Three simple actions to prioritize equal opportunities for underrepresented communities in the workplace

This Hispanic Heritage Month, I’m reflecting on the incredible individuals working to advance equal representation, the opportunities that lie ahead, and our shared responsibility to champion and empower Hispanic, Latino and all underrepresented communities. While we’ve made progress, we still have a long way to go. As one example, Lean In’s recent report, The State of Latinas in Corporate America (leanin.org) highlights the major obstacles Latinas face in career growth in Corporate America. According to the report, between entry-level positions and the C-suite, representation for Latinas has decreased by 78 percent—the highest decline among all groups.

Recently, I had the privilege of joining my fellow Black and Latino alumni at Syracuse University for the Office of Multicultural Advancement’s Coming Back Together 2024 Reunion. This event reinforced the importance of our shared commitment to inspire the next generation of leaders and ensure that all underrepresented communities have a seat at the table. We celebrated our progress, connected with current students, and raised money for the Our Time Has Come scholarship, which provides equal opportunities in education and future careers for underrepresented students.

I‘m also inspired by the commitment of my fellow Hispanic and Latino SAP leaders and 2025 HITEC 100 (Hispanic Technology Executive Council) award recipients, Jose Luis Ayala Cortes, Claudio Muruzabal, and Thamara Ramirez-Walker Executive MBA, MS, CHIEF to drive inclusivity and advance Hispanic and Latino communities in the workplace. Equal access isn't just about opening doors - it's about removing the barriers that keep them closed. By investing in equitable educational programs, spending time to mentor our future diverse generations, and recruiting and lifting up diverse talent, we can ensure all underrepresented communities are given equal opportunities to grow, develop, and lead our organizations into the future.

Here are three easy actions we can all take to ensure we prioritize equal opportunities in education, support active mentorship, networking, and recruitment of diverse communities in our workplaces.

1.???? Support educational scholarships and grants for underrepresented communities: My mom taught me from an early age about the power of a good education, and I’m inspired by programs such as my alma mater, Syracuse University's Our Time Has Come scholarship, which has made quality education accessible to many students from underrepresented communities. We can all engage with our own universities and community organizations to contribute to scholarships and financial aid programs that ensure students from diverse backgrounds have equal opportunities for education.

2.???? Mentor students and early talent: One of my favorite things to do both at work and in my free time, is to mentor students and early talent. Seek opportunities to partner with schools and universities to provide early internships, workshops, and networking that offer hands-on experience for students to explore future careers, Sponsoring and sharing your professional network with junior talent can also help advance their career, expand their contacts, and create new opportunities.

3.???? Recruit and amplify underrepresented talent at all levels: As leaders, we can also make a meaningful impact by intentionally recruiting, amplifying, and promoting diverse talent at all levels, and removing non-essential job requirements to attract a broader range of candidates. Additionally, we can build a culture of inclusivity, reduce bias within our systems, support employee resource groups (ERGs), and provide access to professional development training.

What successful strategies have you implemented to actively promote equal opportunities for underrepresented students and talent in your organization? I’d love to hear your experiences and any challenges you've faced along the way.