Empowering Latino Leaders

Channeling Philanthropic and Investment Capital Strategies for Entrepreneurial Growth

Former US Secretary and CEO of the Latino Community Foundation, Julián Castro and Noramay Cadena (Managing Partner, Supply Change Capital; Cofounder and Managing Partner, MiLA Capital; Board Director, Latino Community Foundation, CARE) joined NACD Northern California's Latino Cohort to dive into a dynamic discussion about how Latino directors are spearheading the flow of capital, both philanthropic and investment-oriented, to uplift their community and foster entrepreneurial growth. 

The session, moderated by Dr. Sandra Hernández (President and CEO, California HealthCare Foundation; Board Director, 23andMe Inc., California Health Care Foundation, California Office of Health Care Affordability, National Academy of Medicine Leadership Consortium) was important in highlighting the importance of the Latino community in the U.S. and how board directors and philanthropists can support the pursuit of economic and social impact in this community. Key takeaways and the full recording can be found below:

Gain Support for Latino Representation Using Data

• Encourage your boards to evaluate the representation of Latinos on the board and executive team with the economic data to back it.
  
  • Note the significant underrepresentation of Latinos on corporate and public-serving boards, with less than 5% of Fortune 500 board seats held by Latinos despite making up 40% of California's population.
  • A UCLA study shows If Latinos in the U.S. were an independent country, their GDP would be the world’s fifth largest, outpacing the UK, France and India. This type of data can support advocacy for increased focus on Latino talent and showcase the power of Latino consumers.

Be Your True Self in the Boardroom

• Use your unique personal journey and culture as your superpower to provide a new perspective for your boards and companies, and be your true self to help the community.
   

Do Your Part for the Latino Community

• Explore collaborations with organizations like the Latino Community Foundation and Latino Corporate Directors Association to boost representation and impact.
• Harness your network and relationships to expand the reach and effectiveness of upcoming Latino leaders. Be proactive and not reactive in making introductions.
• Encourage allies to use their influence to bring Latino voices into decision-making rooms and advocate for equitable representation in private markets.
• Leverage the philanthropic and economic power of the Latino community, which currently receives only 1.1% of philanthropic donations.

Thank you to the generous support of our partner Tara Tays, Pay Governance LLC to showcase our commitment to advocating for Latinos in the boardroom.

Watch the full recording here.