CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Theresa de Leon PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. HEADQUARTERS: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
WEBSITE: www.pnc.com BUSINESS: Retail and business banking
REVENUES: $15.5 billion EMPLOYEES: 56,000 Title: Senior Vice President and Director of Wealth Management Education: BA, Yale University; MBA, New York University; JD, New York Law School Last Book I Read: Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead, by Sheryl Sandberg
My Perfect Day: A picnic with my husband, ten kids, and four grandchildren
Interests: Politics and psychology
What does it mean to be a part of the fastest growing minority in the U.S.? It means a tremendous increase in responsibility for the continued growth and success of the U.S. We are no longer simply one of many contributors to the United States’ growth, but rather a driving force of the country’s social and economic future. How has your heritage been beneficial or helpful in your career and/or business relationships? My heritage is focused on strong family and community ties and support, which have always helped me face challenging business issues. Additionally, we have a diverse culture in the Hispanic community that has enabled us to lead by example in the areas of diversity and inclusion. My work with the American Conference on Diversity is one example of that. What are the major values of your heritage? How have they helped you in your career? The major values of my heritage include faith, family, community, and an individual fortitude that has helped me persevere throughout my education and professional career. These values have given me the self-confidence and determination that have been essential in every aspect of my life, as well as the commitment and passion that have motivated my work within the community. What advice would you give the next generation of Hispanic business leaders? What are some tips for other Hispanics beginning their careers? Study hard and work harder. Know that you can accomplish your goals and don’t allow low expectations of others to deter you.
Lourdes F. Diaz Sodexo Inc. HEADQUARTERS: Gaithersburg, Maryland WEBSITE: www.sodexousa.com BUSINESS: Quality of life services; facilities management and food service
REVENUES: $8.8 billion EMPLOYEES: 450,000 title: Vice President, Diversity Relations & Strategic Partnerships Education: BS, Loyola University Chicago
Last Book I REad: Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead, by Sheryl Sandberg
My Perfect Day: When I am able to positively impact someone’s day
What does it mean to be a part of the fastest growing minority in the U.S.? Being part of the fastest-growing minority is empowering. Each one of us has a responsibility to play an active role in the economic development of our communities. We must improve the educational system for our students and provide mentoring and career opportunities. What are the major values of your heritage? How have they helped you in your career? I was raised with strong cultural values: Self-respect, humility, confidence, and dedication to purpose and giving. All these elements resonated with me early on in my life and formed who I am. In high school, I made a commitment to invest my efforts in giving through focusing my career on the interests and needs of the multicultural communities. How does being Hispanic shape your identity? I am bicultural; I embrace being a Hispanic woman. I live the combination of an enriching Latino culture (family, warmth, passion, beautiful music, and dancing) and the formality of the American culture, which allows me to be holistic. I often reflect on my blessings, as I am aware that I am a stronger and more sensitive person due to having both lenses.
Interests: Engaging in conversations with my husband and children and running with the dogs
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PROFILES IN DIVERSITY JOURNAL
September/October 2013