1. Hispanics are the largest minority in the nation. What does this mean to corporate America? How should corporate America respond to this changing demographic?
Of course, the smart companies have been considering the power of the Hispanic community and consumer for a while. Take for example the "Big Three" auto companies Daimler Chrysler, Ford and General Motors who have worked with HACR for over 20 years.
Very simply, if only considering the close to combined Hispanic $850 billion purchasing power any corporation that is not looking at Hispanic inclusion is making their future a smaller and less profitable one.
The smart and right thing to do is to proactively seek a better Hispanic profile, from the Board Room to the entry level and in between. Having the diverse voice and input spells better results is a winning situation for everyone.
2. What role should HACR have in representing the Hispanic community with corporate America?
HACR has a great and honored advantage. Over twenty years of building data, experiential learning, strong and viable relationships with many Fortune 50, 100 and 500 corporations, and the largest and most proven and accomplished group of partners working together for one reason: Advancing the economic standing of Hispanics and ensuring that our contributions are valued not simply for social reasons but based on hard earned merit.
HACR has earned a selfless reputation for advancing the community, not for each other and not for our respective organizations but for the community itself. Who better to represent our community with corporate America?
3. Do you think that corporate America is aware what advocacy organizations such as HACR or others do to promote inclusion and corporate responsibility?
Not sufficiently enough.Sometimes, if not most of the time, harsh words, threats, promises of boycotts get the bigger news and too often a quicker response from corporations.
HACR is true to the community we serve and is about positive partnership building on a basis of trust and long term goals that benefit everyone. We work from a position of strength knowing the staying power of our community. Threats, playing a victim may get quick wins but those are short lived ones and wins where one’s identity and culture are put at risk.
Our work with HACR will never shortchange our community and we will always strive to give corporations the opportunity to see how much we bring to the table.
4. HACR is celebrating its 20th Anniversary. What would you like to see for the next 20 years of the organization?
A strong, focused organization that grows in its outreach to corporate America and which makes sure that no element of the Hispanic community is left out.
I would like to see the coalition’s hundreds of combined years of civil rights work and advocacy for Hispanics be maximized. That ours be an army of experts working to make our community stronger, helps it take its rightful standing in the economic power in America and that because of the HACR combined efforts our country will be stronger, more inclusive and prepared to maintain its position as the number one power in the world.
5. What is the business case for corporate responsibility or inclusion as it relates to employment opportunities?
First we have a combined Hispanic $850 billion purchasing power that will only grow exponentially. Learn from our own what our community needs, wants, and buys.
Second, we are the largest minority population in the country and the Bureau of the Census states that in less than 40 years one of every four people in the USA will be Spanish speaking.
Third, Hispanics spend more proportionally on food, clothes, telephone, and television amongst many and because we are also the most brand loyal consumer, earning our trust means getting the trust and patronage of future generations.
Fourth, we have the largest youth population which means an enviable and critical pipeline of future employees and consumers.
Last but not least, we offer a connection to our largest trading partner Mexico, to Central and South America and to the population who speak Spanish now the third most spoken language in the world.
Bottom line, inclusion of Hispanics is their best bet for a strong future.
