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Maria Elena Salinas

Maria Elena Salinas to be Keynote Speaker at Regain Our Latino Power virtual event

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Award-winning journalist and author, Maria Elena Salinas, will be joining the conversation at virtual event, Regain Our Latino Power, as Keynote Speaker. The event will bring together influential Latino leaders and discuss important topics such as Latinxs essential workers, Latinxs and the economy, Immigration Reform, Deportations and Incarceration of Latino Children.

Salinas joined CBS News as a contributor in 2019, a role in which she reports across multiple CBS News broadcasts and platforms. Salinas is one of the most recognizable and respected journalists in the country, most notably having served as co-anchor of Univision’s evening news program for more than 30 years.

Maria Elena Salinas

Award-winning journalist, Maria Elena Salinas (Photo Credit: Gio Alma)

In a career that spans nearly four decades, Salinas has interviewed world leaders and covered virtually every major national and international news event of our time. Her work has earned the top awards presented in broadcasting, including multiple Emmys, a Peabody, Gracie Awards, the Edward R. Murrow Award and the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Television Political Journalism.

While at CBS News, Salinas has contributed to the network’s coverage of the 2020 election including primetime coverage of Super Tuesday and the Democratic and Republican national conventions. Salinas also anchored the poignant CBS News documentary “Pandemia: Latinos In Crisis,” an hour-long, sweeping look at the Latinx community, along with other communities of color, who continues to bear the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic while fulfilling essential roles across the country. For “48 Hours,” Salinas investigated the death of a college student and the international search for her killer. Salinas also contributed to a special edition of CBS News’ investigative series “Eye on America,” which examined how families throughout communities across the country and once lived paycheck to paycheck, fell through the cracks and found themselves homeless.

Most recently, Salinas was the host of “The Real Story with Maria Elena Salinas,” a crime series for Investigation Discovery. She also covered the 2018 presidential election in Mexico for Telemundo.

Salinas contributed to CBS News in 2016, when she reported on the role Hispanics would play in the election for “CBS Sunday Morning.” While at Univision, she was co-host of “Noticiero Univision” and co-host of “Aquí y Ahora,” a newsmagazine program for Univision.

A versatile and bilingual journalist, Salinas has interviewed every U.S. president since Jimmy Carter. She is at ease interviewing newsmakers such as Manuel Noriega, the former dictator of Panama and Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, as she is sitting down with Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin and Gloria Estefan.

Salinas was one of the first female journalists in wartime Baghdad. She participated in the 2004 bilingual debate on Hispanic issues and in 2007 co-hosted the first Democratic and Republican presidential candidate forums in Spanish for Univision.

From 2001-2011, Salinas wrote a weekly syndicated column in both English and Spanish. She is also the author of the 2006 autobiography, “I Am My Father’s Daughter, Living a Life Without Secrets.”

Salinas is a founding member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and for over two decades has provided dozens of students with a scholarship under her name. She also serves on the board of Hispanic Scholarship Board.

Salinas began her journalism career in 1981 as a reporter, anchor and public affairs host for KMEX-TV, Univision’s affiliate in Los Angeles.

latino market growth

1.7 Trillion US Latino market growth, opportunity and challenge for banking industry

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The explosion of the Latino market growth is no news for the 59 million strong – and growing –Latinos living in the USA. However, in an exclusive interview for LatinasinBusiness.us with Jessica K Asencio, President of the Latino Networks Coalition, we discussed this “cannot-be-missed” opportunity, which continues to be a challenge for companies that are still hovering on this potential without taking radical action.

latino market growth

LNC Executive Board select members & speakers: (left to right) Patricia Pacheco Baez (Bank of America Director), Roberto Ruiz (Univision EVP & event sponsor), Jessica Toonkel (Reuters News Correspondent), Carlos Hernandez (J.P. Morgan Head of Global Banking & lead host sponsor), Rosa Ramos-Kwok (Bank of America MD), Don Perez (LNC Executive Board Member & Program Leader), Lili Gil-Valletta (CulturIntel CEO & Co-founder), Henry Agusti (Bank of America Head of Digital Banking), Jessica K. Asencio (LNC Board Founder & LNC Univision Program Steering Committee Co-lead), Flavio Cosenza (Chase Bank Executive Director of Marketing) (Credits: Courtesy LNC)

If Latinos residing in the US were a country, their 2015 GPD of $2.13 trillion would represent the 7thlargest economy in the world, larger than the GDP of India, Italy, Brazil or Canada. The community represents a potent force for marketing innovation and growth as was demonstrated at the Latino Networks Coalition (LNC) & Univision “Banking on Latinos for Growth: Breaking the Code” forum recently hosted at JPMorgan Chase in New York City.

Jessica K Asencio, LNC Executive Board Chair and Founder, and Vice President, Corporate & Investment Bank CAO at JPMorgan Chase.

“The program was designed together with LNC Coalition partners to help our partners and members gain a deeper understanding of the $1.7 Trillion Hispanic/Latino growth opportunity for financial institutions, including busting common myths and misperceptions,” said Jessica K Asencio, LNC Executive Board Chair and Founder, and Vice President, Corporate & Investment Bank CAO at JPMorgan Chase.

“The information shared at the forum also helps us take control of the narrative around Latinos, debunking the negative press that represents them as not affluent and /or uneducated,” Jessica continued. “Quite the opposite, if America’s corporations are to strengthen their market position, leaders must become Latino/Hispanic Ambassadors, embracing Latino/Hispanic cultural values and learning to lead more authentically with speed and agility. Authentic leadership directly impacts businesses and leaders now become ‘extended brand assets’ for the businesses they serve,” Asencio explained.

Latino market growth: Spanglish is the new black 

The wealth of information gathered by Univision and other LNC partners –including CulturIntel and the Latino Donor Collaborative–creates a unique prospect to access a Latino/Hispanic market research think tank, and a powerful networking platform to expand collaboration and help build relationships to broaden partners’ reach.

Cultural Intelligence research

Market and cultural intelligence research played an instrumental role in “Banking on Latinos for Growth: Breaking the Code”

“We shared best practices to focus on an optimal model to target the growing Hispanic/Latino market so they have real access to capital, investment strategies and structured solutions linked to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors,” Jessica continued. “Through our program, attendees gained actionable insights on the similarities and differences between Hispanic/Latino and non-Hispanic/Latino drivers and barriers to using financials services.”

latino market growth

Speaker at this event was Roberto Ruiz, EVP Research, Insights & Analytics – Univision Communications Inc. and event sponsor.

This acquired knowledge will help participants create a winning strategy in business, marketing, and the national and regional footprint cross-markets to capture the Latinos/Hispanic consumer’s imagination.“Companies need new metrics and insights about Latinos leveraging A/I analytics, and best practices in promoting investment strategies targeted to Latino businesses and consumers in order to break the code to maximize Latino’s global impact in today’s marketplace,” said Jessica.

“In other words, we need to know the Latino/Hispanic Market in depth in order to convert cultural intelligence and market research into customer engagement without which, companies will certainly fail in following the growth economic trends in the US economy,” Jessica stated.

A challenge and an opportunity for Latino leaders

The LNC EB Chair believes today’s global market demands more from the workforce an all too often, leaders have sacrificed their own identities in the rush of business necessity and corporate demands.

“Latinos/Hispanics are now eager to reclaim their personal identities recognizing that, as leaders, our responsibility is to influence innovation and opportunity to capitalize on Latino/Hispanic market growth and create momentum for full representation of our community in the US economy,” she asserted.

 

(L to R) Henry Agusti, EVP Digital Banking Executive- Bank of America; Head of Banking & LNC Executive Sponsor-JP Morgan Chase; and Rosa Ramos Kwok, Managing Director of Consumer & Shared Services- Bank of America​.

The Latino Networks Coalition (LNC) is comprised of Latino business resource groups across top Fortune 500 U.S. companies. The LNC, established by JPMorgan Chase, Deloitte and Thomson Reuters, aims at helping increase opportunities for Latinos and Hispanics inside and outside the corporate environment.

Latino market growth

Susana G Baumann (L) and Tathiana Carrasco (R), Latinas in Business Inc. with Roberto Yanez (C), GM, Univision 41.

The coalition passionately supports its businesses and growth objectives by creating an environment that recognizes and embraces cultural diversity, while building new opportunities for leadership and professional development through active involvement in and awareness of the communities it serves.

Thanks to all for this successful event

“Our event showcased what our Latino Networks Coalition can achieve together —capturing the spirit of leadership, teamwork and partnership at its best! Given our current socio-political environment we need to stand together to promote leading research, our global economic value, collective strength to capitalize on opportunities and continue our legacy,” Jessica stated.

Charles Neugebauer​, Director, Business Development at Univision Communications Inc. and co-organizer and sponsor of the event, also stated, “We clearly achieved our goal of elevating the conversation about the significant impact that Latinos are having on our economy, their growing contribution to business in the financial sector, and their overall financial viability”.

LNC Executive Sponsor and event host sponsor was Carlos M. Hernandez, J.P. Morgan Head of Global Banking, joined by LNC event sponsor from Univision Roberto Ruiz, EVP of Research, Insights & Analytics. The LNC and Univision Steering Committee Forum was led by Jessica K. Asencio, LNC Founder and Executive Board Chair, and Charles Neugebauer, Director of Partnerships & Business Development at Univision Communications Inc. and LNC Executive Board Member.

Latino market growth

(L to R) Maria de los Angeles Corral, Education for Excellence; Alicia Garcia, Reuters; Charles Neugebauer, Univision; Jessica J Asencio, LNC; Susana G Baumann and Tathiana Carrasco, Latinas in Business Inc.

Special thanks to LNC leading sponsors including JPMorgan Chase Latino Executive Forum, Don Perez and Flavio Cosenza. Special acknowledgments to leading sponsors Univision Executive Coalition Roberto Yanez, GM, Charles Neugebauer, Juliana Gomez and leadership team; to Bank of America Executive HOLA Board Rosa Ramos-Kwok, Henry Agusti, Patricia Pacheco-Baez and HOLA team; Thomson Reuters leadership team Alicia Garcia and Jessica Toonkel; The Latino Donor Collaborative Board Marcos Torres, Ana Valdez; CulturIntel CIEN+ Lili Gil Valletta and team; HPNG Ali Curi and Adele Farina; and Citrin Cooperman Alex Reyes.

Special acknowledgments to our LNC and Univision Steering Committee and LNC Executive Board Alberto Flores, Hedda Bonaparte, Will Robalino, Dora Abreu, Roberto Peralta, Christian Narvaez, Beth Marmolejos and strategic partners. A world of thanks to Sandra Vazquez, our JPMC Executive Event Management team and all our volunteers.

“The spirit of excellence and passion at our forum was extraordinary and it was a resounding success because of all of you. We had +400 guests and we raised the bar once again. Every detail was a masterpiece — from the run of show, to inspiring speakers leading to the beautiful reception to cap-off an exceptional program,” Jessica concluded.

Latino market growth

Banking on Latinos for Growth – LNC Executive Board members & speakers: (left to right) Patricia Pacheco Baez (Bank of America Director), Roberto Peralta (Societe Generale Head of Institutional Client Relations, Roberto Ruiz (Univision EVP & event sponsor), Jessica Toonkel (Reuters News Correspondent), Alicia Garcia (LNC Executive Board Co-Chair), Christian Narvaez (Societe Generale Vamos Latino Network), Rosa Ramos-Kwok (Bank of America MD), Carlos Hernandez (J.P. Morgan Head of Global Banking & lead host sponsor), Juliana Gomez (Univision Director), Jessica K. Asencio (LNC Board Founder & LNC Univision Program Steering Committee Co-lead), Lili Gil-Valletta (CulturIntel CEO & Co-founder), Henry Agusti (Bank of America Head of Digital Banking), Don Perez (LNC Executive Board Member & Program Leader), Alex Reyes (Citrin Cooperman Partner), Flavio Cosenza (Chase Bank Executive Director of Marketing), Charles Neugebauer (LNC Univision Program Steering Committee Co-lead) (Credits: Courtesy LCN)

For additional information: Banking on Latinos for Growth

Please share with hashtag: #Bankingonlatinosforgrowth

is a proud strategic media partner of the Latino Networks Coalition

Houston HCC electoral commitment to boost Latino economic power

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Dr, Laura Murillo, Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President and CEO

Dr. Laura Murillo, Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President and CEO

A major announcement regarding the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (HHCC) commitment to encourage and support Latino participation in next year’s electoral process will take place at their 22nd Annual Luncheon & Business Expo this coming Thursday April 9 at the Hilton Americas Downtown 1600 Lamar Street in Houston.

The sold-out event, which will welcome 70 exhibitors and over 1600 visitors, is the largest business luncheon in the region, and its influence goes beyond the confines of promoting and advocating for Hispanic businesses.

“This year, marked as an electoral year for Presidential and Mayoral electoral campaigns, the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has positioned itself to support the electoral process motivating and encouraging people to register to vote,” said Dr. Laura Murillo, President and CEO of the chamber.

According to The City of Houston demographics, Latinos in the Houston area account for almost 1 million, representing 44 percent of the local population; however, said Dr Murillo, only 10 percent of Hispanics show up to vote during election years.

“We are launching our effort through our chamber’s media platform, which covers both the Spanish and English-speaking Latino population. This is not a partisan move; it is a concerted effort to propel Latinos to exercise their right to vote,” Dr. Murillo said toLIBizus.

Dr Laura Murillo hosting the HHCC's CBS TV show interviewing Texans President, Jamey Rootes.

Dr Laura Murillo hosting the HHCC’s CBS TV show interviewing Texans President, Jamey Rootes.

The chamber’s media platform is Dr. Murillo’s own initiative that includes radio and television shows on CBS and Univision. With a background in Communications and Public Administration, Dr. Murillo understood the role media plays in promoting the business organization’s activities. She is the founding host/producer for the chamber’s television program on CBS Channel 11 and for the radio program on Univision. Additionally, she is the founding host/producer for the chamber’s radio program on six CBS radio stations.

“It took us a long time to convince mainstream media to become our strategic partners but now they recognize the power of Latinos in the regional economic development,” she said. “Hispanics are a very diverse population, from country of origin to socio-economic status. We need to reach them all, and my commitment as the HHCC President and CEO is to encourage Latinos to be treated with the respect and professionalism we deserve,” she added.

As much as this effort seems necessary, it might also seem distant from the chamber’s traditional objectives, which is to promote and advocate for the 90,000 Hispanic businesses in the region.

“Not al all,” Dr. Murillo said, “Everything is related to business. For instance, the approval of the Export-Import Bank charter, now due in July, might greatly jeopardize the livelihood of many businesses –and the jobs they create– that depend on the agencies’ funding,” she explained.

The vision of this influential Latina, who has been recognized as “Most Powerful & Influential Women in Texas” by the National Diversity Council; “Woman of the Year” by Success Magazine; and the International Leadership Award by Texas Women’s Empowerment Foundation, is simple.

“Without the due political clout and representation, Latinos cannot find economic opportunities. Latinos are a silent voice and we need to empower our community in topics from comprehensive immigration reform and tax reform to energy policies, all topics important to the United States of America because they all relate to business,” she explained.

HHCC supports immigration reform

HHCC supports comprehensive immigration reform

During the Annual Luncheon and Business Expo, the chamber creates networking opportunities by connecting business owners to the corporate world. Seminars and workshops will be offered throughout the day by sponsors such as Port of Houston Authority, which will explain how to conduct business to and with potential vendors.

“The event has grown from a small luncheon to a full-day activity and business expo, very well-attended by large corporations’ CEOs, elected officials, business owners and also emerging leaders we recruit and prepare through our Foundation’s Emerging Leaders program,” Dr. Murillo said.

She has been the HHCC President and CEO for eight years but was previously involved with the chamber for 20 as board member and community leader. The organization has grown from a small group of members to the largest Hispanic chamber in the country, Dr. Murillo added.

“As the daughter of immigrants, it has been a personal privilege to help develop a strong Latino community in Houston and its region. Many important goals have been accomplished but certainly there is room to do more,” she concluded.

Emerging Leaders Institute graduates 2014

Emerging Leaders Institute graduates 2014