Blog

Last month, I had the opportunity to attend the East Coast Chicano Student Forum at Harvard University, where I had the privilege of conducting a presentation to a group of college students from Ivy League Universities eager to learn how they could follow in the footsteps of Latinos who are using Social Media to implement positive change in their communities.

There is no denying that social media as a multi-faceted tool has been an enormous success. Not only has it allowed billions of people to connect on a variety of platforms -- Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and so many others -- but it has also served as a valuable tool with the tremendous potential to help implement positive change among the Latino community.

When discussing the power of social media and how it can be used to impact communities in positive ways, Latinos simply cannot be ignored.

Latinos, who have been recorded as the group with the highest rate of early adopters are continuously embracing technology faster than any other demographic in the United States. READ MORE

Two Hispanics are among the top three billionaires named in Forbes' annual list of the richest people.
The number of billionaires in the world, according to Forbes, has reached an all-time high with 1,426 names, up 210 from 2012, with a combined net worth of $5.4 trillion, over last year's $4.6 trillion.

The publication's annual list of the wealthiest people on the planet was lead for the fourth year in a row by Mexico's telecomm tycoon Carlos Slim Helu, who boasted a net worth of $73 billion in 2012 --- $1 billion less than his all-time record. His portfolio saw a boost from surging stock prices with Grupo Financiero Inbursa, his financial arm, and at his industrial and retail giant, Grupo Carso.

Slim Helu also added soccer to the mix, buying into Mexico's Leon and Pachuca soccer teams and Spain's Real Oviedo club.

The list of billionaires list continues with Microsoft founder Bill Gates, with $67 billion, followed by Amancio Ortega Gaona , executive and founding chairman of the Inditex fashion group, better known for its chain of Zara clothing and accessories. His net worth is reported by Forbes as $57, up from $19.5 billion a year ago. READ MORE

With fully 67 percent of Internet users on social networks, social media is an established mainstream activity. But while 67 percent of the online population uses Facebook, the demographic portrait of the smaller services varies greatly, according to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center that shows its first comparisons of usage by whites, blacks and Hispanics. Twitter is especially popular with people 18-29 and blacks, while Instagram is particularly appealing to Hispanics, blacks and women. READ MORE

Edith Ramirez will be named to chair the Federal Trade Commission, USA TODAY confirmed Thursday.

President Obama plans to appoint his former law school classmate and friend who worked on his presidential campaigns to head up the government agency. She has been an FTC commissioner since 2010.

The FTC has authority over antitrust and consumer protection matters, such as deceptive advertising claims and anti-pyramid scheme enforcement.

The past few years, Ramirez has focused on intellectual property law in the technology arena and has also worked on cases to help protect vulnerable consumer communities, such as the poor and those who don't speak English. READ MORE

While Minnesota has much to be proud of when it comes to being a great place to work and live, reports in recent years have revealed the state is one of the worst in the nation for employing and educating people of color.

Minnesota’s gap between white and black employment is one of the largest in the United States. In Minneapolis, people of color make up 40 percent of the population but hold only 17 percent of the jobs, according to the Minneapolis Foundation. The racial gap in workforce participation is nearly 40 percentage points between the highest (whites, 78 percent) and the lowest (American Indian, 39 percent). And children of color are finishing high school at a rate that is 25 percent to 50 percent below the graduation rate of white children, according to figures provided by Minneapolis Public Schools. READ MORE

Based on a recent survey, Hispanic Mobile Banking Trends Study, by Zpryme and ThinkNow Research, nearly seven out of ten (69%) Hispanic mobile bank users consult their smart/cell phones to do mobile banking, with almost half (44%) visiting their primary bank’s Facebook page. More poignantly practically one-third (30%) said they would switch primary banks to get mobile banking services.

“With seven out of ten Hispanic mobile bank users deferring to smartphones to bank mobile and almost one-third swapping banks that are ‘mobile friendly’, banks that incorporate social networking to address banking issues will lead to greater customer loyalty and extol the mobile banking features that are available,” said Jason Rodriguez, CEO and Director of Research for Zpryme. “It is not enough just to translate pixels of the mobile experience into Spanish, financial institutions such as Bank of America and Wells Fargo are shining examples of listening to the voice of Hispanics via social media; translating a tweet, a like, a comment into real-world results.” READ MORE

Por favor, preste atención: Telemundo Media, the largest producer of Spanish Language prime time content in the U.S. and audiences around the world; and Fandango, the nation's leading moviegoer destination representing more than 70% of U.S. screens online, today launched Fandango Cine, www.fandangocine.com the most comprehensive web and mobile movie site specifically geared toward Hispanic movie fans. Fandango Cine’s launch partners are Universal Pictures’ “Fast & Furious 6” and Sprint.

Fandango Cine will be integrated into www.telemundo.com, mun2.tv and www.fandango.com, and will offer movie-related content in Spanish, as well as provide Fandango’s comprehensive movie show times, unparalleled ticketing expertise and access to over 20,000 screens across the country. READ MORE

Credit unions from the West Coast to the South and the Midwest are waking up to the fact that reaching out to potential Hispanic members is an important part insuring a growth for the industry.

According to U.S. Census Bureau estimates, there are roughly 52.0 million Hispanics living in the United States, representing approximately 16.7% of the total population, making people of Hispanic origin the nation’s largest ethnic or race minority. The U.S. Hispanic population is estimated to reach 132.8 million by 2050. READ MORE

It was Social Media Week in Miami and I had the honor to be part of the LATISM panel "The Evolution of Hispanic Social Media" with Fernando Rodríguez and Cristina Rua from the Ford Motor team and Juan Rótulo, digital editor of PeopleenEspañol.com.
I was asked by many fellow tweeps to share some of the discussions. The panel was too intense (and extensive), making it hard to capture all the insights. I'd rather focus on sharing some of the content I presented. Hopefully, the other participants can do the same in the coming days.
The Cultural Connection
Social media is allowing people to (re)connect with their Latino tribe. Either by leveraging their social spirit or identity construction. Social media is fueling Latinos to connect to their Latino culture, even for those that - formerly - didn't feel the need to. Shared social causes and interests are making diverse and divergent Latino groups come together.
Mainstream interests and Latino passions. Latinos are cultural chameleons, and social media is the perfect playground for them to show their colors. Depending on the topic, their colors might be more Latino (the way they socialize) or American (at work). But in many cases they show a bicultural behavior where they combine both. Entertainment is a perfect example. Take the Xfinity Latino Facebook page. It provides a comprehensive take on entertainment, both mainstream and Latino. But it provides a take on Latino entertainment that you can't find on the general market page, making it for everyone who's passionate about Latino entertainment (not just Latinos). READ MORE

Young adults in Generation X are as likely to connect with friends, family and co-workers online as they are in person, according to a University of Michigan study.

In a typical month, adults in their late 30s report that they engaged in about 75 face-to-face contacts or conversations, compared to about 74 electronic contracts through personal emails or social media.

"Given the speed of emerging technologies, it is likely that electronic contacts will continue to grow in the years ahead, eventually exceeding face-to-face interactions," said Jon D. Miller, author of the latest issue of The Generation X Report. "But the young adults in Generation X are currently maintaining a healthy balance between personal and electronic social networking."

Miller directs the Longitudinal Study of American Youth at the U-M Institute for Social Research. The study has been funded by the National Science Foundation since 1986, and the current report includes responses from 3,027 Gen Xers interviewed in 2011. READ MORE

Did you know that even with a spotless résumé, you can still end up at the bottom of the candidate pool? There’s a group ahead of you, a group that’s gone the extra step in their search. Who am I talking about? The networkers.

“It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” is more than a poignant cliché, especially in today’s market. A good number of the people interviewing for the job you know you’re qualified for found a way to “warm up” their application. And if they don’t land this job, there will be other interviews because they already have people selling for them—if even just a few words. It could be as simple as “This person has been active on our Facebook page,” or “I’ve engaged with this person on Facebook/Twitter. Their application is worth taking a looking at.” READ MORE

"A lot of business comes through networking groups," runs the received wisdom. But are the standard versions the best choice for your business? A number of niche networks are starting to emerge – is it worth picking the right one and sticking with that instead?

Steve Bustin, a journalist, trainer and PR man from Vada Media in Brighton, thinks it may be. He began his PR operation at a branch of a large, established networking group when he lived in Shoreditch, but found his local version since moving to Sussex operated on a smaller scale. "This was 2002 and Shoreditch was just becoming the creative hub that it is today," he says. "The chapter emerged out of the fringes, so you had partners in major City firms and you had freelancers like me." This effectively kickstarted his business when he first went freelance. On moving he found the local group operated on a different scale. His business had thrived with the budgets people in the London group had at their disposal; the level of referral in the Sussex group was more along the lines of people buying flowers from a member florist rather than elsewhere. There were slim pickings for anyone wanting longer term, substantial contracts. He was simply in the wrong place. READ MORE

Sol Trujillo, the only American to lead a major telecommunications company on three continents, is not one to rest on his laurels as a top corporate executive. He uses his uncommon access to decision-makers in Corporate America, electronic and print media, the entertainment industry, and to policy-makers in the public sector to help them understand and appreciate what Hispanics bring to the table and ensure that our community gets the respect it rightfully deserves.

Mr. Trujillo was the 2013 recipient of the USHLI National Hispanic Hero Award on Saturday, February 16. Upon receiving the distinction by the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute at their 31st National Conference in Chicago, Trujillo delivered an impactful speech highlighting the importance of U.S. Hispanics and their purchasing power to consumer brands. LISTEN TO FULL SPEECH BELOW

By Gabriela Fernandez

Travel journalist and web content writer
at International TEFL Academy

Members of HispanicPro were present at the 31st National Conference of the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI), called: “2013 National Conference: Empowering the E-Generation”. The event took place at Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers, from February 14th until the 17th.

“The USHLI Conference mission is to train a broad cross section of Hispanic leaders by promoting education, unity, leadership development, and servant leadership. It has been held in Chicago for the last 30 years. The conference attracts leaders from over 40 states and 1,000 affiliated groups and organizations to celebrate our heritage and further empower our communities and is the largest cross-generational Hispanic conference in the nation, attracting high school and college students, young and mid-career professionals, senior citizens, and public officials representing all levels of government. This is an extraordinary opportunity for vendors to meet consumers, universities to recruit students, constituents to meet national policy-makers, and for employers to meet future employees, while also providing sponsors an opportunity to contribute to the development of these nation´s present and future leaders and connect with a broad cross section of America´s $1.3 trillion Hispanic consumer market.” (http://ushli.org/events/index.php)
Leadership Awards Dinner, Friday 15th 2013

The Awards dinner held some of the most inspirational speeches from featured Hispanic leaders of 2013 to promote other Hispanic members to follow their dreams and be “Leaders of future generations”. This time, Dr. Juan Andrade President of USHLI welcomed the guests and opened the meeting.

The Assembly stood out for the speeches of their special guests: Richard P. Montañez, Executive, Multicultural Sales & Community Activation, PepsiCo North America. Mr. Montañez thrilled the audience. He highlighted his career at Pepsi Co, to symbolize that even coming from nothing, it’s possible to build your future, especially when you have the strength of mind and you appreciate yourself. He called for young generations to follow their dreams and believe that everything is possible. He said that there are different powers of action which will help us achieve our goals and become leaders. "A good leader has vision, as well as an understanding of strategy, the use of power and drive, while an inspirational leader goes beyond all this and achieves more."

In the Presentation of Honorees, other Hispanic leaders were honored in recognition of their distinguished careers and achievements:

David Diaz, Assistant Area Director, recipient of the “William C. Velasquez Volunteer of the Year Award”.

Juan Cartagena, President & General Counsel, LatinoJustice PRLDEF, who received the “Cesar Chavez Community Service Award”

Dr. Jaime Regalado, Professor Emeritus of Political Science, CSU/LA. Mr. Regalado was honored with the “Dr. Henry L. (Hank) Lacayo Lifetime Achievement Award.”

Dolores C. Huerta, matriarch of the Latino movement for civil rights, who was awarded the “Dolores C. Huerta Woman of Courage Inaugural Medallion”.

Undoubtedly, this was a conference to remember, to feel proud about who we are, and also an invitation to reflect on what are we able to achieve if we follow our dreams.

The United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI) today announced the panelists for a forum on "Latina Glass Ceiling Busters: Their Stories", which will be presented at 2:30-4pm on Friday, February 15 during its 31st National Conference in Chicago. Panelists will include Ambassador Carmen Lomellin, State's Attorney Anita Alvarez, and Shayla Rivera.

Ambassador Lomellin was confirmed by the United States Senate as Permanent U.S. Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS), with the rank of Ambassador, on November 20, 2009. She served as Executive Secretary of the Inter-American Commission of Women from 1998-2009. During the Clinton Administration she held the positions of White House Liaison for the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Director of OPM's Office of International Affairs, Advisor on Hispanic Affairs to the White House Office for Women's Initiatives and Outreach, and Search Manager in the White House Office of Presidential Personnel during the 1996 presidential transition.

Anita Alvarez made history when she was elected in 2008 to serve as Cook County State's Attorney. The first female and first Latina elected to this position, she is also the first career prosecutor to hold this post, having spent her entire legal career serving the victims of violent crime. In her capacity as State's Attorney, Ms. Alvarez leads the second largest prosecutor's office in the nation, supervising more than 1,600 employees whose primary responsibilities involve prosecuting violent crime and seeking justice on behalf of crime victims and their families. State's Attorney Alvarez was re-elected to her position in November 2012 by a large margin, garnering the largest vote total of all countywide candidates.

Shayla Rivera grew up in Puerto Rico, with an avid interest in science. She earned a degree in aerospace engineering from Texas A&M University, worked for NASA in the shuttle and space station programs, then went on to stress management training and motivational speaking where Shayla discovered her comedic talents. With numerous awards and recognitions Shayla is a force for our youth's education. She has appeared on many TV networks and numerous TV programs. She hosted the TV series "You're Not The Man I Married" for the Lifetime Real Women Network. Shayla is very proud to entertain US Troops in Iraq and Military installations worldwide. She is now known as the Funny Rocket Scientist.

In making the announcement, USHLI President Dr. Juan Andrade said "We are fortunate to have an extraordinarily diverse panel of super-achievers who have opened new doors for today's youth. Their stories are inspiring and their careers are encouraging. We are grateful for their support in helping USHLI cultivate the next generation of Latina/o leaders."

For more information regarding USHLI's National Conference, please call 312.427.8683.

“Come here. You've got a head you don't need,” America Chavez, a.k.a. Miss America, tells established Marvel Comics character Loki, the god of mischief.
With her short shorts, boots and American flag-colored jacket, "tough girl" Chavez is yet another Latino moving to the forefront of a Marvel Comics franchise in Young Avengers Vol. 2 Issue number one.

“People out there reading our comic books are of all sizes, creeds and colors and it’s our responsibility to make them feel included,” Axel Alonso, editor in chief of Marvel Comics, told Fox News Latino. “This isn’t some PC initiative, this is capitalism. This is about supply and demand.” READ MORE

Nely Galan, the media dynamo and one of the entertainment industry's savviest and firebrand talents, will keynote the Latina Empowerment Breakfast at USHLI's 31st national conference. Her address is scheduled for 7:30am, Friday, February 15, at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers, located at 301 E. North Water Street in Chicago.

Nely Galan has done it all, going strong, and is still doing more. As the former President of Telemundo, she was the first Latina to head a television network. Since 1994 she has operated her own media company, Galan Entertainment, which has helped launch 10 groundbreaking television channels in Latin America, produced an amazing 600 episodes of programming ranging from reality shows to sitcoms and telenovelas to talk shows. And, for 15 years Nely has owned a real estate development and investment company, which has residential and commercial holdings in multiple states.

As a public speaker Nely is well known for her powerful crowd-pleasing presentations on the Latino market, entrepreneurship, and Latina empowerment. In making the announcement, USHLI President Dr. Juan Andrade said, "Nely is the personification of Latina empowerment. We are excited to have her as our conference kick-off speaker and looking forward to her keynote address with great anticipation."

A firm believer in education and self-improvement, Nely recently completed her Doctorate in Clinical and Cultural Psychology.

For more information regarding USHLI's national conference please call 312.427.8683.

Join USHLI and HispanicPro for one of the most important nights of business networking in Chicago.Connect with top influential leaders in business, education, government & politics from the state of Illinois and across the country attending the United States Leadership Institute 31st National Conference. 

Thursday, February 14

5 pm – 8 pm

Enjoy an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, raffles, and entertainment. Admission $10. Proceeds will benefit the USHLI Scholarship Fund.

Dennis Van Roekel is a long-time activist for children and public education and taught mathematics for 23 years. The NEA represents over three (3) million public school employees. As a well-known and respected advocate for quality public schools, he is committed to improving student learning and improving the teaching profession. Under his leadership the NEA has unveiled its bold agenda to help teachers transform their own profession.

As President, Dennis Van Roekel is guided by the NEA mission, which is to fulfill the promise of public education and ensure that every child in America, regardless of family income or place of residence, receives a college education. In making the announcement USHLI President Dr. Juan Andrade said "Dennis is a recognized leader on education issues and we are honored and most fortunate to have the opportunity to have him address our national conference because education is the most important issue in the Latino community."

Dennis Van Roekel has testified before Congress and is vice president of Education International of North America and the Caribbean. He is a frequent commentator on education issues in print and broadcast media.

Dennis Van Roekel will keynote the Educational Achievement Luncheon at 12:00pm on Friday, February 15, at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers. Also at the luncheon, the Dr. Juan Andrade Scholarship for Young Hispanic Leaders will be awarded to 20 students representing 17 universities in nine states. To date USHLI has awarded over $1.2 million in scholarships and internships to Latino students.

For more information on USHLI's national conference call 312.427.8683.

Join USHLI and HispanicPro for one of the most important nights of business networking in Chicago.Connect with top influential leaders in business, education, government & politics from the state of Illinois and across the country attending the United States Leadership Institute 31st National Conference. 

Thursday, February 14

5 pm – 8 pm

Enjoy an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, raffles, and entertainment. Admission $10. Proceeds will benefit the USHLI Scholarship Fund.

Richard Montañez, an executive responsible for Multicultural Sales & Community Activation, will headline the Corporate and Community Awards Dinner at 7:30pm, Friday, February 15, at the 31st USHLI National Conference. The Awards Dinner will be held at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers.

Richard Montañez started his PepsiCo career at Frito-Lay in 1976 as a janitor in its Rancho Cucamonga plant. He is recognized as the creator of the Flaming hot line of products including Flaming Hot Cheetos, which influenced future ethnic products and the first Frito-Lay Hispanic marketing team. In 1990 Richard helped write and launch the Continuous Improvement Initiative. He was instrumental in creating the first operation cost improvement team. In addition, Richard helped influence Hispanic products and marketing promotions for KFC and Taco Bell.

Richard Montañez is known for his visionary leadership and ability to develop new systems and products, and sits on numerous non-profit boards. In making the announcement, USHLI President Dr. Juan Andrade said, "Richard brought the house down last year so we just had to bring him back again this year, and we are very grateful that he accepted our invitation. Not only is Richard a successful and innovative executive, he is also a dynamic public speaker and very supportive of USHLI. I know he will motivate and inspire our participants, especially our youth."

Receiving awards at the dinner are Dolores Huerta, Dr. Jaime Regalado, Juan Cartagena, and David Diaz.

For more information about USHLI's national conference call 312.427.8683.

Join USHLI and HispanicPro for one of the most important nights of business networking in Chicago. Connect with top influential leaders in business, education, government & politics from the state of Illinois and across the country attending the United States Leadership Institute 31st National Conference. 

Thursday, February 14

5 pm – 8 pm

Enjoy an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, raffles, and entertainment. Admission $10. Proceeds will benefit the USHLI Scholarship Fund.

The unemployment rate for the nation’s largest minority group rose to 9.7 percent in January from 9.6 percent in December, according to a labor report released Friday.

The Latino numbers mirrored those of the general population, which saw a rise in unemployment from 7.8 percent to 7.9 percent in December. The rate is calculated from a survey of households, and more people in that survey said they were unemployed.

But the U.S. job market showed recovery in the last month, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics report indicating that employers added 157,000 jobs in January, and hiring was much stronger at the end of last year than the government had previously estimated. READ MORE