Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility

Interview with Antonio Flores
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Published on November 13, 2006

1. Hispanics are the largest minority in the nation. What do you think this means to corporate America? How should corporate America respond to this changing demographic?

It means that Hispanics will increasingly become the backbone of Corporate America’s work force and the fastest-growing segment of the national consumer market. Corporations should speed up their efforts to hire and advance Hispanics at all levels, but especially in the management and executive ranks, and partner with organizations that can help them achieve their diversity goals. To be successful, corporations need to reflect the face of their marketplace.

2. What role do you think HACR should have in representing the Hispanic community with corporate America?

HACR should continue and strengthen its advocacy role, vis-à-vis Corporate America, for Hispanic inclusion in the governance, employment, procurement, and philanthropic priorities of corporations, especially of Fortune 1,000 companies.

3. Do you think that corporate America is aware what advocacy organizations such as HACR or others do to promote inclusion and corporate responsibility?

The vast majority of Fortune 1,000 companies don’t seem to be aware of how or what HACR and other such organizations do, but the ones that partner with HACR are familiar with its advocacy planks and procedures.

4. HACR is celebrating its 20th Anniversary. What would you like to see for the next 20 years of the organization?

I would like to see HACR enhance its research capacity for effective advocacy, establish new alliances with like-minded organizations for greater coordination and impact, and improve its internal governance structure and procedures for greater efficiency and effectiveness. HACR is on the right track to greatness.

5. What is the business case for corporate responsibility or inclusion as it relates to employment opportunities?

Those who best understand and relate to the Hispanic and diverse marketplace of our nation and the world are most likely to succeed in leading and managing corporations that depend on such marketplace. Diversity in employment creates synergies that generate innovative solutions for the corporate bottom line.