October 27-29, 2007 Member Conference Recap
The National Hispanic Corporate Council Wraps Up another Successful Meeting at Hyatt
In late October, the NHCC wrapped up another successful conference in Chicago hosted by Hyatt Hotels Corporation. The theme was Corporate Social Responsibility and included a full lineup of distinguished speakers who shared their expertise regarding various aspects of Corporate Social Responsibility, Diversity, and Government Relations.
On Day One, a pre-conference marketing workshop, “The Hispanic Customer Experience – Is it Different?” was held at DePaul University. The session was kicked off by Steve Kelly, Associate Professor of Marketing at DePaul University, and Carlos Soto, NHCC President and CEO, who welcomed the NHCC workshop participants to the DePaul campus. Lupe Gallardo of Barraza Consulting facilitated the workshop beginning with a powerful presentation by Mary Lolich, Director, Experience Engineering. A distinguished panel of Hispanic marketing experts, included: Sandra Weber, VP of Multicultural Marketing, Turner Broadcasting System; Tony Suarez, VP of Marketing, McDonald’s Corporation; David Rodriguez, Multicultural Marketing Communications Manager, Ford Motor Company; and Eloy Garcia, Sr. Marketing Manager, Allstate Insurance Company who shared their extensive knowledge and experience in this area.
Lead sponsor, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, hosted the opening reception at its corporate headquarters building in downtown Chicago. Hyatt executives, Salvador Mendoza, Vice President of Diversity, and Chuck M. Floyd, President of North America Operations, welcomed the group and reaffirmed their commitment to diversity. The reception guests included conference attendees and Chicago business leaders.
NHCC Chair, Pepe Estrada, of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., opened the meeting by introducing the keynote speakers Chris Pinney, Director, Executive Education Programs, Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship and Ralph Reid, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility, Sprint Nextel Corporation discussed the evolution, integration and implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility programs. This was followed by an insightful panel discussion moderated by Mickey Silberman, Partner at Jackson Lewis LLP, surrounding the best practices on the General Counsels’ role in promoting corporate diversity initiatives. Panelists included Alex Vasquez, Associate General Counsel, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.; Horacio Gutierrez, Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, Microsoft Corporation; and John M. Esquivel, Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer and Associate General Counsel, Shell Corporation.
Following the luncheon, workshops resumed with a second panel discussion of “The Changing Role of Corporate Government Affairs.” The government affairs professionals Emilio Gonzalez, Vice President, Strategic Alliances, Verizon Communications; Susan Gonzales, Vice President Comcast Foundation and Corporate Senior Director of Federal and External Affairs, Comcast Corporation and Art Ruiz, Director Corporate Communications and External Relations, State Farm Insurance Company shared their insights. The afternoon session was dedicated to the release of two important research survey results. Multicultural marketing experts Al Barraza and Ray Celaya of Barraza Consulting shared their findings regarding NHCC’s Community Outreach study, and Nancy Marks, Director of Marketing for Inclusion and Diversity, Monster Worldwide presented the findings of Monster Worldwide’s diversity and inclusion study. A member dinner concluded the day’s activities.
Wednesday’s session began with comments by NHCC President and CEO, Carlos Soto recapping the success of the conference thus far and introducing the morning’s seminar facilitator. Renowned author and consultant Dr. Samuel Betances led an interactive and inspiring workshop titled: “21st Century Competencies for Hispanic Professionals to Thrive and Lead.” After the workshop, Dr. Betances graciously signed copies of his latest book.
Special thanks to all of our sponsors and to our host, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Salvador Mendoza and his staff at Hyatt for their generosity and support
NHCC Representatives Visit Chicago’s Mirta Ramirez Computer Charter School
As part of the NHCC conference activities, a group of NHCC members participated in the In-School program with a visit to Mirta Ramirez Computer Science Charter School in inner-city Chicago. As part of each meeting, NHCC member volunteers visit a local high school with a large Hispanic student body. During these In-School Visits, the NHCC members meet with students and give motivational talks on the importance of staying in school and pursuing a college education.
The visit to the Mirta Ramirez Computer Science Charter School was inspirational, and generated a lot of enthusiasm among the students. The NHCC members shared experiences regarding their backgrounds, the challenges they faced in seeking their higher education and the rewards and opportunities their college degrees have provided them.
Many of the students NHCC reaches during these In-School visits will be the first member of their family to seek a college education. NHCC encourages all members to participate in their In-School Visit program. Those members who have participated in the program will affirm that it is a very rewarding experience. After all, one never knows when a few words of encouragement will positively change someone’s life....... Si se puede!
In School Program Sponsors: Allstate, ConAgra Foods, Hallmark Cards, Sprint, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Walgreens
- To find past conference presentation visit our Conference Archive.
- To view a Roster of Presenters for this conference click here.
- Download a copy of the program for this conference (oct_07_program.pdf)
- View our past meeting archive.
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