CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Elisa D. Garcia Office Depot What does it mean to be a part of the fastest growing minority in the U.S.? The thought of being a majority minority is exciting. I love that businesses are recognizing that the Hispanic consumer is different: We open and own more small businesses on a percentage basis than the non-Hispanic population. We are strong contributors to the economy. As such, they are trying to find ways to better serve us. How has your heritage been beneficial or helpful in your career and/or business relationships? I have advised clients in Latin America on numerous transactions. My fluency in Spanish, but more importantly, the fact that I was Spanish, helped me listen and understand the issues affecting my clients through a cultural lens. In one transaction, my client had been trying for years to purchase a company in Colombia from its founder. I was able to develop a rapport with the business owner (our grandfathers were from the same province in Spain) and although the negotiations took over nine months, we were able to consummate the deal. I credit my ability to connect with so many of my Latin American clients to our common heritage. What advice would you give the next generation of Hispanic business leaders? What are some tips for other Hispanics beginning their careers? Latinas constitute 7 percent of the total U.S. population, but represent only 1.4 percent of the legal profession in the U.S. The legal profession is not the only sector to experience this dearth of participation by Hispanic women. My tip to Hispanic women and men entering business is to become leaders and to make your name and heritage known. Young Hispanics need role models so that they know that Si, se puede.
HEADQUARTERS: Boca Raton, Florida
WEBSITE: www.officedepot.com
BUSINESS: Retail REVENUES: $10.7 billion
EMPLOYEES: 38,000 Title: Executive Vice President and General Counsel
Education: BA, MS, State University of New York at Stony Brook; JD, St. John’s University
Interests: I’m a frequent speaker on legal education panels and an advocate of value-based legal billing.
Minerva Garcia DDB New York HEADQUARTERS: New York, New York
WEBSITE: www.ddb.com
BUSINESS: Advertising REVENUES: $25 million EMPLOYEES: 310 Title: Associate Director, HR and Director of Diversity Education: BS, Le Moyne College; MS, The New School; MPS, New York Institute of Technology
My Perfect Day: Staying home with my husband and children at the beach
Interests: Fine dining, cooking, reading, and fashion
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What does it mean to be a part of the fastest growing minority in the U.S.? The major values of my heritage are loyalty, determination, and honesty. With change happening on a constant basis loyalty is more important than ever. The foundation of loyalty is trust, and trust is the foundation of all relationships. With this concept in mind, it has helped me be determined to succeed in an honest way. Becoming successful is a long process that requires patience. If you are determined you will know the steps required to achieve your goals. You also need to have drive—this has helped me become successful. How does being Hispanic shape your identity? Identity is the behavior of a person in response to their surrounding environment. At certain points of time, some people search for their identity in order to understand their existence in life. Being Hispanic has not really impacted me or my views on the world. My personal experiences have impacted who I am as a person. What advice would you give the next generation of Hispanic business leaders? What are some tips for other Hispanics beginning their careers? My advice to the next generation of Hispanic business leaders is quite simple. Stay humble, be informed, and reach back in order to reach forward. You must always be grounded and learn from your mistakes in order to grow. l have a vision. It is important to remember that nothing is built in one day. Keep your vision in mind and continue to work with it—let it excite you and continue to motivate you. Never stop sharing it with everyone else.
PROFILES IN DIVERSITY JOURNAL
September/October 2013