Diversity & Inclusion MD by Monica Diaz

Gratitud "a lo Boricua".

Así es como celebramos este Día de Reyes🫅🏽 (o quizás debo decir Dia de Reinas)👸🏽), cuando nuestro hogar isleño se convierte en el punto de encuentro para lideres de impacto que me regalaron el privilegio de su confianza, para ser "profeta en mi tierra" durante el 2023. Que inmensa alegría fue recibirles en nuestro entorno familiar, por primera vez o simplemente otra vez, en un día de tan especial alegría y tradición.

A estas lideres de impacto se suman un grupo adicional a quienes le debemos nuestro aprecio y agradecimiento, así que estaremos viéndonos en persona durante las próximas semanas de este nuevo año.

¡Que la magia de Reyes (y Reinas) nos ilumine el camino en el 2024!

¡Empecemos el 2024 con fuerza y determinación de forjar un futuro brillante para nuestra juventud!

To all my South Florida colleagues: In the spirit of giving the highest gifts of inspiration, empowerment and hope, dont miss the opportunity to join us on January 25, 2024 at The Intercontinental at Doral, Miami. We honor our heritage and traditions by elevating the talent and unleashing the potential of our Latino / Hispanic youth.

HISPA.org - Hispanics Inspiring Students’ Performance and Achievement

Today, we honor a rich tradition celebrated across Latin America: Three Kings Day. It's a day highlighting the value of giving and the power of inspiration--values deeply embedded in HISPA's mission.

At HISPA, we offer the gifts of inspiration, empowerment and hope to the Latino youth. We share stories to empower them with the tools and guidance they need to pursue higher education and fulfilling careers.

In the spirit of Three Kings Day, we invite you to join us at our annual 3 Kings Banquet. This event is a celebration and an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of our students.

Visit 3kings.hispa.org to buy your tickets today!

Let's continue the tradition of giving, inspiring, and transforming lives together.

What is the place to be this week to advance Latino Talent? United Nations, New York City!

I am joining remarkable leaders at 2023! Together, we continue to strategize actionable ways to advance Hispanics in corporate America, and create cross-industry networks for community prosperity. The summit is a data-driven, consensus-seeking, high-level, interactive and inspirational forum, for Hispanics and non-Hispanics to strategize effective action for companies and to create intentional networks of cross-sector, cross-industry support to progress, celebrate and uplift the community. Our conversations and work sessions will focus on actionable ways to mobilize corporate America to advance Hispanics, while aligning to the social agenda for the community to prosper effectively in 2024 and beyond.

Thanks to the remarkable Claudia Romo Edelman and her team for everything you do! See you soon Cid Wilson, Dr. Juan Andrade, Jr., Bea Perez, Eduardo Arabu, Andre Arbelaez, Antonio Tijerino, Patricia Mota, MPA, Ivonne Diaz-Claisse, Thomas Savino, Jorge Plasencia and so many other colleagues!


https://www.weareallhuman.org/hispanic-leadership-summit/2023ny/ #

Hispanic Leadership Summit 2023 We Are All Human Foundation | New York City | 2023

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=825726099563311&id=100063777843025&mibextid=Nif5oz

Building Trust: The Ultimate Outcome of Collaboration

I'm incredibly grateful to share the heartfelt appreciation from my partner / client Andrea Orlando, on my engagement at the 2023 HACR - Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility Leadership Pipeline Program.

The trust they've placed in me is a high honor. It's the ultimate testament to the power of our collaboration, to craft and deliver on any topic they envision. It's always exhilarating to engage the rising talent they are dedicated to nurture for the future of . The challenges they present to me become the opportunities I wholeheartedly embrace.

Last year, it was a thought-provoking journey through four DEI Interludes. This year, we worked to amplify the understanding and leveraging of our Latinx Superpowers. I thrive on understanding my client's goals, and then work together to build content that resonates deeply, to take their aspirations to new heights of achievement.

Thank you to my clients / partners at HACR, for their unwavering trust, and for keep pushing the boundaries of what we can accomplish together. Here's to more collaborative experiences that create positive impact!

When you’ve been traveling through the Corporate Galaxy for a long time, how do you know you landed on the right planet?

• When you can see over 400 Superheroes around you.
• When they get together to learn, network and grow as the new .
• When other Latino who master their come together to groom the new generation of Corporate

Thanks to Jedi Master Cid Wilson and his team of HACR - Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility superheroes for bringing us together at the 2023 HACR Leadership Pipeline Program. .

As you return to your corporate planets - Pepsi, Target, Toyota, UPS, Accenture US, Nationwide, Lowe's, Bristol Myers Squibb, The Walt Disney Company, PNC Bank, Meta, Regeneron, Best Buy and others, keep mastering your Jedi and Mandalorian superpowers.
… always!

HACR LPP 2023.mp4 | All-in-one video editor｜CapCut You can preview HACR LPP 2023.mp4 on CapCut, and enjoy other video editing features.

- Are You Ready to Elevate Your Latinidad in Leadership?
- Are you seeking to enhance your leadership skills and network with leaders across Fortune 500 companies?

If you are, I am looking forward to seeing you at the 2023 HACR - Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility Leadership Pipeline Program (LPP), in New Orleans, starting tonight!

I can't contain my excitement to be here! With over 400 attendees, this event will be an incredible platform for growth and empowerment.
Get ready to be part of an experience that will turbocharge your leadership journey. It will be my pleasure and honor to deliver the keynote opening session tomorrow morning, network with all of you for two days, and then moderate a phenomenal conversation with my colleagues Salvador Mendoza, Elliott Segarra and Fabiola Torres.

We are absolutely committed to sharing insights and inspiration that will propel your Latinidad in Leadership to new heights. Let's embrace this opportunity to learn, connect, and shape the future of your leadership journey! See you in !

I had the privilege to participate in an enriching session at Serta Simmons Bedding, as part of their celebration and learning during . The discussion revolved around key insights that I'm excited to share with all of you. Here are the main takeaways:

1. Lessons from My Latina Awakening: I shared personal experiences and lessons from my journey, shedding light on the beauty of embracing one's heritage and the power it holds in our lives. It's about turning our differences into distinctions into unique strengths.

2. Understanding Assimilation, Acculturation, and Affirmation: We explored the distinctions between these terms, recognizing that embracing diversity means respecting each person's unique path.

3. Summary of the 5 Dualities of Diversity & Inclusion: We delved into the richness of developing and inclusive mindset and leadership behaviors, about connecting through our similarities and learning from our differences to foster a culture of respect, care and positive impact.

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the amazing hosts, Ritika Singh and Esther Ni, for making this session possible. It was a pleasure and honor to share this conversation with your colleagues, leadership team and members of your board of directors. That is what having massive positive impact is all about!

Let's continue the conversation going, empowering talent to lead their careers and business with unprecedented positive impact!

Proposito y Pertenencia….The IMPACT of HR in DEI!

What a powerful feeling it is to be part of a “sunshine yellow” celebration!
What a remarkable milestone to join the Nuestra Gente team, as they mark Popular's 130 years of service to the community!

Popular, Inc. proudly stands as the leading financial institution in Puerto Rico, and the Nuestra Gente (Human Resources) team is the group of passionate and committed professionals that champions a culture of purpose and belonging at Popular.

My purposeful and celebratory keynote on this day focused on three elements that are essential for any HR leader who wants to make a positive impact:

1) Find your OWN space in DEI: You have a unique perspective, experience, and voice that can contribute to the conversation. Share your story, your challenges, and your successes, and let your differences become your differentiator.

2) Know the DEI landscape: Be aware of the current trends, best practices, and challenges in the DEI field. Stay informed, stay curious, and stay open to learning.

3) Step to the power of your HR role to activate PURPOSE and BELONGING: You can help create a work environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and included. You can foster a sense of belonging that transcends differences and unites people around your collective purpose.

Special gratitude goes to Mariemi Sierra Alvarez and Ivelisse Torres, for inviting me to share insights and learnings with their team. Your passionate and energetic leadership is inspiring and contagious 😊. I look forward to continue collaborating with you to drive y at Popular.

To the many more committed HR colleagues I’ve had the privilege of working with during the past three decades, if you are interested in learning more about how I can help you or your organization with your DEI goals, please feel free to reach out to me. Let’s move from your best to your most positive leadership .

How Networking for Success can Boost Allyship, Mentorship and Sponsorship!

I had the pleasure of speaking at Discover Financial Services' HOLA Career Development series last week, where I shared some insights on how can drive your "cruising" experience on three SHIPS: allySHIP, mentorSHIP and sponsorSHIP.

Strategic networking is not just about exchanging information or adding contacts on LinkedIn. It is about building meaningful relationships with people who share your values, goals and vision. It is about finding allies who can support you, mentors who can guide you, and sponsors who can advocate for you.

Here are some of the key takeaways from my talk:
· Allyship is the practice of SOLIDARITY for others who are different from you. To be an effective ally, you need to listen, learn, speak up, and take action.
· Mentorship is the process of providing GUIDANCE to others, sharing your knowledge, skills and experience with someone who is less experienced on an area of their interest. The best mentors are respectful, supportive, good listeners, generous with their time and wisdom. The best mentees are those who take the lead as “captains of the ship” of their mentorSHIP.
· Sponsorship is the act of ADVOCACY, using your influence and power to help someone advance in their career. Sponsors are crucial for creating opportunities and visibility for others. To be a great sponsor, you need to be strategic, proactive, vocal and accountable.

By engaging in strategic networking, you can build a network of allies, mentors and sponsors who can help you and others succeed in your professional journey. You can also become an ally, mentor or sponsor for someone else who needs your support.

My deep appreciation goes to the organizers of this event, led by the remarkable Tierra West, for creating such a wonderful platform for learning and sharing. I am confident the lessons and guidance we shared will help drive positive impact in your careers.

If you are interested in learning more about strategic networking, career coaching and its impact on diversity, equity and inclusion, please connect with me on LinkedIn or visit my website. Let’s catapult your career to the next level of positive impact!

We are ready for our IMPACT: HISPA Role Models in Miami.

Gratitude fills my heart as I think about the incredible HISPA - Hispanics Inspiring Students’ Performance and Achievement Role Models event held at the University of Miami Herbert Business School. The positive impact we continue to build for our Latino Youth is a testament to the power of , and .

First and foremost, a heartfelt thank you to Ivonne Diaz-Claisse, Ph.D. and every single member of the HISPA team, who work tirelessly to uplift our youth. Your commitment to this cause is truly inspiring, and I'm honored to be a part of this journey with you.

Our event was a huge success, and I'm thrilled to see new organizations, including friends and former colleagues at Royal Caribbean Group, joining the cause. It's a powerful demonstration of Corporate Citizenship and the recognition that investing in the future of our Latino talent is not just a responsibility but an opportunity.

To the outstanding leaders in Miami’s higher education: Georgette Perez, Ph.D., Dr. Christopher Allen Clarke, Ginger Baxter, thank you for your presence, enthusiasm and long-term commitment to supporting the development of our Latino Talent, as a powerful force to drive a stronger society where we all belong! I am looking forward to continue the heartfelt collaboration forged at the HISPA event.

I encourage other , , leaders to take note of the impact that organizations like HISPA can have on our communities and our businesses. Supporting HISPA not only aligns with ESG goals but also catapults the success of Latino talent, to see our whole community thrive.

Let's continue to build bridges of opportunity for our Latino youth, shaping a brighter future together. If you're interested in learning more about how your organization can get involved or partner with HISPA, please feel free to reach out. Together, we can create positive change and unlock the full potential of our Latino talent.

- How can YOU catapult the success of our Latino community?
- How can YOU have a positive impact in the future of our Latino youth?
- How can YOU take real action during Hispanic Heritage Month?

Latinos will comprise nearly 30% of the US school population by the end of the decade, and because SUCCESS speaks louder than numbers, we must ensure that our youth is not only growing, but thriving!

As a Latina business owner, DEI consultant and career coach, I believe in the power of education, role modeling, business engagement, and mentorship to drive change. This is why I am so proud to be a long-time advocate for the mission of HISPA, and thrilled to invite you to a remarkable event happening today in Miami.

HISPA (Hispanics Inspiring Students' Performance and Achievement) has the crucial mission of uplifting Latino students, by providing them the guidance and resources they need to excel in their educational journey. Today's HISPA event in Miami is a call to action for all of us in the Latino professional community. We have the opportunity to drive not only representation but also success in South Florida and beyond. Here's how you can get involved:

· Role Modeling: Become an HISPA Role Model who guides our Latino students, so they can become successful Latino leaders. Come as you are, to share your story and your wisdom with Latino students.

· Business / Company Engagement: Encourage your company to get involved. Supporting HISPA demonstrates your commitment to the power of education and engagement with our Latino community.

· ERGs and Schools: ERGs can play a vital role in supporting HISPA's mission. Schools can benefit from partnering to provide educational opportunities.

Education is the foundation of progress. YOU can pave the way of a brighter future for Latino students. Let's show our unity, strength, and dedication to creating a better tomorrow.

Want to know more? Then don't miss this chance to make a real difference. Join us tonight at the University of Miami, Herbert School of Business, at 6:00 PM, and let's inspire success together.

📅 Date: Today
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM
🏛️ Location: University of Miami, Herbert School of Business

See you there!



Ivonne Diaz-Claisse, Ph.D., Dr. Christopher Allen Clarke, Georgette Perez, Ph.D., Carlos Corominas, Wilson D. M., Rene Herrera, Vanessa Nazario, MS, MBA.

It was a true honor to speak at Citi during their kick-off of Hispanic Heritage Month in . It's always inspiring to come together to celebrate the rich cultural tapestry that makes our Latino community so vibrant. Citi’s motto, "belonging in banking," couldn't be more fitting for the occasion.

Along with access to education and healthcare, access to capital is paramount to the success of the Latino community. The community that by 2030 will become over 21% of the US workforce. Together, we're shaping a future where Latinos are not only present, but succeeding. We are shaping a workplace where everyone feels they truly belong, in banking and beyond.

During my session, we delved into three pivotal topics that resonate deeply with our heritage:

1) Celebrating the heritage that brought us here: We paused to reflect on the remarkable journey of our Hispanic heritage. From the traditions that bind us to the values that empower us, our heritage is the cornerstone of our identity. It's a reminder that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us.

2) Reflect on our ancestor’s clear INTENT to move their families forward: Their pursuit of progress and prosperity was unwavering. Their dedication and resilience laid the foundation for the opportunities we enjoy today. We explored how their dreams of a brighter tomorrow continue to inspire us and drive our commitment to success.

3) The responsibility WE now have to IMPACT generations to come: As torchbearers of this heritage, we carry a profound responsibility. We discussed how each of us plays a crucial role in shaping the future. It's incumbent upon us to leave a legacy of inclusivity, equity, and empowerment for the generations that follow. By fostering a workplace culture that values diversity and embraces belonging, we ensure that our heritage remains a source of strength.

My deepest appreciation goes to Erika Irish Brown (she/her), Yesi Morillo, and their remarkable colleagues, for your steadfast and commitment to the vision and mission at Citi.

Cid Wilson, Lisandro Chanlatte, CAIA, Gonzalo Luchetti, Viviane Sabat, Ashley Aydin, Samantha Santos, Anita Romero

Second stop of Hispanic Heritage Month...New York, New York!

The place where my grandparents became transplants from . The craddle of my family's American dream. The place where mami became fascinated by fireworks, where her love for cultural mixology grew as high as the skyscrapers.

Tomorrow, as I step foot at Citi to speak about our heritage, I will be paying homage to my mom, at the very same organization where she had her first job opportunity. This is the heart of her youth, and the longing of her golden years. I am grateful for the sacrifices and perseverance of my mother and grandparents. And as I continue to make myself worthy of the magnitude of their heritage, their life-long example stands in my heart as proud and tall as the Statue of Liberty.

Let the heritage celebration begin!

Hispanic Heritage Month starts early this year, with a series of speaking engagements in Houston, New York, Chicago, Miami, Atlanta, Latin America... I am coming your way!

As a consultant in diversity, equity and inclusion, I am humbled and honored to share insights, learnings and experiences with my Latino community, about how to drive cultural understanding, value our differences and achieve our most positive leadership impact. Hispanic Heritage Month is a reminder of the countless ways in which we have shaped and continue to shape our world. Our positive influence is undeniable and unstoppable.

During my speaking engagements, I will be discussing key topics such as the importance of Hispanic representation in the workplace, strategies for fostering an inclusive environment that embraces diversity, and the value of cultural competence in today's globalized economy. I will also be sharing personal stories and experiences, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs that individuals from the our community face in their professional lives.

To the Fortune 100 companies I have the honor to partner with, I must say THANK YOU, for your unwavering commitment to keep DEI moving forward. I must say CONGRATULATIONS, on your conviction that DEI is a matter of competitiveness, of innovation and advancement. It truly speaks volumes about your resolve to foster a more inclusive society, where we call all have a true opportunity to thrive.

"Scientific research show that teachers, parents, and mentors can make a big difference in the lives of the individuals they guide, sometimes through the seemingly smallest of gestures."

When we look at the simplicity of the gesture and the power of the message, let's remember that, as adults, we still need someone (mentors, coaches, colleagues, leaders) to remind us:

YOU are SEEN. YOU have POTENTIAL. YOU are NOT ALONE.

Friday's homework: WHO will YOU reminding of this today?

3 Ways Teachers Can Instill Belonging in Students Contrary to our cultural biases, the most important factor driving success in school and beyond isn’t IQ or grit.

Take a breather this long weekend and slow down. Discover new connections between your passions and reunite with peace. Thanks to Rosie Williams Pendygraft and Yoga 1 for inspiring self-care and finding new connections in our journey. Extend your thoughts as open arms in warrior pose, take a few deep breaths, and let them come together again in the center of your core. Renew your inspiration to create what's next in the rest of your day, or your life: a conversation, a decision, a commitment to a better version of yourself.

When there is a will, there is a way! The business reasons to drive and continue to drive a growing demand from students and employers.

It is great to see the news from Wharton School of Business introducing two new majors and concentrations that will prepare future leaders for the evolving global landscape: Environmental, Social and Governance Factors for Business (ESGB) and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), with either a concentration at the undergraduate level or a major at the MBA level. First students will graduate in May 2025.

At a time of divisive and sometimes dismissive discussion about ESG and DEI and recent SCOTUS decisions on AAP in the admissions process of colleges and universities, these new majors and concentrations are testament of the need and desire for curricular innovation and excellence, in preparing the next generation of business leaders for the new realities of leadership.

Keep listening, keep learning!

New Majors and Concentrations at Wharton Wharton programs meet growing interest in DEI and ESGB.