval grew up in a traditional Mexican family, learning firsthand from her mother, who likes to reinvent the culinary arts from south of the border. Now, it’s Sandoval’s time to shine, she says.

Sandoval, who cooks with her nine-yearold daughter, says that the culinary arts are all about family. In fact, it’s her real passion.

“Cooking is love in our family. It’s an opportunity to enjoy each other’s company, to learn, to show each other how much we care about each other,” she says.

CLAUDIA SANDOVAL

A CONTESTANT IN FOX’S MASTERCHEF HIT PROGRAM, MAY BECOME THE NEXT BIG NAME IN THE CULINARY ARTS SCENE.

latinoleaders.com

INEZ GONZÁLEZ, DIRECTOR OF THE LATINO COMMUNICATIONS INITIATIVE AT CAL STATE FULLERTON.

Media relations Inez González, Communications Director of Cal State Fullerton, wants to train young Latinos for a life in media

“We’re developing a pipeline of Latino millennials in the communications field, and trying to give them exposure to companies that may hire them,”

STORY BY CHARLES A. COULOMBE COURTESY PHOTOS

I get great gratification out of mentoring. And it’s not just about advice. It’s also sharing networks – introducing people to each other. We are all interconnected.” nez González is director of the Latino Communications Initiative at Cal State Fullerton, a two-year-old program launched by the university specifically for Latino communications majors. González, whose background includes stints working with National Hispanic Media Coalition, Congressman Bob Filner, and the Community Health Group, considers her work with the initiative as more than just a job.

“We’re developing a pipeline of Latino millennials in the communications field, and trying to give them exposure to companies that may hire them,” he said. We are working with first-generation college kids, and trying to steer them toward work positions that are relevant to their own goals in this area.”

“Cal State Fullerton graduates the most Latinos in Communications in the entire nation. If they are bilingual, we try to get them their academic certificate in Spanish. It is very important for their skills to be equally good in both languages. Employers are very excited by, and we have graduates employed by Telemundo, Fox News, and NBC, to mention a few. We are trying to help top-notch employers start looking at Cal State Fullerton as a source of talent – something that is very important to them in the demographic transformation that is going on. I hope to create something sustainable – a program that will continue long after I am gone.”

“One point I really want to make, though, is that many of our students are from poorer backgrounds, and are working to support their families – 33% come from under the poverty line. Most internships at top companies – which are key to students’ future advancement – are unpaid. This creates a sort GET INEZ GTING TO of invisible discrimination where students who cannot afford to give free ONZÁL EZ labor are excluded from these positions. So I very strongly advocate for The Lati Inez is no Com paid internships from companies who can certainly afford them.” mun at Cal Staications Initiativ But, where did this passion come from? e Directo te Fullert r on “I was born in Tijuana to American citizens who decided to raise Media c Her specialt their eight daughters in Mexico. This was in the days before 9/11, o y mm is commu nity and unications in th when people freely crossed the border – sometimes several times a eL training y oung H atino day – almost without thinking about it. Although my parents did not ispanics Ms. G go to college, they believe strongly in hard work and education, and México onzález is orig all of us girls knew that we were going to have to go to university. My gives he. Her unique b inally from Tij get ahea r an edge in teackground and uana father had a business, and we all took a part in helping to run it. He tra ac d and co nnectedhing Latinos ho ining bought a motor home, and we traveled throughout Mexico – but in w in the m edia wo to the process, each of us learned to drive. But my father also believed rld in being socially conscious – he always reminded us “from whom much is given much is expected.” As a family we sort of adopted an orphanage – we’d have the orphans over for meals and so on.”

Growing up, did she feel more Mexican or American? “Bi-national, really. I suppose that when I was young, I felt more Mexican. It did take a while after we moved back here to feel completely American. But now, I am completely engaged as an American citizen – politically, culturally, in my community – all of it. I am proud to be a Mexican-American.”

Given how much of her job is taken up with it, what does she think of mentoring in general? “In addition to my family, I received a lot of mentoring that was essential for my personal and professional growth. One of my first mentors was one of my first employers – a white male lawyer. I was still thinking in Spanish, and it had an effect on my writing in English. But he spoke Spanish, and could see exactly what was going on. He gave me a lot of help in learning to write briefs and papers in a proper English way. And I had others – Alex Nogales and Vivian Martinez, to name a few. So I have seen the necessity for good mentoring to help other succeed.”

“Soon after I came to San Diego, I became active with MANA de San Diego, which works with young Latinas. Much of my work – and especially what I do now – has really been mentoring. But mentors are not jus a cheering section. Good mentors will tell you what you don’t want to hear. No one wants to say negative things, but you have to know what you are doing wrong in order to do better.”

“I get great gratification out of mentoring. And it’s not just about advice. It’s also sharing networks – introducing people to each other. We are all interconnected. If we are generous with our time, experience and contacts, we will make a difference.”

COVER STORY

20 • September 2015

THE MAN OF THE MOMENT Could Javier Palomárez be the national leader we have all been waiting for?

Story by Joseph

Treviño Photos by Doug Sanford

resident Barack Obama invites him to board Air Force One, Joe Biden calls on his cell phone, Warren Buffet meets him on yachts and he meets with Donald Trump in private.

Yes, Javier Palomárez, Latino business leaders agree, may well be the man of the moment in the Hispanic world.

The leader of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Palomárez heads the premier Latino Business advocate organization in the nation. Representing 3.2 million Latino businesses in the country, its power grows by the minute as Hispanics surpass every other ethnic group in creating new businesses.

Lately, the Chamber has been flexing its newfound political muscle. Presidential candidates from both parties have sought to meet with chamber members and Palomárez.

With the upcoming presidential election season, Palomárez is a common sight on prime-time television shows, where he is asked to comment on the state of Latino affairs. A controversial meeting with Trump, the former 1980s business tycoon and current presidential candidate, has thrust the head of the Hispanic Chamber into the spotlight.

In record time, the man has transformed the Chamber of Commerce, he has managed to gain attention from power players and has become a voice for Latinos in corporate America and beyond. In addition, he has become a voice in the immigration affairs debate that looks like it will dominate the upcoming presidential elections.

In short, he is the man.

The man of the moment, and who some look up to and would want to see as the leader of Latinos, works out of a Spartan office in Washington, D.C.’s K Street. Outside, commuters in gorgeous Vespa scooters swirl past ubiquitous cabs on this humid summer day, as pedestrians of all ages – slimmed by walking instead of driving– go about their business in a hurried pace.

Before you encounter Palomárez, you first meet his aides, who convoy their CEO to events. Unlike other gargantuan Latino non-profits, the Chamber is comprised of

just 11 members; the staff is known for being more a primed SWAT team than a large but plodding army of bureaucrats.

At 54, Palomárez is a striking figure. Over his svelte build he dons a bespoke dark blue suit, black Oxford shoes, a blue cashmere tie and a crisp linen pocket square that flashes subtly from his upper jacket.

The head of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber has more charisma than many movie stars, a full set of meticulously slicked-back silver mane, a charming wit and a more extensive, elegant English vocabulary that he deftly mixes with street curses in Spanish and English.

Raymond Arroyo, the chairman-elect of the Chamber of Commerce says he has been on business trips with Palomárez and can attest to his indefatigable aura. He has seen him working out at 5 in the morning and going to work way past midnight at full tilt.

“I have yet to meet someone as committed and talented as Javier Palomárez,” Arroyo says. It “[the Hispanic Chamber] has never played a bigger and more important role than it is today through the efforts of Javier Palomárez.”

Just the facts Numbers and facts tell a story, Arroyo says. In the five years since Palomárez has been at the helm of the chamber, the organization ballooned from 22 corporate sponsors to a whopping 263.

The consensus goes that for decades, the U.S. Hispanic Chamber, which was formed in 1979, was just another Latino non-profit few knew about; its influence in social circles and politics was, well, nil. Until Palomárez showed up.

Still, American businesses are the chamber’s first priority, Palomárez says. But he adds that it is right that the chamber, while maintaining ethical boundaries and not favoring any party in particular, weigh in on political matters For example, he says he finds it curious that Trump criticizes Mexico for many social ills but never talks about the fact that Mexico for decades was the U.S.’s number two trading partner – bigger than France, Italy, Japan, India and Brazil – and was recently displaced to the third spot by China.

“Yet all we can think of is the negative things that come out of Mexico. As a business person, it’s important and it’s true but that matters about that much to me. I’m a business guy; the second largest client in the world is right next door. ¿Y lo vas a tratar asi? ¿A quién se le ocurre?”

On the other hand, Trump talks about the Latino community providing a criminal element.

L AT INO LE A DE R S

“If you look at the criminal element in that community, it’s about 4%, which is lower than anywhere else in the nation,” Palomárez says. “So you’re going to throw out 11 and a half maybe 12 million people and then you are going to bring 11.2 million right back – at the cost of 380 billion dollars of the American taxpayer. What kind of hair-brained bullshit is that?”

About a week after meeting with Latino Leaders Magazine, Palomárez announced he had met with Trump, saying the presidential candidate in private was cordial, attentive and listened instead of employing his widely known outspoken persona.

and followed rodeo. During his school years he was a dedicated teen who showed promise.

That was until he was 14, when an older brother pulled him from a classroom and told him that his mother was dying, a victim of a heart attack. He sprinted home, only to see his mother on a stretcher, as paramedics loaded her onto an ambulance.

As the ambulance sped away, Palomárez ran and ran after it. Blinded in desperation and tears that blurred his vision, he fell, scraping his knees on the concrete road; he says that to this day the scar and memories still hurt.

After his mother’s death, the teenager faced an uncer-

“I have yet to meet someone as committed and talented as Javier Palomárez.”Raymond Arroyo, President Elect of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce The long and winding road The youngest of a family of 10 children, Palomárez grew up in the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas. His family is originally from Matamoros, Mexico.

His mother, who he credits as a pivotal influence in his life, came from a family with ties to a Mexican governor, was well-educated and had studied accounting and finance.

But when she moved to the states, her skills, as those of many immigrants, were not accepted, so she ended up as an agricultural migrant worker in Texas and the Midwest.

Palomárez’s mother became a single mom when he turned 6. The family lived in a one-room shack in Edinburg that lacked air conditioning, had an outhouse as a bathroom and where they cooked meals in a butane stove.

Despite the financial shortcomings, Palomárez recalls growing up as an enthusiastic lad who played football 24 • September 2015

tain future without a legal guardian, and possibly would end up under the care of the state. He fled.

For over a year, Palomárez lived on the streets. As fate would have it, Mario, an older brother, found him outside a restaurant in McAllen, where he had gone with a date.

The youth was near a dumpster.

“I just happened to be there,” he recalls.

Nothing personal Palomárez returned to his family and to school. His calloused hands are telling of his days as a hard-working youth, working as a ranch hand there, as a migrant laborer here.

Still, he did not leave school.

Palomárez does not like to talk much about his family life.

But in interviews he has shared some bits and pieces of it.

After his gritty stint on the streets, which changed his life forever, the future president of the Hispanic Chamber was about 20 when he met Rebecca, a beautiful young woman who was working at a bank and lived at her father’s ranch. Palomárez was working as a ranch hand at another place nearby.

His strategy to impress her was to go to night school, get his GED and accrue enough money to go to college, he told NBC Latino during an interview. The plan worked.

The couple married. They now have two sons: Rigo, 23 and Diego, 19.

Once at college, he showed such promise that some professors nominated him for the Wall Street Journal’s Student Achievement Award, which would provide him meals and a chance to finish his studies.

Despite hardships, Palomárez pressed on. He studied business, read the Wall Street Journal and graduated with degrees in finance and sales from the University of Texas Pan-American.

His first gig was in Chicago with Allstate, in operations. From there he was promoted to sales in the company’s Hispanic marketing efforts.

A 13-year stint with Allstate was followed by a job as an executive at Sprint Corp., followed by a position at ING Financial Services.

A better tomorrow Over the years, observers say, Palomárez has had many challenges. But none more so than leading the USHCC. Back then, the organization, which had been in existence for 31 years, was in shambles, on the verge of bankruptcy and in the hole for a million dollars.

“For 31 years, we just wasted time. For 31 years, the African American community was moving forward, moving forward – and all we did was idle. We wasted so much time,” Palomarez laments.

Palomárez took command of the USHCC, moved fast, stopped the bleeding and fired his bosses. The organization managed to get an A-list of board members like Nina Vaca, Alice Rodríguez of Chase Banking, Xavier Gutiérrez of the Meruelo Group and Fernand Fernández of American Airlines.

In five years, the USHCC has become a force to be reckoned with. Palomárez seems to be everywhere, heading a conference, meeting with heavy hitters, sharing his life experiences with students or heading the USHCC’s national convention like the one that is scheduled to happen on Sept. 20th.

Ammar Campa-Najjar, Palomarez’s media director, says: “There is no precedent for what we are doing.”

Palomárez says the problem that the Latino community has and has had for decades is one of perception.

No one has been able to dispel the myths that Hispanics are troublemakers, teenage mothers or criminals.

“To me, the problem we have is that we don’t have a voice that says, ‘Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Here’s the facts. Let’s move on.’”

So, is he the man that has that voice? Is he the Hispanic leader everyone has been waiting for?

“No, I’m not that guy,” he says. “I don’t want to be that guy; I never wanted to be that guy. There is a difference between opening up and bringing others to the story and selling out. We’ve never sold out.

We are Latino, we are proud of it.”

Our interview with Javier Palomárez after he met with Trump

What was your objective when you met with Donald Trump?

Like many other organizations that empower America’s Hispanic and Latino populations both in Washington, D.C. and across the country, the USHCC knows our community is poised to have an unprecedented impact on next year’s presidential election.

More than ever, our community is engaged and working every day to ensure that presidential candidates are addressing prominent concerns among Hispanic voters.

It is no secret that the USHCC has been very critical of Republican candidate Donald Trump’s remarks and policy positions concerning America’s immigrant population. Through a variety of platforms, including live television interviews, print media, and public statements, the USHCC has strongly denounced much of his rhetoric.

By the same token, given Mr. Trump’s staying power as the GOP frontrunner since his announcement, the USHCC views his candidacy as an opportunity to advocate for the Hispanic business community in a truly nonpartisan, fact-driven way. In an effort to do so, the USHCC met privately with Mr. Trump earlier this week.

In the aftermath of the interview, what would you say have been the consequences, repercussions or effects? How has it been received? Have you received any feedback?

Following the meeting, the USHCC has been asked to weigh in by more than 33 national and global media outlets, including print, radio, and live TV. We’ve been covered in almost every top mainstream media brand, from the New York Times, to Fox News, CNN, The Wall Street Journal, MSNBC, to Bloomberg and even Al Jazeera.

It is our belief that this meeting was the very logical next step in promoting the interests of Hispanic entrepreneurs – as well as the wider Hispanic community. Without attempting to make our case in person, we’d be left resorting to political commentary. Therefore, although we completely disagree with Mr. Trump’s current immigration plan and previous inflammatory remarks, we would be doing ourselves an injustice by avoiding or ignoring him.

What do you think is the ultimate benefit for your members (of the USHCC) regarding your meetings with Donald Trump.

The decision to engage with Mr. Trump was a difficult one to make. Ultimately, we believe that a conversation, however difficult or distasteful, is always the better option in the long run. We aim for a fact-based conversation that illustrates the strength of our business community as a pillar of American success, and the immense contribution that Hispanics make to our nation, every day. It is only through dialogue that views can be thoroughly examined, and hearts and minds changed.

CONNECTING

The Corporate and Board edition

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the dots and bright spots A comprehensive analysis by ultimate insider Pablo Schneider on all the news that’s fit to print from the Latino board and corporate world

ISPANICS ARE a vital driver of growth in America.

The Hispanic GDP of over $1.4 trillion, which is growing by $80 billion annually, is the 14th largest economy in the world. With a population of 58.2 million (18.1% of the U.S.) that is projected to grow to 66.4 million in 2020, the Hispanic market is a force to be reckoned with. Although our numbers are large and growing rapidly, they haven’t translated into a commensurate level of participation in corporate America – as suppliers, employees, managers, executives, and board members. The Hispanic presence on boards of directors is especially important because of the power boards wield with major corporations. In terms of the heft of major corporations, the Fortune 500 alone have $12.5 trillion in revenues, $945 billion in profits, and 26.8 million employees.

The number of seats held by Hispanics is in the low single digits and the level of overall board is relatively low but there are indicators that diversity is growing in importance. One of those indicators is found in the SEC board diversity disclosure requirement.

Companies are required to disclose: 1) Is diversity considered in director recruitment? 2) If so, how? 3) Does the board have a diversity policy? 4) If so, how is the policy implemented? 5) If so, how the policy is evaluated?

I did an analysis (non-additive) of the board diversity disclosures of all Fortune 1000 companies and found that 845 companies considered diversity in director recruitment; 684 companies described how diversity is considered in director recruitment; 71 companies have a board diversity policy; 59 companies described how their board diversity policy is implemented; and 134 companies 26 • September 2015

Story by Pablo Schneider described how their board diversity policy/board diversity is implemented.

Seventy-seven companies disclosed that they do not consider diversity in director recruitment.

Corporate directors have a fiduciary duty to look out for the best interests of companies and to maximize shareholder value. Having diverse perspectives on boards makes better boards. Having a Hispanic voice on a board provides a unique perspective and set of experiences that can add additional value for the company in one of the most important and fastest growing markets in America.

How important is it to have Aida Álvarez on the board of Walmart? To have Rick Hernández on the boards of Chevron, McDonalds, Nordstrom, and Wells Fargo? To have Kim Casiano on the boards of Ford, Mead Johnson Nutrition and Mutual of America? To have Mónica Lozano on the boards of Bank of America and Disney?

Not only do Hispanic directors have a tremendous depth and breadth of industry experience, financial expertise, and leadership acumen, they bring a diverse perspective to the boardroom (these are the top four types of experience and attributes sought after in director recruitment).

Corporate America is a complex ecosystem. In this Corporate Edition we help connect some of the dots by featuring

a number of organizations and individuals who are active in the top leadership space – and who are instrumental to the advancement of Hispanics in corporate America.

Here is a preview of organizations and leaders featured in this section.

Here are some examples of Latinos who have recently been elected to major corporate boards.

•Retired Accenture U.S. CEO Jorge Benítez has been chosen to the board of World Fuel Services Corporation, which is ranked #68 on the Fortune 500 with $43.4 billion in revenues and 4,041 employees.

•The National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) has 16,500 members who serve on numerous boards, including nearly 90% of Fortune 1000 boards. The NACD is one of the leading organizations for accessing corporate governance resources, honing governance skill sets, and connecting with corporate directors.

•Mexichem CEO Antonio Carrillo has been picked to the board of Dr. Pepper/Snapple Group, which is ranked #437 on the Fortune 500 with $6.1 billion in revenues and 19,000 employees.

•The Renaissance Dinners help form personal relationships and foster word of mouth to develop and advance diverse leaders in top leadership. These are opportunities for top Hispanic leaders to work across silos, age groups, sectors, and geographies. They are chances to go beyond “the Hispanic silo” to engage in the best management of America.

•The Latino Corporate Directors Association (LCDA) is an association of 43 Hispanic directors who serve on 75 corporate boards. The LCDA is dedicated to increasing Hispanic board participation and expanding the pipeline of highly qualified Hispanic board candidates.

•The National Hispanic Corporate Council (NHCC) a leadership organization of Fortune 1000 companies dedicated to helping corporate America succeed with Hispanics and helping Latinos achieve in corporate America.

•Corporate Director Patricia Díaz Dennis has been selected to the board of United States Steel, which is ranked #176 on the Fortune 500 with $17.1 billion in revenues and 35,500 employees.

•IADB Executive Anna Escobedo Cabral has been designated to the board of Navient, which is ranked #463 on the Fortune 500 with $5.6 billion in revenues and 6,200 employees.

•CEO Gerry López has been elected to the board of Extended Stay America, an NYSE-traded company with $1.1 billion in revenue and approximately 700 hotels and 9,100 employees.

•Conceptual MindWorks Owner, President & CEO Elaine Mendoza has been elected to the board of Health Care Service Corporation a mutual company with several BlueCross BlueShield plans, $62 billion in revenues, and 23,000 employees.

•There are many Hispanic senior executives that are having an impact on Corporate America. We present three examples including 7-Eleven EVP and CMO Jesus Delgado-Jenkins, Brinker SVP of Strategic Innovation Homero Ortegon, and TIAA-CREF Managing Director of Executive Relations and Hispanic Markets Mario Ramírez.

•Retired Deloitte Vice Chair Maritza Montiel has been chosen to the board of McCormick & Co, which is ranked #598 on the Fortune 1000 with $4.2 billion in revenues and 10,400 employees.

•We present a list of 134 Hispanic corporate directors that hold 171 Fortune 1000 board seats.

•Coca-Cola Chief Sustainability Officer Beatriz Pérez has been elected to the board of Primerica Financial Services, an NYSE-traded company with $1.3 billion in revenues and 1,725 employees.

•We feature twenty two strong Hispanic board candidates including 16 senior executives, three business owners, a Chief Investment Officer, a powerful Hollywood agent, and a university president. Over the past seven years, a number of candidates we’ve featured have been elected to corporate boards, including Arcilia Acosta, Anna Escobedo Cabral, Tom Castro, Ralph de la Vega, Patricia Díaz Dennis, Irene Esteves, Janiece Longoria, Gerry López, Mike Montelongo, Beatriz Pérez, Paul Raines, Darren Rebelez, and Nina Vaca.

Although the number of Hispanics serving on corporate boards is low compared to the economic contribution of Hispanics to corporate America, there are some bright spots.

•Brinker International, which is ranked #777 on the Fortune 1000 with $2.9 billion in revenues and 55,586 employees, picked retired Quaker Oats President Jose Luis Prado to their board.

•Comcast SVP and CISO Myrna Soto was chosen to the board of CMS Energy, which is ranked #383 on the Fortune 1000 with $7.2 billion in revenues and 7,726 7,726 employees.

•Cinemark Holdings, which is ranked #827 on the Fortune 1000 with $2.6 billion in revenues and 15,265 employees, elected to their board CEO Nina Vaca, chair of Pinnacle Group.

MOVING

the needle on board participation The Latino Corporate Directors Association works to put more Hispanics on boards across the country Story by Kristin Schneider and Pablo Schneider

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edition

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n a world where Hispanics have more than $1.3 trillion in buying power and make up 18% of the total U.S. population, it is surprising to many that Latinos hold only around 3% of Fortune 500 board seats.

Of those Fortune 500 boards, 70% have no Hispanic board representation.

It’s numbers like these that motivated a proactive group to form the Latino Corporate Directors Association (LCDA).

“Unfortunately, there continues to be little change,” explains LDCA Chair Pat Pineda. “Consequently, a number of Latino corporate directors, including myself, together with the strong support of the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR), decided that we needed to address this underrepresentation in a more targeted and structured way. This decision gave birth to the LDCA.” The (LCDA) was launched with a focus on dramatically improving these numbers. Its mission is to support and develop current corporate directors while collaborating with companies to facilitate

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The Corporate and Board

the appointment of qualified Latinos to corporate boards.

“We will develop and promote valuable Latino directors and future directors by introducing them to lead directors, nominating and governance committee chairs, executive search firms and CEOs and by making the business case for Latino inclusion in the boardroom,” explains LCDA Executive Director Dolores Kunda. “We provide a solution by sponsoring qualified candidates who bring deep experience both from the C-suites of corporate America and the entrepreneurial world with an additional point of view, the knowledge of the Latino market, into the boardroom.”

With this approach, LCDA is positioned as the preeminent association of U.S. Latino corporate directors and also serves as a trusted source for candidates that U.S. corporations and search firms can utilize to fill board positions. LCDA has three key targeted strategies to bring this mission to life and holistically address the barriers to board diversity.

LCDA approaches the issue of lack of understanding around diversity benefits by educating C-level and board

leaders about the importance of the Hispanic market and the value Latino representation in the boardroom brings to a company. The LCDA also plans to proactively address the perceived lack of Hispanic candidates through board-readiness training and mentorship.

“There are sufficient corporate spaces today to drive the current Latino board talent numbers significantly, and the talent-ready pipeline exists,” observes LCDA Vice Chair José Luis Prado. “What LCDA will do is create a business-centric Latino talent marketplace to facilitate the connection.”

Utilizing this connection, LCDA collaborates with companies to help match board-ready candidates and experienced members via LCDA with open board seats.

Finally, LCDA supports and strengthens the pipeline of Latino board members by serving as a bridge between corporate board leaders and qualified talent by providing a forum for successful directors and C-suite level executives to network, share experience and gain new knowledge.

LCDA’s strength lies in the collective power and diversity of its members. As of 2015, LCDA’s membership roster includes forty-three Hispanic corporate directors of public companies and of private companies with annual revenues of $250 million or more.

These 43 members serve on a collective 75 boards: 11 Fortune 100 boards, 27 Fortune 500 boards, 37 Fortune 1000 boards, and one private company board. They come from all parts of America and hold titles such as founder, president and CEO. The LCDA looks forward to engaging companies, search firms and others through sponsorships, networking events, participation on panels and membership.

LCDA hosts a variety of annual events to engage and support its mission and its members. The LCDA annual meeting, traditionally held in conjunction with the HACR annual meeting, offers an opportunity for members to receive continuing director education, learn from guest speakers, and network with board search executives, CEOs, lead directors, nominating and governance committee chairs, and other board members.

Future plans include holding an annual LCDA Awards Gala, where outstanding boards and members will be recognized for their support of increasing Hispanic representation.

The LCDA will also be offering a more robust development program targeted at board-ready candidates and significantly increasing its membership by 2016.

With its offerings and influence evolving and growing daily, the LCDA will be the only Hispanic leadership organization of its kind working collaboratively with corporate America on diversifying the face of U.S. corporate boardrooms.

Given the large size and rapid growth of the Hispanic population and GDP, addressing the Latino market has become a core business imperative for major companies. It makes good business and governance sense to have Hispanic participation at all levels of major companies, including the board level.

Increasing Hispanic board participation is also vital to enlarging overall board diversity. In the words of attorney and columnist Doug Raymond, “Where there is real

diversity in the boardroom, there is a greater likelihood that the deliberations of the directors will include the evaluation of potential alternatives that either would not occur to a more homogeneous group, or that would be misunderstood or underappreciated, and therefore, too quickly dismissed.”

Today there is a significant gap between where Hispanic board participation is and where it should be. The LCDA is poised to play a pivotal leadership role in bridging this gap.

Meet the Leadership Patricia Salas Pineda - Chair A longtime veteran of the auto industry, Patricia Salas Pineda serves as the chair and as a director of LCDA. Pineda is group vice president of Toyota Motor North America, Inc. (TMS), where she is primarily responsible for Hispanic Business Strategy.

Previously, Pineda oversaw the Toyota USA Foundation and national philanthropy and served as general counsel for TMA. Prior to joining TMA in 2004, Pineda was a 20-year veteran at New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. where she served as vice president of human resources, government and legal affairs and as the corporate secretary.

She currently serves on the board of Levi Strauss & Co., the advisory board of the Aspen Institute’s Latinos and Society program, and Virginia Tech’s Center for Leadership in Global Sustainability 2050 Council. Her past board service includes the California Air Resources board, Eller Media, the Rand Corporation and Anna’s Linens.

Pineda holds a juris doctor degree from the University of California at Berkeley. When asked why she is involved with the leadership of LCDA, Pat answers, “because I feel passionately about the importance of increasing Hispanic representation in all sectors of our U.S. society, including corporate boards. Unfortunately, at this time, Latinos are significantly underrepresented on corporate boards … I want to help build an organization that collaborates with U.S. companies as a trusted source for qualified Latino corporate director candidates.”

José Luis Prado – Vice Chair An expert in the food industry, José Luis Prado began his career at PepsiCo, where he had the distinction to serve as the first Mexican to lead a PepsiCo business unit.

The former president of PepsiCo’s Quaker Foods North America, Prado now is the president of Prado Strategic Consulting LLC and the vice chair of LCDA. Prado serves on

a variety of boards, including the boards of Northern Trust, Brinker International, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Business Advisory Board, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the National Museum of Mexican Art. He holds a Master of Science in Systems from the Iberoamericana University as well as a Master of Business Administration from the Monterrey Institute of Technology.

When asked his advice for Hispanic professionals interested in board service, Prado says, “I mention to them that in Spanish, a Latino leader is translated as a “Líder Latino”. So I advise them to first become a great leader and then add the Latino skill as the icing on the cake, not the other way around.”

Luis (Lou) P. Nieto, Jr. Treasurer Luis (Lou) P. Nieto, Jr., Treasurer of LCDA, began his career in the consumer foods business in 1981 at Quaker Oats.

Since then, he has worked with several major brands, including Kraft, Mission Foods and ConAgra.

After retiring as president of ConAgra, he founded Nieto Advisory, where he currently serves as president. He serves on the boards of Ryder, Auto Zone, Eddy Packing and Food Evolution. Nieto earned his MBA from Harvard, where he served as the President of the Latino Association. As a long-time advocate of Latinas in board leadership, Lou explains, “As the father of only daughters, it’s particularly important to me that Latinas are specifically developed and recognized as candidates for large company boards. Their presence on corporate boards will be significant.”

Judge Nelson A. Díaz Secretary Judge Nelson A. Díaz is a partner at Dilworth Paxson LLP, a Philadelphiabased law firm, as well as the secretary of LCDA. A proud resident of Philadelphia, Judge Díaz is incredibly active both in local community affairs and the homegrown government. He previously served on the board of Exelon and currently serves on the boards of PECO, the National Association for Hispanic Elderly, the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Housing Authority, and as a Trustee of Temple University. Judge Diaz is also a member of the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships. When asked why LCDA is so important, Judge Díaz, an longtime advocate for board diversity, says, “For 37 years, my advocacy for Latinos on corporate boards seemed to be an optimistic run, but in the last few years, things have gotten worse for Latinos and Latinas, with the numbers going down. This is why we need to join and work together as an LCDA.”

Dolores Kunda – Executive Director An expert in marketing and the founder of Lapiz Integrated Hispanic Marketing, LCDA’s Executive Director Dolores Kunda has always understood the importance of the Hispanic market and supporting Latino representation in the leadership of corporate America.

Formerly an executive vice president at Leo Burnett North America, she founded and was president and CEO of one of America’s largest and most awarded Hispanic advertising agencies, which helped brands like Coca-Cola, Kellogg’s and McDonald’s with their efforts to reach out to the Hispanic community.

Kunda also serves on the board of Finish Line, Inc. and previously served on the board of the Lenox Group, Inc. Kunda has won numerous awards, including being named one of Hispanic Magazine’s 100 Hispanic Women to Watch. Dolores is a proud native of Washington, D.C., and earned her MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Graduate Management.

A huge proponent of Hispanics serving on boards, Kunda equates board service to being “at the nexus of decision-making in American business.” When asked why she is passionate about being involved in the leadership of LCDA, Kunda responds, “It is exciting and gratifying to be part of an organization that is leading change. The LCDA is one of a kind. It is the only organization led by Latino corporate directors, promoting Latinos and Latinas in the boardroom. It is this visionary perspective that is exhilarating and an honor to be affiliated with.”

“We will develop and promote valuable Latino directors and future directors by introducing them to lead directors, nominating and governance committee chairs, executive search firms and CEOS and by making the business case for Latino inclusion in the boardroom.”Dolores Kunda, LCDA Executive Director

Story by Kristin Schneider and Pablo Schneider

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WHERE THE DIRECTORS ARE

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HERE IS a strong desire among top Hispanic leaders to increase Hispanic participation on corporate boards. The corporate governance ecosystem is complex and the aperture for being elected to corporate boards is tiny.

One of the predominant ways that board candidates are identified is through personal relationships and word of mouth. The National Association of Corporate Directors is the largest and most prominent association of board members in America. Long-term engagement with NACD is terrific way not only of developing vital corporate governance knowledge and honing skill sets, but of building the personal relationships and word of mouth that are instrumental in the process of director selection.

There is a saying that goes, “If you want to be powerful, go where the power is,” according to some industry veterans. The NACD is “where the power is’ in corporate governance in the U.S. and among Fortune 1000 boards of directors.

Over 870 Fortune 1000 companies have at least one NACD member serving on their board of directors. The NACD Annual Conference convenes over 1,200 participants, including a significant number of corporate directors. Along those same lines it could be said, “If you want to be a director, go where the directors are.”

The number of Hispanics who participate in the NACD Annual Conference is consistently less than one percent. Some notable examples of Hispanic leaders who have participated in NACD programs include Cari Dominguez (NACD, Manpower and Triple S), Thaddeus Arroyo (AT&T), Aida Álvarez (Walmart), Kim Casiano (Ford, Mead Johnson Nutrition, Mutual of America), Tom Castro (Time Warner Cable), Jesus Delgado-Jenkins (7-Eleven), Linda Griego (AECOM and CBS), Mel Lagomasino (Coca-Cola, Avon), Israel Martinez (Newport Board Group), David Olivencia (SoftTek), Bea Perez (Primerica), Delia Reyes (Texas Mutual Insurance Company), Sol Trujillo (Western Union and WPP), and Nina Vaca (Cinemark, Comerica, Kohl’s).

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The Corporate and Board edition

THE HONORABLE CARI DOMÍNGUEZ SAYS THE NACD IS THE NATION’S PREMIER MEMBERSHIP ORGANIZATION.

More Hispanic leaders need apply

One of the best opportunities to gain momentum toward increased Hispanic board participation would be for more top Hispanic leaders to engage with the Association. Founded in 1979 and comprised today of over 16,000 corporate directors

from some of the world’s top companies, NACD is one of the foremost authorities on corporate governance nationally and globally.

The Association’s focus is on advancing both exemplary board leadership and boardroom practices by directors, for directors. The association’s full-board members include boards of publicly-traded companies (seventy-four percent), followed by private companies (fifteen percent), and non-profit organizations (eleven percent).

The NACD members serve on ninety-five of the Fortune 100 and eight hundred and fifty of the Fortune 1000. Its members are on the boards of some of the largest companies in the world including: •Exxon Mobil •Chevron •Berkshire Hathaway •Apple •General Motors •Phillips 66 •General Electric •Ford Motor •CVS Caremark •McKesson •AT&T •Valero Energy •UnitedHealth Group •Verizon Communications •AmerisourceBergen •Fannie Mae With more than twenty chapters across America, NACD is truly the leading organization of change for corporate governance. But the strength and power of NACD doesn’t just stem from the caliber of its membership. The power of NACD as an engine for change also lies in the wide variety of opportunities for growth it offers.

Education and the advancement of knowledge are at the heart of NACD’s mission. The association offers a variety of educational opportunities and resources to its members, ranging from director professionalism classes in boardroom fundamentals for aspiring or sitting directors to the master classes, which are focused on educating more experienced public directors, committee chairs, and other participants on the latest topics and emerging issues.

The association also hosts an annual NACD Global Board Leaders’ Summit. This year’s Summit, titled “Beyond Boarders: Leadership Evolved,” will be held in Washington, D.C. Running from September 26-29, it will bring together over 1,200 corporate leaders united with the mission to raise the bar globally on boardroom leadership.

Over the four day Summit, over 100 speakers will present on a multitude of topics, examples of which include the CEO Life Cycle, Board Refreshment, and How Technology is Transforming Commerce.

Needed foresight

The NACD also helps companies gain foresight into future market changes and elevate performance through the creation and publication of Blue Ribbon Commission Reports. The 2012 “Moving From Interest to Action” Report examined issues around board diversity.

Acknowledging the strengths and advantages of diversity, the report identified and recommended three steps to increasing board diversity.

The first step the report recommends is for boards it to encourage and engage in candid, in-depth discussions of critical topics like diversity among existing board members.

For step two, the report advises actions that can be taken in order to select and implement diversity solutions: the review and evaluation of board composition, expansion of horizons for seeking candidates, improvement director evaluations, and the preservation, enhancement, or consideration of additional tenure-limiting mechanisms.

Thirdly, the Blue Ribbon report proposes boards not only meet but exceed disclosure requirements to provide stakeholders with transparency into board search processes and the value diversity provides. Distinguished Hispanic leaders who served on the Blue Ribbon Commission included the Honorable Cari M. Dominguez (Co-Chair), Aida Alvarez, and Sol Trujillo.

The National Association of Corporate Directors is led by a board of eleven experienced corporate leaders. One such board member, the Honorable Cari Domínguez, is not only a life-long advocate of diversity but also a perfect example of the caliber of board member that oversee NACD.

There is a saying that goes, “If you want to be powerful, go where the power is.” The NACD is “where the power is in corporate governance in the U.S. and among Fortune 1000 boards of directors.

Formerly the chair of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Domínguez also currently serves on the boards of ManpowerGroup and Triple-S Management Corp and as a trustee of the Calvert SAGE Fund. Her previous experience includes the role of President at Dominguez & Associates as well as a Partner at Heidrick & Streggles.

She also served in the U.S. Department of Labor in positions such as Assistant Secretary for Employment Standards and Director of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs. Dominguez is the recipient of numerous awards and recognition not only for her role in public policy creation but also for her efforts to promote diversity.

When asked why she believes in NACD, Dominguez responds, “NACD is the nation’s premier membership organization that really focuses exclusively on how to improve corporate governance and board performance. With 16,000 members and growing, it really reflects the importance that corporate governance has taken in the world of corporate leadership.”

Latinos Impacting Homero Ortegon

The strategic innovator Homero Ortegón teaches with examples that diversity is a plus

L AT I NO LE AD ER S

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subsequent leadership role at an Iowa Beef Processors plant when rowing up in Puebla, México, Homero his approach toward technological, operational, and ergonomic inOrtegón was encouraged to apply innovation in everyday life. novation caught the attention of Pizza Hut. “When I was little I was encouraged by my Pizza Hut hired Ortegón in 1995 to do research and development focused on improving operational efficiencies. He started in parents Francisco and Blanca to think differently,” he says. “They were idea people.

R&D and worked his way up to Director of Food Innovation and They were never stuck on the idea of doing Technology. Describing his time at Pizza Hut as transformational, things the same old way. If there was a better way to do it, they Ortegón says it was a time full of “great learnings and great opportunities”, a time of “really developing thinking differently about said, go for it and try it.” things”.

This attitude and approach have made a leader in innovation, Through his innovative approach to the business, he was instrutaking him from starting his career as a line supervisor at a poultry plant to being a senior executive at Brinker International, one mental in advancements like incorporating WingStreet into the of the world’s leading casual dining restaurant companies. NYSEPizza Hut brand and implementing the technology behind menu traded Brinker International is ranked #777 on the Fortune 1000. items such as breadsticks.

With $2.9 billion in annual revenues, Brinker and owns, operIn 2007, Ortegón continued his career at the Middleby Corporaates, or franchises more than 1,600 Chili’s Grill & Bar and Magtion, then later became Director of Operations Engineering for Stargiano’s restaurants. bucks. It was while he was at Starbucks that the leadership of Brinker After Ortegón’s graduation from Texas International approached Ortegón to A&M with a degree in industrial engineerdiscuss their focus on, and commitment “JUST DON’T BE AFRAID ing, he accepted a job as a line supervisor to, game changing innovation.

TO THINK DIFFERENTLY. AT at a Cargill poultry processing plant in JackIn 2010 Ortegón accepted the posisonville, Florida. “Their training was interesttion of Senior Director of Strategic InTHE END OF THE DAY, THE ing because for the first couple of months novation at Brinker International. While COMPANIES THAT DON’T you had to do all the jobs in the plant,” he his initial role focused on engineering, explains. “It teaches you things that you APPRECIATE YOU FOR BEING his portfolio has grown to include facilities design, construction, and engineerwouldn’t learn unless you went through SEEN AS DIFFERENT ARE ing as well as facilities maintenance. working each job.”

Through this hands-on experience, THE TYPE YOU PROBABLY Holistic approach Ortegón gained in-depth insights into the business and began putting the innovaDON’T WANT TO BE THERE Ortegón’s holistic approach to strategic tive thinking encouraged by his parents to innovation gave him the opportunity BECAUSE THEY WON’T BE work. He began improving production and to leverage both innovative technology processing techniques, focusing not only on AROUND FOR A LONG TIME. and engineering improvements to dramatically affect both the front and the the mechanical components but also on the FIND A COMPANY THAT back of the house. ergonomics of the line in order to make a “We are very focused on changing the safer and more comfortable working enviAPPRECIATES THAT KIND OF ronment for the employees. business from a work structure perspecDIVERSITY AND GO.”tive on Kitchen of the Future Projects,” Transformation explains Ortegón, now Senior Vice Ortegón not only successfully improved the bottom line for the President of Strategic Innovation. “We changed how we worked in factory but also won an award for the best ergonomic idea of the the back of the house. Our prep and how we are doing that prep year. Applying what he learned there, he continued using his hochanged dramatically. It provided our guests with a win on the listic approach toward innovation to streamline processes in a consistency of the products, and it provided the business a huge

34 • September 2015

HOMERO ORTEGÓN

Kristin Schneider and Pablo Schneider

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Courtesy photo opportunity with reduction of labor and waste. In the front of house, we implemented new cooking technology on the cook line that allowed us to open up the way we can do products to a much broader menu, something we have taken advantage of the last two years. It has also helped with the consistency and speed of food production, and it provided a huge margin win for Brinker.”

The benefit of this innovation, Ortegón emphasizes, is not only found in the bottom line of the company but also in future development opportunities. The innovative new technology Ortegón incorporates into Brinker’s kitchens not only focuses on meeting current needs but on anticipating and supporting future innovations and new markets.

“After the dramatic innovative changes in the kitchen have been completed, the focus has changed to the design, construction, and development of new prototypes that have allowed us to get into new markets that we couldn’t get into before,” says Ortegón. “These new markets have turned out to be very profitable for us.”

Elevated restaurant designs are just one of the changes Ortegón credits to Brinker International’s expansion into new markets.

The need for innovation

When asked how he approaches innovation, Ortegón says, “I think the biggest thing is understanding the need. We do a lot of research on what our guests are looking for, and when I say ‘our guests’ I divide that up into our current guests and the guests we are not getting. We need to get a very clear picture of who they are.” “Our approach toward innovation splits into two streams; into a margin improvement productivity steam and a sales driving stream, since they are going to be two very different animals. We focus on continuing to improve current operations while looking for ways to grow sales in a sustainable manner.”

So, how can innovation add value in corporate America? Ortegón points out that it has a significant impact on the bottom line.

“It’s about returns,” he explains. “You are providing savings and opportunities for companies to grow sales. It’s all about the math.

It’s going to take greater innovative thought to get those bigger opportunities, but the people who think innovatively are going to go places and are wanted.”

Ortegón shared advice for Hispanics on succeeding in corporate America, saying, “don’t be afraid to be seen as someone who is

The Corporate and Board e d i t i o n

different. But that different doesn’t translate so much into a race component as it translates more into someone who has diversity of thought and can bring new ideas to the table. I don’t want to be seen as only a great Hispanic leader; I want to be seen as a leader who just thinks differently. Diversity of thinking gets you there.”

Ortegón goes on to elaborate more on the idea of diversity, saying, “I’ve worked for companies that were surprised by their own lack of diversity because they say that they have bi-lingual people who cater to Hispanics. You don’t have to only be bi-lingual; you have to be bi-cultural. Use those things to your advantage and let them help you in diversity of thought, but once you get there people should realize that you have the brainpower and appreciate the way you think.”

As a parting thought, Ortegón advises, “just don’t be afraid to think differently. At the end of the day, the companies that don’t appreciate you for being seen as different are the type you probably don’t want to be there because they won’t be around for a long time. Find a company that appreciates that kind of diversity and go.”

Latinos Impacting Mario Ramírez

Kristin Schneider and Pablo Schneider

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Making an impact

Mario Ramírez knows what it takes for the Latino community to succeed.

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MARIO RAMIREZ

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more than 25-year veteran of the financial services industry, Mario Ramírez currently serves as the Managing Director of Executive Relations and Hispanic Markets at TIAA-CREF, the leading provider of retirement services in the academic, medical, research, and cultural fields.

Ramírez is also a dedicated supporter of Hispanic leadership and advocate for Hispanic advancement. Here he shares some of his thoughts on the importance of the Hispanic market, corporate advancement, and diverse leadership.

Schneider: Could you share your background?

Ramírez: I was born and raised in Dallas and I am the grandson of Mexican immigrants. I attended the University of Arkansas with the intention of being an architect, but after taking some business classes, I quickly discovered that finance was my passion. I received my degree in Financial Management and began my career in the financial services industry.

At home, I learned early in my life about the importance of setting financial goals and how important it is to trust financial institutions that secure the money you earned until you need it. My great-grandmother, Maria Luna, achieved the American dream of building a successful business and was the first Hispanic businesswoman in Dallas. She had a clear vision and a strong work ethic, but her financial awareness was self-taught and at times unconventional like the time she took a paper bag of cash to the dealership when she bought her first car. My father was the first person in his family to attend college and my mother received her degree and began her teaching career late in life. All this helped instill the importance of education in me.

I was fortunate to have an experience at the onset of my career that had a big effect on me and instilled a principle that I have carried throughout my life, and that’s giving back to others. Upon accepting my first job at Merrill Lynch, I was told that one of the reasons why I was hired was because my fraternity brother, for whom I worked at the office in Little Rock during college, put in a good word for me. When I later thanked him, he said, “Don’t thank me, just do the same when it’s your turn.”

These experiences had a profound effect on my life and serve as the background to why I feel honored to have the chance to now serve the Hispanic population here at TIAA-CREF. Outside of my job, I continue to give back to my alma mater and the community with my time and resources, and by serving on several boards. I actively participate in several boards and committees at the University of Arkansas, am the Vice Chair of the Hispanic Leadership Alliance and serve on former Governor Jeb Bush’s National Hispanic Advisory Committee.

example, the TIAA-CREF Institute earlier this year published a research paper on the need for greater financial literacy among Hispanics and possible ways to make that happen.

Schneider: Why is it important for Hispanic professionals to advance in leadership roles in corporate America?

Ramírez: Overall, I think that there is a need for more role models in the Hispanic community. It is very powerful that younger Hispanics starting their careers or looking at career options can see others in those same roles ahead of them. These Hispanic professionals can serve as someone to look to for career direction. Second, every segment of our population needs to be represented and represented well at every level. Since this is the fastest growing segment of the population in the United States, it should obviously be represented in the leadership of corporate America.

As we serve more Hispanics, we want to make sure that we are creating opportunities for Hispanics into our organization at all levels. We want to make sure we coordinate this across the entire organization and that we serve this segment across the entire company.

Schneider: What is your perspective on the U.S. Hispanic market, its growth potential, and positioning for future success?

Ramírez: At 17% of the U.S. population, the Hispanic market is growing faster than any other with projected growth to 33% by 2060. The U.S. population of Hispanics is second only to Mexico Schneider: How does the advancement of Hispanic professionals in leadership roles impact how corporate America serves the and if this population were a country, it would be the world’s 12th Hispanic market? largest economy.

Ramirez: As Hispanics advance into more leadership roles, their At the same time, I see a changing paradigm in the U.S. Hispanic market from a population that was perceived to be made influence has a positive effect on how corporate America serves up of low-income, the Hispanic market. less educated indiTrust is essential to “I WAS FORTUNATE TO HAVE AN EXPERIENCE viduals to now more serving this market highly educated, in order to build AT THE ONSET OF MY CAREER THAT HAD A BIG and more professional intrust, you must first dividuals with higher real comEFFECT ON ME AND INSTILLED A PRINCIPLE THAT demonstrate mitment. The advanceincomes. With that ment of Hispanics into shift comes more I HAVE CARRIED THROUGHOUT MY LIFE, AND leadership roles serves complexities and as a proof point of that more need for greatTHAT’S GIVING BACK TO OTHERS.” er awareness around commitment. Hispanic financial issues and business leaders that financial literacy. can identify, respond and relate to the unique dynamics of this The business opportunity helps sustain our ability to serve this market will be the ones that succeed because they are serving the population, but it’s the Hispanic individuals and families that are market better and in line with the needs. behind TIAA-CREF’s commitment to build a comprehensive strategy to help them achieve their lifelong financial goals. We Schneider: What advice would you give Hispanic professionals connect culturally and differentiate our delivery to ensure the who want to succeed in corporate America? greatest accessibility for this community. We want our comRamírez: Work hard. Find someone who will mentor you and mitment to the Hispanic market to be very obvious, very well build relationships that will help you and your work advance. I known, and very deliberate. believe strongly in giving back in a variety of ways, and I believe As a leader at TIAA-CREF, my team and I design and execute it’s important for Hispanic professionals to pay it forward to those strategies that educate Hispanics about our commitment to sewho are coming behind us and mentor others. When you are in a curing their financial future. This includes developing C-suite position of authority, remember what it was like starting out and relationships to build awareness with leadership and also so help others along. we get a clear window into the market. We are afforded the Another critical piece of advice is to find and pursue your opportunity to monitor the impact we are having on our clipassion. My passion of helping and serving Hispanics allows ents, the accessibility of our materials, and on the sustainability me to apply my strengths and experiences in building relationships to further that work. of our service. Thought leadership is also important and, for

Latinos Impacting Jesus Delgado-Jenkins

A remarkable

journey Jesus Delgado-Jenkins´ life of impact

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esus Delgado-Jenkins has had a remarkable journey – and a life of impact. He was born just two weeks after his parents fled Cuba and landed safely in Florida. They raised him with the expectation that he do something impactful and make a difference in the world, and this inspired Delgado-Jenkins to serve his country through joining the armed forces.

He decided to go to West Point, where he followed his passion for engineering and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering. After serving both domestically and internationally, he transitioned into the private sector.

Working in commercial real estate, Delgado-Jenkins realized that he needed additional business expertise, so he earned his MBA degree in marketing, strategy, and finance from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management.

After earning his MBA, he served as a consultant in retail sector demand-chain optimization at PriceWaterhouse Strategy Consulting Group. He then joined the executive team at Dominick’s Finer Foods, Inc. and after it was sold, he founded his own company focused on acquiring convenience stores.

After the September 11, 2001 attacks on America, Delgado-Jenkins once again volunteered to serve his country. He was asked to join the U.S. Treasury Department, where he was promoted to serve as chief financial officer and deputy chief operating officer.

Delgado-Jenkins managed all the internal affairs of the U.S. Treasury, including the IRS and Bureau of Financial Services, and was Vice Chair of the Capital Committee. After serving with the U.S. Treasury, Delgado-Jenkins moved back into the private sector and did acquisitions to create Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard, a highperforming convenience store chain.

During a time of economic recession, he achieved significant same-store revenue growth. In 2010, he accepted an offer to sell his company and join the 7-Eleven team as the Vice President of Merchandising and Logistics.

He has since risen to EVP and Chief Merchandising Officer for this iconic retail chain, which today has 8,300 locations and $25 billion in revenue in the U.S. and Canada. In an interview with Latino Leaders, Delgado-Jenkins describes his role at 7-Eleven, transformational trends in the U.S. market, and his advice to up-andcoming Hispanic leaders.

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Schneider: What is your current role at 7-Eleven and what are the main functions of your position?

Delgado-Jenkins: I am the Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer. I’m responsible for product development and merchandising assortment to satisfy the most customers, both in terms of their basic needs and special occasions, so that we delight as many customers as possible. We innovate, invent, and create new products not in the market to meet the ever-changing needs of customers. We then assemble the products into an array of choices that really makes the customer feel like this is the best store to come to. The second role is to run all the advertising and promotional activities including all digital and social media. Finally, my third role is to oversee our distribution system to keep our products the freshest possible while still maintaining integrity from where ever they are produced to where the customer picks them up.

Schneider: What are some of the transformational trends you see in the U.S. market? What is your perspective on the current market trends and conditions?

Delgado-Jenkins: We now live in a poly-cultural, multi-lingual United States. There are significant disruptions going on in the market place because of the fast changing dynamics of the demographics, the use of smart phones, and the ubiquity and transparency of information. Consumers are expecting a lot more, with much higher quality and immediate responses from retailers and anyone offering a product or a service.

From a social perspective the number of Hispanics and other minorities is significantly growing in ways the country has not experienced before.

JESUS DELGADO JENKINS

“YOU HAVE TO KNOW HOW THE COMPANY CAN MAKE A PROFIT. THEN YOU HAVE TO TAKE ACTION AND BE ACTION ORIENTED. WHAT IS YOUR ACTION PLAN? NOT JUST YOUR PLAN BUT YOUR ACTION PLAN. WHAT ACTION ARE YOU TAKING?”

The Corporate and Board e d i t i o n

While we have always been an immigrant nation with people immigrating to the United States, the growth rates for those population groups and ethnicities within inside the United States are actually very high. It is now skewing towards Hispanics rapidly, so it’s changing the products people are demanding, how they buy those products, the languages which we use to communicate, and how we market.

Add to that the fast adoption of technology, specifically the smart phone, and it’s changing the way retailers and consumer packaged goods companies go to market and communicate.

Companies are required to be more nimble. They need to get out of the past and focus on where the consumer is going, then quickly move there in order to continue to satisfy those customers as best they can. Add to that the growth in digital commerce with people buying online. All of these elements add up to a poly-cultural, multi-lingual United States that is quickly moving to a push-button economy for buying and purchasing. Smart phones have become the remote control for the inventory in each city. You can shop anywhere, from anywhere, and have it delivered anywhere.

Schneider: What advice do you have for Hispanic professionals on achieving success in corporate America?

Delgado-Jenkins: In general, lead with a point of view. You have to have a

“why”. From there you have to have the foundations of integrity, a noble cause, doing the right thing, and serving others. With those as your foundation, you need to be present and actively listen to the people you work with and engage with. You have to know your stuff technically, and you have to know your business and customer. You have to know how you get stuff to them and how your processes work. You have to know how the company can make a profit. Then you have to take action and be action oriented.

What is your action plan? Not just your plan but your action plan. What action are you taking? Then keep in mind how you are going to verify that your action plan worked. Be your own biggest critic when you verify how well your actions have worked. You have to be a team player. You have to express your plan. Things are becoming ever more horizontal and more nimble. People need to move faster so you have to be able to adapt a lot better than you used to. You have to lead with the point of view, be actively engaged with the people you are working with, and you have to know your stuff.

SUPPLY AND DEMAND The NMSDC, BDR and Hispanic Leaders in Purchasing and Supplier Diversity Story by Pablo Schneider Courtesy photos

The Corporate and Board edition

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S AMERICA becomes increasingly diverse, a key to our present and future success is the growth of Minority Business Enterprises (MBE’s). Looking at the supplier diversity landscape in America, two of the main organizations that champion MBE’s and recognize leaders in supplier diversity are the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) and the Billion Dollar Roundtable (BDR). There are a number of Hispanic Corporate leaders that participate extensively in these organizations and who have been recognized for their leadership in supplier diversity.

Founded in 1972, the NMSDC has grown to become one of the country’s leading minority supplier development organizations.

The supplier council champions and advances the cause of all certified minority-owned suppliers across America by connecting them with corporate members.

Its membership network is made up of more than 12,000 certified Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native American-owned businesses and 1,750 corporate members. These corporate members represent some of America’s top publicly-traded, privately-held, and foreign-owned companies as well as universities, hospitals, and other large institutions across the country.

Companies certified as minority business enterprises (MBE) through the NMSDC are listed both their Regional Council Minority Supplier Database and their national database. Certified MBE’s also have access to additional training and increased advancement opportunities. It is worth noting that over 30% of NMSDC-certified minority-owned company members are Hispanic-owned.

Billion Dollar club Founded in 2001, the Billion Dollar Roundtable celebrates corporations that have achieved $1 billion or more in business volume with minority and woman-owned suppliers. Its mission is to drive supplier excellence through sharing best practices and thought leadership. To support this mission, BDR hosts summits to facilitate the sharing of information and also publishes white papers.

The twenty-one members of the BDR include AT&T, Avis Budget Group, Bank of America, Boeing, Chrysler Group, Comcast, Dell, Disney, Ford, GM, Honda, IBM, Johnson Controls, Johnson & Johnson, Kaiser Permanente, Lockheed Martin, Kroger, Microsoft, Procter and Gamble Company, Toyota, Verizon and Walmart.

The newest inductee, Comcast NBCUniversal, did over $2 billion in business with diverse vendors in the past year.

The Hispanic leaders in purchasing and supplier diversity are the connectors who make business happen between corporate America and MWBE’s. Often times, they are unsung heroes of helping to make the American dream come true for thousands of Hispanic business owners nationwide.

Interacting with many of these leaders gives one a sense that they are on a mission, that they are passionate about helping MBE’s grow, and that they are paving the way to success and to the creation of thousands of jobs. Here are some notable examples of major companies who are committed to supplier diversity and the Hispanic executives who are making it happen.

• Apple – Alex Álvarez, Consultant for Supply Chain, Strategic Sourcing, Procurement, Purchasing, and Supplier Diversity • American Express – Gladys López, Manager of Corporate Supplier Diversity and Business Development • AT&T – Roland Tunez, Assistant Vice President for Strategic Sourcing and Supplier Diversity, AT&T Global Supply Chain • Fannie Mae – Michael Ruiz, Director of Procurement • Google – Adriana Samaniego, Supplier Diversity • Hilton – Fred Lona, Senior Director of Supplier Diversity • J&J – Ruben Taborda, Group Chief Procurement Officer, Medical Devices and Supplier Diversity • JPMorgan Chase – Jacqueline Rosa, Managing Director, Supplier Diversity • MassMutual – Lori Valle Yañez, VP and Chief Diversity Officer • Microsoft – Fernando Hernandez, Supplier Diversity Director • Oncor Electric Delivery – Graciela Hastings, Minority Supplier Manager • Oracle – Nino Campos, Senior Manager of Supplier Diversity, Oracle America • PepsiCo – Grace Puma, Senior Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer • Ricardo Barrientos, Global Procurement – Senior Director of Supplier Diversity • Verizon – Elva Lima, Director of Global Diversity and Inclusion • Wyndham Worldwide – Jose Nido – Vice President of Global Supplier Diversity

Corporate Edition NHCC Event

Helping corporate America succeed The National Hispanic Corporate Council has been laboring to aid the business community understand Latinos better

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his attitude and approach have made a leader in innovation, taking him from starting his career as a line supervisor at a poultry plant to being a senior executive at Brinker International, one of the world’s leading casual dining restaurant companies. NYSE-traded Brinker International is ranked #777 on the Fortune 1000.

Thirty years ago, a dozen visionary Fortune 500 companies foresaw the importance of the Hispanic market. Executives of these companies met together in 1985 and, after discussing the opportunities the Hispanic market would provide, founded the NHCC. The twelve founding members of NHCC are 7-Eleven, Allstate, Anheuser-Busch, Arco, AT&T, Circle-K Food Stores, The CocaCola Company, Equitable Life, Gannett, JCPenney, McDonald’s, and MillerCoors. Aimed at creating a network to share Hispanic market information, best practices, and resources, NHCC’s vision is to be a leading resource for maximizing the Hispanic market opportunity.

Today NHCC’s membership has expanded to include industry leaders such as Walmart, Wells Fargo, State Farm, Tyson, and Shell. The NHCC is led by Executive Director Octavio A. Hinojosa Mier, who has an extensive background in nonprofit management and in public service. He also has extensive experience in public policy work with the U.S. Department of State and Congress.

Hinojosa Mier has been awarded the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Civil Merit by the Kingdom of Spain for rendering “extraordinary services.”

The NHCC recently held an event at AMC Theater’s headquarters in Leawood, Kansas. The event, which included power networking PIE DE FOTO PIE DE FOTO PIE DE FOTO PIE DE FOTO before and after a panel on Hispanic Consumer Insights, brought

42 • September 2015

together top leaders from across industries to exchange information and insights around the Hispanic market.

Guadalupe ‘Lupe’ Alcala, Assistant Vice President of Administrative Services at State Farm Insurance and NHCC’s chair, welcomed guests. She spoke on the importance of the Hispanic market and leadership in corporate America.

The panel was comprised of Gerry López, former CEO of AMC Theaters (now CEO of Extended Stay America), David Cohen, Senior Executive Vice President of Comcast Corporation, and Alba Adamo, Group Director of Hispanic Marketing of the Coca-Cola Company.

Moderated by NHCC Executive Director Hinojosa Mier, the panel discussed their insights into the Hispanic market including areas of interest, workforce diversity, and new customer trends. Here are some highlights from the panel.

Octavio Hinojosa Mier: What areas of interest are your companies addressing in the Hispanic market?

Alba Adamo: What we see with Hispanics is that there is quite a diversity [among Hispanics]. To engage them effectively, we need to have both a clear understanding of the common thread of the Hispanic culture but also the distinct differences within the different cultures. Hispanics represent around forty-two different countries, and it’s not one size fits all. For Coca-Cola a key priority is a clear understanding of what are the values and the passion points, so with our products we can create meaningful experiences and an emotional connection with them.

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David Cohen: When you are a company like Comcast NBC Universal that does business in fifty states and forty-six foreign countries, being able to appeal to every community within our market is an essential element for our business. From the diversity and inclusion perspective, we focus on five areas: governance, workforce, supplier diversity, programming, and community investment.

In each of those areas we seek to ensure we have adequate representation and a commitment to all of the diverse communities we serve including the Hispanic community. We have a holist approach to the selection, production, and marketing of our films. We believe that in order to have Hispanics want to watch our films they need to see Hispanics in our films, have films directed by Hispanics, and we need to promote films within the Hispanic community.

Hinojosa: Which was biggest movie for Hispanics least year?

Gerry López: The most successful movie for Latinos last year was Fast and Furious 6, and the biggest movie for Latinos this year is Fast and Furious 7. That’s the reality we face in our business when attracting audiences. When the audience see themselves portrayed on the screen as the Fast and Furious franchise has, people react. Why is this consumer important to us? Not only are they a huge segment of the audience but they come more often, eat more, bring more people, and see movies in 3D, iMax, or Dolby Cinema. We could not be in this building today if not for those guests. We couldn’t do what we do without them. They require nothing of us but that we do our job and do it right, and that when they come to the theater they see themselves not only on the screen but also in the theater.

Hinojosa: Can you please talk about importance of workforce diversity at all levels?

Cohen: We are very focused on this issue at Comcast NBC Universal. We have made a lot of progress in the last four or five years but we have a lot more progress to make. As a company 59% of our total work force is diverse, either women or people of color.

If you look over the last four years, 69% of our new hires have been diverse. We have moved the needle. We are focused on every element of driving those work force numbers– hiring, retention, leadership development and promotion. All four legs of that stool have to be focused on.

Hinojosa: Can you elaborate on specific demographics and trends you are seeing?

López: For us, a critical component of our success is that we are totally agnostic. The only two ways we think about audience [are] either they are here or they want to be here and how do we make it easier for them to be here? We program to their taste. We program to what we know they like because they tell us. We are very actively engaged in social media. There is no substitute, however, for being in the market and treating your buildings, your assets, your activities and the marketing you do no differently for one segment than any other. We think of all [of our customers] on an equal basis because they all respond to the same things, which is a good movie in a great environment that’s clean, well-maintained, and friendly.

Adamo: What we have seen with the millennials is that they are a generation of ‘I want it now.’ They want to make choices. They are used to social media. For us at Coca-Cola, they definitely have influenced how we go to market. We start with social and digital first. If we have a program or promotion, it needs to be available so that they have it at their fingertips. We have teams that are responding, and we are adjusting our programs and what we are doing based on their feedback.

Hinojosa: How have minority-owned suppliers played a part in your overall profitability and success?

Cohen: In supplier diversity Comcast NBC Universal has knocked the ball out of the park. Five years ago our total supplier diversity spend was in the 500-600 million dollar a year category; in 2014 our supplier diversity spend exceeded two billion dollars per year. We are trying to build the diverse supplier pipeline from ground level and we have a very aggressive program to seek out suppliers and try to demystify the task of doing business with a Fortune 50 company.

We also work with our smaller diverse suppliers to help to secure lines and financing to be able to expand and do the types of jobs and business they would like to do with Comcast.

Corporate Edition Diversifying top leadership

Beyond the board

Story by Kristin

Schneider Courtesy photo

The Renaissance Dinners advance diverse leadership and are food for the soul

He added, “The ¨norm for most leadership events is that there is more diversity serving the table than sitting at the table. At the lobal, digital, and demographic forces are transformRenaissance Dinners, diverse leaders literally have seats at the table ing America and the face of the country is changing. and now we’re taking about power, about making things happen, In six decades America will go from 20% multiculand about helping one another advance.” tural in 1980, to 1/3 in 2010, to more than half in 2040.

The original idea was to have one dinner per year to form personal relationships and foster word of mouth to develop and adSome say the nation is becoming ‘majority minority’ vance diverse leaders in top leadership. Since the first Renaissance or ‘multicultural majority.’ Others call it the ‘new mainstream.´ Dinner in Chicago in the spring of 2012, there has been an overHispanics, African-Americans, and Asian-Americans are driving the whelming organic demand for additional dinners. As a result, there majority of growth – and will continue to do so for decades to come. have been a total of 18 Renaissance Dinners with 1,460 participants In addition to the sea change in ethnic composition, another driver in eight cities featuring 65 unique speakers plus wine, music, art, of demographic transformation is generational transition. The millennial generation is now as large as the Baby Boom Generation. vocal performance, theatrical performance, and literature. Schneider observed, “Stepping into the vacuum of diversity in top leaderAs the ‘new mainstream’ comes to into the majority over the next ship resulted in an outpouring of energy, enthusiasm, and support. three decades, an average of 10,000 Americans per day will reach The Renaissance Dinners grew organically from the plan of one retirement age. dinner per year to the reality of 18 Renaissance Dinners in three In the midst of this unprecedented demographic transformation, and a half years.” one must ask, “who is developing and advancing diverse leaders in When asked to describe the atmosphere of the Renaissance Dinthe top leadership of America?” “Who will lead America moving forward in this transformational era?” ners, Schneider answers, “The atmosphere of the dinners is very In the face of this dramatic transformation, there is an acute need high energy because it provides people an opportunity to interact for more diversity in the top leadership of America. There is a signifiwith other leaders who are energetic, powerful, and active. There’s cant gap between the vast majority of diverse leaders and the ‘powalso a unique sense of camaraderie because there is a focus on comers that be’ in America. What can be done to bridge that gap? Enter mon good and on mutual benefit. There is a sense of appreciation of the Renaissance Dinners. the cultural and artistic elements as well as the literary elements and “The purpose of the Renaissance Dinners is to develop and adthe speaker remarks, which are 5 minute Ted-talk style remarks on a vance a wider variety of leaders in top leadership across America,” wide variety of topics.” explains Renaissance Dinners Founder Pablo Schneider.

There are four kinds of ‘food’ at the Renaissance Dinners: Food “As there are a wider variety of top leaders, the energy, creativity, infor the palate with haute cuisine; Food for the senses with fine wine, novation, and leadership power unleashed will be a catalyst for the next lovely music, beautiful art, and touching vocal performance; Food American Renaissance. Another reason for ‘The Renaissance Dinners’ for thought with thought-provoking conversations, speakers, and name is that the dinners celebrate versatile talent, high achievement, books; and Food for the soul with getting to spend time with so and exemplary leadership,” Schneider says. many wonderful people. “When you have these four kinds of food When asked about his inspiration for creating the together a synergy occurs,” explains Schneider, “This Renaissance Dinners, Schneider recounts, “serving synergy results in a motivating and inspiring experihe ence.” Syndicated columnist and Renaissance guest as a banquet waiter during college, I was consistently speaker Ruben Navarrette says, “The Renaissance trying to figure out who was at the table, why they Dinners elevate the human spirit. Each dinner is an were there, and what they were talking about. Often and enriching experience - exposing you to the most extimes the people with seats at the table were talking about power, about making things happen, about e d i t i o n traordinary people doing the most interesting things.

These dinners feed your soul.” helping one another advance.

L AT I NO LE AD ER S

G

T Corporate Board

44 • September 2015

Board Candidates Feature

The Corporate and Board

e d i t i o n

The real article

These candidates can grace any board and bring value to corporations Story by

Kristin and Pablo Schneider

Photos from Latino

Leaders archives

What makes a strong board candidate?

According to the 2014-2015 NACD Public Company Governance Survey, the types of experience and attributes that were most important for public company director recruitment in the past year in order of importance included:

• Specific Industry

• Finance

• Leadership

• Diversity

• Strategy Development

• Corporate Governance

• International/Global

• Information Technology

• Marketing

• Government/Regulatory

• Risk Assessment

• Medicine/Science

• Legal/Compliance

• Human Resources Here we present 22 strong board candidates. These leaders have extensive industry experience in energy, telecom, IT, retail, financial services, restaurants, private equity, entertainment, engineering and construction, consumer packaged goods, facilities and service management, education and banking.

They have an impressive depth and breadth of functional expertise including finance, operations, information technology, marketing, legal, risk management, economics, and human resources.

Sixteen of the 22 candidates are senior executives with major corporations, three are business owners, one is a Chief Investment Officer, one is a powerful Hollywood agent, and one is a university president.

All have long track records of top leadership. All have diverse perspectives and backgrounds. Most have engaged in strategy development and have corporate governance experience. Many have international/global experience.

46 • September 2015

DENNIS ARRIOLA PRESIDENT AND CEO SOCALGAS

As President and Chief Executive Officer of SoCalGas (a unit of Sempra Energy), Dennis Arriola leads the nation’s largest natural gas distribution company. He has almost 20 years in a variety of leadership roles at Sempra Energy companies including serving as the Chief Operating Officer before his promotion to CEO. Arriola serves on a variety of boards including the American Gas Association, United Way of Greater Los Angeles, and California Business Roundtable. He earned his MBA from Harvard University.

THADDEUS ARROYO

RAMON BAEZ

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AT&T MEXICO, LLC

GLOBAL CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER (CIO) AND SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF CUSTOMER ADVOCACY HEWLETT-PACKARD

Thaddeus Arroyo is the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of AT&T Mexico, LLC. In his previous role at AT&T, Arroyo served as President of Technology Development.

Under his leadership, AT&T was consistently recognized for leadership in technology innovation and execution. Arroyo has won numerous awards for his leadership in innovation and technology including being named one of “Mexico’s 300 Most Influential Leaders” for 2015 by Líderes Mexicanos magazine. He is an active board member of the Hispanic IT Executive Council and National Center for Women & Information Technology.

An expert in information technology, Ramón Baez serves as Hewlett-Packard’s Global Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Senior Vice President of Customer Advocacy. His responsibilities include driving HP’s global information technology strategy and supporting all of the company’s IT assets. He is also the chairman of HP’s Global Diversity & Inclusion Board. Baez’s career with global Fortune 100 companies spans more than three decades in industries such as manufacturing, packaged goods, aerospace and defense.

JOHN ESQUIVEL

BOB ESTRADA

FORMER CHIEF ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE OFFICER AND ASSOCIATE GENERAL COUNSEL SHELL OIL COMPANY

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF ESTRADA HINOJOSA & COMPANY, INC.

John Esquivel recently retired as Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer and Associate General Counsel at Shell Oil Company. In his 32 years as a corporate attorney at Shell, Esquivel served in a management capacity for over twenty-two years and supported major business segments such as oil products and exploration and production. His board service includes being the Chairman of the Greater Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation and serving on the Board of the National Council of La Raza.

Robert ‘Bob’ A. Estrada is the co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Estrada Hinojosa & Company, Inc., a full service investment bank specializing in municipal financial advisory and bond underwriting services.

Estrada also has extensive experience in government service. He previously served in the White House as a Special Assistant to former President George H. W. Bush and as a State Director for the late United States Senator John Tower. Estrada serves on the board of Oncor Electric Delivery and formerly served on the UT System Board of Regents.

JESUS DELGADOJENKINS EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF MERCHANDISING OFFICER 7-ELEVEN

As Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer at 7-ELEVEN, Jesus Delgado-Jenkins is responsible for the product development and merchandising assortment in the 8,300 North American locations.

An expert in demand-chain optimization and product innovation, Delgado-Jenkins is credited with reversing ten years of customer declines at 7-Eleven with his “value/ premium/innovation” strategy. He serves on the Boards of CORE Nutrition, Axon Global, and the Dallas Zoo.

JOSE CARLOS ‘J.C.’ GONZALEZ-MENDEZ PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF GLOBAL INCLUSION, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, AND PHILANTHROPY

A 30-year veteran of McDonald’s, Jose Carlos ‘J.C.’ Gonzalez-Mendez is both President and Chief Executive Officer of Ronald McDonald House Charities as well as Senior Vice President of Global Inclusion, Community Engagement, and Philanthropy of McDonald’s. He is responsible for coordinating McDonald’s global philanthropic efforts and for its efforts in community engagement, diversity, and inclusion. He also serves on the boards of the National Council of La Raza and the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business.

latinoleaders.com

Board Candidates Feature

XAVIER GUTIERREZ

CHRISTY HAUBEGGER

CARLOS HERNANDEZ

PRESIDENT AND CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER, MERUELO INVESTMENT PARTNERS CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER, MERUELO GROUP

AGENT CREATIVE ARTISTS AGENCY (CAA)

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER AND SECRETARY FLUOR CORPORATION

An Agent at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), one of the leading entertainment and sports agencies, Christy Haubegger represents clients such as Salma Hayek, Sofía Vergara, Eva Longoria, Pitbull, and Jennifer Lopez.

Haubegger is also the Founder of Latina magazine, one of the leading publications for Hispanic women in America. Haubegger has been named one of Newsweek’s 2001 “Women of the New Century” and was appointed to the President’s Commission on White House Fellows in 2009.

Carlos M. Hernandez serves as Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, and Secretary for Fluor Corporation. Highly active on a variety of boards, he chairs the Advisory Council of the Civil Engineering School of Purdue University and serves on boards of organizations like the International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution and the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. He holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Miami School of Law.

Xavier A. Gutierrez serves as both the President and Chief Investment Officer of Meruelo Investment Partners and as Chief Investment Officer of Meruelo Group. Gutierrez’s extensive board service includes the boards of Sizmek, Inc, NCAL Bancorp, National Bank of California, and the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He earned his Juris Doctorate from Stanford Law School and his Bachelor of Arts in Government cum laude from Harvard University.

List of Hispanic Corporate Directors of Fortune 1000 Boards Researcher - Cesirys Espaillat Editor – Pablo Schneider (Final - Final: September 4, 2015)

1. ARCILIA ACOSTA ENERGY FUTURE HOLDINGS

2. FERNANDO AGUIRRE AETNA

3. HUMBERTO ALFONSO EASTMAN CHEMICAL

4. DONNA M. ALVARADO CSX, CORRECTIONS CORPORATION OF AMERICA

5. JOSEPH ALVARADO SPECTRA ENERGY, COMMERCIAL METALS

6. LINDA ALVARADO 3M COMPANY, PITNEY BOWES

7. AIDA M. ALVAREZ WALMART

8. GIANNELLA ALVAREZ DOMTAR 48 • September 2015

9. JOSE ALVAREZ TJX

10. RALPH ALVAREZ ELI LILLY

11. LUIS ARANGUREN TRELLEZ – INGREDION

12. ANTONIO ARENAS SPECTRUM GROUP INTERNATIONAL

13. VICTOR ARIAS AFC ENTERPRISES

14. JOSE ARMARIO USG

15. DAN ARVIZU STATE FARM INSURANCE

16. XAVIER AVILA LAND O’LAKES

17. ORLANDO AYALA CENTENE

18. ALAIN J.P. BELDA IBM 19. JORGE BENITEZ WORLD FUEL SERVICES 20. ABELARDO E. BRU KIMBERLY-CLARK 21. ANNA R. CABLIK BB&T 22. ANNA ESCOBEDO CABRAL NAVIENT 23. ROEL C. CAMPOS WELLCARE HEALTH PLANS 24. CLAUDE R. CANIZAREZ L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS

GRACIELA

MIKE

MONTELONGO

HECTOR MUÑOZ

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND PRESIDENT OF AMERICAS AND GLOBAL MARKETING MEAD JOHNSON

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER AND SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF PUBLIC POLICY AND CORPORATE AFFAIRS SODEXO, INC.

U.S. CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER POPEYE’S

Mike Montelongo serves as the Chief Administrative Officer and Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Corporate Affairs for Sodexo, Inc. He has an extensive background in strategy, policymaking, and financial and risk management. Montelongo has also served as the 19th Assistant Secretary for financial management and Chief Financial Officer of the U.S. Air Force and the acting Secretary of the Air Force by appointment of President Bush. He is a lifetime member of the Council on Foreign Relations and has twice been listed in Hispanic Business Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Hispanics. He serves on the boards of Herbalife and Aerospace Corporation and previously served on the board of directors of Denny’s.

As the U.S. Chief Marketing Officer of Popeye’s, Hector A. Muñoz is in charge of all aspects of U.S. marketing for the world’s largest quick-service chicken restaurant. His responsibilities include overseeing aspects such as brand strategy, product innovations, and multi-cultural marketing. Muñoz has led the successful national introduction of 25 new products innovations for Popeye’s as well as exceeded the sales plan for the last four years by as much as 100%. He holds his master of business administration in international business from the University of Miami.

MONTEAGUDO Graciela Monteagudo, the Senior Vice President and President of Americas and Global Marketing, is responsible for Mead Johnson’s business in both North America and Latin America. She also oversees the company’s worldwide functions of Global Customer Insights and Global Brand Equity & Innovation. A member of the International Women’s Forum, Monteagudo was the first Latin American woman to be accepted into its Fellows Program. Diversity MBA Magazine named her one of the “Top 100 under 50 Diverse Executives”.

25. CARLOS M. CARDOSO STANLEY BLACK & DECKER

34. FRANKLIN CHANG-DIAZ CUMMINS

43. DEIRDRE P. CONNELLY MACY’S

26. RICHARD H. CARMONA CLOROX

35. LINDA CHAVEZ ABM INDUSTRIES

44. LU CORDOVA KANSAS CITY SOUTHERN

27. ANTONIO CARRILLO DR. PEPPER SNAPPLE GROUP, TRINITY INDUSTRIES

36. JAIME CHICO PARDO HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL

45. JUAN ERNESTO DE BEDOUT VF

28. RICHARD CARRION VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS

37. MICHAEL CHU SEALED AIR

46. RALPH DE LA VEGA NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE

29. GILBERT F. CASELLAS PRUDENTIAL FINANCIAL

38. HENRY CISNEROS UNIVISION COMMUNICATIONS

47. PAUL DIAZ DAVITA HEALTHCARE PARTNERS, KINDRED HEALTHCARE

30. KIMBERLY A. CASIANO FORD MOTOR, MEAD JOHNSON NUTRITION, MUTUAL OF AMERICA LIFE INSURANCE

39. EUGENIO CLARIOND REYES-RETANA JOHNSON CONTROLS

31. THOMAS H. CASTRO TIME WARNER CABLE

40. MARCELO CLAURE SPRINT

32. MICHAEL CAVE HARLEY-DAVISON

41. ARMANDO CODINA HOME DEPOT

33. JUAN CENTO ASSURANT

42. JAMES V. CONTINENZA EASTMAN KODAK

48. PATRICIA DIAZ DENNIS UNITED STATES STEEL, MASSACHUSETTS MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE 49. CARI DOMINGUEZ MANPOWERGROUP 50. MICHAEL J. DOMINGUEZ CDW

latinoleaders.com

Board Candidates Feature

CARMEN NAVA

GUILLERMO PERALES

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE AND BUSINESS PLANNING AT&T SERVICES, INC.

PRESIDENT & CEO SUN HOLDINGS, INC.

List of Hispanic Corporate Directors of Fortune 1000 Boards

As Senior Vice President of Customer Experience and Business Planning of AT&T, Carmen Nava is responsible for leading efforts to transform the customer experience as well as multiple business units including Business Planning and Customer Information Services. Nava serves on the advisory boards of two of AT&T’s employee resource groups including AT&T’s Hispanic/Latino Employee Association. She also serves on the boards of USC’s Latino Alumni Association and the University of the Incarnate Word.

Guillermo Perales, President and CEO of Sun Holdings Inc, has grown his company from one franchise location in 1997 to almost 600 locations in 2015. Under his leadership, Sun Holdings Inc. has become the largest Hispanic franchisee and the 21st largest Hispanic organization in the United States. Perales’ expertise in leadership, strategy development, and entrepreneurship has been recognized through numerous awards, including Asociacion Empresarios Mexicanos’s 2015 Entrepreneur of the Year and the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s 2014 Empire Builder Award.

He serves on a variety of boards including the National Franchisee Association and the Burger King Diversity Advisory Board.

MARIE QUINTEROJOHNSON VICE PRESIDENT OF MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS, INSIGHTS, AND CORPORATE REAL ESTATE THE COCA-COLA COMPANY

As Vice President of Mergers & Acquisitions, Insights, and Corporate Real Estate for The Coca-Cola Company, Marie D. Quintero-Johnson and the team she manages are responsible for overseeing competitive Insights and Corporate Real Estate as well as evaluating and executing all merger, acquisition and divestiture transactions of the Corporation on a global level. QuinteroJohnson is a certified public accountant and earned her MBA from the University of Virginia’s Darden Graduate School of Business Administration.

51. ANA DUTRA CME GROUP

60. PABLO A. FERRARO SEMPRA ENERGY

70. CARLOS M. GUTIERREZ OCCIDENTAL PETROLEUM

52. JOSEPH ECHEVARRIA THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON CORPORATION

61. JUAN R. FIGUEREO PVH

71. RICK HERNANDEZ WELLS FARGO, CHEVRON, NORDSTROM, MCDONALD’S

53. GLORIA ESTEFAN UNIVISION COMMUNICATIONS

62. JOHN G. FIGUEROA RELIANCE STEEL & ALUMINUM

54. IRENE M. ESTEVES LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS, SPIRIT AEROSYSTEMS HOLDINGS

63. JUAN GALLARDO CATERPILLAR

55. RUBEN E. ESQUIVEL ATMOS ENERGY 56. ROBERT A. ESTRADA ONCOR ELECTRIC DELIVERY 57. OSCAR FANJUL MARSH & MCLENNAN COMPANIES 58. FRANCISCO JAVIER FERNANDEZ-CARBAJAL VISA 59. MANUEL A. FERNANDEZ TIME, LEGGETT & PLATT

50 • September 2015

64. FABIAN T. GARCIA KIMBERLY-CLARK 65. HECTOR GARCIA-MOLINA ORACLE 66. ANTONIO O. GARZA KANSAS CITY SOUTHERN 67. ANDRES GLUSKI AES 68. EVERARDO GOYANES PLAINS ALL AMERICAN PIPELINE 69. LINDA GRIEGO AECOM, CBS

72. ROBERT M. HERNANDEZ EASTMAN CHEMICAL 73. ROLAND HERNANDEZ MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL, U.S. BANCORP 74. GEORGE HERRERA WYNDHAM WORLDWIDE 75. ALBERTO IBARGÜEN PEPSICO, AMERICAN AIRLINES 76. ANTHONY A. IBARGUEN INSIGHT ENTERPRISES 77. MERCEDES JOHNSON MICRON TECHNOLOGY 78. MARIA ELENA LAGOMASIMO AVON, THE COCA-COLA COMPANY

RICK RAMIREZ

RICARDO ROMO

GINA SANCHEZ

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF TARGETED MARKETING WARNER BROS. PICTURES

PRESIDENT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO

FOUNDER AND CHAIRWOMAN CHANTICO GLOBAL, LLC

A seasoned marketing executive with more than 20 years of experience, Rick Ramirez is Senior Vice President of Targeted Marketing at Warner Bros. Pictures. Ramirez has marketed over 100 movies in the past years and has contributed to the marketing successes of such international hits as “The Hobbit” trilogy and “American Sniper”. He also launched Warner Bros. Pictures’ digital strategy for targeting Hispanic, African American and Asian American audiences.

Ramirez holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin School of Law.

Ricardo Romo, President of The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), has emphasized excellence in education, groundbreaking research and community outreach during his 15 years in the role. He has overseen an increase of endowed faculty positions from 7 to 61 and an increase of degree program tracks from 90 to 147. Under his leadership, UTSA has also been named one of the top 100 universities in the world under 50 years old by Times Higher Education for the third consecutive year.

Gina Sanchez is the Founder and Chairwoman of Chantico Global, LLC., an organization specializing in customized asset allocations solutions for diverse clients with approximately $60 billion is assets globally.

An expert in economics, finance, and strategy development, Sanchez shares her business and leadership insights as a contributor and guest host for CNBC as well as a regular on Talking Numbers, a CNBC/Yahoo! Finance daily show. She earned a Bachelor’s in Economics from Harvard and a Master’s in International Policy Studies from Stanford.

79. GRACE D. LEBLEIN HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL

89. EDUARDO G. MESTRE AVIS BUDGET GROUP, COMCAST

98. HECTOR M. NEVARES DEAN FOODS

80. JANIECE M. LONGORIA CENTERPOINT ENERGY

90. JOHN C. MOLINA MOLINA HEALTHCARE

99. LUIS P. NIETO AUTOZONE, RYDER SYSTEM

81. GERRY LOPEZ BRINKER INTERNATIONAL

91. JOSEPH MARIO MOLINA MOLINA HEALTHCARE

100. HILDA OCHOA -BRILLEMBOURG GENERAL MILLS, MCGRAW -HILL FINANCIAL

82. NANCY LOPEZ KNIGHT THE J.M. SMUCKER COMPANY

92.MARITZA MONTIEL MCCORMICK & COMPANY

101.ROSENDO G. PARRA PG&E

83. MONICA C. LOZANO BANK OF AMERICA, THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

93. JORGE P. MONTOYA GAP, KROGER

102. GEORGE PAZ EXPRESS SCRIPTS HOLDING COMPANY, HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL

84. JOSE MARIA AZNAR NEWS CORPORATION

94. ALBERT F. MORENO XCEL ENERGY

85. SARA MARTINEZ TUCKER AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY, XEROX, SPRINT

95. GEORGE MUÑOZ ALTRIA GROUP, ANIXTER INTERNATIONAL, MARRIOT INTERNATIONAL

104. EDITH R. PEREZ CON-WAY

96. OSCAR MUÑOZ UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS

105. WILLIAM D. PEREZ JOHNSON & JOHNSON SERVICES, WHIRLPOOL

97. ELSA A. MURANO HORMEL FOODS

106. IGNACIO PEREZ LIZAUR NEWELL RUBBERMAID

86. ROMAN MARTINEZ CIGNA 87. ROBERTO MENDOZA MANPOWERGROUP, WESTERN UNION

103. FEDERICO F. PEÑA WELLS FARGO

88. EDUARDO R. MENASCÉ PITNEY BOWES, HILL-ROM HOLDINGS latinoleaders.com

List of Hispanic Corporate Directors of Fortune 1000 Boards

Board Candidates Feature

EDUARDO TOBON

DR. BETTY URIBE

MAGDA YRIZARRY

PRESIDENT DINERS CLUB INTERNATIONAL

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AT CALIFORNIA BANK & TRUST

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF TALENT AND DIVERSITY OFFICER VERIZON

As President of Diners Club International, Eduardo Tobon uses his financial and global expertise to oversee a global iconic brand with presence in 185 countries via 80 franchises. He is also responsible for a payment network of $27 billion and under his leadership the company has not only expanded further globally but has refocused its energies on the dining, travel and entertainment industries. Tobon serves in a variety of leadership roles including the Management Committee of Discovery Financial Services (DFS) and the Global Advisory Board of the Bentley Business School.

Dr. Betty R. Uribe is Executive Vice President at California Bank & Trust, where she has P&L responsibility for the majority of branches within California in addition to multiple business and commercial lending teams. She has more than 27 years of experience in banking and finance, with expertise in business turnarounds, risk management, and strategy development. She serves on two for-profit private company boards, Next Step Asia and Pepperdine University, as well as on several non-profit boards. She holds a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University.

As Senior Vice President and Chief Talent and Diversity Officer of Verizon, Magda Yrizarry is responsible for the development and implementation of global strategies in the areas of diversity, executive development, recruitment, and succession planning.

Yrizarry also leads all initiatives for corporate Human Resources Business Partner and change management. Yrizarry is a founding member of 100 Hispanic Women, represents Verizon on LULAC’s National Education Service Centers Board, and serves as both the chairperson of ASPIRA of New York and an Executive Board member of the ASPIRA Association.

107. PEDRO J. PIZARRO EDISON INTERNATIONAL

117. EDUARDO A. RODRIGUEZ ONEOK

127. MARCO ANTONIO SLIM DOMIT BLACKROCK

108. JOSE LUIS PRADO BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, NORTHERN TRUST

118. RAMON A. RODRIGUEZ REPUBLIC SERVICES

128. MYRNA M. SOTO CMS ENERGY

109. J. PAUL RAINES ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, GAMESTOP

119. FRANCISCO ROS QUALCOMM

129. JAVIER TERUEL J.C. PENNEY, STARBUCKS

110. DARREN M. REBELEZ TORCHMARK

120. FRANCESCA RUIZ DE LUZURIAGA OFFICE DEPOT/ OFFICEMAX

130. MARTA TIENDA TIAA-CREF

111. ROGELIO M. REBOLLEDO KELLOGG, CLOROX

121. PATRICIA SALAS PINEDAS LEVI STRAUSS & CO.

131. SOLOMON D. TRUJILLO WESTERN

112. CARLOS E. REPRESAS MERCK

122. CARLOS A. SALADRIGAS ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, DUKE ENERGY

132. NINA G. VACA COMERICA, CINEMARK HOLDINGS, KOHL’S

113. JOSÉ OCTAVIO REYES LAGUNES MASTERCARD

123. KENNETH L. SALAZAR TARGET

133. RAUL VAZQUEZ STAPLES

114. MANUEL F. RIVELO APOLLO EDUCATION GROUP

124. ROBERT E. SANCHEZ RYDER SYSTEM, TEXAS INSTRUMENTS

134. JOSE H. VILARREAL UNION PACIFIC

115. JOSUE ROBLES DTE ENERGY

125. GLORIA SANTONA AON

135. NATICA VON ALTHANN PPL

116. CARLOS RODRIGUEZ AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING

126. MARIA SASTRE PUBLIX SUPER MARKETS

136. ERNESTO ZEDILLO

52 • September 2015

ALCOA, CITIGROUP, PROCTER & GAMBLE

C o r p o r a t e To p L a t i n o s F o r t u n e 5 0 0

The top Latinos of Fortune 500 They are few, but here’s the who’s who

F

our Latinos stand out among CEOs leading corporations on this year’s Fortune 500, the list of the largest U.S. companies based on gross revenue that is published annually by Fortune Magazine.

Those CEOs are George Paz of Express Scripts, Carlos A. Rodríguez of Automatic Data Processing, Joseph Mario Molina of Molina Healthcare and Paul Raines of GameStop. They all make between $5 million and $13 million.

Having one’s companies on the Fortune 500 is one of the most coveted honors for American CEOs, a proof not only of a business’ market prowess and financial strength but also of its leaders’ exceptional capacity to help their companies make the famous roster– and stay on it.

These four companies led by Latino CEO’s have a combined revenue of $132 billion and profit of nearly $4 billion, according to Fortune. They employ approximately 137,000 employees.

George Paz Express Scripts Holdings Chairman & Chief Executive

Officer / Company place on Fortune 500: 22 Paz has turned Express Scripts into the nation’s top pharmacy benefits manager. Under his tenure, the company acquired Health Solutions for about $30 billion in 2012–doubling its revenues– and has benefited from more insured patients under Obamacare in recent years.

Paz’s grandfather came from Mexico and made the state of Missouri his home, where Paz was born. Paz earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting from the University of Missouri, St. Louis. His company value is estimated at $63 billion.

Carlos A. Rodríguez Automatic Data Processing President and Chief Ex-

ecutive Officer / Company place on Fortune 500: 251 Rodríguez has been with the Roseland, NJbased human resources outsourcing solutions company for nearly 16 years.

The Cuban-born Rodríguez joined ADP in 1999 and was named president and chief executive officer in 2011. His arrival to the company came through ADP’s acquisition of Vincam, where he served initially as chief financial officer for a short period before becoming president of ADP TotalSource and moving up the company’s corporate ladder.

54 • September 2015

Story by César

Arredondo Courtesy photo

The Corporate and Board e d i t i o n

As president of ADP’s Small Business Services, he launched “RUN Powered by ADP®” payroll management service, one of ADP’s fastest growing product platforms. Also, he serves on the boards of ADP and Hubbell Inc, another Fortune 500 company, and is a member of the Business Roundtable and the Economic Club of New York. His company value is estimated at more than $41 billion.

Joseph Mario Molina Molina Healthcare President and Chief

Executive Officer / Company place on Fortune 500: 301 Molina moved up his managed care company 92 places on the Fortune 500 compared to last year’s ranking. The firm has benefited from Obamacare in recent years.

Molina has grown the Long Beach, CA-based corporation to turn it into arguably the nation’s largest Latino company. He took it from serving 100,000 patients only in California to having more than 1.8 million members in a dozen states.

Molina has been with the company for more than 25 years. He took over the reins of the company when his father and company founder C. David Molina, a doctor, passed away in 1996. Previously, Joseph Mario Molina, himself also a physician, served as medical director 1991 through 1994, and as vice president responsible for provider contracting and relation member services, market and quality assurance from 1994 to 1996.

Molina earned a medical degree from the University of Southern California. His company value is estimated at $3.3 billion.

Paul Raines GameStop Chief Executive Officer / Company place on Fortune 500: 311 Since becoming CEO in 210, Raines has kept on growing this global retailer of video games, consumer electronics and wireless services.

Under his leadership, the Grapevine, the Texas-based corporation acquired several companies that have enabled GameStop to remain the nation’s largest retail chain of PC and console games in an ever-changing market by combining more than 6,000 brick-and-mortar stores with online delivery.

GameStop is also a global powerhouse, operating in 14 countries across Europe, Canada and Australia.

Raines is credited with expanding GameStop’s portfolio beyond gaming to include technology and mobile brands, and prepaid wireless phone services.

The Costa Rican-born Raines, whose mother is of Chilean descent, holds a bachelor of science degree in industrial engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. His company value is estimated at more than $4 billion.

CANCER SURVIVOR HELPS OTHERS CONSIDER THE “WHAT IFS” IN LIFE

D

riven by a passion to live life fully, Robert Ornelas often felt invincible, whether climbing the corporate ladder as a banker or chasing the ball as a soccer player.

“I spent many years believing I was immortal,” he said.

Then Ornelas heard the words he never expected to hear: “You have testicular cancer.” Suddenly, the 27-year-old wasn’t feeling immortal any more and he and his wife of one year started thinking about all the “what ifs.”

Northwestern Mutual Photos by George McQuade Story by

BUSINESS A solid financial plan can help you respond to whatever life brings

Ornelas considers himself an even-keeled person able to handle whatever comes his way, including four cycles of chemotherapy in six months to treat the aggressive cancer. But the treatment paled in comparison to the solemn realization his wife would face financial struggles if he passed away. His life insurance policy would cover their condominium mortgage, but not much else.

“I hadn’t planned for the unthinkable,” he said.

Although the chemotherapy was successful, Ornelas couldn’t buy additional life insurance until he was free of cancer for five years. By then, the couple had a daughter. “I bought more life insurance the minute I was eligible,” he said.

Planning today for tomorrow Today, Ornelas draws from his life experience to help individuals from all walks of life with their personal and business planning needs as a financial representative with Northwestern Mutual in Los Angeles, California. Anticipating the “what ifs” in life is crucial to successful financial planning, whether you’re thinking about paying for college, funding retirement or building a business.

“If you wait until you need a plan, then it’s too late to plan,” he said.

A liberal arts major at California State University Fullerton, Ornelas worked as a bank teller to pay for college. He moved up the ranks during his college years and after graduation, eventually becoming a branch manager. But he grew frustrated after a decade when he realized that any future advancement depended on other people retiring, rather than on his own achievements.

That’s when a Northwestern Mutual recruiter called. “I had never heard of the company,” he said. But the more he heard, the more he liked the prospect of coming on board.

56 • September 2015

ment that has raised millions of dollars with supporters around the world. “I think it’s awesome that our company supports pediatric cancer research,” said Ornelas, who recently attended the foundation’s annual gala. “It’s sad to see kids who are struggling with cancer when they should be looking ahead to enjoying many years of life.”

Courageous conversations

“I’d spent my whole career until then working for a business rather than running my own business. I liked the concept of building my own business rather than building one for someone else. I didn’t want to wait for my turn to get ahead. I wanted to earn it,” he said.

Ornelas is so passionate about Northwestern Mutual and the importance of financial planning that he spends two years mentoring college graduates who join the company after completing an internship. “My role is to help develop individuals who want to jumpstart their careers in this profession,” he said.

“I enjoy seeing people achieve things that I helped facilitate.”

As a cancer survivor, Ornelas takes pride in working for a company dedicated to raising awareness and funds for research through Northwestern Mutual’s childhood cancer program and partnership with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. Cancer patient Alexandra “Alex” Scott started the lemonade stand at age four to help other children with cancer.

Her efforts have evolved into a national foundation move-

Ornelas believes his personal battle with cancer has given him the professional strength to speak with people about the “what ifs” in their lives.

“I’m able to have those courageous conversations with people and tell them what they need to hear even if it’s not what they want to hear,” said Ornelas.

He’s already handled four death claims— all involving cancer patients under the age of 50—and seen how families have benefited from having life insurance as part of their financial plan.

“Nobody thinks bad things will happen to them. But what if it does happen?

What would be the consequences to their family, employees and business if they hadn’t done the proper planning?” he asked. For example, many people get enough life insurance to pay off the mortgage and their children’s college education. “But the third, and most overlooked component, is replacing your income when you aren’t here. This is the biggest gap facing Americans who are underinsured.”

Ornelas hopes to impact many lives through his own work introducing people to financial planning and his efforts to bring new talent into the profession. He knows first hand that by taking care of risks first, his clients will be able to accumulate wealth with confidence knowing they and their families are protected.

“The best way to make the most out of life now is creating a financial plan that allows you to respond to whatever life brings in the future,” he said.

Robert Ornelas is an Insurance Agent of Northwestern Mutual, the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI (NM) (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries.

By

Pablo Schneider

KEEPING UP WITH PABLO

REFLECTIONS ON THE

101 Most Influential Latino Leaders Each year I look forward to reading through the 101 List.

I enjoy reading about those I already know and especially those I don’t know but now have on my radar. Reading through the 101 List prompted me to ask, what makes the 101 Influential?

The entertainers and athletes are influential because of their talent, their acclaim, and their fame. Those in government are influential because they touch the lives of all Americans through their executive, legislative, and judicial work. Those in finance are influential because of the resources they control. Those in business and corporate leadership are influential because they provide products, services, and jobs to millions.

Those in media are influential in conveying content and impacting worldviews. Those in non-profit organizations are influential because they serve those in need and advocate for Hispanic advancement. Those in health and science are influential because they support well-being and advances in improving the human condition. Each of “the 101” has a compelling story and outstanding attributes. At the end of the day, one of the main things that make the 101 Influential is their ability to touch lives.

During my years in business, media, and leadership I’ve been blessed to know many of the “101 Influentials”. Here are four examples of 101 honorees that have touched my life for many years and will undoubtedly continue to do so.

David Hayes Bautista has devoted over four decades to pioneering, world-class study of Latino health and culture. David has been a dear friend and mentor since the mid1980’s. He is one of a handful of mentors who’ve had the biggest impact on who I am today. From serving as a faculty advisor for my masters project to speaking at the Renaissance Dinners in LA, David has been influential in my life for many years. He is not only influential in the lives of thousands of his students and mentees, he is influential on how Latinos are viewed in America.

Eva Guzman is the first Latina Supreme Court Justice in Texas history. Eva and I met in 2004 at a Hispanic leadership forum in Washington, D.C. Eva is an amazing servant leader who has an inspiring story of achieving the American dream through hard work and perseverance. Growing up from humble beginnings she worked her way out of the East End Barrio in Houston by earning degrees in business and in law. She practiced law for ten years, served as a judge for ten years, and became the first Latina Supreme Court Justice in Texas History. It was an honor and a pleasure to support her appointment in 2009 and help with her election in 2010. Eva’s leadership by example is influential in my life and in the lives of 27 million Texans.

Nina Vaca started a company from scratch 19 years ago that is now doing several hundred million in annual revenues. She is a board member of three Fortune 1000 companies including Kohl’s, Cinemark, and Comerica. Nina is like a sister to me – ‘una hermana’. I am incredibly proud of her and have had the honor and pleasure to be her friend and mentor since we met at a Hispanic leadership forum in Washington, D.C. in 2004 (the same forum where I met Eva Guzman). Nina’s positive energy, can-do attitude, and incredible heart are influential on my life, on the lives of thousands of associates of the Pinnacle Group, and on the many lives she touches through her civic, corporate, and community service.

Ruben Navarrette is the most widely read Hispanic writer in America. One of the top syndicated columnists nationally, he’s published weekly in over 100 newspapers and also serves as a contributor to Fox News. Ruben and I met in 2008 when I interviewed him for a Latino Leaders column. Since then he’s become a dear friend who consistently challenges me to think critically about my beliefs and opinions. One of Ruben’s favorite sayings is “I didn’t mean to make you angry. I only meant to make you think. It was having to think that made you angry.” Ruben’s courageous and insightful writing and speaking is in influential on me and on millions of his readers and viewers. latinoleaders.com

PROUST

L AT INO LE A DE R S

Ralph de la Vega Proust interview by George

McQuade

Design: Fernando

Izquierdo

He’s the man. Ralph de la Vega, CEO of AT&T has been selected by Latino Leaders Magazine to be amongst

our 101 Most Influential Hispanics of 2015. And it’s for good reason.

He was appointed President & Chief Executive Officer of the newly created AT&T Mobile & Business Solutions organization exactly one year ago last month (August 2014). He has overall responsibility for the company’s wireless and business services operations, which serve more than 116 million mobile customers in the U.S. and more than 3.5 million business customers Considered in the corporate world as one of its most talented, and humble, visionaries, De la Vega has underscored the company’s focus on delivering integrated solutions to customers. He took our Proust questions in stride and gave us gold nuggets of wisdom.

Q. What is the secret to your success at AT&T? A. I think I’ve been able to make a difference at AT&T by leading the organization to stay ahead of some of the most significant changes in the telecommunications industry: the emergence of cellular networks, the commercialization of the Internet, the rollout of fixed and mobile broadband networks, the introduction of the iPhone, the mass adoption of smartphones, and now the Internet of Things. I’ve always tried to lead my organizations to be ahead of the game. At AT&T we call it “Getting to the Future First.”

Q. What is your management style?

A. My leadership style is about inspiring and engaging people to be their very best and help them achieve what they thought was not possible. As a leader and coach, I believe it’s my responsibility to help them be best they can be. One of the ways I do that is with prompt, candid and constructive feedback. I like to catch people doing things right and praise them right away. That’s when feedback is more meaningful and more useful to people. Likewise, if I don’t like something they’re doing I won’t wait until their sixmonth appraisal to tell them. I find that constructive feedback is best received when it’s delivered by a leader who has integrity (that is, who does the right things right) and credibility (doing what you said you were going to do). That’s the kind of leader I strive to be. One who people will trust to give them the brutal facts when necessary, prompt and honest praise when earned, and the inspiration to what they did not think was possible.

Q. How do you inspire your management teams and employees?

A. People get inspired when you challenge them to give you their best work and offer them the chance to apply their talents to something meaningful. My job as a leader is to help employees visualize the big mission not as something extraneous to them, but as something to which they’ll want to contribute their best efforts.

And when inspired people have a clear focus and a good plan, nothing can stand in their way.

60 • September 2015

Q. Who was your mentor in telecommunications and how did his or her advice help you excel in your career to the top?

A. The best mentor I had was my grandmother. I almost dropped out of high school when a school counselor thought that I was not suited for engineering school given my grades, which they were average, and my family’s finances. We were recent Cuban refugees and were still trying to adjust to our new life. In fact, following that counselor’s advice, I did enroll in vocational school to train to become a mechanic.

Fortunately, my grandmother intervened at the right time. She had been a teacher back in Cuba and was a strong believer in education.

She said, “Ralph, if you want to be an engineer, be an engineer.”

Then she gave me a piece of advice I’ve followed ever since: “Never let anyone put limitations on what you can achieve.” I quit vocational school, went on to college, graduated with honors with a mechanical engineering degree, and the rest, as they say, is history. That advice has served me well throughout my life and I share it often with others in hopes they can be inspired by it, just as I was at that critical turning point in my life.

Q. What motivated you to write, “Obstacles Welcome: Turn Adversity to Advantage into business and Life?”

A. I give a lot of speeches as part of my job. After they heard my story, many people would come to me and tell me I should write a book about it. Eventually, after enough people said it, I decided to write a book thinking it would be helpful for young people to learn what it takes to be successful.

Q. What motto do you live by?

A. I firmly believe that obstacles present some of the best opportunities. In fact, I like to say that obstacles are opportunities in disguise. If you are able to identify the opportunity that lies within what seems to be an obstacle, and if you are willing to take calculated risks to seize it, develop a plan and execute it, and make sacrifices along the way if needed, you can achieve your dreams.

L AT INO LE A DE R S

Latino Leaders, in partnership with ALPFA

Adopted by a special family

GOING PLACES. ÉRICA HERNÁNDEZ, A YOUNG LATINA FROM DETROIT SAYS THAT WITH ALPFA’S HELP, HER CAREER HAS TAKEN OFF.

Érica Hernández, a business consultant, says that she feels confident that ALPFA is beside her in her professional journey

W

hen it comes down to it, Érica Hernández minces no words about the Association of Latino Professionals for America.

“Joining ALPFA was one of the most rewarding decisions I ever made,” says Hernández, an ERS Consultant of Business Risk for Deloitte & Touche LLP, of Detroit, Michigan.

“I first heard about ALPFA when I attended an undergraduate networking event, and as I learned more about it, I was disappointed that my campus did not have a student chapter or similar organization for aspiring Latino professionals.

Since her campus did not have an ALPFA chapter, Hernández decided that she was going to start one. She searched for fellow students who were as passionate as she was, learning from chapters in other states.

To Hernández, it was crucial that the group mirrored the ALPFA’s community aspect, resources and opportunities. In less than a year, her chapter won the Midwest Student Chapter of the Year Award.

“We had bridged a gap between recruiters and Latino talent, while also developing members to showcase themselves professionally,” she says.

Having ALPFA on her resume sparked conversation with many recruiters, Hernández says. She shared her experiences recently with Latino Leaders Magazine.

What is the secret to your success at ALPFA and how has it helped you in your career or in reaching your goals?

Stories by George McQuade Photo Courtesy photo

How do you inspire your friends, co-workers and employees?

If I can create in anyone’s life, it is to remind them that we all have a purpose in life and in each other’s. The people we meet and our experiences are not by coincidence, which is fun to reflect upon.

Who was your mentor and how did his or her advice help you excel in your career?

I have had many mentors that each covered a different aspect of my career development. Mostly women I identified with; their biggest advice that has helped me in my career is asking for help early and that communicating my aspirations and goals to those around me is the fastest way of getting what I want.

The biggest gift since being involved with ALPFA is having been adopted into a family. I have met some of my best friends and strongest supporters through ALPFA, which have heavily influenced my life both professionally and personally. My secret to success is not going on this journey alone but rather joining the contagious pursuit for success, where I’m challenged by others to not only see who I am, but who I can be.

What advice would you have for college grads seeking jobs in your industry?

What is your management style?

What motto do you live by?

My style is to lead others by providing as much as my knowledge to someone and set for them a foundation and a starting point. I enjoy seeing people develop their own style woven through my initial guidance that makes them own their experience with an entrusted autonomy.

62 • September 2015

I advise college grads to meet as many people as they can in the industry to gain diverse perspectives. I would also encourage them to make their own rules. Careers are personal journeys and we have to be comfortable and happy with all of the expectations before jumping into an opportunity, as alluring as it appears to be.

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” Mother Teresa.

I resonate with many of her quotes.

Congratulations to Erica Hernandez, among the top 101 Latina Leaders in the USA!

EVENTS

CREATING LEADERS OF THE FUTURE L.A.

STORY BY CÉSAR ARREDONDO PHOTOS BY EJEN CHUANG

L.A. groundbreakers

A group of young Latinos gathered for a memorable night of brainstorming and discussion during Club Leaders of the Future

F

abiola Ceja-Cervantes works with youths in underserved communities.

Felipe González leads a key global BMW unit in the West Coast. Saray Deiseil just directed a film about DREAMERs And Rick Ronquillo teaches a body language to succeed in business.

From seemingly different paths and interests, they represent the hard-working, professional Latinos of today who have a great potential to lead the world tomorrow. Ceja-Cervantes, Gonzalez, Deiseil and Ronquillo are among 19 individuals from Southern California whose qualities, personal success, aspirations, ambition and promise earned them a membership at Club Leaders of the Future 2015.

A project of Latino Leaders magazine whose motto is “Connecting leaders. Inspiring the future,” CLF brings together its new inductees every year in different American cities. This summer, CLF 2015 gathered to network and talk about challenges facing the Latino community at a posh nightclub Beverly Hills 424, an exchange dubbed as a “candid discussion” by Yol-Itzma Aguirre, director of communications and special events for Latino Leaders.

And candid it was. Not surprisingly in an ever-increasingly controversial pre-presidential election season, the first topic of discussion was immigration, or better said, Donald Trump’s statements about Mexican undocumented immigrants bringing drugs and crime into the U.S. “They’re rapists and some, I assume, are good people,” Trump said early in the summer Agustín Cervantes poked fun at the wealthy Republican presidential aspirant and (former) celebrity of so-called reality TV. “He’s as comical as his hair,” said the director of Student Services for the Charter College of Education of Cal State Los Angeles. But he also sharply criticized community leaders for not responding to Trump in what he considered soon enough.

“We don’t have the spine to do it right away,” he said at the launch of her presidential campaign.

For his part, Márquez, the executive of BMW, said Latinos can respond to Trump and other politicians at the ballot box.

“Voting makes a difference,” he said. After the 64 • September 2015

meeting he added, “It’s very hard for any candidate to win the White House without the Latino vote.”

Elections experts claim that no Republican candidate can win the presidency with less than 40 percent of the Latino suffrage.

Personal privilege was another important topic at the gathering.

Successful Latinos must not forget where they come from, said Norma Vega, director of government and community relations for the American Red Cross, Los Angeles Region. The children of Hispanic families have succeeded thanks to the hard work and sacrifice of their parents, many of them immigrants, she stated.

“We have to acknowledge our own privilege” and help those who have less, Vega said. “We have to remind people how powerful they really are” to achieve their dreams and affect change. She turned to her Leaders of the Future colleagues to effusively tell them, “You guys are amazing people.”

The lack of enough Latino talent and the usually negative portrayal of Latinos in the media, particularly in film and TV, was also a great concern. Filmmaker Dieseil found that “disturbing.” Her solution: make you own movies.

After working in the production team of successful TV series like “Castle,” Deiseil put on the director’s hat to make her first feature film. “American DREAMers,” about a group of undocumented youth trekking 3,000 miles from San Francisco to Washington, DC, screened at the LA Film Festival this summer. “We have to tell our own stories,” she said.

Producer Jorge García Castro echoed Deiseil’s sentiment.

“We have to get rid of stereotypes,” says the department head of films and TV at Altered.la, a production company. Pushing Latino projects with universal appeal, García Castro believes that “we can become more mainstream.”

Some Latino businesspeople are also opening businesses to respond to the need of their communities and others’. Liliana Aide Monge founded www.Sabio.LA for Latinos to “learn to code and change the world.”

With Latinos representing a quarter of the nation’s population under age of 18, youth issues got a lot of attention from CLF. Ceja-Cervantes, the youth advocate from the working-class community of Lennox, appealed to those present, “please don’t forget about the youth. We have to advocate for them.”

In fact, young Latinos are the targets of efforts for greater community participation. Dina Cervantes said the Southwest Voter Registration Project would launch “Do It In the Booth,” a project to engage Hispanic youths at the ballot box, especially for the upcoming presidential elections.

The abundance and diversity of talent and skills at Latino Leaders made for extraordinary networking, with people expressing interest in sharing knowledge, training, contacts and other resources among club members.

Ronquillo, the body language expert, volunteered a workshop for CLF inductees. Melissa Perez of MVP Management offered to connect community causes with celebrities and other talent. Monge of Sabio.LA said she is available for coding training.

Seemingly, the Club Leaders of the Future’s reception and gathering in Los Angeles accomplished its goals this summer opening new possibilities for tomorrow.

LATINO LEADERS MAGAZINE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL AND SOUTHWEST AIRLINES.

Alberto Avalos

Carlos Bobadilla

Innovation and Technology Program Manager At the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, Ávalos is the co-founder of the Code as a Second Language (CSL). CSL focuses on introducing youth to computer programming, technical training and careers accessible to women and underrepresented minorities.

The program has grown to over 10 different markets and will be in up to 30 schools in Los Angeles. CSL is taught at the Mexican Consulate in San Jose and Washington, DC, as pilots to teach immigrants how to code from the time they arrive in the United States.

Principal, Literary Department, Valor Entertainment Group As a Los Angeles native, Carlos Bobadilla was raised amidst the thriving entertainment industry, which propelled him to follow a career as a talent manager & producer.

Carlos Bobadilla is currently the head of the literary department for Valor Entertainment Group. Graduating from the prestigious University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, Bobadilla began to build his professional experience at the Endeavor Talent Agency. He then launched management/production company, Animo Entertainment, continuing to represent talented artists while he cultivated projects for production.

Jenniffer Castillo

Writer/Director/Producer Jenniffer Castillo writes and produces stories that happen to target the Latino community and focus on social issues. She recently wrapped feature documentary, “American DREAMers”, which follows a group of undocumented youth who risk freedom when they publicly come out as undocumented and walk 3000 miles across America’s heartland for immigrant rights. She obtained an M.F.A. in Screenwriting from Loyola Marymount University. “Undocumented” (drama, feature) which was Castillo’s M.F.A. thesis, was the winner of the LMU Annual Screenwriting Fellowship.

Saray Deiseil

Chief Operating Officer Saray Deiseil is Chief Operating Officer at Indigo Project Media, a multimedia production company producing TV, film and web content. At iPM,Saray oversees development and production of all series, feature films and digital media content. After graduating with a B.A. in Film and Video production in 2005, Saray worked on various scripted television Comedies and Dramas providing her with extensive knowledge and experience in all stages of production and post-production.

Dina Cervantes

2015 Host Convention Chair | Young Democrats of America Dina Cervantes recently served as the 2015 Host Convention Chair for the Young Democrats of America Convention held in Los Angeles in late August. She hosted the last convention to be held prior to the 2016 Presidential Elections, which brought out Young Democratic leaders from across the 50 states, in preparation for a Democratic victory.

Dina is passionate about voting and has recently relaunched a voter registration project she helped lead in California during her days in college; Do IT In A Booth.

Patricia Garza

Artistic Development Program Manager Center Theatre Group Patricia Garza is a member of the artistic staff at Center Theatre Group where she manages new play projects as the Artistic Development Program Manager.

Garza started at CTG as Acting Company Manager of the Kirk Douglas Theatre as well as project managing for New Play Production. Patricia most recently served as Assistant Department Director for Education and Community Partnerships at CTG for six years. Patricia has consulted on strategic planning processes for East LA Rep and El Teatro Campesino.

latinoleaders.com

EVENTS

CREATING LEADERS OF THE FUTURE L.A. Gerry González

Financial advisor Gerry González serves as a Financial Advisor and the College Unit Director for Northwestern Mutual – West Los Angeles. He joined the firm in 2013, deciding to pursue a career that allows him to positively impact people’s lives. In his personal practice, Gerry is dedicated to serving diverse markets in the greater Los Angeles community, and as a leader in West Los Angeles, he helps develop students interested in the financial services industry through the firm’s top-ranked internship program.

Liliana Aide Monge Co-Founder Sabio.LA

Liliana Aide Monge is the Co-Founder of Sabio.LA, an innovative social enterprise working to increase the number of women, and people of color that become professional software engineers. Since its inception, 75% of its graduates are either Latino or African American, and 40% are women, which is 10% higher than the industry average. Monge was born in Northern Mexico, and came to the states when she was 5. Since then she has made Los Angeles her home, alongside her CoFounder, and husband, Gregorio Rojas.

STORY BY CÉSAR ARREDONDO PHOTOS BY EJEN CHUANG

Felipe Márquez

Quality Manager for BMW As Quality Manager for the BMW Regional Distribution Center (RDC) in Redlands California, Márquez is responsible for maintaining the Quality Management System programs for the Redlands RDC. Márquez is a graduate of the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, where he graduated as an industrial and systems engineer. He holds a masters in International Business from EGADE Business School in Mexico and also a master in European Business from ESCP in Paris, with additional studies and work in China.

Rebecca Pleitez

Community Relations and Policy Director Rebecca Pleitez is the Community Relations and Policy Director at Clinica Monseñor Oscar A. Romero, where she is responsible for developing and executing strategic initiatives to deepen relationships with community partners and move forward legislative priorities. She serves as a lead administrator working with cross-functional teams and directors to offer care with respect and dignity to people with limited or no health insurance, without exclusion. Previously, Rebecca served as a consultant and policy analyst for National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health and a Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute.

Chantal Rodríguez

Programming Director for Latino Theater Company Dr. Chantal Rodríguez is the Programming Director and Literary Manager for the Latino Theater Company, operators of the Los Angeles Theatre Center (LATC).

A part of the Latino Theater Company family since 2009, Rodríguez has helped produce over twelve seasons of culturally diverse work at the LATC. She is a scholar in the field of Theater and Performance Studies with a specialization in U.S. Latina/o Theater and Performance. Currently an adjunct professor of Theater at CalArts, she has taught at Loyola Marymount, UCLA, and California State University, Northridge.

Norma Vega

Government and Community Relations Norma Vega currently serves a Director of Government and Community Relations for the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region. She is also President of Navegate, Inc., a social equity-consulting firm. Previously, she served as Senior Vice President for Scholarships and Programs at the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) in Los Angeles and Executive Director of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund Institute in Washington, DC. Vega graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology, Law & Society from the University of California, Irvine. She was born in Guadalajara, Mexico and raised in Los Angeles

Annette Villarreal Producer

Annette Villarreal began her producing career in Austin, TX with a live web series covering the indie music scene called “The Austin Sessions”. From there she went on to work in programming and development for both scripted and unscripted television and film, most notably for Mandate Pictures and NUVO/Fuse TV. She has worked with the likes of Jane the Virgin star Gina Rodríguez, DJ Skee, and Jennifer López.

She is actively developing scripted feature and television projects and is based in Los Angeles

LATINO LEADERS MAGAZINE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL AND SOUTHWEST AIRLINES.

Fabiola Ceja-Cervantes

Community Activist Delegate for the 62nd District Assembly for the Democratic Party Fabiola is a graduate of Scripps College, a member of the Claremont Colleges, where she received a BA with Honors in Latin-American Studies and Sociology. As a proud resident of Lennox, California, located in close proximity to the Los Angeles International Airport, Fabiola serves as an active community member working on behalf of the needs of the community. Environmental justice, higher education, and promoting health are just some of the items on her agenda. As a founding member and current advisor of the Lennox Youth Coordinating Council, Ms. Ceja enjoys working with youth to unsure they have the resources needed to excel academically and obtain a higher education. Last year, the Lennox Youth Coordinating Council hosted the community’s first ever college fair. As the first person in her family to graduate from college, Fabiola comprehends the lack of academic resources and social capital many Latino students are faced with. She is also an elected delegate for the 62nd Assembly District where she works to promote the democratic agenda. Ms. Ceja is not only the youngest delegate in her district but also the first delegate to represent Lennox in decades. In her free time, Fabiola helps facilitate an Aztec Dancing group with a mission of promoting culture appreciation, expression, and fitness where child obesity is one of the highest in the Los Angeles County. Additionally, Fabiola enjoys working with local organizations as an interpreter for Spanish speaking families seeking legal services. In the near future, Fabiola hopes to attend law school and wishes to use her law degree to continue to work with underprivileged youth.

Favorite Quote: “Siempre adelante. Sin pena, sin verguenza, y sin fronteras.”

Agustin Cervantes

Director, Student Services at California State University Receiving both a Bachelors and Masters Degree from Stanford University, Agustin is a professional higher education administrator with over seven years of experience in enrollment management, education business development, admissions, and student services, including online and distance learning. His professional experiences have enhanced thorough knowledge of workflow, organization operations, and administrative practices, as well as community relations, project management, and staff development. Furthermore, working with educational institutions has provided thorough knowledge of Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) compliance, California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) regulations, Title IV, and Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) act concerns. As a professional member of AACRAO and NASFA, he stays current of regional, national, and international trends in higher education, as well as K-12 education issues, early childhood education, and charter law.

Myrna Rojas

Marketing director Roca Lock & Key

Jorge Garcia

Executive Producer at ALTERED.LA Harvard Graduate with a Master’s Degree in Finance, Jorge has been a consultant for several of the major studios. As a consultant Jorge focuses on generating business models that will increase film’s ROI while reducing financial risk.

The films he has consulted on have grossed several billion dollars worldwide.

Melissa Perez

Talent Manager / Digital Content Producer at MVP Management Working in the entertainment industry as a talent manager and digital content producer; her current roster of talent includes famous Latin hosts, comedians & radio/TV personalities. She enjoys working with people to develop their brands & some of her skill set includes securing brand sponsorships & product placement for bilingual digital content, negotiating talent contracts, lifestyle event production, talent team building, creating social media campaigns for small businesses, and facilitating talent social media endorsements; but most importantly, Melissa guides talent in finding their unique voice.

Melissa went to Alhambra High School and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Cal Poly Pomona.

Rick Ronquillo

Master Body Language Programmer Rick Ronquillo has a unique and powerful ability that is proven by sound scientific research and studies, the art and science of Body Language, also known as non-verbal communication. Rick, a native from Guatemala immigrated to the United States via Chicago, became obsessed with communication at the age of 10 when upon entering a culturally diverse city with a large Hispanic population, he soon realized that not all Spanish speakers were alike. Rick and his family had now joined the U.S. melting pot of multiple cultures, this diversity and complexity of cultures, regionalisms and languages brought confusion and frustration when trying to learn the language. These childhood experiences and his need for acceptance led him to his obsession with studying the art of communication from every possible angle: verbal, written and especially body language. Throughout his career Rick has coached movie producers, coaches, athletes, network marketers, speakers, sales professionals, attorneys, authors, corporate CEO’s, entrepreneurs and many more. Rick is a lifelong learner and passionate about sharing his gifts and knowledge with the world.

EVENTS Atlanta, Georgia

LATINO THOUGHT PANELS

CTCA SOUTHWESTERN REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

BREAST CANCER CARE THAT NEVER QUITS

DR. RICARDO H. ÁLVAREZ, OF CANCER TREATMENT CENTERS OF AMERICA WANTS THE BEST CARE FOR LATINOS

DR. RICARDO H. ÁLVAREZ, OF CANCER TREATMENT CENTERS OF AMERICA®, TALKING WITH A PATIENT.

LATINOS LAG BEHIND THEIR CAUCASIAN COUNTERPARTS IN EARLY BREAST SCREENINGS AND ARE MORE LIKELY TO BE DIAGNOSED WITH SEVERE CANCER WHEN THEY ARE EXAMINED. 68 • September 2015

Story by: Laura

Reagan-Porras | Photos by: Courtesy of CTCA

“I COUNSEL ALL MY MENTEES, BE THEY MEDICAL

O

ne world renowned

STUDENTS, INTERNS, RESIDENTS, OR FELLOWS,

physician, Dr. Ricardo ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF BEDSIDE MANNER. H. Álvarez, is helping to close the gap. Dr. WE MUST TREAT THE PATIENT, NOT THE DISEASE.”– Alvarez is the Director of Cancer Research DR. RICARDO H. ÁLVAREZ, OF CANCER TREATMENT & Breast Medical Oncology at Cancer Treatment Centers CENTERS OF AMERICA” of America® (CTCA) at Southeastern Regional Medical Center near Atlanta, Georgia, and Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at Georgia Regents University. Perhaps it is competitive through the new medical technologies, ideas, his background as the son of a physician, his personal tools and solutions, including “big data.” fearlessness as an extreme skier, or most importantly, his natural passion for helping people and his affinity for Latino 4) Collaborate with other institutions and hospitals and culture, that drives Dr. Álvarez not to settle for “the way develop multiple initiatives for translational research, things are” when it comes to breast cancer in the Latino prevention, screening and education to colleagues and population. the community.

“My goal is to have a positive impact on quality of life of our patients by offering clinical research studies,” said Álvarez.

Dr. Álvarez believes partnerships for education in the Dr. Álvarez selected oncology as his specialty because Latino community are key to increasing screening and of his interest in molecular biology. “Since I was a medical early detection rates within the Hispanic population. Early student, I was interested in the molecular mechanisms of cancer detection, education and screening prevention disease and how cell structures worked,” he added. He efforts are needed. He states cultural barriers still persist first decided to become a physician while accompanying in the Latino community. Education about self-examination his father, a psychiatrist, as he made house calls to visit his and screenings programs are making in-roads through patients. Dr. Álvarez shares that he was impressed by how community awareness campaigns. his father solved complicated medical situations with limited CTCA is in its third year of partnering with the United States resources and services in an isolated town in Patagonia, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC). Together with Argentina. Young Ricardo also marveled at his father’s the organization’s newly formed Hispanic Advisory Council, bedside manner. comprised of business leaders and medical experts, CTCA will “I counsel all my mentees, be they medical students, continue to forge Latino health initiatives. In April of this year, interns, residents, or fellows, about the importance of CTCA opened the first referral clinic outside of the United States, bedside manner. We must treat the patient, not the disease,” in Mexico City. In addition, CTCA created a Mexican Physician said Dr. Alvarez.

Network, a group of cancer experts in Mexico that will provide Over the last 10 months, Dr. Álvarez has overseen the access to navigate the medical system and assist with necessary launch of 19 clinical trials beyond the six clinical trials in documentation for referrals patients to the United States. place when he first came to CTCA. “New drugs are on the Dr. Álvarez would like to see the Latino community horizon. There is every reason to hope for longer and better galvanize with organized advocacy groups that conduct quality life, particularly with the multidisciplinary team health education and help Latino patients navigate approach uniquely offered at CTCA,” said Álvarez. healthcare options and medical systems.

Of the 250,000 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed There is good news in the United States as breast cancer annually, 48,000 will succumb to the disease. Dr. Álvarez patients are living longer and enjoying better quality of life. and CTCA are working with other organizations to reduce In the 1970s, only 50 percent of all breast cancer patients the number of deaths and also extend quality of life. lived beyond five years. By 2010, the data showed that 90 - 92 CTCA consistently rates high in quality of care and patient percent of all breast cancer patients live beyond five years. experience. The approach of the organization’s cancer The significant gains are largely due to better treatments and research can be summarized by the following objectives: earlier detection in women 50 years and older, as well as more effective screening of younger women with a history 1) Provide promising clinical trial options to patients. of breast disease in their families. xxxxxxx 2) Address the efficacy of the CTCA integrative care model.

Dr. Álvarez concluded, “I tell all my patients, there is every 3) Advance the commitment to exceptional care and remain reason to have hope— esperanza. I always tell them to fight.”

For more information, visit www.cancercenter.com

EVENTS

MAESTRO

CHICAGO

August 12, 2015 Intercontinental Hotel Chicago

By CHRISTINA ZAMBÓN Photos by ALAIN MILOTTI

Leadership: Commissioner Jesús “Chuy” García Entrepreneurship: James S. Cabrera Community Service: J.C. González-Méndez Maestro of Professional Achievement: Dr. Juan Sanabria

MAESTRO Presented with the support from:

AWARDS CHICAGO

The Maestro Awards in Chicago recognized maestros like Dr. Juan Sanabria, J.C. González-Méndez, James Cabrera and Commissioner Jesús “Chuy” García

70 • September 2015

ON THE EVENING of Wednesday, August 12th a group of Latino Chicagoans gathered at the Intercontinental Hotel on the Magnificent Mile to mingle and celebrate the achievements of four remarkable leaders within the Chicago Latino community.

Jorge Ferráez, publisher of Latino Leaders Magazine, took to the stage to welcome the crowd.

“We’ve been hosting this event in Chicago for seven years. In seven years, we’ve had 29 recipients. There aren’t as many cities that can breed that caliber of leaders like Chicago can. Chicago is contributing some of the most relevant Latino leaders in the country,” he said.

“They say Latinos are the future of this country, but when I come to Chicago, I don’t see Latinos as the future– I see them as the present.”

Ferráez said that a common concern among leaders in the Latino

community is the lack of access to capital, government seats and education. His magazine has partnered with some corporations to promote Hispanic leaders and is preparing to launch the first and only diversity index, but more is needed, he said.

“We are going to monitor every single diversity level in the country and point out where it is lacking,” he said.

The Maestro Awards Ceremony was supported by Northwestern Mutual, Southwest, SAC and Madrigal Family Winery.

And with that, the maestros took to the stage.

Master oncologist The Maestro of Professional Achievement went to Juan R. Sanabria, a surgical oncologist and fellow of the American College of Surgeons

latinoleaders.com

MAESTRO

CHICAGO

who has dedicated his life to serving others. Sanabria grew up in Colombia and received his medical degree from the University of Bogotá. He later went on to receive his MD from the University of Toronto in 1986.

In 2001, he moved to the U.S. to accept an opportunity in Ohio and more recently he moved to Chicago. In his career he has performed hundreds of liver and pancreatic surgeries.

When asked, “what part of your education or upbringing was key to succeeding in your field? What made you different? What made you advance?” Juan replied, “Education isn’t about reading a book, but acquiring a higher level of thinking process. And that’s what makes the difference.

If you don’t use it to reach a higher level of thinking, you don’t become educated. And in the workplace, you have to lead by using that knowledge.”

Sanabria cited his family as the main reason that drove his success. In addition, an adherence to good values is key, he added.

“It doesn’t matter what you do, you have to do your best. You can do more and better. When you have a kid, the legacy you want to give is, you have to be good. Work hard, be good, life is too short.”

When asked about what he sees himself doing in the future, he replied, “many people are surprised when I say – a scientist is a dreamer. We dream to help. I want to see the U.S. reach the best place for medicine in the world. It can be done. I’m convinced the future of this country, as a free country, belongs to Latinos.”

Community hero In 1985, J.C. González-Méndez became the first employee of McDonald’s in Mexico, as a purchasing manager. In the 30 years that have passed since, that first step has turned into a vibrant and rewarding career that has taken him from Mexico to Los Angeles and now Chicago. He’s traveled to over 30 countries, has served on many community boards, and is an untiring advocate of helping others.

People say that when you meet him, you can feel the humanity coming through. This interest in community service, in putting others’ needs before his own it what took him to leading the Ronald McDonald House, where he was unanimously elected as president, colleagues said.

“I’ve always been very curious. And while I’ve been happy with what I’ve had over the years, I’ve never been satisfied. It’s the urge to always do more. There’s something in your stomach that tells you to always go do more.”

González-Méndez says, “Leadership is about responsibility. It’s about doing what is needed.” And in helping others, “You need a lot of empathy. Helping others sounds good, but it’s difficult. I think it’s compassion.

In helping others, you help yourself. It becomes second nature.”

He says the secret to his success is his family. He married his “first and only love” – they met when she was twelve and he was thirteen, married after eleven years, and have three wonderful children.

He concludes with, “If I ever write a book, the last chapter is going to be, ‘and they pay me to do this.’”

Maestro among entrepreneurs Juan Cabrera was selected in the Entrepreneurs Maestro category because most ackwnoledge that business people often are the engine of their communities. In addition, his peers say that he his a humble man with many admirable qualities Ferráez asked him, “starting a business is something many people dream of but few achieve. How did you do it?”

“I fell into it., Cabrera said. “I worked for AT&T in manufacturing. One year a friend of mine was having some financial difficulties and asked me

72 • June 2013 72 • September 2015

(left) Publisher Jorge Ferraez gives a warm welcome to Maestro of Entrepreneurship, James S. Cabrera (right)

The Maestros: (left) J.C. González-Méndez, (left center) James S. Cabrera, (right center) Dr. Juan Sanabria, (right) Commissioner Jesús “Chuy” García Financial Representative, Ulises Ruelas presenting for Northwestern Mutual

to help him out part time. Together we started the company, but he soon decided he didn’t want to do the business. I was doing it part time for a few years. It was a great mental boost for me coming from a big, large firm. A couple years later it took off beyond my wildest dreams. So I quit AT&T and started on my own.

He volunteers and mentors young entrepreneurs. In fact, his own children have followed in his path, ensuring the company’s prosperity.

His advice to the next generation of leaders?

“Don’t just be an okay guy when it comes to any kind of leadership.

“Giving back is so important. I truly believe educating our up and coming Latinos –and other Latinos – is very significant.”

Maestro of Professional Achievement, Dr. Juan Sanabria (middle) celebrating with wife, friends, and VP of Marketing, David Cordova (far right)

President of St. Augustine College, Andrew Sund (left) and Publisher (center) join Maestro of Community Service, J.C. González-Méndez (right)

Leader of Chicago, example for all Considered as a man of noble principles who has never stopped fighting for people’s rights, Jesús “Chuy” García became the first Mexican American to be elected to the Illinois Senate in 1992. More recently, he battled incumbent Rahm Emanuel for the mayoral seat of Chicago and although he didn’t win the election, he brought many of the hopes of Chicagoans into the national conversation, his supporters said.

When asked what was the lesson after the election? What was the momentum?

“Never say never,” Chuy responded. “I thought once that maybe I could imagine running for mayor. I never thought I’d be running for this office at the age of 59. But always train, prepare, and be ready.” He goes on, “I had predicted some time ago that Chicago would have a Latino leader by 2015, and when no one stepped up, I felt I needed to step up.”

García says that people often see the successes, but with every success story, behind it are many defeats. Although he didn’t win the mayoral race, it was still a win for Latinos, he says.

“People cheering for us because of what our community represents– hard work, intellect, faith. People believe we’re going to make this country even greater, and we are an important bridge that will help our country achieve even bigger greatness.”

García notes, “hhis journey just happened to come on the 50th anniversary of coming to Chicago in February 50 years ago. That’s why it added that personal significance to me.”

Most heartwarming experience I’ve had, seeing children saying “That’s Chuy over there! Take me over there; I want a picture with him! I’ve never seen that with politics. It’s children that are African American, Asian, Irish, Polish. I feel truly blessed to have undertaken this journey because it connected me with children, and that gives me optimism for our future.”

“NEVER SAY NEVER. I THOUGHT ONCE THAT MAYBE I COULD IMAGINE RUNNING FOR MAYOR. I NEVER THOUGHT I’D BE RUNNING FOR THIS OFFICE AT THE AGE OF 59. BUT ALWAYS TRAIN, PREPARE, AND BE READY.” Mngr. Of Community Affairs & Grassroots for Southwest Airlines, Anabell Odisho (left) with Publisher (center) and our Maestro of Leadership, Commissioner Jesús “Chuy” García (right)

-JESÚS “CHUY” GARCÍA

latinoleaders.com

T E C H

R E V I E W

By

Joseph Treviño

KING

COURTESY PHOTOS

THE RETURN OF THE

The Walkman makes a comeback in the form of an audiophile digital music player

D

DOESN’T LOOK LIKE ITS PREDECESSOR FROM THE 80’S, BUT IT

SURE CAN ROCK. uring the 1980s, the Walkman ruled the gadget world, bringing to the masses the glorious analog sounds of cassette tapes and selling over 385 million units since it was launched so well (please see our review of the P5’s on this in 1979. same issue).

Other companies like Toshiba, Aiwa, Panasonic and dozens more The soundtrack from Streets of Fire, where brands jumped in the portable cassette player war, but the Walkman remained the Fire Inc (the impromptu band producer Jim undisputed king of sales and quality. Through the 1990s, it kept up the pace by Steinman created for that flick with the striking launching disc players, but by the mid-2000s, it was displaced in the music world Diane Lane lip synching the song as “Ellen Aim”) by the ubiquitous iPod and other MP3 players as well as smartphones. sounded as mean as it could get in a losseless But now, on its 35th anniversary celebration, Sony has a lofty goal: make digital recording burned from the original CD. the Walkman return to its glory days. To do this, Sony launched the NWZOn the Latin side, you could almost picture A17SLV, a digital music player that is going back to the Walkman’s roots and is offering what other MP3 players “The NWZ-A17 truly offers what the original and phones just can’t: crystal clear, high-resolution sound.

Of course, if you are from Generation X, like me, you Walkman did back in 1979: a portable music can recall how despite the many limitations Walkman’s of yore had with playing cassettes, the analog sound, experience of the highest class. So yes, the A17 is especially when playing an original, quality tape, was often a worthy successor to those early Walkmans.” astonishing, being almost worlds apart from what you now hear in MP3 players that can bring you thousands of songs Juan Gabriel strutting in a 1970s discotheque as in a little gadget but have sounds that are, well, dreadful. he belts the rhythmic Nadie baila como tú with This is where the NWZ-A17 comes in. The Walkman, despite all of its those splendid choir backup singers. technological advances that are head and shoulders above the competition, If you lust for music, the A17 delivers it in is doing something retro: being a dedicated music player. spades. As MC Hammer used to say, “you can’t Yes, it shows videos, it can play via Bluetooth and, thank God, it has an FM radio, touch this.” but it concentrates on one thing: it does music well. Wow! What a concept! It’s a True, the Walkman lacks the brand dedicated gadget that wants to be the best at what it does! recognition with the new generations who have The advantage the A17 has over your smartphone or MP3 player is these mostly been dumbed downed on horrible sound levels. play compressed files of your music. The most they can muster is 320 Kbps, which Along with the PonoPlayer, the A17 is one of the is OK. But they are nowhere near what you get from an original CD. few portable digital music players that offer true Dwell on this for a moment: original CDs offer about 15 percent of the audiophile quality. master recordings. Most MP3 players —and to an even lesser extent, your In 1979, the original Walkman went for $200, smartphone— bring less than that.

Starting to get the picture? which is $579 in today’s money. The A17 is $300, The A17, on the other hand can play several audio formats in addition which makes it a bargain. to MP3s, like WMA, WMA lossless, AAC, FLAC, AIFF, WAV and ALAC. The A17 truly offers what the original Walkman Translation: the A17 can play losseless master quality like it was recorded in did back in 1979: a portable music experience the studio, and that means it just doesn’t get much better. of the highest class. So yes, the A17 is a worthy From the moment you unbox it, the A17 looks and feels very different successor to those early Walkmans. from that behemoth of the MP3 world, the iPod. It has buttons and its small The A17’s only drawback is it risks turning screen is easy to use. your smartphone or MP3 player obsolete. As The 64 GB Walkman does not come with headphones, so I paired them a Gillette commercial used to say in the ’80s, with Bowers & Wilkins P5 S2 and the results were a match made in heaven. “anything else would be uncivilized.”

I can’t think of a portable digital player and headphones that go together Let the music play.

74 • September 2015

BLISS

THE P5’S LOOK LIKE THEY MEAN BUSINESS BECAUSE THEY REALLY MEAN BUSINESS.

FOR YOUR HEAD

Bowers & Wilkins new P5 S2 has the mojo to put a smile on your face

O

ne of the challenges of hearing great music these days is more and more of us are living in apartment complexes, with some major cities having about half of their populations residing in them.

Turning up a good stereo system or Bluetooth speaker at full blast is out of the question with pesky neighbors who wish to cancel out all noise and seem at war with anybody having any sort of fun. Gone are the days when people had a tolerance for other folks to enjoy themselves in a healthy way; we have mostly turned into cultural fascists, imposing our views and silence on a world that desperately needs music.

This is where some good headphones are lifesavers. And for the price, few can match Bowers & Wilkins’ P5 S2.

The P5’s are in their second generation. They were released late last year; the original versions came out in 2010.

From the moment you unbox them you know that these are some classy headphones. Sumptuous, soft leather surrounds the removable ear cups, as well as the head seat, with a stainless steel frame and a solid connection cable that does not let you forget that you are holding some high-end equipment.

a fair fight, with the P5’s besting the Porta Pros in every level, but just by a little, which does not mean that the Brits are bad, just that Koss created true classics back in the ’80s.

Yes, the P5’s, especially when you pair them with a digital music player like the Walkman A17 (please see our review on this issue) show why Bowers & Wilkins is truly an audiophile firm and why audio snobs have been right all along: the sound and music really matter. Warm, clear and superb music has the capacity of bringing joy, even when some people insist on dampening our days.

“Warm, clear and superb music has the capacity of bringing joy, even when some people insist on dampening our days.”

COURTESY OF BOWERS & WILKINS

At this point, you might be saying, all of this is good, especially if I am forking out $300 for them. But how about the sound?

For the new P5’s, Bowers & Wilkins borrowed some of the technology from their flagship headphones, the P7’s. Good move.

The previous generation sounded excellent but these second generation headphones sound even better. No, the P5’s cannot match an expensive stereo system (but they are a lot cheaper), yet if you have some good MP3 players, a CD or a lossless digital player, they can blow away most of the new Bluetooth speakers with ease.

Juan Gabriel’s vocals sounded warm in his 1970s seminal work, Juan Gabriel con el Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán. As Shakira belted Ciega Sordomuda via an iPod, after I recorded Grandes Éxitos from the original CD, the pure vocals, the electric sounds of the backup band and the cool Mexican trumpet reminded me why the real Shakira was at her best before she started bleaching her hair.

I have a habit of comparing any new headphones with the Porta Pros, Koss’ cans that were built in 1985 and have changed little but give you great sound and cost about $250 less than the P5’s. Of course, it wasn’t

THE NEW P5’S BRING CRYSTAL, WARM SOUND.

L AT I NO L E A DE R S

Texas-bound

Story by

Charles Coulombe

Alice Rodríguez, one of JP Morgan’s top executives is moving to the Lone Star State

Courtesy photo

A

s the former Vice President and Business Banking Executive for the California Region of JPMorgan Chase, Alice Rodríguez is by any standard extremely accomplished.

A 1986 graduate of Pan –American University (now the University of Texas, Brownsville), she has been with JPMorgan Chase or 28 years, rising to the top tier of the largest bank in the United States, with over $2.4 trillion in assets. The recipient of numerous awards, Rodríguez was appointed in march to the board of directors of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

For decades, Rodríguez has been with Chase, which is the top SBA lender to women and minority-owned businesses and has been for 3 years in a row. The bank works to support businesses at all stages— through financing, advice, community support, and programs created to foster collaboration and growth.

Rodriguez says that she is proud to work with Chase, a company that supports La-

tino business owners around the country like Irma Galván in Houston, Rex Fabrics in Miami and others.

Mindful of the needs of her community, Rodríguez has served on the boards of the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, The Center for Non-profit Management, DOWNTOWN Dallas and Advisory board member of AVANCE, Ursuline Academy of Dallas Foundation, The Women’s Museum, and the New America Alliance.

In addition, she is also a member of the Hispanic 100, Texas Lyceum, the Dallas Assembly, and the Dallas Summit.

We caught up with her at her Newport Beach, California home as she was beginning the move back to Texas to take up her new position to head consumer banking in the area for Chase in business banking.

Could you share with us some of your current projects?

Right now, I am working on educational programs for small businesses, and working with ethnic chambers of commerce.

We are also developing marketing programs. Hispanics are the fastest growing market for our services. I’ll be speaking at a Marketing Conference at the end of September where we’ll try to help Latino small business owners in regards to networking and sharing their experiences, and help them learn about current conditions.

How has your experience been, as a Latina, in your career?

My experience has been a strong one over 28 years with this company. I have had wonderful mentors here. The bank was always committed to diversity, and early on I was in a mentoree program. I was able

“WHEN THERE ARE MANAGEMENT PEOPLE AROUND WE ENCOURAGE OUR TEAM MEMBERS TO TALK ABOUT WHAT THEY ARE DOING. WE WANT ALL OF OUR DIRECTORS TO KNOW ALL OF THE TALENTS WE HAVE AVAILABLE.” 76 • September 2015

to work on internal projects bringing together Latinos from all over the company to entor each other. And I was allowed to try many other things professionally.

How has your Latino culture affected your work, your career?

It presented me with different challenges.

But above all, it gave me a heightened sense of responsibility for everything I did or was involved with. That sense of personal responsibility is very much a part of our culture. My parents had very limited educations, and my mother was an immigrant from Mexico. As a result, they strongly believed in hard work and the value of education, and they passed that on.

What is a day in the life of Alice Rodríguez like?

My life is all about people – meeting with clients, prospects, team members – all sorts of dialogue. Being on the board of the USHCC, I focus on Hispanic small business owners. I work with several mentoring groups outside the bank to help Latino leaders move up.

What is your leadership style?

I try to do my job in such a way as to make my team’s jobs easier. I try to be open to their needs and collaborative, and know that I don’t have to have all the answers.

What does mentorship mean to you?

Mentorship means offering advice, guidance, and sharing experience – telling people what I wish someone had told me when I started out. In a big company you have to know how to navigate the system, and follow the unwritten rules. My mentor asked me specific things about what I was doing. “I work hard,” I said. I thought that was enough. He told me, “You have to have a strategy. Have you met the chairman of the bank? Does he know what you do?” These are the kinds of things people need to learn.

EVENTS

WEALTH CREATION MIAMI

Story by: Staff

of Latino Leaders

Photos: Raul

Ospina

WEALTH CREATION MIAMI

On June 30th 2015 Latino Leaders Magazine set out on a mission with

one question in mind, how do we create more wealth and entrepreneurs in the Latino community? To find the answer there was only one place to turn to, a place where Latinos are not only succeeding but thriving, building businesses and creating legacies‌Miami.

The top leaders in their industry were ready to lend us their insight, vision and time. All topics were open for discussion, starting from how each one built their business, to what it means as a culture once we obtain wealth. The consensus was, that there needs to be involvement from those in positions of leadership that expands to all different areas, from the arts to corporate. What we found from the Miami leaders is that, creating wealth is more than dollars and cents, it’s also about investing in the community and changing the status quo, creating new images of success that will inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.

latinoleaders.com

EVENTS

WEALTH CREATION MIAMI

Wealth creation and much more were the topics of the evening in Miami.

A guests listens on as other folks discuss economics during the Wealth Creation event in Miami.

A guest at the Wealth Creation Miami event shares with other distinguished guests

Eduardo Marturet, left, director of the Miami Symphony, listens on as other guests

during a night to remember.

of the Wealth Creation dinner in Miami share their passions.

Pete Blanco, of MetLife, one of the hosts of the night, talks about the meaning of

Ana Lucia Divins, of MetLife, talks about wealth creation, during a memorable

wealth creation.

evening in Miami

78 • September 2015

LATINO LEADERS @JFerraez_Latino

THE BENEFITS

OF CELLARING

Y

ES, I’M ALSO too desperate sometimes and drink my wines soon after I buy them. It is really difficult for me to just send a great bottle to the cellar and forget about it for five or six years.

Let alone 10!

But somehow, since I buy more than what I drink, sometimes I just forget about a bottle for years. That’s exactly what happened recently with a bottle of SENA 1999.

This is a legendary wine from Chile; a very fortunate joint venture between two great houses: Eduardo Chadwick, an icon in Chile’s wine industry and Robert Mondavi, another icon in the American wine industry.

Both embarked in this venture and are producing this fantastic Bordeaux style wine in Chile. I don’t remember how I got this bottle but it must have been around 2004, just released I guess, but I’m sure it spent its last ten years with me.

I opened it for a special occasion for my wife and I; we were celebrating at home one busy weekday and I still recall the magnificent scents of currants, chocolate and cherries. What a silky elixir! Both elegant and complex.

A beautiful wine, with a decent cellaring time!

CELLAR

Ruinart Blanc de Blancs NV Champagne (at a friend’s house on a Sunday lunch) Region: Champagne, Reims France Varietal: Chardonnay Price: $72.

Aromas: Toasted bread, flowers, yeast Flavors: Orange peel, tropical notes Impression: Creamy Structure: Full body, great balance Drink with: pork tenderloin dishes, grilled salmon Why I loved this wine? A refreshing personality My Rating: 91 pts.

Granja Remelluri Gran Reserva 2005 (In a restaurant in New York) Region: Rioja Varietal: Tempranillo Price: $165. (At the restaurant’s list) Aromas: Red currant, ripe cherries Flavors: Plum marmalade, toasted coffee bean Impression: Soft and firm tannins, elegant.

Structure: Round and pristine!

Drink with: Steak, Rack of Lamb Why I loved this wine? Ever evolving flavors My Rating: 97 pts.

Maisson Lupe-Cholet Gevrey Chambertin 2008 (Got it at a specialty wine shop in Mexico City)

“ I don’t remember how I got this bottle but it must have been around 2004, just released I guess, but I’m sure it spent its last ten years with me. ”

80 • September 2015

Region: Beaune, Burgundy Varietal: Pinot Noir Price: $ 48 Aromas: Spice, red fruit Flavors: Cherry, plum, and violet Impression: Acid but nice fruit expression Structure: Medium Body Drink with: Game dishes, Chinese food.

Why I loved this wine? Is a non-complicated round red Burgundy My Rating: 89 pts.