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Think about those who have been left behind in the economy, and you might picture the white working class. Much has been said since the election about the plight of former manufacturing workers in the Rust Belt, who can no longer find good-paying jobs.

The focus makes sense: President-elect Donald Trump was lifted into office by white adults over 25 without a four-year degree, who favoured him by a margin of 39 percentage points. Their economic frustration and suffering are real, and white working-class America is a large group - 42 percent of the country.

Yet month after month, economic data show that African Americans and Hispanics in the United States are, on average, in a worse position. READ MORE AT BUSINESS REPORT

One week away! Read biographies of the feature guests for the 2017 Sales and Entrepreneurship Networking Forum being held Wednesday January 18 at the new Harvest Moon Chicago in Wicker Park.

MODERATOR

Karla Mina, Radio Host, Market Overdrive, CEO - Equity Partners

Karla Mina, an agent associated with the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Halsted office, is a triple threat within the local real estate industry. In addition to her recognition as a successful agent, Karla Mina is highly active in local real estate organizations, and has cemented herself as a go-to authority on local industry analysis. “Real estate is my true passion, from the long term relationships I have forged over the years, to the countless contributions I’ve been fortunate enough to make within the local community,” said Karla Mina. “It’s been an immensely gratifying ride so far, and I hope to continue my success well into the future.” Karla Mina was named a member of the Coldwell Banker International Sterling Society in 2013, which recognizes the top 16% of all independent sales associates across the company. The veteran Realtor also earned the top residential real estate sales producer designation in the Coldwell Banker Lakeview office for 2014. All of which are the result of her commitment in providing personalized service to her client base, while educating them on the long term implications of each home, to ensure they’re getting their perfect property.

She has further asserted her status as a poster child for real estate, through a number of on-air news/lifestyle programs, and publications, including Chicago Agent Magazine, HGTV’s “Designed to Sell” and “House Hunters,” in addition to ABC News, LXTV’s “Open House”, and host of AM560’s “Market Overdrive” radio show. Mina is also deeply rooted in the local community and industry, serving on the WTTW Channel 11 Community Advisory Board, which supports learning programs for children, the Chicago Association of Realtors – Young Professionals Network and a representative for the National Association of Hispanic Realtors. Through these roles, she has built up key equity in the business, ultimately providing her the ability to continue growing her empire.

DISCUSSION PANELISTS

Elvia Solis, Agent & Owner, State Farm

Elvia Solis was born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico. Elvia came to Chicago when she was only 18 years of age. She worked full time and went to college taking evening classes attaining her Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from DePaul University.

Elvia started her career with State Farm in 1996. She initially began her career with State Farm as a receptionist, but after displaying strong leadership skills, she was soon promoted to office manager.

Just ten years ago, Elvia realized her dream of owning her own business and was appointed as a State Farm Agent in a “New Market”, which meant that when she opened her agency, she had zero policies on the book! In its first year, her agency became one of the top producers in the country. Also, since opening her agency, Elvia has qualified for several rewards as a State Farm agent such as trips to different parts of the world and the “Chairman’s Circle Award”, another recognition to only the top 3% of agents in the country. Her business has grown rapidly and her agency now services two locations in Pilsen and Bridgeport.

In addition, Elvia is also a dedicated business owner in her community and has been a volunteer and board member at “Mujeres Latinas en Acción” (Latin Women in Action). Elvia completed the training for domestic violence. She served as one of the representatives taking calls from the domestic violence hot line. She has volunteered at the Vagina Monologues with Mujeres Latinas en Accion and presented one of the monologues in the Spanish version.
She has also been a featured presenter and speaker on behalf of State Farm at financial literacy workshops that were held at events such as “Feria de la Mujer” (Fair for the Hispanic Woman) and “Tu Casa y Tu Dinero” (Your Home and Your Money).

Personally, Elvia is a passionate runner, she has completed 5 full Marathons and one ultra-marathon. She is currently a yoga student, even though she would like to teach in the future, she enjoys being a student of the practice.

Alberto Ortega, Senior Director, Strategic Account Management

Alberto Ortega develops and executes strategic sales plans that result in the achievement of sales, market share, account retention and market growth targets. In 2014, he helped to win $26M in new business and $39.5M in 2015. As a Senior Director of Strategic Account Management, Alberto works with clients such as Allstate, Ford Motor Company, and Harley Davidson to enhance client relationships and to retain existing business impacting revenues up to $100M. Prior to his role in business development, Alberto worked with the Sodexo Office of Diversity and Inclusion to align senior leadership with clients and influencers, support sales and operations cross functionally, and promote the corporate brand on both a local and national level.

Alberto holds a Master’s degree from the University of Chicago in addition to a Bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Chicago. He sits on the Board of Directors of La Casa Norte and maintains active membership in: the Chicago United Leaders’ Council, The Executives’ Club of Chicago Leadership Circle, The City Club of Chicago President’s Club, and the Chicago Commons’ Emerging Leadership Council. He leverages diversity and inclusion to form strong partnership with leaders in business and community to create business-and-community impact.

Natasha Solis, Director of Sales & Business Development , Rival Systems LLC

Natasha Solis is the Director of Sales and Business Development at Rival Systems, a Fintech startup that specializes in advanced multi- asset trading and risk management software. She was hired as employee number one in 2015 and has spent considerable time creating and bringing awareness to the Rival brand. In that short time her sales team has expanded into Europe, the company now has 23 employees and Rival has made a name for itself as a major player in the derivatives options space, winning multiple international awards. Natasha has used her vast network and consultative selling approach to advise on complex software sales of ultra-low latency trading, risk management and market access solutions to proprietary trading and market making firms, hedge funds, investment banks, and FCMs worldwide.

Over the last 15 years, Natasha has forged an impressive record of success throughout her career, with prior assignments as Sales Director for technology companies, WhenTech and Orc. Previously, she was Sales Director for the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), which gained her significant and relevant knowledge of exchange operations. Natasha spent her early career in VP roles at the brokerage firm, Advantage Futures and Wall Street investment bank, Jefferies, which allowed her to build substantial relationships with legions of professional traders and institutional clients across asset classes. Solis’ knowledge from working multiple aspects of the derivatives trading industry, her experience with international trade relations and fascination with travel have helped her to expand her global client base and open up new territories for every company she has been employed.

Natasha has been a supporter of many charitable organizations. Most recently achieving runner-up in the Woman of the Year Campaign for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). She also received the Champions for Cures Award from LLS in 2016. Natasha raised over $60,000 in a ten week period that went towards finding a cure for blood cancers. This achievement won her a research award that she donated to the memory of her two grandmothers who have both passed away from cancer.

Natasha Solis was born and raised in Chicago, attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and obtained her degree in Economics and International Business with a minor in Spanish, that she completed during a semester abroad at Universidad at Granada. She holds a Series 3 - Futures Broker license and volunteers her time at numerous organizations. She is a member of Women in Listed Derivatives, 100 Women in Hedge Funds, the Futures Industry Association- Operations Committee, the Junior League Club of Chicago and was an original Securities Traders Association of Chicago – Women’s Collective Board member.

Natasha has been featured in Market Voice Magazine, Financial Technology Forums News, Chicago Magazine and CS Modern Luxury Magazine. She is a Metropolitan Leadership Institute graduate class of 2006. Natasha has a passion for travel, has lived in multiple cities in Spain and has visited 35 countries. Most importantly, Natasha is the proud mother of two wonder children, Eivissa (8)and Croix (6).

Tanya Flores, Director of Training & Development - Sales Trainer, AcademiaTriunfadores.com

Tanya Flores was born in Chicago and is a CEO, serial digital entrepreneur, sales trainer, speaker, investor, YouTuber, and a socially-conscious leader. She is the Founder of Positive Impact Academy and the Director of Training and Sales for Academia Triunfadores, where she currently serves over 78,000 subscribers with sales advice and insight.

Tanya is the curator and co-organizer for TEDxPilsenWomen and creator of the Sell to Impact™ training program, where she helps entrepreneurs and sales professionals, to achieve greater business and life results.

Tanya is a graduate of DePaul University and has received leadership awards and recognitions from The Archdiocese of Chicago and Rotary International. She is married to a stroke survivor with aphasia, with who she raises two beautiful girls. She loves horses, obsessed with journals and life committed to helping people achieve their biggest dreams.

Time is running out to register! The 2017 Sales and Entrepreneurship Networking Forum is next Wednesday January 18. Don't miss out >> https://2017-sales-networking.eventbrite.com/?aff=WBSTE

The process for landing new international air service at Mitchell International Airport began at one of Milwaukee’s ethnic festivals.

“Two years ago we sent a sales team to Mexican Fiesta,” said Miguel Aguiñiga, the manager of international markets for Volaris Airlines, during a telephone interview from his office in Mexico City.

“The team found out there are a lot of people of Mexican descent, as well as a lot of people in the area interested in traveling to Guadalajara or to Mexico. READ MORE AT JOURNAL SENTINEL

No news is good news … unless we're talking about Silicon Valley's delay in releasing their 2016 diversity statistics.

On December 6, the Wall Street Journal reported that companies including Twitter, Pinterest and Salesforce were delaying their diversity reports, despite the passing of almost 16 months since their last update. Google and Facebook's reports were released mid-summer, and showed that despite a lot of talk about "moving the needle" on diversity, equality and inclusion, not much had actually changed in the makeup of those two companies' workforces. READ MORE AT CIO

Getting your degree, writing and perfecting your resume, carefully crafting a cover letter tailored to the position you're applying for, practicing answering common interview questions - even dry cleaning your best suit: There are dozens of things to do when you're trying to find a new job or change careers, but nothing may be more important than developing a robust network of contacts in your target industry. READ MORE AT SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY

The unexpected outcome of the 2016 presidential election may have felt discouraging for many voters, including Latinas who rallied together against Donald Trump's many shocking comments about immigration and women. If you felt a wave of apathy in the aftermath of the election, you are not alone. Now that the proverbial dust has settled, however, it's especially important to stay engaged and involved. Ahead, we've listed seven ways to do that. READ MORE AT POPSUGAR

Like the saying, "Today is the first day of the rest of your life," it's never a bad time to start moving your career in a better direction. Here are 10 New Year's resolutions that can help.

Pay attention in class
Treat every workday like a school day. Be sure you learn something and use it to make yourself more productive. It doesn't have to relate to your skills set. It may be as simple as understanding how to work with specific peers or improving your emotional intelligence. Take mental notes. Don't sleepwalk through the day. READ MORE AT MONSTER

Ideas from experts on how to start conversations and make connections

Some people have a gift for mingling. These women are the Houdinis of conversation — even in the most impossible social situations, they figure out a way to connect. Not all of us are so lucky. So here's the advice you need from some social butterflies with a purpose: Liska Wilson, president of She's A Boss; Bethlyn Sarkies, director of business development and public relations at Upside Collective; and Laura Dehmer, vice president of business resources at the Capital Region Chamber.
Feel good
Wear your favorite lipstick. Put on your power suit. READ MORE AT TIMESUNION

You have likely read the numerous articles and studies that highlight Hispanic consumers in the United States. Particularly, analysts and media tout the incredible growth, young demographics, amplified spending power and hyperactive digital and mobile consumption of the Hispanic market – all of which make it one of the most attractive demographics for marketers. However, U.S. Hispanics are vastly underserved, and the opportunities to reach them through digital remain largely untapped.

According to a recent Google study that surveyed a select panel of senior-level marketers to see if the U.S. Hispanic audience was on their roadmap, most saw 11 to 25% of their company's growth coming from this demographic in the next three to five years. Still, many brands surveyed didn’t have a marketing strategy for engaging this audience. READ MORE AT MEDIAPOST

There’s an enormous amount of research suggesting that emotional intelligence (EQ) is critical to your performance at work. TalentSmart has tested the EQ of more than a million people and found that it explains 58% of success in all types of jobs.

People with high EQs make $29,000 more annually than people with low EQs. Ninety percent of top performers have high EQs, and a single-point increase in your EQ adds $1,300 to your salary. I could go on and on.

Suffice it to say, emotional intelligence is a powerful way to focus your energy in one direction with tremendous results. READ MORE AT FORBES

After working at the same company for three years, and enjoying it, things were beginning to feel a bit stale and I decided to start looking for a new position. But money wasn’t my prime motivator in starting my job search. I consider myself a life long learner and I was ready to move on and tackle something new.

I attended a networking event and as I was speaking with a small group of people, I openly shared what I was currently doing, that I was hoping to make a career move, and what I wanted to do next. I try to make sure I’m doing something daily to make my voice or ideas heard, or further my career in some way. I am extremely active on LinkedIn and I frequently attend networking events.

One of the men in the group said they had an opening for a marketing consultant and asked if that was something I’d be interested in. READ MORE AT FORBES

The end of the year is a good time to reflect on your business’s progress over the past year and plan how you want your business to develop. Do you want increased success in the coming year or the chance to enjoy the success you’ve achieved more? These New Year’s resolutions are designed to help you do both strike a better work-life balance and increase your business success in the coming year. READ MORE AT MY REPUBLICA

How would you feel if your paycheck was cut in half? What if you found out that the white gentleman sitting next to you, working the same hours and doing the same work, earned almost twice as much as you?

This Latina Equal Pay Day we are highlighting the everyday reality Hispanic and Latina women face in the United States. Latinas are the most under-paid group in America. On average, we earn 54 cents for every dollar earned by non-Hispanic white men – for the same work.

And the problem is not just for Latinas. The reality is that, on average, all women find themselves making less than their white, male counterparts for equal work. READ MORE AT HUFFINGTON POST

A bra hanging system, a piñata hoisting device and a six-tortilla toaster.

These are among the 23 products that might end up on an HSN program designed to highlight Latino entrepreneurs.
Five will be selected to launch their products on "Project American Dreams," scheduled to air in March.

Lili Gil Valletta, a 39-year-old New York marketing executive, pitched the competition to discover and help Latino entrepreneurs. She is a Latina entrepreneur herself: She runs a multimillion-dollar multicultural consulting and research company called XL Alliance.

Valletta said the toaster was designed by a Texas engineer who got the idea watching his mother warm tortillas, one at a time on a skillet, over Christmas. READ MORE AT CNN MONEY

Networking is inevitable in any business. As marketing is a very huge and dynamic industry, there will always be collaborations, and partnerships between brands, and engagement with customers, thus the need for networking.

An infographic from Virgin shows 85% of the respondents say they build stronger, more meaningful business relationships during in-person business meetings and conferences.

As the name connotes, business networking is defined as a skill that is used to build new business contacts through connecting with other like-minded individuals. READ MORE AT SEARCH ENGINE JOURNAL

With a few days left in 2016, perhaps you’ve already started thinking of your New Year’s resolutions?

Here’s the problem with New Year’s Resolutions

The nature of the word “resolution” refers to solving or fixing something. That’s the major downside of New Year’s resolutions; they come from a negative place of feeling “not good enough”, making us wish to fix ourselves in order to be perfect, and that’s not a very motivating place to be.

We don’t need to be fixed, We need to grow. READ MORE AT HUFFINGTON POST

It's hard to believe, but 2017 is right around the corner. This can be a great time to take stock and press the reset button, making positive resolutions for the future. These are often focused on personal improvement goals or hobbies, but could just as easily be a chance to buckle down, focus, and advance your career.

This year, consider tailoring your resolutions to maximize career success, making sure to choose realistic goals that you can meet in any given year, rather than having the same goals end up on your resolutions list year in and year out without anything coming of it. READ MORE AT RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH

As we finish off one year and prepare to start the next, it’s a good time to think about how we want 2017 to be better, which for purposes of this column means a better career. Here are 10 ideas for new year’s resolutions to adopt for a stronger career in 2017:

1. I will stay in touch.

You can start the networking habit with a holiday mailing. You can continue by reaching out in the new year to ask about people’s holidays. READ MORE AT FORBES

Trump is on track to appoint the first cabinet in 28 years without a Hispanic. When President Ronald Reagan nominated Lauro Cavazos in 1988 as the first Latino to serve in a presidential cabinet, he made history.

Today, President-elect Donald Trump is on the verge of making history too. With 16 cabinet-level officials and more than two dozen administration appointments announced, he is on track to appoint the first cabinet without a Latino in more than 28 years. For a president-elect who ran on restoring economic growth, ignoring U.S. Latinos makes little sense. Latinos are driving American economic growth, and they are at the core of what I call America’s New Mainstream Economy. READ MORE AT THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

A new poll of holiday spending habits shows that Latinos are approaching the holiday season more conservatively this year than in the past.

According to an annual telephone and online poll conducted by Florida Atlantic University’s Business and Economics Polling Initiative (BEPI), more than one in five Hispanics don’t plan to do any Christmas and Hannukah shopping at all this year, up from one in 10 in 2015.

And those who do intend to go shopping are planning on waiting longer to start making purchases and hoping to spend less than they did last year — 41.9 percent of Latinos expect to spend less than $300 on holiday gifts this year, up 5 points from last year; and the proportion who plans to spend more than $1,000 dropped from 12.9 to 8.9 percent. READ MORE AT FOX NEWS