CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Elizabeth M. Rodriguez FordHarrison HEADQUARTERS: Atlanta, Georgia WEBSITE: www.fordharrison.com BUSINESS: Law firm REVENUES: $72 million EMPLOYEES: 330 Title: Attorney, Office Administrative Partner, and Equity Partner
Education: BS, JD, University of Miami
Last Book I Read: Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead, by Sheryl Sandberg
My Perfect Day: Any day I get to relax and have fun with my family
Interests: Travel, photography, ballet, college football, great food, and spending time with family and friends
What does it mean to be a part of the fastest growing minority in the U.S.? As a child of Cuban immigrants growing up in Miami at a time when Cubans were the majority population, I was fortunate to be immersed in the culture. My grandmother lived with us and I remember the sounds of Spanish radio and television in our house and seeing Spanish store signs and billboards around town. It is interesting to see how other cities are responding to immigrants. I have recently heard Spanish in television commercials in other cities. It is exciting to see the Hispanic community becoming an influential voice in entertainment, business, law, and politics. What are the major values of your heritage? How have they helped you in your career? Hardworking, independently minded, close family ties, optimistic—these are the values that I grew up with and made me the person I am today. Early on, my parents taught me the importance of effective communication, critical thinking, and decision-making skills. Those skills are essential for a good lawyer. My parents’ fortitude and determination are my ongoing inspiration. What advice would you give the next generation of Hispanic business leaders? What are some tips for other Hispanics beginning their careers? Be authentic and remember where you came from, but remain open and listen to the opinions of everyone around you. For those just beginning their careers, be enthusiastic about learning and work hard. Find something you are passionate about and push forward. It is not easy to wake up every morning unless you love what you do. I love working in employment law. Although people tell me there are too many lawyers, in my mind there is always room for a great lawyer.
Camille Soto US Airways HEADQUARTERS: Tempe, Arizona WEBSITE: www.usairways.com What does it mean to be a part of the fastest growing minority in the U.S.? It’s an invigorating and powerful feeling to be a Latino today. Hispanics have become an influential force in the marketplace. This is changing the dynamics for business leaders and policy makers who are now making decisions that allow increased career opportunities and choices for Hispanics. How has your heritage been beneficial or helpful in your career and/or business relationships? As a Hispanic woman my heritage has motivated me to strive to excel in every career opportunity. In addition, employee resource groups such as PLANE (Professional Latino Airline Network of Employees) have helped to increase my business network and provide me with opportunities to mentor others. What advice would you give the next generation of Hispanic business leaders? What are some tips for other Hispanics beginning their careers? Become a change agent, or a person who act as a catalyst for change. Never give up and have faith in your abilities. Often, it is not the individual with the most talent, intelligence, resources, or ability who succeeds, but the individual who doesn’t quit. I would suggest Hispanics who are beginning their careers to find a mentor to help them to succeed in whatever career capacity they choose.
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PROFILES IN DIVERSITY JOURNAL
September/October 2013
BUSINESS: Transportation REVENUES: $13.8 billion EMPLOYEES: 32,000 title: Managing Director, Airport Customer Service
Last Book I REad: Sycamore Row, by John Grisham and Leading Change by John P. Kotter
Interests: Community involvement, music, and travel. Volunteering in the community is critical and gratifying. It is a way to meet new people and develop new bonds while giving back to the community. Baseball is my favorite sport and I attend Arizona Diamondbacks games and play on a co-ed team.