NSHMBA Boston Gala: Embracing change, leveraging technology

On December 8, 2011, the Copley Marriott was buzzing with excitement for the National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA) Boston’s 9th Signature Gala. Every year the NSHMBA Boston hosts an event that celebrates the accomplishments of the chapter, its corporate partners, and members who are committed to accelerate the Latino initiative in education and career advancement. The result is always on target: people leave excited, inspired and filled with renewed energy to become a change agent in the Latino community and this year was no exception.

Boston Chapter President, Karina Arnaez’s opening remarks centered on one word: familia. Karina described NSHMBA as an organization that upholds the values of being a family unit. She said, "NSHMBA means different things to everyone, it depends where they are in their career progression.  The one constant is that we are a family and are here to support you and your career advancement." Mistress of Ceremony, Elisa Jaramillo, of Pegasystems, introduced keynote speaker Carlos Domínguez, Senior Vice President from Cisco Systems.

Domínguez presentation evoked humor, wonder and the realization that part of our success is directly correlated with embracing technology. He emphasized creativity as the number one desired skill in today’s work place.  He gave example after example of how pervasive technology has become in everyday living, from online dating to social media. His message was simple:  Folks who cannot embrace technology cannot lead.

Yvonne Martin, Carlos Domínguez, Armando Llorente and Karian Arnaez

Other highlights from the gala include awards given to several organizations and individuals for their advocacy and commitment to advancing Latino leadership through education:

• Corporate Award: Ocean Spray
• Non-Profit Award: Orale con Veronica
• Educational Institution Award: HULT International Business School
• Volunteer of the Year Award: Robert Aguirre (2010 NSHMBA Scholar at Harvard Business School)
• Champion Award: Brenda Ruiz, EMC
• Member of the Year Award: : Manuel Zapata (2010 NSHMBA Scholar at Boston University)
• Hayden Estrada Inspirational Leader Award: Armando Llorente

Before the evening came to a close attendees danced the night away with DJ Franklin Rosario.  Several looked at one another with delight and commented on the evening’s highlights. Among them was Armando Llorente, Vice President from Clark & Lavey Benefit Solutions, Inc. who said, “This year’s gala was a fabulous success, the group outdid itself!”
Evelyn Barahona contributed to this article.