Latino Leadership: A Necessary Commitment And Investment For Golden Era
By Victor Escalante, News Taco
If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. John Quincy Adams
Those of us that are well traveled and have some grey hair know that someone in our lives inspired us to be and do more than we thought we were capable of being and achieving. Whether it’s a parent, teacher, mentor, or role model, talent cultivation rarely happens in a vacuum.
In my experience, I have been blessed with many prominent men and women that inspired me. Starting with my third grade teacher, Maestra Alva down to my current mentors, they have shaped and inspired me to pursue my dreams and aim for the stars.
In the case of Mr. Obama, his mother’s strong influence is well documented as a significant force in staging his future and his destiny. It is this positive commitment to mentoring and cultivating current and future leaders that will improve conditions for Latinos.
Two Houston Hispanic leaders see the handwriting on the wall and the urgency of growing Latino leadership. One is Ben Mendez currently serving as Chairman of the board of The Texas Association Of Chambers Of Commerce and Dr. Laura Murillo, President and CEO of The Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Ben is the founder of The Leadership Institute, an executive training program that operates within The National Hispanic Professional Organization. This leadership training is focused on helping future leaders network with other prominent Latinos in their class and beyond. Another key objective is to teach the basic skills to serve on boards of non-profit organizations.
To date some two hundred graduates have been trained in the necessary leadership skills such as public speaking, team building, conflict resolution, leadership styles, media training, and other core capabilities.
Under Dr. Murillo’s leadership, the Hispanic Chamber created The Emerging Leaders Institute; a four week program for outstanding undergraduate students and college graduates with less than ten years of business experience. What makes this newly launched leadership training unique, is that upon completion students attend The U.S. National Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Convention. This key component is designed to help graduates network and establish relationships with powerful national Latino leaders.
At the end of the day, investing in leadership competencies is bound to pay enormous dividends for Latinos and the country. Next week I will bring you an exclusive News Taco story of one woman’s vision and contribution for creating home grown Latino leaders.
[Photo by HHCC]In the picture Houston’s Mayor Annise Parker welcoming first class of The Emerging Leaders Institute
