As I write this message today the Los Angeles LATINA Style Business Series is taking place. It is a very special occasion since it marks the 100th city that we visit with the Series. It was 14 years ago, 1998, when we launched this program in LA. Our country was in a very different place and as a matter of fact few people understood what we were trying to do since the term “Latina entrepreneur” was never brought up. It wasn’t until the results of the 2000 Census that it was “discovered” that Latinas were the fastest growing segment of the small business community. Today, everybody is well aware of the accomplishments of Latina entrepreneurs and we are proud to continue to play a role in the advancement of Latina entrepreneurship in our country. We are particularly thankful of Nationwide’s Title sponsorship of the Series for the next two years, at least, and Verizon for their support. Today we are announcing a unique association for LATINA Style with California Bank and Trust in the creation of a minority fund for small business entrepreneurs, especially Latinas that will exceed $100 million. This fund will also be part of an education and empowerment program that will provide resources to Latina entrepreneurs to take their businesses to the next level. On a separate but related note, we hosted the LATINA Style Awards and Diversity Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C. and honored Deloitte as the Company of the Year, CEO Joe Echevarria delivered a remarkable keynote address highlighting why Latinas are essential to the success of Deloitte and our community as well.

He made it very clear that empowering Latinas in the workplace brings amazing positive results to the companies that they represent. And speaking of Latina empowerment, what can be more demonstrative than the rise of Gisel Ruiz to role of Chief Operating Officer for Walmart U.S.? We have been privileged to follow her career since the early days. Her continued drive to succeed and commitment to hard work with a generous sprinkling of talent has made Gisel without a doubt the most accomplished Latina in corporate America. And she has been able to achieve her success without ever forgetting her roots and her community. She undoubtedly embodies the best that our Latina community has to offer. We congratulate her and wish her continued success in the awesome responsibilities that she has acquired.

Finally the race for the White House has now moved to the next chapter and there will be no place in our country where the election will not be center stage. The negative political ads will run non-stop through November but do not let others decide for you what is important. Take the time to really learn the issues that will affect you, your family, your business, your community and our country. You will be surprised what the real issues are if you take the time. Believe me they are not what the political ads are telling you. In the end we must make sure that our votes are counted. Do not sit on the sidelines. Best wishes to all for a great summer.

Robert E. Bard