Latino Corporate Directors Association (LCDA)

If it's a First Friday of the month, it's another successful Cafecito Contigo this morning. I want to thank Ozzie (Oswaldo) Gromada Meza and Paul Variano for sharing their time with us in showcasing the Latino Corporate Directors Association (LCDA) and JP Morgan's Director Advisory Services. We're building our own special network and legacy out here in the Garden State and we would encourage you to do the same. Thank you as well to our wonderful hostess Julia Savage. Looking forward in the future to also including our adult children in these conversations because they are a part of our legacy too! Estrellas in attendance this morning included: Sarah M. Aiosa, MPH Desiree Castillejos Jose Claxton Carlos Méndez, CPA Matias R. Arturo Rodriguez Hugo Santillan Deborah Velez Medenica, CFA #jerseystrong #latinos #entrepreneurship #business #philanthrophy #innovation #cultureofmoney #legacy #movement #affinity

Congratulations to Elena Gomez on being named President of Toast Inc. Elena currently serves on the University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business, and PagerDuty (NYSE: PD)'s Board of Directors. Elena is also a Founding Limited Partner and Advisor at Operator Collective ??. Elena is a results-oriented finance executive with over 30 years of experience leading large global organizations, including Zendesk, Salesforce, and Visa. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gScUd7Bh #LatinoLeaders #CorporateGovernance

The LCDEF‘s premiere BoardReady Institute (BRI) is a comprehensive, in-person program uniquely designed to prepare and position aspiring directors for boardroom success. There is no other programming of this scope focused on accelerating the preparation, development, and placement of highly credentialed Latinos aspiring to become directors at the highest levels of corporate governance. To join LCDA and learn more, click here: https://lnkd.in/gNyTzEpK #LatinosonBoards #BoardReadyInstitute #BRI

Congratulations to #LCDAMember Evelyn D'An on her appointment to Matinas BioPharma Holdings Inc. (NYSE: MTNB)'s Board of Directors. Evelyn currently serves on Backblaze Inc. (NASDAQ: BLZE), Zoomcar Holdings (NASDAQ: ZCAR), GHD Group, and RIM Architects' Board of Directors. Evelyn is an experienced board director and financial leader with deep corporate governance, financial oversight, and accounting expertise across public and private companies. She spent 18 years as a Partner at EY, served as Chief Financial Officer at Cytovia Therapeutics, and held multiple leadership roles at Brightstar Corp. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gmnxvP83 #LatinoLeaders #LCDAOnTheRise #CorporateGovernance

Congratulations to #LCDAMember Tupa Gomes on his appointment to Frites Street's Advisory Board. Tupa currently serves on the Board of Directors of Grupo Delly's. He is also a co-founder, chair, and board member of FB – IFB - Instituto Foodservice Brasil. Additionally, he is a business partner at Tompkins Ventures and a private investor in Gibsons Restaurant Group. Previously, Tupa served on the Board of Directors of Mohebi Martin Brower Logistics LLC. He also spent over 25 years at Martin Brower as President of Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia. #LatinoLeaders?#LCDAOnTheRise?#CorporateGovernance

This Women’s History Month, LCDA celebrates the Latina trailblazers who are breaking barriers and leading the way in corporate governance. Women’s representation on corporate boards has grown by 65% in the last decade, yet Latinas remain significantly underrepresented. According to LCDA’s 2024 Latino Board Monitor, Latinas hold just 1.7% of Fortune 500 board seats—a stark disparity that underscores the work still ahead. The solution is clear: 41% of LCDA’s membership is female, representing a powerful pipeline of board-ready Latina executives who are prepared to lead at the highest levels of corporate governance. >Tag a #LatinaLeader who inspires you. >View LCDA's Member Directory: https://lnkd.in/gutx4wfC #WomensHistoryMonth #LatinaLeadership #LatinasOnBoards

Congratulations to #LCDAMember M. Max Yzaguirre on his appointment to Solaris Energy Infrastructure (NYSE: SEI)'s Board of Directors. Max currently serves as Chairman of Compensation Committee at Aris Water Solutions (NYSE: ARIS). He also serves on Washington Federal Bank (NASDAQ: WAFD), and Altria Group Inc. (NYSE: MO)'s Board of Directors. Max was previously Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Yzaguirre Group, L.L.C. Prior to founding The Yzaguirre Group, Max served in various capacities for the group of companies headed by Ray L. Hunt of Dallas, Texas. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gb5a9t8K #LatinoLeaders?#LCDAOnTheRise?#CorporateGovernance

How Should Boards Navigate Technology Transformation? In an era of rapid digital change, board members must ensure their companies remain competitive, resilient, and secure. #LCDAMember Gioia Messinger, an experienced director and governance leader, shares key insights on board responsibilities in technology transformation in the latest episode of Directors & Boards' podcast. As director and chair of the nom/gov committee at One Stop Systems, and a board member at Guild Mortgage and Hunter Industries, Gioia understands the strategic decisions boards must make to drive innovation while mitigating risk. Don’t miss her perspective on how directors can steer technology adoption, enhance oversight, and future-proof their companies. ?? Listen now: https://lnkd.in/gb3mFfqu #BoardLeadership #CorporateGovernance #TechnologyStrategy #LCDAMembers

A year ago today, February 26, 2024 my professional career took a quantum leap when I joined Latino Corporate Directors Association (LCDA). I know, deep in my heart, that my daddy sent me this job from Heaven. Buddy LOVED building relationships and never met a stranger. He started his career in a warehouse and retired as the VP of Operations for Latin America at NCH Corporation. Because of his job we lived in Puerto Rico, Venezuela and Mexico. This immersion in Latin America opened my world to the beauty of diversity! Each country cementing a piece of my identity. As I celebrate this milestone I want to share some highlights from the past year: ??Working on a collaborative team of likeminded individuals coming together to move our Latino community forward. ??Colleagues who embrace diversity of thought and experiences. ??Building relationships with change agents that are committed to paying it forward. ??Amplifying the successes and achievements of our members! ??Overcoming my fear of flying. ??Connecting with members at Convening and BRI! I am energized by the work that lies ahead and look forward to continuing to shout from the rooftops that Latinos are good for business! ?Gracias! Obrigado!Thank you! Ozzie (Oswaldo) Gromada Meza , Carmen T Joge, Monique Navarro ?? , TM León , Justin Bradley Reyes, CAE,Luis Barragan, Lisa Hodges, Larell Rodriguez, Dante Tuexi, Nicole Doyle Suleidys Tellez, Bianca Hampel, Pilar Avila, MCLC, Adis Vila, NACD.DC , Ana Dutra! ????

Congratulations to #LCDAMember Brian Sandoval on his appointment to Resorts Resorts World Las Vegas's Board of Directors. Brian currently serves on The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (NYSE: SMG)'s Board of Directors. He is also currently President of the University of Nevada. Before his university role, Brian was Division President at MGM Resorts International and served on Coeur Mining, Inc..(NYSE: CDE)'s Board of Directors. Brian also served as Nevada’s 30th governor from 2011 to 2019. Before his governorship, Brian held several prominent positions, including Federal Court Judge, Attorney General of Nevada, and Chairman of the Nevada Gaming Commission. Read more: https://lnkd.in/grWurtTX #LatinoLeaders #LCDAOnTheRise #CorporateGovernance #BoardLeaders