LATINO executive Rafael Romero welcomed the participants and corporate supporters at our annual Diversity Forum at the Harvard Club of New York City. While the magazine is based in Austin, Romero manages its New York office.

“Companies such as yours lead the way and set an example for other companies to follow” he said, “we applaud you for your dedicated leadership in diversity.”

This event was part of an ongoing series of panel discussions held around the country by LATINO on the topic of “Defining Diversity.” The audience included corporate executives, entrpreneurs, and members of New York chapters of organizations like ALPFA, NSHMBA, LISTA, as well as LATINO readers.

The speakers and panelists included Bernie Collins, Human Resources Director, UPS Northeast Region; Cesar Estrada, Sr. Managing Director, State Street Bank; Doris B. Gonzalez, Sr. Program Manager, IBM; and Rafael Sulit, Director of U.S. Brand Strategy and Impementation, National Grid.

One of the issues discussed was the contributions made by the growing number of employee resource groups (ERGs) at their respective companies. These groups create a valuable network for Latino employees but equally assist in hiring and outreach to the Latino community. Also addressed was the very positive role that Latino professional organizations play in achieving diversity goals.

Muchas gracias to all who participated in our last Diversity Forum at the Harvard Club of New York City. The next one will take place at the University Club in Chicago on May 21, 2015.

(l-r) Bernie Collins, Cesar Estrada, Doris B. Gonzalez and Rafael A. Sulit