In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, leaders from media, marketing, and advertising came together for a roundtable discussion about the state of inclusion in the industry, the role of mentorship, and the responsibility to prepare the next generation of leaders. Panelists included Maria Teresa Hernandez, Head of Strategic Partnerships and Inclusive Growth at Rembrand; Raul Rios, Head of Strategy at Saylor; and Marina Filippelli, CEO at Orci.
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 sustainability.
Redefining Inclusion: More Than Just a Seat at the Table
Maria Teresa Hernandez opened by stressing the responsibility leaders carry, regardless of sector. “We definitely have a responsibility to make sure our work reflects the communities that we serve,” she said. For Hernandez, being one of the few Latinas in ad tech underscores how isolating leadership can feel. “It can be lonely, right? So, it's great to see people who look like you, who talk like you, and share your lived experiences.”
She also highlighted the importance of taking a “temp check,” creating safe spaces for dialogue and vulnerability during challenging times. “It really is important for us to come together, to temp check, to make sure that we're talking to each other, listening, and really allowing safe spaces within our community so that we can share and be vulnerable.”
Raul Rios brought the conversation to the heart of representation. “Inclusion without power is tokenism,” he declared. While representation is a first step, he argued that true equity comes from authorship and authority. “Only about 3% of TV shows, 6% of films really have Hispanics in the lead… only about 8% are directing behind the scenes. So, this really signals that this need for inclusion needs to focus on our stories, and it's not filtered through someone else’s lens.”
Marina Filippelli echoed that inclusion must go deeper, especially for younger professionals. “Instead of moving forward and having more opportunities as they're coming into these careers… they're starting to feel like maybe there isn't as much room as I thought there would be. So, I think right now, there's a lot of space for making sure that younger generations… keep feeling the support from the community.”
The Power of Mentorship
The 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. “Making lasting change isn’t just a one-off. It has to be this consistent effort that happens in micro ways… whether it's letting someone present in front of a client or giving them a stretch project.” He now applies that lesson by creating micro-opportunities for his team, ensuring diverse talent is seen and supported.
For Filippelli, mentorship has been integral to her career trajectory, particularly at Orci, a pioneering Hispanic-owned agency. “I 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 I’ve had,” she said. That experience drives her to continue cultivating a supportive environment. “We’ve been a training ground for a lot of people. There’s a lot of what we call ‘exorcistas’ out in the world who know each other, support each other, and are always looking to lend a hand.”
Hernandez emphasized the courage of simply reaching out. “The first step is just reaching out. When you do it thoughtfully, people usually show up… intrinsically, people are just good, and they want to help.” She also advised building a network of mentors and champions. “You don’t 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 career.”
Leading with Honesty and Collaboration
As the discussion shifted toward leadership, Filippelli spoke about the importance of honesty in uncertain times. “A 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 us… but I think right now, we have to figure out what are the ways that are productive to have conversations and engage with different perspectives.”
She added that leaders must not be afraid of difficult conversations, even when uncomfortable. “Our community is not going to go down without a fight. We're gonna have productive conversations, we're gonna try to make sure that our community is well defended and well-respected as much as it is in our hands to do so.”
Hernandez underscored the necessity of partnerships to build sustainable progress. “We're stronger together now more than ever. Partnerships coming together… create access points for Latinos, and we want to build ecosystems where we can actually thrive.” She stressed that long-term pipelines and intentional opportunities must replace short-term campaigns or performative efforts. “Too many programs have been cut. DE&I is taboo now… but the need hasn’t gone away. Partnerships do matter.”
Advice for the Next Generation
As the panel closed, the leaders offered advice for young professionals preparing to enter media, marketing, and advertising.
“Your network is your currency,” said Hernandez. “You don’t have to know where you’re gonna end up… but reach out, make connections, be vulnerable. That’s where you’re going to find the most success.”
Filippelli encouraged embracing both technology and individuality. “Yes, get to know AI, don’t hide from it. But don’t shy away from what makes you unique. What’s going to make you successful is who you are and what you bring to the table”
Rios emphasized the collective values inherent in Hispanic culture. “Lean into what is sort of innate about Hispanic culture. Collectivism is just a part of who we are… almost creating your own personal board. I’ve done that in my career, and it has been quite valuable.” He also encouraged young leaders to take pride in their accomplishments. “You’re the one that has to tell your story. If you don’t believe your own story, no one else is going to believe it.”
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