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.

The benefits of joining professional organizations

When I suggest to college students to join one or two professional associations, they usually give me a look of disbelief and confusion.  “I am not a professional, yet,” is a usual response.  Or, “It’s too expensive.”

They could not be more wrong!!

Professional organizations are one of the best sources for college students to explore career options, expand and enhance a professional network, and identify and develop leadership skills.   Some skeptics may argue that student organizations fulfill a similar role.  I beg to differ.  Although student organizations offer an excellent forum for students to develop as leaders, the experience is mainly at the peer level.  Meanwhile, professional organizations provide college students with the chance to interact with peers from other schools and professionals who could later become mentors or, better yet, employers.

If I were to summarize the benefits of joining a professional organization in one word, I would choose opportunities.  More specifically, professional organizations offer college students significant benefits such as:

Resources.  In the form of scholarships, supplies (e.g. notebooks, phones), free training and professional development, tutoring, and mentoring.  Human resource departments of large corporations usually have a college liaison that works with colleges and professional organizations. 

Jobs and internships.  Future employers welcome the chance to get know and to groom their prospective employees.  Every networking event creates an opportunity to meet decision makers from companies that could lead to an invitation to an open house or an interview.

Leadership development.  Becoming a member of a professional organization places college students at the forefront of leadership roles.  By getting involved in committees, members learn about collaboration, team work, delegation and accountability—all while developing and executing a project.

So, next time you hear about an upcoming event hosted by a professional organization in your field of interest, think twice before turning it down flat.

In terms of cost, most student memberships for a year period are on average $25.  Imagine:     How much would you invest to increase your chances of getting the job of your dreams or finding the mentor you always wanted? Would that value be $25?

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