Council for Latino Workpalce Equity
It is indeed a privilege to announce the launch of the Council for Latino Workplace Equity (CLWE). We have arrived at a very important moment in our society where achieving diversity and inclusion in an era of inno vation and transformation is key to the growth and attainment of the Hispanic population in the United States. We recognize the contributions made and the important presence of the Hispanic/Latino population to our nation and celebrate our culture.
Hispanics have had a profound and positive influence on our country through their strong commitment to family, faith, hard work, and service. We have enhanced and shaped our national character with centuries-old traditions that reflect the multiethnic and multicultural dimensions of our community.
According to 2012 U.S. Census estimates, 53 million people or 17 percent of the population are of Hispanic or Latino origin. This represents a significant increase from 2000, which registered the Hispanic population at 35.3 million or 13 percent. The number of Hispanic-owned businesses totaled 2.3 million in 2007 and the projected buying power of Latinos will be $1.7 trillion by 2017. Yet our representation in leadership roles and board rooms in corporate America is still very low.
The purpose of the Council for Latino Workplace Equity is to seek inclusion and opportunity for Latino leaders to claim their place at the table with certainty and conviction. Under the umbrella of the National Diversity Council, we will leverage the incredible resources we have as a community to serve as the compass for our nation as we advance the next generation of Latino leaders in our great country.
The launch of the CLWE will be celebrated during the Inaugural 2015 Latino Leadership Conference, in partnership with the University of Texas in SA School of Public Policy. The inaugural conference will be a premier leadership development event. This annual gathering of entrepreneurs, executives, innovators, educators, policy makers and outstanding students is designed to foster change and opportunity within the Latino community.
We hope you can join us in continuing to enhance the opportunities for Latinos and as we celebrate the Top 25 HISPANIC Leaders. The event will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at the Institute of Texan Cultures, UTSA HemisFair Park Campus. More information on this event can be found at www.clwe.org.
Con todo respeto,
Angeles M. Valenciano
President & EVP
National Diversity Council
