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Sixty-eight percent of employees chose retirement planning as a top concern in 2016 making it the most often cited concern, but it was actually getting out of debt that continued to top the list of concerns for African American (76%) and Latino (65%) employees, according to Financial Finesse’s 2016 Year in Review report.

Cash and debt management concerns continue to contribute to overall lower financial wellness levels among African American and Latino employees.

Planning for retirement was a top concern for 74% of white employees and 63% of Asian employees, compared to 50% for African Americans and 55% of Latino employees. Meanwhile, managing cash flow was a top concern for 62% of African Americans and 56% of Latinos, compared to 38% of Asians and 46% of whites. READ MORE AT PLAN ADVISOR

Hollywood hasn’t always shown much interest in telling stories about Latino and Hispanic characters and communities. But Hispanic moviegoers are still some of the most loyal in the nation, according to the Motion Picture Association of America’s annual Theatrical Market Statistics Report, released on Wednesday.

Almost 18 percent of Americans are of Hispanic or Latino origin, but they make up 23 percent of frequent moviegoers, defined as people who buy a movie ticket at least once a month. READ MORE AT WASHINGTON POST

While the economy has improved overall in recent years, it's only too clear that the overall recovery is still leaving many behind. Latinos in particular continue to struggle.

Take the example of homeownership. For Hispanics, homeownership rates are among the disappointing indicators. According to the Census Bureau, just 47 percent of Hispanics owned homes in the last quarter of 2016 – against a national rate above 60 percent.

Why is our community lagging behind? READ MORE AT THE HILL

The rate at which you learn is very important to your career, whether you’re founding a company or starting out in a new job. When you’re learning and adapting quickly, you’re more likely to succeed in your endeavor, even if others are right on your heels.

It’s fine if you don’t know everything about the new project, role, or job on day one. Nobody does. READ MORE AT FORTUNE

CPG marketers may want to rethink the way they target Hispanic consumers. According to a new report from ThinkNow Research, less acculturated Hispanics — those that have not fully assimilated into American culture — are no more brand loyal than other segments. In fact, Bicultural Hispanics — those who are generally first- or second-generation Americans who identify with both the U.S. culture and their Hispanic heritage — are considered more loyal across several CPG categories. READ MORE AT MEDIAPOST

One of the most common questions I have been asked by executives is: “When will Hispanics buy my products?”

They think that since they have been in business for many years, everybody should know who they are, including the Hispanic markets.

One of the most common mistakes executives make is that they use their personal opinion as a parameter of value. For example: “I don’t listen to Pandora radio so I don’t what to advertise in that media.”

However, according to a ComScore’s report, Pandora ranks No. 1 in music streaming property among Hispanics. READ MORE AT ORLANDO BUSINESS JOURNAL

When it comes to résumés, there's a ton of advice out there on how to get it right. And, to be honest, some of it is just downright wrong.

A lackluster résumé is the quickest way to get your job application thrown out altogether, so it's important to separate the helpful advice from the nonsense. READ MORE AT BUSINESS INSIDER

Creating a diverse and inclusive organization takes time, which is something business leaders often feel they lack.

"We as business leaders have a quarterly mindset; it's ingrained in us," said Doug Speight, a Durham-based entrepreneur. "But this is not short term work. This is as long term as anything has ever been. You're not going to get results immediately. Behavioral modification takes time." READ MORE AT DUKE UNIVERSITY'S FUQUA SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Where do we go from here? As we explore the future of diversity in this time of transition and change across our country and world, let us acknowledge that priorities might change, but inclusion will always matter to both individuals and organizations.

Inclusion is the asset that is hidden in plain sight. Today, the goal is to learn how to access it as a tool for success.

Over the years, priorities for diversity and inclusion have been different for each company, organization, educational institution, community, and individual — especially considering the geographic location or decade it existed. Yet, through it all, many companies and select groups of people continue to wrestle with equity, advancement, and retention issues. Milestones, over the years, signal the strides and struggles of advancement in diversity and inclusion. For example:READ MORE AT THE BUSINESS JOURNAL OF WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS

Landing the perfect new job is always challenging, so it’s not surprising that candidates scour the internet for hints and tips. But we no longer need to be told to proof read CVs and write a cover letter for every application; we’ve heard that advice hundreds of times before. Implementing some lesser-known tactics into your job search, however, can help you gain an advantage over the competition. The following job hunting tips aren’t so well publicised and could help you secure an attractive job offer.

​It’s a numbers gameIn today’s jobs market, employers have plenty of candidates to choose from and they often receive hundreds of applications per vacancy. So the odds of applying for just one job and securing it are slim to none. READ MORE AT THE GUARDIAN

It’s a questions common among graduates and yuppies: Should I get a Master’s degree? They say that college degrees are the new high school diplomas. Once upon a time, holding one made you unique, a stand-out. Now, obtaining a college degree before joining the workforce feels like an expectation – the new status quo. In that case, the typical Millennial career tips would suggest a Master’s degree to stay ahead of the pack.

Despite the question being tossed around, however, one shouldn’t take it lightly. The validity of the question hides how much time, effort, and yes, even tuition costs, must be invested in order to grab hold of that MA. READ MORE AT TRIPPED MEDIA

As we enter into Women’s History Month and the world celebrates the role women play in today’s society, it is important to underscore the role of the segment driving more than 50 percent of the total population growth: Latinas.

At approximately 24 million strong, Latinas in the U.S. are a force to be reckon with not only for their demographic size and growth but also the critical economic power they represent. READ MORE AT LATINA

For many years, Latinos were few and far between in basketball. That began to change at the NBA level in the early 2000's, and it didn't take long for college basketball to follow suit. Today, Hispanic's have fully entrenched themselves on the college hardwood, especially at the Division-I level. And now that it's tournament time on the college schedule, here are the Latino players who have been making headlines this season. READ MORE AT NBC NEWS

Any resume and Linkedin writing service professionals will attest, having a fantastic resume and LinkedIn profile solves 50 percent of the job search riddle. The other half? Good old-fashioned networking.

Medical device, capital equipment, and pharma sales experts know first-hand that building and leveraging a robust network is essential to getting in front of the right people and growing their careers.

​The same is true in networking to potential employers and recruiters. Here’s how to ensure your resume and profile get in front of the right person. READ MORE AT MEDREPS

Read biographies of feature guests for the 2017 international Women's Day Celebration being held Wednesday, March 08 at Early Society Chicago.

Moderator

Siera Santos, Sports Broadcaster, CSN Chicago

Siera Santos joined CSN Chicago in October 2015 as the White Sox reporter and anchor of Fast Break.  While she primarily hosts the midnight program in the off-season, Santos covered White Sox slugger Jose Abreu’s return to Cuba last year, creating a long-format documentary about his homecoming after defecting.

Prior to joining CSN Chicago, Santos was a sports anchor/reporter for CBS affiliates KCBS/KCAL in Los Angeles, CA, where she hosted KCAL's Sunday night "Sports Central" program and handled social media updates for "Thursday Night Football" and "March Madness" postgame shows. Prior to making the jump to Southern California, Santos was a sports journalist at CBS affiliate KWTV in Oklahoma City, OK where she handled numerous multimedia duties including reporting, shooting, producing, editing, and fill-in anchor. Santos got her start as a news reporter/multimedia journalist at NBC affiliate KOAA-TV in Colorado Springs, CO covering national news stories including the Waldo Canyon Fire and Aurora Theater Shooting.

Santos graduated with honors from Arizona State University as the Outstanding Undergraduate Student. Among her numerous career achievements include earning the distinction of being the first woman to ever win the award for "Best Television Sports Anchor" from the Broadcast Education Association.

Discussion Panelists

Stella Gaytan, Executive VP, Partnership Development, Monterrey Security

Stella serves as Executive Vice-President of Partnership Development with a high level of expertise in business development, account management and customer service.  In this role she manages executive-level relationships from initial contact through the client management process.  Her success stems from her innate ability to develop strong relationships and establish rapport with clients by demonstrating knowledge of their business and discretely working with them on their issues of concern.  Stella believes customer satisfaction is ensured through consistent follow-up regarding any key concerns and priorities.  She has authored and delivered effective presentations in person as well as remotely to an executive audience regarding our services, engagement results and recommendations.  Under her direction, Monterrey Security has formed strong partnerships with the Chicago Fire Police Training Academy, colleges and social service organizations to support youth and various charities.  Stella currently serves on the Board of Advisors for Catholic Charities, including the Latino Advisors’ Subcommittee,18th Street Development Corporation and her local school board. 

Having been with the organization since its conceptual phase, Stella has played an integral part of shaping its message and leadership team. Working hand in hand with company president Juan Gaytan, Jr., she has helped the company achieve recognition in Hispanic Business Magazine as one the fastest 100 growing Hispanic businesses in the U.S. and securing partnerships at Lincoln Park Zoo, University of Illinois at Chicago, retailers like Wal-Mart and iconic museums including The Field Museum.  As a direct result of her sales and marketing efforts, Monterrey Security has maintained a position in the top 500 of all Hispanic Businesses in the U.S. for the past five years.

The success achieved under Stella’s sales and marketing direction has led Monterrey Security to become the premier security firm serving Midwest clients large and small.

Stefany Jacobo, Miss U.S. Latina, Finance Coordinator, USHLI

History was made on October 1, 2016 as Stefany Jacobo of Crown Point, Indiana took home the first ever Miss U.S. Latina title for her state.

Stefany was born and raised in Acambaro, Gto., Mx. She immigrated to the U.S. with her family at the age of 10 not knowing she would later hold a National Title. The 24-year-old Latina beauty earned her Bachelor’s degree in Science of Public Affairs at Indiana University. She currently works as a Finance Coordinator at the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute. Here, in conjunction with her title, she has been able to fulfill her passion of working with students in underserved communities.

During her national title reign, she will continue the work she was doing statewide as Miss Indiana Latina 2015 of helping to make a life-long impact on students and community members. She is committed to fostering a culture of education across the country as Miss U.S. Latina 2016, thus being "more than a model - a ROLE model."

Maria Pedroza Barnett, Director of Communications, Oak Street Health

Maria is the Director of Communications at Oak Street Health. In her role, she is helping build a growing organization's communication operations functions. Oak Street Health is a  Chicago-based company that builds primary care offices in medically-underserved communities, helping to bridge the healthcare access gap where it is needed most. The company currently has 20 clinics in Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan.

Maria manages relationships with media and community and public leaders, as well as internal stakeholders on behalf of the company. Throughout different points in her career, Maria has worked with major companies on initiatives that aim to better represent and serve the growing Latina market.

Maria is a graduate of Harvard University and lives in Chicago with her husband and son.

Carina E. Sánchez, Executive Director, Public Building Commission of Chicago

Carina E. Sánchez is a dedicated, public servant who has over 15  years experience in government working for the citizens of Chicago and Illinois. Carina currently serves as the Executive Director of the Public Building Commission of Chicago. She is the first Latina to serves in this position. In her role, she oversees the agency which serves a full-service, public developer, that plans, designs and constructs municipal buildings such as  schools, libraries, parks, firehouses and police stations. Since 2011, the PBC has completed more than $1.9 billion worth of capital construction projects in the City and surrounding areas.

Prior to her current role, Carina was the Deputy City Clerk for the Chicago City Clerk. She was responsible for the coordination and day-to-day processes of the office to ensure uninterrupted and effective operations. She managed about 100 employees and a $10 million operating budget that generated around $150 million in revenue for the City through the vehicle wheel tax compliance of over 1.3 million vehicles. She oversaw and managed the historic transition from seasonal sales of Chicago Vehicle Sticker to a year-round sales program which brought $35 million of new revenue to the City.

Carina previously worked as an Outreach Liaison for the Cook County Board President (2010), Manager of External Affairs for Illinois State Treasurer’s Office (2007-2010), Director of Policy and Community Relations for the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and liaison for the Office of the Governor  (2005-2007), and various other support positions within Illinois state government. 

Ms. Sánchez is a graduate of the University of Chicago where earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Latin American Studies. She also holds a Masters in Business Administration from National Louis University. The native Chicagoan is a proud mother and eldest daughter of Mexican immigrants. She lives in Lakeview with her son, husband and dog.

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Multicultural marketing has created a marketing economy based on segmenting the population by ethnicity. While ethnicity segmentation has worked for the past several decades, as I pointed out in an earlier column, that foundation is starting to crack. Our industry is experiencing a paradigm shift. As we attempt to make sense of this existential crisis of marketing models, we should consider how we segment and why.  READ MORE AT MEDIAPOST

Networking is an incredibly broad term that seems overwhelming, but when broken down, it’s a terrific resource for small business owners. Meeting people in person and establishing true relationships is a major part of growing a business, but also in creating a support system for entrepreneurs. 

​Building a community that understands your journey as a small business owner is incredibly helpful and valuable. Not only do they provide insight and ideas, but these people can truly empathize with the rollercoaster that is owning a business. READ MORE AT BUSINESS2COMMUNITY

The accomplishments of Hispanic women are many, but too often in our American workforce they go unsung and under-compensated. The Latina pay gap remains 54 cents in her paycheck for every dollar paid to her white, male colleagues for the same work. It is a stubborn pay gap, some say generations old. That’s why it’s important to recognize Hispanic women in posts like this one, but more-importantly on pay day.

​Moreover, the bilingual fourth estate is more-essential than ever to keeping Hispanic communities informed about what’s coming from the Trump administration. READ MORE AT HUFFINGTON POST

Want to make your business networking more effective? Here are ten tips to keep in mind.

Effective business networking is the linking together of individuals who, through trust and relationship building, become walking, talking advertisements for one another.

Keep in mind that networking is about being genuine and authentic, building trust and relationships, and seeing how you can help others.

Ask yourself what your goals are in participating in networking meetings so that you will pick groups that will help you get what you are looking for. Some meetings are based more on learning, making contacts, and/or volunteering rather than on strictly making business connections. READ MORE AT BUSINESS KNOW-HOW

Educational attainment among U.S. Latinos has been changing rapidly in recent years, reflecting the group’s growth in the nation’s public K-12 schools and colleges. Over the past decade, the Hispanic high school dropout rate has declined and college enrollment has increased, even as Hispanics trail other groups in earning a bachelor’s degree.

The issue of education is an important one for Hispanics. Roughly eight-in-ten (83%) cited education as very important to their vote in the 2016 election, ranking it alongside the economy, health care and terrorism as a top issue. READ MORE AT PEW RESEARCH CENTER