Hispanic Leadership Roundtable: Inclusion, Mentorship, and Building the Next Generation (Video)

The conversation was candid and urgent reflecting on both progress and setbacks in creating equitable spaces for Hispanic professionals From the importance of authentic representation to the power of mentorship the leaders emphasized that inclusion is not just about presence it is about influence responsibility and sustainabilityRedefining Inclusion More Than Just a Seat at the TableMaria Teresa Hernandez opened by stressing the responsibility leaders carry regardless of sector amp8220We definitely have a responsibility to make sure our work reflects the communities that we serveamp8221 she said For Hernandez being one of the few Latinas in ad tech underscores how isolating leadership can feel amp8220It can be lonely right So it39s great to see people who look like you who talk like you and share your lived experiencesamp8221She also highlighted the importance of taking a amp8220temp checkamp8221 creating safe spaces for dialogue and vulnerability during challenging times amp8220It really is important for us to come together to temp check to make sure that we39re talking to each other listening and really allowing safe spaces within our community so that we can share and be vulnerableamp8221Raul Rios brought the conversation to the heart of representation amp8220Inclusion without power is tokenismamp8221 he declared While representation is a first step he argued that true equity comes from authorship and authority amp8220Only about 3 of TV shows 6 of films really have Hispanics in the leadamp8230 only about 8 are directing behind the scenes So this really signals that this need for inclusion needs to focus on our stories and it39s not filtered through someone elseamp8217s lensamp8221Marina Filippelli echoed that inclusion must go deeper especially for younger professionals amp8220Instead of moving forward and having more opportunities as they39re coming into these careersamp8230 they39re starting to feel like maybe there isn39t as much room as I thought there would be So I think right now there39s a lot of space for making sure that younger generationsamp8230 keep feeling the support from the communityamp8221The Power of MentorshipThe conversation naturally turned to mentorship a cornerstone of leadership development Rios recalled a boss early in his career who taught him to open doors for others amp8220Making lasting change isnamp8217t just a oneoff It has to be this consistent effort that happens in micro waysamp8230 whether it39s letting someone present in front of a client or giving them a stretch projectamp8221 He now applies that lesson by creating microopportunities for his team ensuring diverse talent is seen and supportedFor Filippelli mentorship has been integral to her career trajectory particularly at Orci a pioneering Hispanicowned agency amp8220I was exposed very early to professionals in our industry that made me not question whether it was possible for me to have the type of career that Iamp8217ve hadamp8221 she said That experience drives her to continue cultivating a supportive environment amp8220Weamp8217ve been a training ground for a lot of people Thereamp8217s a lot of what we call amp8216exorcistasamp8217 out in the world who know each other support each other and are always looking to lend a handamp8221Hernandez emphasized the courage of simply reaching out amp8220The first step is just reaching out When you do it thoughtfully people usually show upamp8230 intrinsically people are just good and they want to helpamp8221 She also advised building a network of mentors and champions amp8220You donamp8217t just have to have one You want to have a collection of champions and mentors that can really be there for you in those times and those different life stages in your careeramp8221Leading with Honesty and CollaborationAs the discussion shifted toward leadership Filippelli spoke about the importance of honesty in uncertain times amp8220A lot of it has been in saying the things that nobody wants to say and being just really brutally honest about where we are without being a Debbie Downer It has been a tough few months for usamp8230 but I think right now we have to figure out what are the ways that are productive to have conversations and engage with different perspectivesamp8221She added that leaders must not be afraid of difficult conversations even when uncomfortable amp8220Our community is not going to go down without a fight We39re gonna have productive conversations we39re gonna try to make sure that our community is well defended and wellrespected as much as it is in our hands to do soamp8221Hernandez underscored the necessity of partnerships to build sustainable progress amp8220We39re stronger together now more than ever Partnerships coming togetheramp8230 create access points for Latinos and we want to build ecosystems where we can actually thriveamp8221 She stressed that longterm pipelines and intentional opportunities must replace shortterm campaigns or performative efforts amp8220Too many programs have been cut DEampampI is taboo nowamp8230 but the need hasnamp8217t gone away Partnerships do matteramp8221Advice for the Next GenerationAs the panel closed the leaders offered advice for young professionals preparing to enter media marketing and advertisingamp8220Your network is your currencyamp8221 said Hernandez amp8220You donamp8217t have to know where youamp8217re gonna end upamp8230 but reach out make connections be vulnerable Thatamp8217s where youamp8217re going to find the most successamp8221Filippelli encouraged embracing both technology and individuality amp8220Yes get to know AI donamp8217t hide from it But donamp8217t shy away from what makes you unique Whatamp8217s going to make you successful is who you are and what you bring to the tableamp8221Rios emphasized the collective values inherent in Hispanic culture amp8220Lean into what is sort of innate about Hispanic culture Collectivism is just a part of who we areamp8230 almost creating your own personal board Iamp8217ve done that in my career and it has been quite valuableamp8221 He also encouraged young leaders to take pride in their accomplishments amp8220Youamp8217re the one that has to tell your story If you donamp8217t believe your own story no one else is going to believe itamp8221Posted at MediaVillage through the Thought Leadership selfpublishing platformClick the social buttons to share this story with colleagues and friendsThe opinions expressed here are the author39s views and do not necessarily represent the views of MediaVillageorgMyersBizNet

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Hispanic Leadership Roundtable: Inclusion, Mentorship, and Building the Next Generation (Video)

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