4. LATINAStyle®
Vol. 22, No. 4, 2016 July/August
www.latinastyle.com
Columns & Departments
2 LATINAStyle Vol. 22, No. 4, 2016
Pg. 24
Pg. 46
Features
4 Publisher’s Message
6 Latinas Today
16 LATINA Style Business Series, Seattle, WA
18 Latina Entrepreneurs Make their Mark in Seattle
44 World Touring: Cuba
46 Food & Entertainment
50 Social Media: LinkedIn:A Powerful Online Tool, By Rebecca Aguilar
52 Latina Letters From the Front! Lt. j.g. Eileen M. Suarez, Public
Affairs Officer, U.S. Navy Reserve
54 A Veteran’s Perspective: 3 Tips to Help You Stand Out in the
Civilian Job Market: A Message to Service Members. By Evan
Guzman, Global Head of Military Programs & Veteran Affairs,
Verizon Corporate Office
56 Las Jefas: Unleashing The Power of Women Entrepreneurs
By Marisa Rivera
58 About the Author: The Weight of Feathers, By Anna-Marie
McLemore
60 College Beat: By Marissa Garcia, Electrical Engineering, MSEE,
University of Southern California 2016,BSEE,Rice University 2015
62 His View: By Arne M. Sorenson, President and Chief Executive
Officer, Marriott International, Inc.
64 ¡Punto Final!: By Brenda Durham, Senior Vice President &
Regional General Counsel, Marriott International, Inc.
TableofContents
8 Latinas, Be Moved: Get in the Driver’s
Seat and Enjoy the Ride
The pace of living is going faster than ever for most of us and
cars for some women are like an appliance that keeps their
life rolling. Others are enthusiasts and really care about the
wheels they drive. We took a look at a few cars that are new
or upgraded for 2016; they’re attractive, practical, and even a
bit sporty and fun. Now, it’s your turn!
By Sue Mead
12Latinas Leading in STEM
Meet three women who are re-defining the role of Latinas in
STEM. Sandra Rivera, vice president at Intel Corporation;
Marjorie Blanco, software engineer at The Boeing Company;
and Rebecca Garcia, program manager within Civic Tech &
Innovation for Tech Jobs Academy at Microsoft and co-founder
of nonprofit CoderDojo NYC, are raising the bar, inspiring
younger generations who want to follow in their footsteps and
stop at nothing to make the world a better place.
By Christine Bolaños
20Latina Executives at Comerica Bank
Set Tone for Future in Banking
Latinas at Comerica Bank not only hold top positions, but they
embrace the company’s culture of employee resources and
support, specifically those aimed at Latinas and women. The
bank operates primarily in five states across the U.S. and has
three female market presidents, two of whom are Latinas.
Read about their road to success in the banking industry here.
By Christine Bolaños
24 The 2016 LATINA Style 50Annual Report
Find out which company made it as the “Company of the Year”
and the full list of those ranked as the 50 best companies for
Latinas to work for in the United States on our 2016 LATINA
Style 50 Report. Learn how these companies are supporting
the growing Latina community in the United States.
By Reyna Sanchez
5. LEADING
FORWARD,
MOVING
AHEAD.
We travel in many styles,
across ten incredible brands.
We call hundreds of extraordinary
destinations home.
Delivering memorable moments
and exceeding our guests’
expectations around the world
is our common objective.
With more than 120,000 employees
from 60 countries, diversity
is part of our DNA.
www.wlcl.com
Pictured:
Mayda Gonzalez,
Sr. Director, Identity and Access Management
On board since 2015
6. 4 www.latinastyle.com LATINAStyle Vol. 22, No. 4, 2016
Founder & Publisher Anna Maria Arias
President & CEO Robert E. Bard
Robert@latinastyle.com
Chief Operating Lupita Colmenero
Officer Lupita@latinastyle.com
Managing Editor Gloria Romano-Barrera
Gloria@latinastyle.com
Graphic Designer Andrea Saadvandi
Andrea@latinastyle.com
Contributing Einer Agredo
Graphic Designer Einer@latinastyle.com
Contributors Anna-Marie McLemore
Arne M. Sorenson
Brenda Durham
Carlos Orta
Christine Bolaños
Eileen Suarez
Evan Guzman
Karina Flores-Hurley
Rebecca Aguilar
Marissa Garcia
Sue Mead
Senior Events Manager Tania Einhorn
Tania@latinastyle.com
Director of Special LCDR Johnny Quezada, USN (Ret.)
Programs and Military johnny.d@latinastyle.com
Affairs
Director of Sales Victor Ruiz
victor.d@latinastyle.com
Circulation Manager Maria E. Gallegos
& Subscriptions maru@latinastyle.com
Web Address www.latinastyle.com
Web Site by: vicom.com
Stock Photography istockphoto.com
LATINA Style is published bimonthly by LATINA Style, Inc. 2102 Empire
Central, Dallas, TX, 75235. Subscriptions are available at $20 for two years
for a total of 12 issues.To subscribe to LATINAStyle call (214) 357-2186 or send
checks to LATINA Style Magazine, 2102 Empire Central, Dallas, TX,
75235. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial
or advertising matter. Editorial submissions must be accompanied by a
self-addressed, stamped envelope. The publisher assumes no responsibility
for return of unsolicited manuscripts or art. No part of this magazine may
be reprinted or otherwise duplicated without the written permission of
the editor. Copyright by LATINA Style, Inc. All rights reserved. "LATINA
Style" (ISSN 1531-0868). Vol. 22, No. 4, July/August 2016.
LATINAStyle®
Our Daughter Came Home
S
ometimes it seems that we are living in a world of fantasy
until real life gets in the way. We are so busy achieving goals,
making sure that everything is in place that we tend to forget
that very important things are taking place in our lives all the time. For us,
it has been that kind of a year. A refocusing of priorities, a realignment
of concerns.
On August 15, 2015 our daughter packed her bags and headed to
Kabul, Afghanistan. For 300 days we have counted the minutes for her
to come home. We have learned firsthand the hard lesson that when one
family member serves, the whole family serves with them. The worry
that her Mom, Lupita, and the family has lived with for nearly a year of
Eileen's service in Kabul, is hard to describe. The sleep deprivation, the
constant Kabul airport alerts on the phone, the ongoing worse news
imaginable on the television, and the seemingly indifference that the
country seems to express took a heavy toll on our family.
Eileen Suarez joined the U.S. Navy reserve to fulfill her duty to our country.
We never expected that her service would take her to one of the most
dangerous places in the world. But now she is finally back home and you can
see the joy on her mother's face. Eileen and Lupita have a special relationship,
one that now is so much stronger. We now will go back to worry about
everyday things, the way all parents worry about their children.
Eileen left as a young woman and has returned as an accomplished
military officer full of confidence and determination. So what did you
learn Eileen? “I learned that America is the greatest country in the world,
and that if we took the time to look around us we would realize that the
opportunities we have here are nowhere else available to everyday folks,
especially women; we live in a blessed place,” she said.
Our family would like to thank all of our friends that kept Eileen in their
prayers, it made a great difference. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!And
let's not forget that thousands of our children are still serving our country in
these very dangerous places, let's keep our prayers alive for them and their
families as well. You can read Eileen's story in her own words in our
"Latina Letters from the Front” column. Thank you all.
This happens to be our most awaited issue of LATINA Style. Selecting
the Top 50 companies for Latinas to work for is a difficult task. Great efforts
are taken to not make mistakes and ensure that Latinas can truly find best
places where to nurture their careers. This year, Marriott International, Inc.
took the top spot. As always, it was a tough selection. We have long
established a policy of making a company eligible only every three years
for the top spot. But you can see by the top five companies that they continue
to excel. We experienced a number of changes on our list as a number of
new companies joined the ranks. I hope you enjoy our feature and make
good use of it.
Warm regards to all and thank you one more time.
Robert E. Bard
Publisher’sMessage
8. LatinasToday
6 www.latinastyle.com
INTHENEWS
Esther Aguilera
The Latino Corporate
Directors Association
(LCDA) announced that
its board of directors
unanimously selected
Esther Aguilera to serve
as its first President and
CEO. LCDA is the first association of U.S. Latinos
serving on public or private company boards and
dedicated to increasing the number of Latinos on
corporate boards.
"LCDA enthusiastically welcomes Esther and is
pleased to draw upon her 25-year record of
accomplishments to advance LCDA's critical mission
and programs," said Patricia Salas Pineda, Toyota
senior executive and LCDA Board Chair. "LCDA's
mission is more important than ever and our
organization is providing a solution to address the
underrepresentation of Latinos serving on U.S.
corporate boards. LCDA serves as a trusted
source for corporations and search firms seeking
Latino board talent."
Aguilera is an accomplished executive with a
25-year record of success in a variety of disciplines
and sectors, including a consultant to Fortune 100
companies, senior advisor to Cabinet and
Congressional Members, federal senior executive,
non-profitCEO,and Capitol Hill legislative director.
Aguilera is on the Board of Trustee of the
Southern Education Foundation and previously
served on the boards of the American Society of
Association Executives (ASAE) and the Hispanic
Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR).
She has a BA in public policy from Occidental
College and completed the Harvard University
Corporate Governance Executive Program. She
was raised in Southern California and has resided in
Washington, D.C., since 1990. She is a native of
Mexico and is married with two boys
CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO, CANDIDATE FOR THE 2016 U.S.
SENATE ELECTION IN NEVADA
Catherine Cortez Masto has spent her
career fighting to protect Nevada families.
Cortez Masto served two terms as Nevada’s
Attorney General and became known for her
integrity and leadership on behalf of Nevada
families, women, and seniors.
As the chief law enforcement officer of
Nevada, Cortez Masto worked closely with
law enforcement, treatment providers, and
community advocates to combat the use and
distribution of methamphetamines.
Staying true to her commitment to
protecting seniors, Cortez Masto created a
senior protection unit in the Attorney
General’sofficetoensurethatherinvestigators
and prosecutors had the necessary tools to
pursue those who abuse, neglect, or exploit
seniors in the communities.
A lifelong advocate for women and
children, Cortez Masto worked to strengthen
laws preventing sex trafficking and violence
against women. She also took steps to protect children from sexual predators by passing new
laws that strengthened the registration and notification requirements of convicted sex offenders.
To aid middle-class families and protect consumers and homeowners, Cortez Masto created
the Mortgage Fraud Strike Force to investigate and prosecute fraudulent foreclosure
rescue and loan modification scams. And she led the fight against foreclosure fraud,
securing an estimated $1.9 billion from big banks on behalf of Nevada homeowners as part
of the National Mortgage Settlement.
Prior to her service as Attorney General, Cortez Masto worked as an Assistant County
Manager for Clark County, Nevada. She also served as a federal criminal prosecutor for the
United States Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C. and was Chief of Staff to Governor Bob
Miller. She currently resides in Las Vegas with her husband Paul.
Jennifer I. Rodríguez
LATINAS TODAY
L E X U S P R E S E N T S
Jennifer I. Rodríguez is the president and CEO of the
Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
(GPHCC). Prior to joining GPHCC, she was appointed by
Mayor Michael A. Nutter as the Executive Director of the
Mayor’s Office of Immigrant and Multicultural Affairs.
Under her leadership, Philadelphia was recognized at the
2014 National Immigrant Integration Conference as one
of the most immigrant-friendly cities in the country.
Rodríguez was vice president for Community Engagement
and Programs at Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha. As
vice president of Finance at the Philadelphia Industrial
Development Corporation, she managed a multi-million-dollar
portfolio of economic development and business loans
and investments in communities across Philadelphia,
including public financing vehicles such as, CDBG, Tax
Increment Financing and New Markets Tax Credits.
In addition to leading GPHCC, Rodríguez serves on
various boards including the Philadelphia Redevelopment
Authority, where she is vice chair, the Philadelphia Latino
Film Festival, the Reading Terminal Market Corporation,
and the Philadelphia Land Bank. She is also a founding
member of GPHCC’s Latino Professional Mentoring
Network and the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of
Commerce CEO Access Network.
BornandraisedinPuertoRico, Rodríguezmigratedtothe
U.S. in 1990 to pursue higher education. She holds a BA in
Business Administration from Boston University and an
MA in City and Regional Planning from the University of
Pennsylvania. She was a 2014 Leadership for Change
Fellow at Drexel University.
LATINAStyle Vol. 22, No. 4, 2016
LS
Catherine Cortez Masto.
10. 8 LATINAStyle Vol. 22, No. 4, 2016www.latinastyle.com
Latinas, Be Moved
Get in the driver’s seat and enjoy the ride
By Sue Mead
A
re you an auto enthusiast or is your vehicle simply the
ride that gets you to work and the ferry for your family,
the groceries, and the collection of other goods and gear that
are needed to make your life run smoothly? The pace of living is
going faster than ever for most of us and cars for some women
are like an appliance that keeps their life rolling. Others are
enthusiasts and really care about the wheels they drive. You
might even own more than one car! I’m going to offer a challenge to
all: slow down and get to know your auto. If it’s not the right one to
suit your needs and personality, find a new one. There is something
for everyone in today’s car market. We took a look at a few that are
new or upgraded for 2016; they’re attractive, practical, and even
a bit sporty and fun. Now, it’s your turn!
2016 Toyota Camry
Redesigned last year, this midsizer 2016 Toyota Camry has better
handling, new user-friendly controls, upgraded safety, changes
inside and out, and a bolder, more competitive look, with sport-mesh
grille, LED headlamps and DRLs, 18-inch alloy wheels, and dual
chrome-tipped exhaust. The roomy cabin has quality upholstery and
stitching, sport seats and up to an 8-way power-adjustable heated
driver seat; and dual climate control.
A multimedia package brings Entune Premium JBL Audio with
Navigation and App Suite, and includes the Entune Multimedia bundle
with a 7-inch high-res touch-screen display, AM/FM, CD player,
MP3/WMA playback capability, 10 JBL GreenEdge Speakers in eight
locations including subwoofer and amplifier auxiliary audio jack, USB
2.0 port with iPod connectivity and wireless charging. Trims include LE,
SE, XSE, LSE, plus hybrid versions. A IIHS top safety pick + winner, it
has NHTSA’s 5-Star overall safety rating.
Engines include a 2.5-liter inline four cylinder, a 3.5 V6 that achieves
268 hp. and 246 lb.-ft. of torque and the hybrid 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with
EV and ECO modes; all have six-speed automatic transmissions. Fuel
economy with the V6 is rated at 21 city/31 highway/25 overall; the
4-cylinder at 25/35; and hybrid at 43/39. The sport package, as well as
SE and XSE trims, come with paddle shifters, while SE and XSE come
with a sport-tuned transmission; XSE has both Sport and Eco modes.
We loved the heated outside mirrors; smart key with push-button start;
the steering-wheel-mounted controls, and it’s quiet and well-mannered
drive. Of note is a wide and impressive array of standard safety features,
including an anti-theft alarm system, Star Safety System, with LATCH
Lower Anchor and Tether for children and 10 airbags.
For more information visit: http://www.toyota.com/camry/
2016 Honda Pilot
This all new eight-passenger SUV looks and feels very different from its
predecessor—and it is! It’s been redesigned and reengineered,
with fresh exterior and interior styling, many of the car world’s latest
features, plus increased value and improved fuel economy.
The three-row crossover raises the bar with more premium attributes, new
powertrains and the most advanced safety features ever, including the
Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies, with lane
departure warning, blind-spot monitoring and lane watch, adaptive cruise
control, and forward-collision mitigation braking. It comes in 2WD and
4WD, and five trims. Its all-new AWD system makes it capable of light
off-roading; it can tow up to 5,000 lbs.
The base LX gets vehicle stability/traction control; rear camera,
daytime running lights; ABS with electronic brake distribution and
brake assist; tire–pressure monitoring and 18-inch wheels; while the new,
top-of-the-line Elite brings ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats,
11. 9LATINAStyle Vol. 22, No. 4, 2016 www.latinastyle.com
heated steering wheel, a panoramic glass roof, and 20-inch wheels
and tires. Although larger and longer, it weighs less which brings better
fuel economy and improves driving dynamics.
Now sleek and narrow, with more contemporary styling and
slightly muscled looks, there are sculpted panels and narrower window
openings and it’s been smoothed to be more aerodynamic; a spoiler
at the tail reduces drag.
Bold LED lighting punctuates the front and back, while a bright-chromed,
three-bar grille accents the fascia. Inside is a premium cabin with
soft-touch materials, good elbow room, ergonomics and utility. In
addition to attractive, soft-touch materials, the front console has a
smartphone tray and two cup holders. A new 3.5-liter V-6 engine is
matched to a new six-speed or new nine-speed automatic.
For more information visit: http://automobiles.honda.com/pilot
2016 Chevrolet Volt
The second-generation Volt is all-new, boasting a clean and sporty
design, and seats five; it also has a re-engineered Voltec power
house for improved power and efficiency, convenience updates to the
charging systems including “Location-Based Charging”, and a new
transmission. It starts at almost $10,000 less than last year’s model!
The LT has 17-inch,five-spoke painted aluminum wheels and six-speaker
sound.Premier comes with 17-inch, split 5-spoke aluminum wheels;
park assist; wireless charging; auto-dimming interior mirror; and
heated front and rear seats, steering wheel, and exterior mirrors. It
keeps its iconic look, but is more carved and upscale, with a grille that
opens and closes to increase airflow and aerodynamics.
The body structure is strengthened and improved for a quieter, better ride.A
simplified 120-V portable cord gets more convenient stowage in the
truck. New is a bench seat in the rear; an eight-inch screen takes the
place of a traditional gauge cluster and a second eight-inch touchscreen
is the focal point of the center stack.
Equipped with standard Chevrolet MyLink with OnStar and 4G LTE, it’s
a wireless hotspot.Apple CarPlay connects via USB to make calls, send and
read texts,and play music with the touch of a button or with voice-activation.
Along with increased use of high-strength steel, top-notch standard safety
features include 10 airbags, including knee bags and a rear-view
camera; additional features include forward collision alert, automatic
braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, side blind zone alert
with lane change alert, rear cross traffic alert, advanced park assist with
front and rear park assist, and a pedestrian safety signal - an automatic
audible signal that emits during low speed driving.
For more information visit:http://www.chevrolet.com/volt-electric-car.html
2016 Nissan Sentra SV
Newly refreshed, this midsized sedan has a sporty exterior redesign, a
roomier interior, and additional safety and driving assistance
technologies. There are five trims; all are powered by a 1.8-liter
four-cylinder engine.The Sentra S gets a six-speed manual transmission (or
optional CVT) and 16-inch steel wheels. An FE+ S edition, optimized
for fuel efficiency, features Nissan's Xtronic CVT transmission, a special
rear spoiler, underbody aerodynamics, and low-rolling-resistance tires.
SV gets CVT transmission, intelligent key with push-button ignition,
streaming audio via Bluetooth, leather-wrapped steering wheel and
shift knob, Easy-Fill Tire alert, and NissanConnect with mobile apps,
5.0-inch color display, and rear-view mirror.
SR adds 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, fog lights, LED low-beam
projector headlights with LED accents, premium sport cloth, heated
front seats, heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals, rear
spoiler with integrated LED brake light, rear disc brakes, and chrome
exhaust tip finisher.
Top-of-the-line SL adds leather-appointed seats, dual-zone automatic
temperature control, auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink, NissanConnect
with navigation and 5.8-inch color touch-screen, blind spot warning
and rear cross traffic alert. Outside is revised front fascia, grille,
fenders, hood, and signature boomerang-shaped headlights up front,
and restyled fascia and boomerang-shaped taillights in the back. Inside is a
redesigned steering wheel, a high-resolution TFT-type LCD flat panel
instrument display, a 5.0-inch Advanced Drive-Assist display and Siri
Eyes Free.
The roomy interior boasts 95.9 cubic feet of passenger volume,
while the large trunk can hold more than 15 cubic feet of cargo.
Additional features include tilt/telescopic steering column, power
windows with driver’s one-touch auto up/down and auto reverse,
power door locks with auto locking feature, remote keyless entry,
and remote trunk and fuel-filler door releases.
For more information visit:
http://www.nissanusa.com/cars/sentra/versions-specs/version.sv.html
12. New Cars
in Town for Latinas
10 LATINAStyle Vol. 22, No. 4, 2016www.latinastyle.com
Want to comment or have any questions on this article? Email us at
info@latinastyle.com
This summer, LATINA Style took a drive in two of the
newest models in the market. They are comfortable,
fuel efficient, with great features and a great feel. See
what they have to offer and check them out for a ride.
Kia Optima SX Turbo
The Kia Optima SX Turbo provides a great quality of ride,
safety, comfort and capacity, fuel efficiency, kid-friendly features,
reliability and interior and exterior workmanship.
The newest Optima is roomier, more luxurious cabin features
an impressive level of craftsmanship that will come standard
across five trim levels – LX, LX 1.6T, EX, SX and SXL. Its interior is
larger and more comfortable with an innovative and functional
cabin that is well-appointed with class-up touches. The 2016
Optima also offers a height-adjustable front passenger seat, a
feature normally found only in premium vehicles.
Kia’s connectivity system, UVO2, comes standard with four
additional eServices not previously available on Optima: Geo-fencing,
Speed Alert, Curfew Alert and Driving Score3.
Also available is the Harman/Kardon QuantumLogic™7 Premium
Surround Sound Audio System8, which includes 10 speakers, Clari-Fi™7
technology and an upgraded 630-watt digital amplifier.
All new for the 2016 model is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbo engine.
The 1.6-liter will be offered on the LX trim. Pushing out 178 horsepower at
5,500 rpm and a stout 195 lb.-ft. of torque at just 1,500 rpm, the
new engine mates to a seven-speed DCT, a first for the Kia brand. The
transmission optimizes the engine’s responsiveness for a sporty feel that
doesn’t sacrifice fuel economy.
For more information visit:http://www.kia.com/us/en/vehicle/optima/2016
Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD
Ready for an elegant vehicle with an upscale interior and fuel
economy? Look no further than the Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD.The
all-new 2016 Mazda CX-9 midsize, three-row crossover SUV offers a
premium experience, fun-to-drive handling dynamics and bold
KODO—Soul of Motion design at a starting MSRP from $31,520.
The CX-9 Signature is at the top of the line with its i-ACTIV all-wheel
drive—a system that uses 27 sensors, measuring conditions more
than 200 times per second to determine how to allocate power to
each wheel as to minimize ever feeling the wheels slip.
Its interior is embellished with Auburn-colored Nappa leather,
rosewood supplied by Japanese guitar-maker Fujigen. Enjoy the LED
signature accent grille lighting and LED accent lighting around the
automatic shifter.
All models come powered by Mazda’s new turbocharged SKYACTIV-G
2.5T engine, which generates a 310 lb-ft of torque from just 2,000 rpm
on either 87- or 93-octane gasoline.It also produces 250 horsepower on
93-octane gasoline (227 horsepower on 87-octane) and nets
class-leading 2 EPA-estimated fuel-economy ratings on either
gasoline grade—22 mpg city/28 mpg highway/25 mpg combined
in front-wheel-drive configuration.
That engine is paired with a standard SKYACTIV-DRIVE six-speed
automatic and is available in front-wheel drive or i-ACTIV all-wheel drive.
For more information visit: http://insidemazda.mazdausa.com LS
By Robert Bard
14. By Christine Bolanos
W
hen many people think of leaders and innovators in Science-
Technology-Engineering-Mathematics or STEM fields, they
don't tend to picture a woman or a Latina. But an increasing
number of women are kicking that stereotype to the curb and proving
they have what it takes to lead the world into the next stage of these
disciplines. In doing so, they are changing the face oftheir industries,
communities, and in some cases, even the world.
Sandra Rivera, vice president at Intel Corporation; Marjorie Blanco, software engineer at
The Boeing Company; and Rebecca Garcia, program manager within Civic Tech & Innovation
for Tech Jobs Academy at Microsoft and co-founder of nonprofit CoderDojo NYC, are three
women who are re-defining the role of Latinas in STEM. They raise the bar, inspire younger
gerrerations who want to follow in their footsteps and stop at nothing to make the world a
better place. They use every setback as fuel to get back up on their feet toward their mission
to greatness.
Sandra Rivera
Vice President, Data Center Group
General Manager, Network Platforms
Group
Intel Corporation
Sandra Rivera is an inspiration to many
Latinas in STEM as vice president in the Data
Center Group and general manager of the
Network Platforms Group at Intel Corporation.
She is responsible for the Intel business
group called to provide innovative technology
and solutions to the networking industry.
"We built the infrastructure that connects
the world," Rivera says. "We are responsible
for all the connectivity that makes your life
easier, more convenient and more connected
to your family, friends and your work."
Her team, she shares, is responsible for all
ofthe fabric required to connect someone from
their phone, PC, TV or tablet to all of the
content or all ofthe people they want access to.
"It's an awesome responsibility, it's inspiring,"
Rivera says. "It's a huge undertaking but we
have such a team that is committed to this
connected world where we're bringing this rich
experience that makes it such a furr role at Intel."
The proud Latina explains that her parents
and culture instilled in her the value of
relationships, collaboration, teamwork,
strong work ethic, prioritizing and hard work.
"They taught me to really establish what's
most important and to live your priorities
and having integrity and authenticity in
everything they do," says the daughter of
Colombian immigrants.
Her father inspired a love of learning that
translated into Rivera's love for math and
science. Her innate nature to be a problem
solver and apply creativity drew her to STEM
as well as the practicality of pursuing a
discipline that would be valued in the
job market.
"You'll do your best work when you're
inspired, energized and excited about the
work that you do," she advises.
The barriers she has overcome as a
woman and as a Latina has only made her
stronger. "Particularly when you're starting
out, you're not being taken seriously and
not being given the benefit of the doubt,"
Rivera says. It became her goal to always
raise and exceed the bar.
At Intel, Rivera enjoys the brilliant people
she works and collaborates with the most.
"It's a learning organization and it's my
nature to be a learner," she shares.
According to Rivera, Intel is committed to
fostering professional growth in its employee
through mentors, coaches and sponsors.
"There's a sense of communi~:~nd we
have what is a very big company~Rivera
says. "We turn it into smaller communities
where you have the opportunity to engage
with individuals that may have similar
backgrounds or different perspectives. Even
within those communities, there is also a
place where we can learn, share and grow."
LATIHAS'tyleval. 22, No.4, 2016
15. OTIS
PRATT & WHITNEY
UTC AEROSPACE SYSTEMS
UTC CLIMATE, CONTROLS & SECURITY
UNITED TECHNOLOGIES RESEARCH CENTER
At United Technologies, we believe that diversity and inclusion in our business
and in leadership fosters open minds, differing perspectives and a willingness to
welcome new ideas – the kind that drive the innovation we need to create new
products and to deliver the best solutions for our customers and for the marketplace.
We are committed to developing the full talents of our entire workforce to ensure
that women don’t just strive but thrive as leaders.
www.utc.com/careers
Proud to be recognized among the Latina Style 50. Congratulations to all honorees.
Leaders
16. Rivera earned the Intel Achievement
Award for helping transform the
telecommunications industry. An award
she believes is a team award.
She serves on the Intel Hispanic Leadership
Council and previously co-founded and
served as president of The CTI Authority,
a computer telephony distributor.
“I am an internal optimist,” she shares.
“I do believe life is a choice and I always
choose happy.”
Marjorie Blanco
Software Engineer
Engineering Operations
The Boeing Company
When Marjorie Blanco arrived in the
United States from Nicaragua she was only
a young girl with big dreams.
“Imagine, a simple girl from the poorest
country in Central America working along
the greatest minds in STEM,” she says.
Fast forward to today and Blanco is
among the elite few who can say they have
worked at NASA Mission Control Center
and The Boeing Company to make astronauts’
trips to space as safe as possible.
The daughter of an accountant and an
engineer, her parents taught her the value
of hard work and determination.
“He (Blanco’s father) would actually
take me to his office and let me play with
all of his engineering notebooks and
rulers,” Blanco shares.
She recalls getting her first “huge, gigantic”
laptop which drove her to develop software.
“What really led me into it was the problem
solving aspects of it,” Blanco says, who
switched out medicine to pursue engineering.
Today, Blanco is a software engineer in
Engineer Operations in Puget Sound,
where she works as a project manager.
“What we’re trying to do is deliver good
quality airplanes that arrive on time so it
costs less,” Blanco adds. “Our customers
are demanding that of us. So we’re developing
software to meet that business goal.”
In her role, Blanco leads and supports
initiatives that engage business units,
organizations and programs.
“The software tool that I manage has
finance-approved benefits in the billion-dollar
range, numerous patents and awards,” she
explains. “This software tool impacts the
company bottom line.”
Blanco began her career with The Boeing
Company in 2008 where she worked as
software engineer for the International
Space Station in Houston, Texas. Before
joining Boeing, Blanco worked as a software
developer at NASA Mission Control Center.
“Not only did I work for NASAMission
Control Center but on the space shuttle
and international space station,” Blanco says.
She remembers she didn’t immediately
realize she had been working with astronauts
because they wore civilian clothing at
prior meetings.
“Astronauts and flight controllers
were my co-workers, how cool is that,”
Blanco exclaims.
While working at the space station, Blanco
was responsible for keeping astronauts safe.
“I was the sub-system owner for the
software system that notified astronauts if
there was a fire, rapid depress or toxic
atmosphere,” she says. That emphasis on
safety is just as strong at Boeing.
According to Blanco, an everyday goal
is no casualties and no accidents. Boeing
has an open-door policy where employees
can share ideas and work collaboratively
in a diverse environment.
There is a rich array of resources including
Boeing Women in Leadership and Boeing
Hispanic Employee Network which offers
networking opportunities, community
service and a family away from home.
Blanco takes advantage of these resources as
well as those offered by The Society of
Hispanic Professional Engineers.
“Women bring a different point of
view,” says the multi-award winning
professional, including the first ever
SHPE award given to a female at Boeing.
“Don’t be afraid of taking risks. Don’t let
your fears push you back.”
14 LATINAStyle Vol. 22, No. 4, 2016www.latinastyle.com
17. Rebecca Garcia
Co-Founder, CoderDojo NYC
GeekGirlWeb
Microsoft, Program Manager, Civic Tech
& Innovation Academy,Tech Jobs Academy
At only 22 years old, Rebecca Garcia was
named a 2013 White House ‘Champion of
Change’for her work serving underrepresented
youth and women through her non-profit
CoderDojo NYC. She was named as one of
Glamour Magazine’s ’35 Women Under 35
Who Are Changing the Tech Industry’ in
2015, AskMen’s ‘Top 99 Outstanding
Women’ in 2015 and the 2016 Hispanicize’s
STEM Star.
She also runs GeekGirlWeb, a space to
share resources on learning code, personal
branding techniques and career building
through technology and most recently
joined Microsoft as program manager
within Civic Tech & Innovation for Tech
Jobs Academy.
The first-generation Mexican-Filipino
American keeps busy but she would not
have it any other way.
“My mother actually ran a nonprofit
geared toward the Hispanic community,”
Garcia shares. “Being able to see how she
was able to help a lot of other people in our
local community was definitely influential.”
Her mother instilled in her that drive to
serve her community through nonprofits.
She does not allow workplace discrimination
to faze her and prefers to focus instead on
positivity and progress in the workplace
when it comes to minorities and women.
Perhaps her greatest source of pride is
CoderDojo NYC which she co-founded in
2012. It is one chapter within 1,000-plus
located in more than 60 countries. She
describes it as a “global movement,”
geared at teaching web, game and application
development to youth ages 7 to 17.
“The idea is that all of our workshops
and events are free to the Greater New York
City area,” Garcia explains.Youth in Brooklyn,
the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens and beyond
have an opportunity to take advantage of the
resources the organization offers.
“There are 1,200 youth that come through
our program annually,” she says, adding
that many of the events are held in public
libraries. “The idea is to teach STEM, or
STEAM, in a collaborative environment. It
allows youth to have access to technology
education. Our goal is not for them to become
developers but have access to technology
education at an early age. That way, later
on, they have the tools to create whatever it
is they want to build.”
The 25-year-old says CoderDojo NYC
ignited interest in STEM and technology in
youth that has driven them to create their
own applications and even earned national
spotlight from the likes of Apple, Inc.
“We aim for a ratio of one mentor/volunteer
to one kid where they’re able to learn in a
hands-on way,” Garcia says. “There’s no
grade or quizzes, with the idea they can
take away what they learn and continue
working on it later on. It’s project-based.
Learning alongside other kids who are
passionate and creative I think is a really
great experience.”
GeekGirlWeb is another endeavor
Garcia is particularly proud of. She taught
herself how to code because she enjoyed
building things.
“I definitely encourage everyone to use
technology at their advantage and to see
it as part of their skills they can use in
their career.”
Want to comment or have any questions on this
article? Email us at info@latinastyle.com
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15LATINAStyle Vol. 22, No. 4, 2016 www.latinastyle.com
18. 16 LATINAStyle Vol. 22, No. 4, 2016www.latinastyle.com
LATINA Style, Inc. hosted its award winning program, the LATINA Style
Business Series, in Seattle, Wash. on May 26 at the Renaissance Seattle
Hotel. Sponsored by Nationwide, over 200 Latinas and professional
women gathered to network, learn about business ownership, and receive
educational leadership empowerment from elite community leaders.
The day kicked-off with an energetic networking breakfast
among exhibitors, partners, and artist such as Blanca Santander
Studio. Mistress of ceremonies, news anchor, reporter of Univision
Seattle, Paula Lamas introduced and welcomed on stage Mayor Ed.
Murray to deliver the official welcoming remarks.
“Today’s economy is driven by entrepreneurship and increasingly
by women entrepreneurs and Latina businesswomen,” Mayor Ed
Murray said. “Whether it is a start-up, a fitness center, or a
neighborhood restaurant – the City of Seattle is committed to
ensuring women entrepreneurs have the support they need to
achieve success. When women succeed – and when women of
color succeed – they create success and economic opportunity
for everyone.”
The first workshop, Accessing Capital: Building Strong Businesses,
was moderated by Aracely Godinez, CPA, MBA, internal auditor,
office internal governance, the Boeing Company, and president of
ALPFA Seattle chapter. Speakers included: Nancy R. Porzio, district
director, Seattle U.S. Small BusinessAdministration; and Erica Erdozain,
vice president commercial lending, Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union.
The second panel, Enhancing Women Businesses through
Technology & Social Media, was conducted by Tere Carral, CEO
and founder, Bridge Latino. Panelists included: Amalia Martino,
co-founder, principal and CEO, Revel Creative Group; Patricia
Carrion Moras, CEO and co-founder, Utopia Media & Entertainment,
LLC; and Michelle Marie Font, bilingual outreach coordinator,
Make-A-Wish® Alaska and Washington.
The flagship panel, LATINA Style Entrepreneurs Roundtable:
Lessons Learned, moderated by Carolina Montibelli-Hajny MSF,
SSPS, CEO, IBC practitioner, Kolbe certified, and Seattle NSHMBA
president included panelists: Maria Barrientos, principal, Barrientos
LLC;Adriana Medina, owner & president, Fuerte Fitness; and Dianne
M. Segura, M.P.A., owner, Segue Enterprises.
“The Latina power was in full force in Seattle,” said Anna Maria
Arias entrepreneur honoree and U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
awardee Dianne Segura. “Thank you LATINAStyle for bringing the
Business Series’conversation to the Pacific Northwest. It was a pleasure
and complete delight to share the lessons learned as an entrepreneur
with local Latinas… fight the power mujeres.”
LATINA Style
Business Series, Seattle
By Tania G. Davila
Photos by Mel Ponder Photography
(L-R) Richard Romero, president and CEO, Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union;
M. Lorena González, Councilmember, Seattle City Council; Dr. Sandra E. Madrid,
Ph.D.; Adriana Medina, president and owner, Fuerte Fitness; and Lory Burgos,
Lory Burgos Sr. consultant, multicultural marketing, Nationwide.
(L-R) Paula Lamas, news anchor, reporter, producer, Univision Seattle; Mayor
Ed. Murray, City of Seattle; Veronica Quintero, reporter, anchor, KNDU-TV; and
Robert E. Bard, president & CEO, LATINA Style, Inc.
19. 17LATINAStyle Vol. 22, No. 4, 2016 www.latinastyle.com
(L-R) Nancy R. Porzio, district director, U.S. Small
Business Administration; Erica Erdozain, vice president,
commercial lending, Seattle Metropolitan Credit
Union; and, Aracely Godinez, CPA, MBA, president
of ALPFA Seattle, internal auditor, office internal
governance, The Boeing Company.
(L-R) Patricia Carrion Moras, CEO and co-founder,
Utopia Media & Entertainment, LLC; Tere Carral,
CEO and founder, Bridge Latino; Michelle Marie
Font, bilingual outreach coordinator, Make-A-Wish®
Alaska and Washington; and Amalia Martino,
co-founder, principal & CEO, Revel Creative Group.
(L-R) Maria Barrientos, principal, Barrientos LLC;
Dianne M. Segura, M.P.A., owner, Segue Enterprises;
Carolina Montibelli-Hajny MSF, SSPS, CEO, IBC
Practitioner, Kolbe Certified, Seattle NSHMBA
president; and Adriana Medina, owner &
president, Fuerte Fitness.
(L-R) Richard Romero,
president and CEO, Seattle
Metropolitan Credit Union;
Dr. Sandra E. Madrid,
Ph.D.; M. Lorena González,
Councilmember, Seattle
City Council; Adriana
Medina, president and
owner, Fuerte Fitness; and
Veronica Quintero, reporter,
anchor, KNDU-TV.
Special thanks to our sponsors,
partners and supporters.
LATINA Style is thrilled to count on Nationwide's
continued support as title sponsor of the series.
Platinum Sponsor: Seattle Metropolitan Credit
Union. National Partners: SCORE, ALPFA,
NAWBO, WIPP, NALEO, WBENC, WPO, and
CapitalWirePR. Community Partners: La Raza
del Noroeste, Actitud Latina, ALPFA Seattle,
Bellevue College Foundation, Business Impact
NW, El Centro La Raza, El Mundo Newspaper,
Girl Scouts of Western Washington, Latino City
Employees, LULAC WA, NSHMBA Seattle, OYE
Media Productions, SCORE Seattle, SHPE,
During the awards luncheon, Seattle City Councilmember M.
Lorena González, delivered the keynote message. “In Washington,
the purchasing power of Latinos and Latinas is $18.3 billion! But
we aren’t just spending money, we are making it too: revenue
generated by Latino-owned businesses was nearly $10 billion in
2007 and Latino-owned business employed over 23,000 people
statewide of all female business owners in the U.S., Latinas are
the fastest growing group,” shared Council Member González.
Also, the business series counted on the presence of Veronica
Quintero, news reporter, KNDO/KNDU Television, as the mistress
of ceremonies for the luncheon.
LATINA Style honored Adriana Medina, president and owner of
Fuerte Fitness, as the LATINA Style Entrepreneur of the Year for
Seattle, WA. This award is presented to Latinas who demonstrate
the core values of entrepreneurship. A fitness industry veteran,
Medina founded her business in 2007 in Wallingford, WA. Medina
believes that personal fitness isn't just something you do in the
morning, during lunch, or on your way home from work; it's a
way of life.
“It was an honor to have been recognized by LATINA Style,
sometimes you are just so busy running your business that it's nice
to reassess, to celebrate your victories, and share the lessons
learned; like in this occasion,” Medina shared. “I felt empowered
not only as a Latina but as a woman at the event along with the
speakers that I met and women in the audience. It's nice to meet
others like me, to not feel so alone.”
Co-chairing the Business Series were Dr. Sandra E. Madrid,
PhD., University of Washington, and Richard Romero, president
and CEO, Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union. Dr. Madrid is serving
part-time as Special Assistant to the Vice President for Minority
Affairs and Vice Provost for Diversity at the University of Washington.
“It was my distinct honor to serve as co-chair of the Business Series
in Seattle,” Dr. Madrid shared. “LATINA Style equipped Latinas in
Washington State with skills and financial tools to learn strategies
to empower women starting a small business or enhancing their
current enterprise. Latinas have and will continue to make a mark
as stellar entrepreneurs. Latina business owners have the innate skills
and are driven, passionate, decisive, confident, efficient and energetic.
It was evident by the attendees of the business series. Congratulations
to the LATINA Style Business Series in making a difference to
so many which in turn makes our country more vibrant and the
opportunity to celebrate being a Latina business owner!” LS
(L-R) Michelle Marie Font and Ramon Jones, regional
vice president, western regional operations, Nationwide.
WomenofWisdom,YWCA,andSeattleLatinoFilm
Festival. Contributors: Beto Yarce; Blanca
Santander; Cameron A. Williams; Heavy
Restaurant Group; K Public Relations, Inc.; Martha
Montoya; Teresa Jones; and thank you to all
speakers and presenters that contributed their
timeandsupportourbusinessseriesconference.
Thanks to our Co-chairs:
ElaineMiceli-Vasquez,owner,ElHeraldodeBroward,
ownerofWeDoEvents,LiliamM.Lopez,president
&CEO,SouthFloridaHispanicChamberofCommerce
and, Carlos Orta, vice president, Corporate Affairs,
Carnival Corporations & plc.
Want to comment or have any questions on this article? Email us at
info@latinastyle.com
20. Hailed as one of the country’s most diverse communities with a
healthy economy, it is no surprise Latina entrepreneurs are
choosing to set up shop in Seattle, Wash. From urban development
firms to fitness centers, these Latinas think outside the box, take
ownership of their finances and futures, while leaving their mark in
the emerald city.
18 LATINAStyle Vol. 22, No. 4, 2016www.latinastyle.com
“We see many family-owned businesses
where several members of the family are
involved,” says Nancy Porzio, district director
for the Small Business Administration’s
Seattle office. “It’s really pleasing to see
that kind of attitude.”
Hispanics are the second largest growing
demographic in the area and the ones who
Passionate about civic engagement issues
and community-based organizations,
Barrientos found a unique niche in Seattle
where she develops only in the dense
neighborhoods surrounding downtown.
Barrientos started her own firm after noticing
how male-dominated a prior company she
worked for was. She realized as the only
woman at that firm, she was bringing in a
substantial amount of revenue, and the men
were taking most of the credit.
“I think we’re more empathetic and social
aware of issues around us,” Barrientos says
of what makes Latina business owners
stand out. “We’re more thoughtful, we listen
better and try to be problem solvers.”
By Christine Bolaños
choose to open a business that tend to be
grounded and customer-service oriented.
According to SBA data, the number of
loans granted to Hispanic-owned business
owners has risen nearly every year going
back to fiscal year 2009. That year,
Latino-owned businesses received $364.24
million in loan assistance. By fiscal year
2015, these business owners were approved
for as much as $1.36 billion in loans.
According to Porzio, the SBA is focused
on providing more resources and support
to underserved communities.
“Some of the success we’ve seen is
primarily in the service industry, which
can be anywhere from personal services to
food services to landscape service and
construction,” Porzio shares.
The SBAis sensitive to the needs of language
barriers, providing more Spanish-language
material that is in demand, bringing in
interpreters as needed and changing its
focus to be more customer-focused and going
into the community.
Maria Barrientos, a managing partner at
Barrientos, LLC, a project management,
development and real estate firm, has
successfully managed development of
more than 30 mixed-use housing projects
totaling more than $1 billion worth of real
estate development projects in Seattle.
Nancy Porzio, district director for the Small
Business Administration’s Seattle office.
Maria Barrientos, managing partner at
Barrientos, LLC.
Latina Entrepreneurs
Make their Mark in Seattle
21. 19LATINAStyle Vol. 22, No. 4, 2016 www.latinastyle.com
Adriana Medina runs her very own gym,
Fuerte Fitness, in the Seattle area. She says
she wanted an inside location to work with
her clients and classes. Medina also wanted a
place where people could meet and talk
about their victories and challenges when
trying to change their lifestyles.
“I wanted to create a platform where you
didn’t have to ‘stand alone’ when your
workplace or family wasn’t ready to
change their lifestyle,” Medina says.
Fuerte Fitness has earned numerous
accolades which Medina credits to the
sense of community it has built.
“We have cooking classes, hiking dates,
events that bring us together,” she adds.
“I’m seeing that it’s not necessarily just a
physical place. But a community where
you meet at many different places or online
and have communication or dialog with the
right people.”
Tere Carral is founder and CEO of
Bridge Latino, a multicultural marketing
and advertising agency, based in Seattle.
Through her professional experience, she
has witnessed firsthand the impact of
Hispanic-focused agencies, which are
mostly owned and operated by women.
Today she attributes her firm’s growth to
focusing on the area’s needs.
Carral recommends Latina entrepreneurs
take advantage of Ventures, a nonprofit
that provides businesses with training;
the SBA, the Washington State Office of
Minority & Women’s Business Enterprises
or the King County Small Business
Certification Program.
“We have the amazing Casa Latina that
has courses and a way for people to get
started and generating income,” Carral
adds. “We are also in the process of
starting a group of support for Latina
entrepreneurs, where we can coach each
other and give advice whenever needed.”
Patty Carrion Moras is an entrepreneur
and professional musician who decided to
become a business owner after the music
scene in Seattle came to a near halt in
2001. She made the leap into video and
audio production in 2005 by co-founding
UTOPIA Media & Entertainment, LLC.
She works to build bridges of appreciation
and understanding between American and
Latino cultures. One example came in 2009,
when Carrion Moras was elected co-chair of
nonprofit Mujeres of the Northwest, focused
on leadership development of Latinas.
Adriana Medina, owner, Fuerte Fitness.
Tere Carral, founder and CEO of Bridge Latino.
Patty Carrion Moras, entrepreneur and
professional musician.
Lorena Gonzalez, Seattle Councilmember.
“In my native country, Mexico, many of
us are taught to be creative thinkers due to
the lack of opportunities,” she says. “We
learn to find different angles to solve a
problem, or to meet our needs. And that’s
what I did; I found a different way to meet
my need to work in the arts, and to make a
profit out of it.”
As the first Hispanic ever elected to
Seattle City Council, Lorena Gonzalez
works to represent the Latino community
in the best way she can.
“Seeing Latina faces in leadership
sends a strong and clear message to
young Latinas,” Gonzalez shares, “that
they are valuable and can be successful.
You can’t underestimate the effect that
seeing Latinas as entrepreneurs has on
your community through the City of Seattle.”
She hears from entrepreneurs who are
drawn to Seattle because of its booming
economy. There is an especially high need
for services, ranging from coffee shops, to
technology start-ups to fitness centers. For
Gonzalez, Seattle is a prime place for Latina
entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.
“Those type of business industries are
growing at an exponentially fast rate in our
city,” Gonzalez says. “I feel the customer
base here is looking to connect with Latina
business owners and get their services ---
from a valued diversity perspective, but
also from the reality that we are seeing the
population grow within our city.”
Want to comment or have any questions on
this article? Email us at info@latinastyle.com
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22. 20 LATINAStyle Vol. 22, No. 4, 2016www.latinastyle.com
Latinas at Comerica Bank not only hold top positions, but they embrace the company’s
culture of employee resources and support, specifically those aimed at Latinas and women.
The bank operates primarily in five states across the U.S. and has three female market
presidents, two of whom are Latinas.
Comerica Bank has 16 different Employee Network Resource Groups, including Hispanic
Ambassadors, Diversity Councils and Women’s Forum, that assist employees with
mentoring, career development, networking and community outreach. If other banks
follow suit, it may pave the way for more Latina executives in the banking industry.
Annette G. Musa
Arizona Market President
Regional Manager,
Wealth Management
Comerica Bank
Years ago,Annette G. Musa was only one of the
few woman of color in the male-dominated
finance industry. Today, she is still among the
minority, but is working within her company
and the community to transform the industry
into one that embraces the potential of Latinas
in all kinds of roles, including those with
high-stakes and leadership responsibilities.
AsArizona Market President and Regional
Manager for Wealth Management at Comerica
Bank, Musa leads the Arizona Management
Council and supports the bank’s customer
initiatives and overall business and community
development efforts in retail, business and
wealth management.
“You’re really not sure whether you should
talk about that, celebrate that or just try and
fit in because you want to make sure you are
part of the group,” she says, noting how different
she felt from her colleagues at the start of
her career.
Her Latina roots instilled in her the importance
of being sociable, which helped her stand out
in other ways besides her ethnicity or gender.
“That type of outgoingness, friendliness
and warmth is important when you’re dealing
with customers or clients,” Musa shares.
“Especially in this industry. You want people
to be able to relate to you and bond to you.”
As the years went on, Musa proved her
finance skills not only to her colleagues but
to herself.
“Later in life, you start to feel more secure,
you celebrate and you talk a little bit more
about who you are and where you come
from,” she states.
Born and raised in Omaha, Neb., to a mother
who immigrated from Mexico and to a Texan
father with parents who hailed from Mexico,
Musa had to get acclimated to a new culture
and language.
She has spent a great part of her life as a
Phoenix, Ariz., resident where she is actively
involved with the community.
With more than 30 years of wealth
Latina Executives at Comerica Bank
Set Tone for Future in Banking
By Christine Bolaños
23. RAISE YOUR EXPECTATIONS.
®
When it comes to
business, timing is
everything.
And, with historically low rates, there’s never been a more opportunistic time
to expand your business with a commercial real estate loan from Comerica.
As the leading bank for business*, we’ve been financing business expansion for
nearly 150 years. Whether you need to build or purchase, expand or refinance,
it’s the right time. Are you ready?
Call 800.705.2387, stop by a Comerica banking center or visit comerica.com/cre.
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*Comerica ranks first nationally among the top 25 U.S. financial holding companies,
based on commercial and industrial loans outstanding as a percentage of assets.
Data provided by SNL Financial, June 2015. CBP-6115-02 08/16
24. management experience, including 25 years
in the Phoenix and Scottsdale area, Musa’s
journey in the finance industry happened by
chance when she searched for a part-time job
as a college student. She began working at a
brokerage firm and became fascinated with
the intricacies of finance.
“I was going to be a newscaster or journalist
but brokerage caught my attention because it
was quick and always changing,” Musa says.
Later on, Musa wanted to help pioneer a
new branch in banking that is known today
as wealth management.
She completed stints at Wells Fargo and JP
Morgan before joining Comerica.
“In the Arizona market, the wealth
management market became one of the most
successful areas of growth and profitability,”
she states.
In her current role, Musa manages and
oversees growth and development of wealth
management including investment, private
banking, planning and managing employees
to success. She also makes marketing and
community development decisions.
Musa is passionate about her work with
organizations such as Phoenix Art Museum
and Fresh Start Women’s Organization.
“That’s another thing about Comerica
that’s really great,” she shares. “They want
volunteers to provide for their community.”
Angela Mastrofrancesco
Florida Region President
Regional Manager,
Wealth Management
Comerica Bank
Angela Mastrofrancesco arrived in the
United States with her parents at the tender
age of 10 with nothing to their names but the
clothes on their backs. She recalls how her
beloved uncle was scheduled to meet them at
the airport but he never showed up.
“Wefoundouthewasveryill,”Mastrofrancesco
shares. “Shortly after that, I got involved with
handling his finances and settling his estate.
Unfortunately, he died shortly after that.”
That was the Cuban native’s first introduction
to finance, a concept that intrigued her, and
she made it her lifelong career.
“I was the only one who spoke a little bit
of English,” Mastrofrancesco points out.
Soon, she was translating information to her
parents and her uncle’s surviving spouse.
“I was having to deal with credit card
companies and closing bank accounts at that
age,” she recalls.
Today, she is Florida Region President
and Regional Manager of Wealth Management
at Comerica Bank.
Mastrofrancesco credits her unrelenting
work ethic to her family, particularly her dad,
who did whatever he had to do to provide
for his family.
She has spent her entire banking career at
Comerica Bank, where she has worked her
way up the corporate ladder for 30 years.
She began as executive assistant to the
executive who ran the trust department
within the bank, then transitioned to trust
officer where she was a relationship manager,
followed by a move into management as
head of the trust department. Ultimately,
she became regional manager and then
market president.
Mastrofrancesco credits Comerica for
its support of her professional development
including allowing her time away to attend
Florida Bankers Association Trust
School Program.
Though she never felt her ethnicity or gender
hindered her career success, Mastrofrancesco
didn’t realize how male-dominated the
finance industry was until she became
involved with the Florida BankersAssociation.
That realization only fueled her urge to take
advantage of every opportunity that came
her way.
“My word is very, very important,”
Mastrofrancesco says. “If I say I’m going to
do something I follow through.”
She is a team player and works side-by-side
with colleagues.
As regional manager, Mastrofrancesco is
responsible for sales and marketing for Florida,
where she works with other business unit
managers to make sure goals are met. As
market manager, she is the face of the bank
out in the community.
“One of the pillars of Comerica is to be
involved in the community,” Mastrofrancesco
shares. She has served the community via the
Weston Philharmonic Society, the NSU
Planned Giving Council, the West Broward
Estate Planning Council and the American
Lung Association.
Mastrofrancesco was named the 2011 Business
Woman of the Year and the 2013 Trust Banker
of the Year by the Florida Bankers Association.
“Here at this market we’re like a family,” she
says, adding that Latinas pursuing business
careers should be unafraid to step up and go
after what they want.
22 LATINAStyle Vol. 22, No. 4, 2016www.latinastyle.com
LS
Want to comment or have any questions on this
article? Email us at info@latinastyle.com
26. 24 LATINAStyle Vol. 22, No. 4, 2016www.latinastyle.com
I
t was 19 years ago when Anna Maria Arias, founder of LATINA Style Magazine,
was inspired to recognize Latinas across the country after she saw the gaps between
opportunities. With the assistance of the U.S. Department of Labor, the U.S. Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission, and national Hispanic organizations, the
LATINA Style 50 Survey was created. The survey has evolved over the years to ensure
more opportunities are taken into consideration for Latinas.
This year more companies participated in the LATINA Style 50 report than before. This is due
to the impact Latinas are making not only at the companies they work for but in the world. They
are known for their hard work and loyalty, and companies are recognizing the value of it more
than ever. With the ever-increasing Latina population, more opportunities are opening in the
high-ranking positions. This is a result of Latinas who have supported and developed a pipeline
for those starting a career.
LATINA Style is proud to recognize companies that support programs that encourage training,
mentorship, and promote Latinas within the company. The LATINAStyle 50 report is a reflection of
those programs that Latinas are looking for when seeking job opportunities. Today, companies
that have generated more opportunities for Latinas are listed in the LATINA Style top 50 best
companies for Latinas to work for in the U.S.
One of the companies that demonstrate faithfulness to the Latino community is Marriott
International, Inc. The company evolves with the mission to encourage the Latino workforce and
open more opportunities for the community. This is why over the years Marriott International,
Inc. has ranked as the top company for Latinas to work for. Today, LATINA Style honors Marriott
International, Inc. as the 2016 LATINA Style company of the year. Congratulations!
By Reyna Sanchez
Brenda Durham
Executive Vice President
The 2016 LATINA Style 50
Special Report
1. Marriott International, Inc.
1. Comcast NBCUniversal
Brenda Durham, Senior Vice President & Regional
General Counsel for Marriott International, Inc.,
serves as primary legal counsel for Marriott’s
hotels and resorts located throughout the
Caribbean and Latina America (CALA). In this
capacity she provides guidance to Marriott’s law
department group supporting the region. As part
of CALA’s senior leadership, Durham plays an
active role shaping the strategic objectives for the
region. She leads the region’s Owner & Franchisee
Team, which is charged with overseeing the
process for evaluating and addressing owner and
franchisee feedback, insight and guidance.
Durham joined Marriott in 1999 and is Marriott’s
senior ranking Latina.Durham has a comprehensive
practice that includes (i) negotiating financial, equity,
and management agreement transactions, (ii)
hotel owner relationship development and dispute
resolution, (iii) oversight for Marriott’s international
global safety and security matters, (iv) support for
asset management transactions,and (v) participation
on Marriott’s Human Rights Committee.
In prior roles, Durham served as the primary
legal counsel supervising Marriott’s law department
group for international global operations providing
counsel and oversight to attorneys supporting Asia
Pacific, Middle East Africa and the United Kingdom.
She also led legal support for the integration of
the AC by Marriott branded hotels located in Spain
after Marriott acquired the AC Hotel brand in
2011.Durham is a passionate advocate of Marriott’s
diversity and inclusion programs. Most recently,
in 2015, she participated as a panel member at
the CEO Summit of the Americas speaking about
Women’s Economic Empowerment.
Marriott
International, Inc.
Company
of the Year!
27.
28. www.marriott.com
www.comcast.com
www.att.com
www.accenture.com
www.jnj.com
www.prudential.com
www.corporate.walmart.com
www.gm.com
www.utc.com
www.intel.com
www.pepsico.com
www.fcanorthamerica.com
www.wellsfargo.com
www.newyorklife.com
www.sodexousa.com
www.bankofamerica.com
www.colgatepalmolive.com
www.wyn.com
www.horizonblue.com
www.nationwide.com
www.kp.org
www.ibm.org
www.morganstanley.com/
diversity
www.chase.com
www.comerica.com
Marriott International, Inc.
Bethesda, MD
Comcast NBCUniversal
Philadelphia, PA
AT&T
Dallas, TX
Accenture
New York, NY
Johnson & Johnson
New Brunswick, NJ
Prudential Financial
Newark, NJ
Wal-Mart Stores Inc.
Bentonville, AR
General Motors Company
Detroit, MI
United Technologies Corporation
Farmington, CT
Intel Corporation
Santa Clara, CA
PepsiCo
Purchase, NY
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
Auburn Hills, MI
Wells Fargo & Company
San Francisco, CA
New York Life Insurance
New York, NY
Sodexo,Inc.
Gaithersburg, MD
Bank of America
Charlotte, NC
Colgate-Palmolive
New York, NY
Wyndham Worldwide
Parsippany, NJ
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of
New Jersey. Newark, NJ
Nationwide
Columbus, OH
Kaiser Permanente
Oakland, CA
IBM Corporation
Armonk, NY
Morgan Stanley
New York, NY
JPMorgan Chase & Co
New York, NY
Comerica Bank
Dallas, TX
LATINAStyle Vol. 22, No. 4, 2016www.latinastyle.com
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The criteria above is a partial list of the criteria used to evaluate companies for the LATINA Style 50. For more details on the selection process, please visit www.latinastyle.com.
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Increasein
Overall
LatinaPopulation
Program
stoRecruit
M
ilitaryPersonnel
Flextim
e
LatinosonBoardofDirectors
M
inority Supplier
Diversity Program
LeadershipTraining/Career
Counseling
Program
s
Recruitm
ent Program
s
thatTarget Latinas
Task Force for
W
om
en's issues
FastTrackProgram
Personal Health
Insurance
Coverage
75%
M
entoring
Program
s
HispanicAssociation
LatinasonBoardofDirectors
The 2016 LATINA Style 50 • Special Report
Company Website
30. www.merck.com
www.xerox.com
www.target.com
www.hiltonworldwide.com
www.aflac.com
www.hyatt.com
www.citigroup.com
www.metlife.com
www.southwest.com
www.statefarm.com
www.jcp.com
www.aetna.com
www.usaa.com
www.rackspace.com
www.bostonscientific.com
www.ford.com
www.cvshealth.com
www.lanl.gov
www.tiaa.org
www.mynavyexchange.com
www.freddiemac.com
www.pge.com
www.coned.com
www.northerntrust.com
www.shopmyexchange.com
Merck & Co., Inc.
Kenilworth, NJ
Xerox Corporation
Norwalk, CT
Target
Minneapolis, MN
Hilton Worldwide
McLean, VA
Aflac
Columbus, GA
Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Chicago, IL
Citi
New York, NY
MetLife
New York, NY
Southwest Airlines
Dallas, TX
State Farm
Bloomington, IL
JCPenney
Plano, TX
Aetna
Hartford, CT
USAA
San Antonio, TX
Rackspace Hosting
Windcrest, TX
Boston Scientific Corporation
Marlborough, MA
Ford Motor Company
Dearborn, MI
CVS Health
Woonsocket, RI
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Los Alamos, NM
TIAA
New York, NY
Navy Exchange Service Company
Virginia Beach, VA
Freddie Mac
McLean, VA
PacificGas&ElectricCompany
San Francisco, CA
Consolidated Edison,Inc.
New York, NY
Northern Trust
Chicago, IL
The Exchange (Army and Air Force
Exchange Service) Dallas, TX
LATINAStyle Vol. 22, No. 4, 2016www.latinastyle.com
The criteria above is a partial list of the criteria used to evaluate companies for the LATINA Style 50. For more details on the selection process, please visit www.latinastyle.com.
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Increasein
Overall
LatinaPopulation
Program
stoRecruit
M
ilitaryPersonnel
Flextim
e
LatinosonBoardofDirectors
M
inority Supplier
Diversity Program
LeadershipTraining/Career
Counseling
Program
s
Recruitm
ent Program
s
thatTarget Latinas
Task Force for
W
om
en's issues
FastTrackProgram
Personal Health
Insurance
Coverage
75%
M
entoring
Program
s
HispanicAssociation
LatinasonBoardofDirectors
The 2016 LATINA Style 50 • Special Report
32. LATINAStyle Vol. 22, No. 4, 2016www.latinastyle.com
3. AT&T
Senior Vice President, AT&T Entertainment
Group – Premium Care, AT&T Services, Inc.
Carmen Nava was appointed Senior Vice
President – Premium Care, in September 2015.
In this role, Nava leads AT&T Entertainment
Group’s efforts to care for customers with more
complex needs, while providing continuous
improvements across the business.
Her 31-year career has taken her to assignments
in customer experience, business planning, billing,
customer service and sales, human resources,
external affairs and marketing. Prior to this as-
signment, Nava served as Senior Vice President
– Customer Experience. Nava is active in the
community and serves on the Corporate Advisory
Board of the University of Southern California’s
(USC) Latino Alumni Association and on the
University of the Incarnate Word’s Board of
Trustees. She also serves on the Advisory Board
of two Employee Resource Groups that support the
company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion
through their efforts in the workplace, marketplace
and the community: HACEMOS and LEAGUE.
Nava was recognized as one of the Top 5 Latina
Executives of the year for 2013 by LATINA Style
magazine for her work to empower women and
the Hispanic community and was selected by
Hispanic Professionals in the Information
Technology Industry (HITEC) as one of the Top
100 most influential and notable Hispanics in the
technology industry for 2016. Nava is a native
of Los Angeles, Calif., and a graduate of the
University of Southern California School of
Business. She resides in Dallas, Texas, with her
husband, Robert. They have one daughter.
2. Comcast NBCUniversal
Myrna Soto is Senior Vice President Global Chief
Information Security Officer (GCISO) of Comcast
Corporation. She works closely with all of the
technology and security teams across the organization,
including Comcast Cable, NBCUniversal, Comcast
Spectacor and Comcast Platform Services to develop
cyber security, network/infrastructure security,
data security strategies, and operational efficacy
in security programs, policies, and technology risk
management. Soto is also the Executive Champion of
Comcast’sHispanicemployeeresourcegroup,Unidos,
which strives to impact innovation, collaboration
and exceptional business results by developing
future leaders and serving the community.
Soto joined Comcast in 2009 after earning more
than 20 years of focused Information Technology
and Security experience and accolades within a
variety of industries, including: financial services,
hospitality, insurance/risk management and
gaming/entertainment. Soto previously served as
Senior Vice President and Chief Infrastructure &
Information Security Officer, responsible for
enterprise information and infrastructure security
strategy and operations for Comcast Cable.
Soto holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida
International University, a Master of Science degree
in Industrial Psychology, a Master of Business
Administration degree from Nova Southeastern
University and a Masters Certification in Project
Management from George Washington University.
Soto was recognized by SC Magazine as the Top
10 Power Players forWomen in Security - 2015.She
is also an Executive Management Committee Board
Member (Vice President) of HITEC (Hispanic IT
Executive Council),a Member of the Board of Directors
for CMS Energy & Consumers Energy, and a Member
of the Board of Directors for Spirit Airlines.
4. Accenture
Nellie Borrero is a highly respected executive and
leader, recognized for her passion for inclusion and
diversity. Thoughtful with deep global experience,
Borrero works to raise awareness and increase
understanding on the importance of embracing
diversity and equality.She communicates the message
world-wide to leaders, recruits, and organizations.
Borrero joined Accenture in 1986 creating the
first role for diversity efforts. She holds a crucial
leadership role and is a driving force behind the
company's diversity initiatives. Under Borrero's
leadership, the most recent innovations are creation
of a development program for high performing
women globally, design of career progression
initiatives for women throughout APAC, EMEA and
the Americas; global positioning of the LGBT and
Persons with Disability agenda; as well as the
design and execution of ethnic diversity programs.
Borrero has shared her perspectives and beliefs
in publications such as Forbes, Management
Consulting Magazine, Chicago Tribune, Diversity
Inc., Diversity Careers in IT & Engineering, Black
Enterprise and Hispanic Engineering, as well as
having been a featured guest on National Public
Radio (NPR).
She has received numerous awards, among
them: 2016 Black Enterprise Top Executives in
Corporate Diversity; 2012 LATINA Style Top 5
Executive Women; 2012 Marcus Buckingham
Leaders Leading Leaders Award; 2012 Hispanic
Business Influentials.
Borrero earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree after
attending New York University and Lehman College.
Her degree is in Management, specializing in Human
Resources. Borrero is married and has a daughter
and son. She enjoys her family life, reading, playing
tennis and purposefully giving to the world.
30
Myrna Soto
SVP, Global Chief Information Security Officer
Carmen Nava
Senior Vice President, Premium Care
Nellie Borrero
Managing Director-Global Inclusion & Diversity
The 2016 LATINA Style 50 • Special Report
34. LATINAStyle Vol. 22, No. 4, 2016www.latinastyle.com
5. Johnson & Johnson
Denice Torres is Chief Strategy and Business
Transformation Officer for Johnson & Johnson
Medical Devices. She serves on the Medical
Devices Group Operating Committee (GOC) and is
responsible for boldly advancing the organization’s
transformation to support its innovation and
growth goals.
Prior to this role,Torres was co-chair of Johnson &
Johnson Consumer Inc., North America. She was
also President of the Johnson & Johnson Consumer
US OTC division, McNeil Consumer Healthcare.
In 2016, Torres was selected as the recipient
of the Johnson & Johnson H.O.N.O.R. Special
Recognition Leadership Award for her exceptional
support of the company’s employee resource
groups and diversity and inclusion. In 2015, she
was named Healthcare Businesswomen’sAssociation
Woman of the Year. In 2013, Working Mother
named her Working Mother of the Year. She has
been featured in Pharmaceutical Executive,
Philadelphia Business Journal, LATINA Style,
WomenWorking and Siempre Mujer.
Torres has a Master of Business Administration
from the University of Michigan, Stephen M. Ross
School of Business; Doctor of Jurisprudence from
Indiana University, Maurer School of Law; and a
Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Ball State
University. She serves on the national board of
Out & Equal.
Torres lives in Clinton, NJ with her spouse, Kim,
and their 15-year-old daughter, Sierra. As mom to
a daughter with cerebral palsy, she is wildly
passionate about opportunities and possibilities
for special needs children. She also enjoys biking,
all things tech, and is a spirited advocate for
women’s leadership and health and fitness.
6. Prudential Financial
Yanela Frias is the Vice President of Finance for
Prudential’s Individual Annuities business. In this
capacity Frias is responsible for the financial
reporting, planning and analysis, capital
management and corporate finance functions
of the business. Prior to this position, Frias was
the Vice President of Finance for the Individual
Life business where she led the finance function
and played a significant leadership role in the
acquisition of the Hartford Life business.
Before joining the Individual Life business,
Frias was a Managing Director with the Treasurer’s
organization and Assistant Treasurer for Prudential
Financial, Inc. In addition, she was the Treasurer
for the Corporate & Other business unit. Frias also
partnered with Corporate Banking in coordinating
banking relationships. Previously, she held various
positions in the Treasurer’s organization including
Business Unit Treasury for Retirement, Individual
Life, Group, Closed Block and PRERS.
Frias joined Prudential in March 1997 as a
member of the External Financial Reporting Group
where she was responsible for the consolidation
and reporting of Enterprise financial results,
including the preparation of the Annual Report. In
August of 2000, Frias moved on to the Strategy &
Competitive Analysis Group. In this role, she
focused on analyzing competitor results, strategies
and competitive advantages as well as supporting
the Company’s Demutualization.
Frias received a B.S. in Accounting and an
M.B.A. in finance from Rutgers University. Frias is
a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
7. Wal-Mart Stores Inc.
Gisel Ruiz is executive vice president for the
International People Division, supporting 2.3
million associates in 27 countries outside the
United States. In this role, Ruiz is responsible
for driving the human resources strategy and
priorities for one of the fastest growing divisions
of the company.
A 24-year associate, Ruiz is an inspirational
leader who has consistently contributed toWalmart’s
growth and success while demonstrating an
unwavering commitment to their associates.
While executive vice president of People for Walmart
U.S.,she helped transform the company's approach
to talent management and leveraged technology
to drive changes that increased efficiencies and
improved the associate and customer experience
supporting more than 1.2 million associates.
Ruiz began her career at Walmart as a store
management trainee in 1992. She has held a variety
of leadership positions in store operations, labor
relations and human resources.
LATINA Style honored her as 2010 Latina
Executive of the Year, and in 2012, 2013 and
2014, she was named by FORTUNE magazine as
one of the 50 Most Powerful Women in Business.
In 2013, Ruiz was awarded the Hispanic
Federation's "Premio Orgullo" award, honoring
Latinos who have shown an unwavering
dedication to their community. Most recently
she received the 2013 "Woman of the Year"
Distinguished Service Award from the USO of
Metropolitan New York.
She has a Bachelor of Science in marketing from
Santa Clara University, where she also completed
the Retail Management Institute program.
32
Denice Torres
Chief Strategy & Business Transformation Officer
Yanela C Frias
Vice President, Finance
Gisel Ruiz
Executive Vice President International
People Division
The 2016 LATINA Style 50 • Special Report
38. 11. PepsiCo
Grace Puma is the Senior Vice President and
Chief Supply Officer of PepsiCo. Globally, PepsiCo
has 22 different brands that generate more than
$1 billion each in annual retail sales. With net
revenues of over $66 billion, PepsiCo’s main
businesses – Quaker,Tropicana,Gatorade,Frito-Lay
and Pepsi-Cola - make hundreds of enjoyable
foods and beverages that are respected household
names throughout the world.
Since Puma joined PepsiCo in 2010, she
transitioned Global Procurement from a
decentralized, market-based function to a
centralized global procurement entity. In 2015,
Puma was appointed Chief Supply Officer with
expanded responsibilities to include: Global
Logistics, Global Procurement, and PepsiCo
Worldwide Flavours. Puma has strategic
leadership accountabilities for 11 concentrate
manufacturing operations, $30B of purchase
spend and ~3600 worldwide employees. Her
scope of responsibility includes driving: enterprise
supply chain strategy; productivity; commodity
risk management; plant health/safety; product
quality and supply service to PepsiCo’s businesses.
Puma is a seasoned executive experienced at
transforming decentralized organizations into
globally connected,locally wired business functions
that drive performance. She is well regarded as a
strategist and change agent. Recognized as a top
female and Hispanic leader role model, Puma is
highly valued for her ability to find innovative
solutions, building strong business relationships
and developing talent.
In 2013, Puma was recognized as the #4 CPO
out of 5,000 global CPOs across all industries by
ExecRank. In 2016, she was recognized as the
“Executive of the Year” by LATINA Style magazine.
12. FCA US LLC
FCA US LLC is a North American automobile
manufacturer of Ram, Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, Fiat
and Mopar products. FCA US has a longstanding
commitment to diversity and inclusion, and it is
ingrained the company’s culture. The wide range
of diverse employee talents and perspectives allows
the company to take for visionary approaches,
strategically apply new technologies and forge
ahead in innovation and performance.
FCA US is passionate about finding diverse talent
and creating lasting relationships with organizations
who strive for success and for inspiring others. We
are proud to work with each of the seven Business
Resource Groups (BRGs); their energy, enthusiasm
and team focused can do attitude contributes to
the company’s ability to gain a deeper understanding
of unique and culturally relevant development,
mentoring, and recruitment strategies. BRG - Latins in
Connection’s (LinC) goals are designed around four
pillars: career, culture, community and commerce.
Each year LinC holds its’ annual mentoring program.
The program matches members with company
executives for guidance and leadership. This
program, in addition to many others, provides
members ongoing engagement with the group’s
Executive Sponsor, networking, exposure and career
development opportunities that are second to none.
Highest-ranking Latina, Michelle Cook,
Senior Manager, Organization Planning and HR
Communications, is responsible for company-wide
organization design processes and consultation.
She also leads HR’s communication strategy with a
focus on developing innovative ways to communicate
and reinforce the employee value proposition in
support of talent acquisition and retention. Born in
Michigan, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in human
resources from the University of Michigan-Dearborn
and an MBA from Wayne State University.
LATINAStyle Vol. 22, No. 4, 2016www.latinastyle.com36
Grace Puma
Senior Vice President and Chief Supply Officer
Michelle Cook
Senior Manager, Organization Planning
and HR Communications
LATINA Style 50 Report
Behind the Scenes
T
he LATINA Style 50 survey is a
team effort that begins with surveys
submitted from corporate America.
Each survey is reviewed to ensure more
opportunities for Latinas are taking into
consideration. The selection team ensures
companies from across the nation receive
the survey either on-line, email or mail.
From answering questions to providing
more information regarding the survey, the
relationship develops as we connect with
each company representative participating.
The final survey includes a portion where
companies highlight their highest-ranking
Latina in the company, the Hispanic affinity
groups, recruitment efforts, supplier diversity
information and much more. Due to the wide
scope of questions, different departments
within the company collaborate to obtain
the most accurate information.
This process can take weeks to months.
Companies submit a completed survey and
is carefully reviewed by the LATINA Style
50 report panelists. Every answer is carefully
reviewed and measured. Each company
and its programs are also thoroughly
examined. Companies are evaluated using
a scoring system, research information of
the company and interpretation of the written
responses provided by each company in the
survey. The final scores are then announced
internally with each company. The final
ranking is not based on the published
chart, it is only a portion of the final review.
The evaluation period takes around a
month to make sure every answer is taken
into consideration.
The LATINA Style 50 Report continues
to be one of the most respected among the
top companies for Latinas to work for in the
U.S. The survey is one of its kind with the
mission to recognize the work that corporate
America is doing to advance and empower
Latinas in the U.S. The LATINA Style team
wants to thank all of the companies who
participated in the 2016 LATINA Style
Report. Every year your participation helps
us provide the most accurate insight on the
top companies for Latinas to work for.
Congratulations to the top 50 best
companies for Latinas to work for!
The 2016 LATINA Style 50 • Special Report
42. In real dollars, a $100,000 hypothetical investment in the LS50
in the beginning of 2001 would have resulted in an account balance
of $319,854 while an equivalent investment in the S&P500 would
have resulted in an account balance of $207,924 at the end of 2015
(see chart). That represents a 54% positive cumulative difference
($111,931 more) for an investor choosing to invest in the LS50 index
versus the S&P500. In other words, an investment in the LS50 would
have resulted in greater positive gains versus the same investment in the
S&P 500 even amidst these challenging economic/political/social
circumstances. This performance takes into account that there were
years in the study where the LS50 underperformed the S&P 500.
Yet, even with these underperforming years, longer term returns have
consistently shown the LS50 outperforming the S&P500 index.
While the analysis is by no means comprehensive in that there
are multiple other variables to consider when making investment
decisions, it does provide an interesting consideration in a time when
society questions every aspect of daily living. As such, these results
have affirmed that investing in companies that live out responsible,
social practices, as do the LS50, can be morally beneficial
while financially prudent.
Disclaimer
*This analysis is based on available data at the time of analysis.Some company
performances have been omitted as they no longer exist or were not publicly
traded.This analysis and returns are also based on a yearly rebalancing of
the portfolio to take into account the different companies that are chosen
as part of the index each year and an equal weighting of each company. In
addition, the measured performance and conclusions derived therein reflect
a retrospective look at market performance as the study is conducted after
the companies have been selected. It is never prudent to invest based
on historical stock performance alone. In addition, the LS50 index is not
a real market index but rather a dynamic collection of companies as chosen
yearly by LATINA Style magazine. The rates of return and performance
illustrated do not reflect any costs associated with investing in either index.
As such, the above article should not be construed, nor is it written
to provide financial advice as individual situations may vary and past
performance is not indicative of future results. Any decision to invest
in equity markets should be consulted with a financial professional.
40 LATINAStyle Vol. 22, No. 4, 2016www.latinastyle.com
U
ncertainty has been prevalent in the world this past year
with happenings such as Brexit, shootings, U.S. Presidential
elections, etc. Yet, in the midst of uncertain times LATINA
Style magazine challenges the world claiming that investing in Latinas
makes sense from all perspectives. Since 2001, LATINA Style has
recognized companies committed to diversity and inclusion in their
respective workforce, especially those that provide career advancement
opportunities for Hispanic women. Each year, LATINAStyle chooses
50 companies (LS50) via an extensive survey as being the most
sensitive to Latinas’needs and goals in the workplace and that provide
the best career opportunities for Latinas in the U.S.After several years
of honoring such companies, LATINA Style posed an interesting
question: is it economically prudent to invest in companies that are
committed to the advancement of Latinas in the workplace? While
many have made the case that women in business makes sense on
all levels, LATINA Style took this a step further by asking if this
was true even as a financial investment.
Using moral or values based criteria to invest has been attempted
via “socially responsible funds” (investment funds that use certain
value or moral principles by which to invest, such as not investing
in casinos or tobacco companies). This type of investing, however,
has been critiqued as underperforming the stock market at large due to
limited availability of investment options for investors. While
potentially satisfying an investor’s quest to promote or fulfill a
moral or philosophical value, investments are ultimately judged by
performance or total return.
LATINA Style put this theory to the test using its own socially
responsible criteria: investing in the LS50.Allgen Financial Services,
Inc. (www.allgenfinancial.com) a registered investment advisory
firm based in Florida, was commissioned to test and compare the
returns of companies in the LS50 to the stock market at large. Using
the S&P 500 index to represent the market at large,Allgen Financial
Services, Inc. compiled yearly returns of the S&P 500 vs. yearly returns
equally allocated among the LS50 for the respective years. While
previous years’studies have shown that investing in these companies
can be a wise investment purely from a financial perspective,* the
2016 results showed deviation from the historical trend.
The S&P 500 eked out a mere 1.38% gain in 2016. Comparatively,
an investment in the LS50 would have been down -2.33%. However,
when aggregated with hypothetical performance of the index and
real returns of the S&P 500 since 2001, the chart below shows the
LS50 outperforming the S&P 500 over that time period. The
yearly average for the LS50 was 8% better than that of the S&P500
from 2001 through 2015.
Average Annual Real Return since 2001*
LS 50 Index 15.70%
S&P 500 7.71%
Assessing the 2016 LATINAStyle 50 Report
Investing in the Advancement of Hispanic Women
By Paul Roldan, Senior Partner
Allgen Financial Advisors, Inc.
The 2016 LATINA Style 50 • Special Report
LS
43.
44. The 2016 LATINA Style 50 • Special Report
2016 Latina Board of Directors
Different insights, experiences, and guidance to the
table are all essential components for success in today's
global environment. Although women have made significant
strides in the corporate workplace in recent decades, statistics
show that women, especially Latinas, still have a long
way to go to reach parity in corporate America.
With the increasingly Hispanic growing population and market
boom, Latinas are critical to the future ofevery company. According to
Catalyst, a nonprofit organization with a mission to accelerate
progress for women through workplace inclusion, women hold
19.2 percent of the board positions of S&P 500; 4.4 percent by
Latinas. Envisioning a seat in the corporate boardroom is the first
Dina Dublon
Senior Lecturer at Harvard Business
School, Former Chief Financial Officer,
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Accenture
Cynthia A. Telles
Ph.D.; member Kaiser Foundation
Hospitals and Health Plan Board
of Directors
Kaiser Permanente
Monica C. Lozano
Former Chairman, U.S. Hispanic Media Inc.
Bank of America
Melanie Healey
Former Group President, North America,
The Procter & Gamble Company
Target
step for Latinas to reach the highest levels of decision-making
that can impact the U.S. economy.
Among the LATINA Style 50 are eight Latinas who serve
on boards of the companies voted as the top 50 for whom to
work. They willingly share their knowledge, offering insights
to support the next generation ofleaders. They embody the best
of what a professional can achieve with the right balance of
hard work, leadership, talent and passion. Whether it's financial
prowess, wisdom, leadership in business, government and
community, here are a few Latinas that are defying the odds
and are already making headway into the elusive echelons of
corporate leadership. Is
Want to comment or have any questions on this article? Email us
at info@fatinastyle.com
Nina G. Vaca
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,
Pinnacle Technical Resources, Inc. and
Vaca Industries Inc.
Comerica Bank
Aida M. Alvarez
FormerAdministrator of the U.S. Small
Business Administration.
Wai-Mart Stores Inc.
Marta Tienda
Maurice P. During '22 Professor in
Demographic Studies
at Princeton University
TIAA
Sara Martinez Tucker
Retired Chief Executive Officer, National
Math and Science Initiative; Former Under
Secretary of Education in the U.S.
Department of Education
Xerox Corporation
42 www.lati nastyle. com LATINftS'tyleval. 22, No.4, 2016
