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?
First of all I don’t think we need to keep using the word minority as this tends to infer we are less than someone else.Minority is only a number not a group.I prefer to use ethnic group. The growth of the Hispanic business community has been impressive. Right now, there are approximately two million Hispanic-owned businesses in the country generating close to $350 billion in annual gross receipts, and by the year 2010, there will be 3.2 million Hispanic-owned firms generating close to $465 billion. This means Corporate America needs to recognize how valuable of an investment this growing group really is and start making a serious commitment to do business with Hispanic businesses.Hispanic business owners are consumers, with Hispanic families, Hispanic employees and friends. We’re suppliers, partners and consumers all rolled into one.This is an important concept for Corporate America to not only understand, but to take advantage of.
2. What role should HACR have in representing the Hispanic community with Corporate America?
HACR already plays a vital role in advocating for the Hispanic community and its importance is reflected in the success of the recent CEO summit in Miami. HACR will play a vital role in harnessing the political and economic vitality of our community and in representing this force before Corporate America. As the face of business begins to change, HACR must continue to be a strong voice on behalf of the Hispanic community with regards to employment, procurement and philanthropy.
3. Do you think that Corporate America is aware what advocacy organizations such as HACR or others do to promote inclusion and corporate responsibility?
I believe more and more companies are becoming aware of the importance of diversity in business. While there have been some leaders in this area, most companies are still in the learning stages of understanding how to best interact with the Hispanic community. That is why advocacy organizations, such as HACR, are essential to that education process. Advocacy organizations are available to help teach Corporate America on how to work with Hispanics and how to succeed in diversifying the face of their company. Organizations like HACR perform an incredible service to Corporate America and to the Hispanic community.
4. HACR is celebrating its 20th Anniversary.What would you like to see for the next 20 years of the organization?
HACR represents an incredible diverse group of Hispanic advocacy organizations.To continue this success, we will need to develop additional leadership both within the non-profit sector and, more importantly, the corporate sector. While the growth of our community is impressive, the growth of our leadership and our economic and political influence needs to also grow.
5. What is the business case for corporate responsibility or inclusion as it relates to employment opportunities?
Corporate America should hold itself to a high standard when it comes to inclusion and hiring diversity. A diversified workforce is a good business. Whenever a business seeks to enter a new and growing market it is best to do it with experts. You just can’t learn about the diverse Hispanic community by reading marketing reports or books. Those who have lived within the Hispanic community have the cultural intelligence to identify opportunities. Corporate America also needs to realize that Hispanic employees don’t always have to be limited to “Hispanic positions.” For the long term viability of the company they need to be considered for boards, senior management, senior H.R. positions and senior procurement positions.
