Empowering Latino Leadership: A Journey with HACE's Hombres de HACE Program

When it comes to fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace, the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE), based in Chicago, is at the forefront. Their Hombres de HACE program, launched this fall, is a testament to their commitment to strengthening the pipeline of Latino talent and equipping future leaders with the skills and mindset needed to succeed in the corporate world. As a program lead alongside Carlos Martin–an Executive Coach, in this groundbreaking initiative, I had the privilege of contributing my experiences and insights to empower the participants who are part of the next generation of Latino leaders.

Hombres de HACE is a unique program that goes beyond traditional leadership development. HACE states on its website that the program “focuses on a culturally relevant curriculum, allowing participants to reflect on their leadership traits and competencies by examining how they intersect with gender and cultural nuances”. This tailored approach recognizes the specific challenges and opportunities that impact Latinos in the workplace, providing a foundation for personal and professional growth. It is crucial to provide support and resources for men to develop their leadership skills, especially in a time when women have made significant strides in leadership roles and enjoy various empowerment programs. While it is essential to empower women and address gender imbalances, it's equally important not to overlook young men who, in many cases, can feel ignored in a rapidly changing world. By offering guidance and mentorship to young Latino men, we can help them navigate the complexities of modern life and empower them to become confident, responsible, and empathetic leaders. Inclusivity is the key, ensuring that both genders receive the support and tools they need to succeed and contribute positively to society.

I commend HACE for its visionary commitment to developing a leadership program for men, and I'm deeply honored to have been invited to serve as one of the leads for this impactful initiative.? My involvement in the program drew from a diverse background that includes roles as a former banker, investment banker, manager, past and current board member of various organizations, co-founder of a nonprofit, entrepreneur, current professor, investor and author. This eclectic mix of experiences has allowed me to develop a broad perspective on leadership, and I was eager to share this with the young men who participated in Hombres de HACE.?

Having gained broad experience in the financial services industry as a Latino, I have encountered my fair share of obstacles and triumphs. I have gained an understanding of the importance of strategic planning, goal setting, and the significance of networking—strategies that have enabled me to showcase my financial expertise and foster its growth. These are not just professional buzzwords; they are fundamental elements that have guided my journey. One of the key aspects I sought to instill in the participants of the program was the idea of creating a plan as a roadmap for success professionally and with financial wellness in mind. A clear plan not only serves as a guide but also empowers individuals to set achievable goals and milestones. In my view,? thinking strategically is about aligning actions with objectives based on integrity. In any endeavour, integrity is paramount. It's not just about doing the right thing when someone is watching but about maintaining a high standard of ethical behavior even when no one is. Integrity builds trust and is a foundation for a successful career.

The seven-week Hombres de HACE program provided a platform to impart these lessons and engage in meaningful discussions with young Latino leaders. The participants engaged in a profound journey of self-discovery and personal growth. We delved into topics ranging from reflecting on values and leveraging identity, discovering one's unique leadership style and influence, developing a personal brand and strategic network, to understanding financial planning and achieving optimal work-life integration. Practical skills such as negotiation were honed, and towards the program's conclusion, participants collaborated on inspiring group projects that encapsulated their newfound knowledge and leadership capabilities. This holistic and empowering program aimed to equip young Latino men with the tools to succeed personally and professionally while embracing their cultural identity.

We started the program by discussing about breaking free from outdated stereotypes, highlighting that it is crucial for men to overcome aversions to emotional vulnerability. How by reshaping our narrative around Latino masculinity, we empower ourselves to embrace positive traits like character strength, empathy, and open emotional expression. In the modern era, being a man transcends antiquated norms; it involves cultivating a positive identity that thrives on authentic emotional connection. By fostering openness during moments of vulnerability, men can contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate society, strengthening bonds with those they trust and love.

In the weeks that followed we looked at understanding our road map to act beyond the job description, which is where the real magic happens. To become an asset to any company, it's essential to think and act a level above what's expected. Being proactive, taking initiative, and seeking ways to add value to your role is a surefire way to stand out and advance in your career.

Networking was fostered as vital skill that can't be overlooked. It's not just about collecting business cards but about building meaningful relationships with colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals. Networking opens doors, provides opportunities for learning and growth, and can lead to career-defining moments. However, it's not just about individual success. The concept of being a team player is equally crucial. Collaborating effectively, supporting your peers, and contributing to the success of the team is essential in any workplace. Being a team player can help create a positive work environment and foster collective achievements.?

As program leads–Carlos Martin and I, our role was not just to instruct but to inspire and motivate the participants to realize their full potential. Through a blend of an HACE designed curricula, our personal experiences, and insights into leadership, we aimed to empower them to navigate their careers with confidence. We–as program leads, focused on fostering a mindset of success and resilience. It's about recognizing that as Latinos, we bring unique perspectives and strengths to the table, and we can use them to our advantage because it gives us a wider perspective. In the words of my colleague Carlos Martin “it’s not this or that, rather think of it as this and that—two things running in parallel.” It's about embracing our cultural identity and using it as a source of empowerment, not as a barrier.

One of the delightful aspects of taking a leadership role in a program like this is the opportunity to connect with and mentor young professionals. Roberto Valdez Jr., a participant in the inaugural Hombres de HACE program, came up to me in while at a conference in Chicago and he expressed that being selected for and participating in the program was a "privilege." According to Valdez, the program offered him a valuable space to discuss his unique experiences as a Latino professional, highlighting both the opportunities he has leveraged and the challenges he has navigated throughout his career. He emphasized the significance of having fellow Latino professionals from diverse careers and industries, stating that the shared stories and different perspectives make the program exceptionally valuable. He thought such interaction participating in the program encouraged sharing insights aligned to the participants’ unique Latino cultural backgrounds and identities. My hope is that the participants take advantage of HACE’s offering of mentorship with a professional coach once the weekly sessions were completed.?

In the end, Hombres de HACE is not just about personal success but about elevating the Latino community as a whole. By nurturing these future leaders and equipping them with the tools and knowledge they need, we're not only strengthening individual careers but contributing to the collective advancement of Latinos in the corporate world. Together, we can rise to new heights and shatter the glass ceilings that may stand in our way. As I reflect on my journey with HACE's Hombres de HACE program, I'm filled with hope and excitement for the future of Latino leadership. I am confident that the young men who participated in the program will carry forward the wisdom and insights they've gained, becoming catalysts for change and progress. Through programs like Hombres de HACE, we are writing a new chapter in the story of Latino leadership, one that is defined by empowerment, diversity, and a commitment to excellence.

Check out HACE: https://haceonline.org/leadership-programs/

#HACE #leadership

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