It's no secret that women face a disproportionate number of obstacles to climbing the corporate ladder, assuming leadership roles, and succeeding in male-dominated fields. Fortunately, there's now a lot of career advice out there from successful women looking to lift other women up with them. And more than ever, anyone with Internet access can benefit from this wisdom. Since it would be a mistake not to learn the easy way what others have learned the hard way, I've rounded up some of the best of it here.

Women constitute only 14.2 percent of top executives at S&P 500 companies, 26 percent of employees in computer and mathematical occupations, and 15 percent of public companies' board members. But this is changing. READ MORE AT BUSTLE

With the new year comes renewed interest in changing jobs. If you want to move into a career poised for growth or one that is more stable, consider this first. While it may be tempting to drastically change careers, it may make more sense to switch companies within your current industry. You’ll be able to leverage your knowledge of systems, processes and customer behaviors within your field. Often, a change in company culture and management is enough to reignite your enthusiasm for the work you do. Plus, changing industries is more difficult. You’ll have to work harder to prove you have the relevant skills.

If it has been a while since you last looked, you may want to brush up on some job-search trends and what to look out for in 2016. READ MORE AT U.S. News & World Report

Latinos gave us plenty to think about in 2015, and it's time to revisit some of the best mic drop moments of the year.
From pointing out Hollywood's lack of diversity to exemplifying the importance of redefining masculinity, there was no shortage of food for thought from wise Latinos. Take a look at what John Leguizamo, Zoe Saldana, America Ferrera, Gina Rodriguez and many more Latinos said that really got us thinking in 2015. READ MORE AT HUFFINGTONPOST

At the dawn of the smartphone age, US Hispanics stood out as early adopters. Now that the population in general is converging at a high rate of smartphone ownership, one must look harder to see distinctive aspects of Hispanics’ mobile usage. The key is that smartphones still power an exceptionally large portion of Hispanics’ overall digital activity.

US Hispanics are well-equipped with smartphones, though they no longer outpace the general population in that respect. And the volume of their usage is large as phones fill an outsized share of their digital day, according to a new eMarketer report, “US Hispanics’ Mobile Usage: Relying on Smartphones as Core of Their Digital Lives." READ MORE AT EMARKETER

Among of the world’s most popular social media influencers, Latinas made the biggest gains in 2015.

Latinas are the most prominent demographic among this year’s top 20 Twitter users, from Selena Gomez to Shakira, making up over 41% of the world’s most followed women and the majority of the platforms’ most popular non-white users, regardless of gender.

Vocativ’s analysis reveals this 2015 surge reached beyond Twitter. This year Jennifer Lopez and Demi Lovato became two of the world’s 20 most popular Instagram users, acquiring millions of new followers. Selena Gomez became from Instagram’s second most popular user... READ MORE AT VOCATIV

Mexican pay-TV and broadcasting behemoth, Grupo Televisa S.A.B. (TV - Analyst Report) and U.S. broadcaster, Univision Holdings Inc. have decided to extend their alliance to provide additional opportunities for next-generation Latinos in the U.S. media and technology fields in 2016.

The primarily motive of this agreement is to reinforce and amplify the companies’ endeavors to boost the careers of Latinos in media and technology sectors and to train potential media and high-tech industries leaders and professionals. Notably, the fresh deed will include an extensive variety of programs concerning education, mentorship and career advancement. READ MORE AT ZACKS

Recently JetBlue seized an opportunity that many airlines—and other industries—are unwisely ignoring: Hispanic smartphone users. JetBlue's Spanish-language mobile website, launched last summer, has delivered significant incremental customer engagement and revenue.

It's a smart play, for two key reasons. Firstly, this market loves air travel. Nearly 80% of Hispanics take at least one vacation a year; nearly 20% take at least three vacations a year. About one-third of that travel is to international destinations, of which 90% are Spanish-speaking regions such as Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. When Hispanics travel domestically, they fly about half the time. READ MORE AT HOSPITALITYNET

Next year will be a strong one for Hispanic ad spending, with the Olympics and the presidential election, yet there’s still more money that should be funneled into Hispanic media that’s not. In part that’s because advertisers remain confused about the best way to reach Hispanics, including whether to use English- or Spanish-language media. And in part this it’s also because English-language media has been so slow to embrace true biculturalism, such as shows or magazines that truly show a Hispanic influence. Carlos Santiago, president and chief executive officer at Santiago Solutions Group and research chair at the Association of Hispanic Advertising Agencies, talks to Media Life about what to expect for ad spending next year, how TV is holding up in the digital age, and why media buyers are still confused about Hispanic media.

What’s the general outlook for Hispanic ad spending in 2016? How much do you think it will rise over 2015?

I think it will be up.

I think that this last year might have been down from 2014 because of the World Cup. So those are normal fluctuations, and next year is a political year. There are several big soccer games that will help boost it also. So I think overall next year it should be up, but the key question is if the percentage of the overall ad spend will go up, stay the same or go lower. READ MORE AT MEDIALIFE MAGAZINE

Much has been said about the youngest populations of Hispanics in the United States, because the Hispanic community ranks among the "youngest" in the nation. However, little has been said about Hispanics 50+, an age group that currently represents 11 percent of the total "aging" population in the United States, which will jump to 24 percent within the next decade or two.

A new report by Nielsen, supported by both the American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) and the Hispanic Federation, found that Hispanics 50+ have a bright future ahead of them with growing cultural, economic and political influence. These findings send a strong message about the new role Hispanics will have in our society, and illustrate that the time has come to recognize the significance of Hispanics in the 50+ age range. READ MORE AT HUFFINGTON POST

President & Founder of Figueroa Strategic Communications, LLC, Vanessa E. Figueroa, is from Chicago.

Vanessa Figueroa is a versatile professional with 15 years experience advising clients. A recognized leader in media relations, strategic communications, reputation management, events management, community engagement and crisis communications, she understands how to navigate the public relations landscape and a diverse array of public affairs challenges.

Vanessa Figueroa has provided consultation and in-house representation of corporate, government, and non-profit clients such as Comcast, Sinai Health System, Sinai Community Institute, Sinai Children’s Hospital, Chicago Metropolitan Breast Cancer Task Force, ComEd, Dove, Wrigley, Butterball Turkey,
U.S. Cellular, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Pfizer, World Business Chicago, Latino Policy Forum, Chicago Community Trust, Year Up Chicago, various elected officials and the Chicago White Sox.

Prior to launching the Figueroa Strategic Communications consulting firm in 2014, Vanessa Figueroa served as a director or manager at multiple, reputable Chicago public affairs firms. She has also worked as an in-house public affairs manager at a global media corporation where she worked with community and business leaders, elected officials, and non-profit organizations to promote the company’s education, government and public affairs initiatives.

Since launching Figueroa Strategic Communications in 2014, President & Founder Vanessa Figueroa has worked with Enlace Chicago, SEIU Healthcare Illinois & Indiana, and Cook County Commissioner and Chicago mayoral candidate Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, Gun Violence Prevention Pac (GPAC), El Valor, South East Chicago Commission, Chicago Run, Women’s Business Development Center, and the Hispanic Housing Development Corporation.

Vanessa started her career with the City of Chicago serving as an aldermanic community relations liaison and conducted statewide grassroots outreach efforts for then-U.S. Senator Barack Obama.

She has appeared in Today’s Chicago Woman Magazine and was featured as one of “Chicago’s Top 25 Young Latino Leaders” in Latino Leaders National Magazine in 2012.

Vanessa Figueroa graduated from Northwestern University with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and has a master’s degree in Public Service Management (Public Policy and Public Administration) from DePaul University.

If you are interested in work opportunities with FSC, please contact Vanessa Figueroa at vanessa@figueroastratcom.com

For more information visit www.figueroastratcom.com

More Latinos are now graduating with post-secondary degrees in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), but they continue to be significantly underrepresented in the total number of STEM credentials earned.

A new report released Wednesday by Excelencia in Education found that Latinos earned more STEM credentials across all academic levels—including associate, bachelor and graduate degrees—over the last few years. However, only 9 percent of STEM degrees and certificates went to Latinos in 2013.

The report lists the top 25 colleges and universities that are graduating Latinos in STEM. Those schools are primarily located in three states—California, Florida, Texas—and Puerto Rico. The majority of them are Hispanic-Serving Institutions, which means over a quarter of their student body is Hispanic. READ MORE AT NBC NEWS

There is no doubt that Hispanics are a growing and important market for brands and retailers. For those looking to reach Hispanics consumers in 2016, below are five important thoughts to keep in mind from notable industry experts.

1. Sponsor brands that promote Hispanic “techies” and technical bloggers.
Rebecca Castrejon, online community manager, MXM: “According to Nielsen Consumer Insights, Hispanics are the largest group using mobile devices for any type of transaction, from banking to watching movies. Additionally, Hispanics have become ‘super consumers’ of mobile marketing, making them the most desired market for telecommunication companies. READ MORE AT MEDIAPOST

Celia Aguilar wears a long, loosely fitted white dress with touches of red embroidery and red bandanas tied around her head and waist. The 29-year-old Chicana dances alongside men wearing large, feathered headdresses, the seashells on their ankles rattling. Here in El Paso, Texas, they gather in a ritual of Danza Azteca, an Aztec dance preserved in Mexican culture.

“For me it is a form of spiritual healing,” she says. “A way to connect with my indigenous roots as well as preserve ancient traditions. It’s a form of prayer and ceremony that really helps me cope with all of the things that I face in my life.”

Author Claudia Kolker took a closer look at such cultural practices for her 2011 book, "The Immigrant Advantage." Her book examines why immigrants are often healthier than native-born Americans — a question that continues to be explored. Some credit this perplexing phenomenon to the idea that immigrants must be healthy to migrate. READ MORE AT PRI

Alfonso Gutiérrez
News Anchor
Telemundo Chicago/WSNS

Alfonso Gutiérrez works as a news anchor for Noticiero Telemundo Chicago, which airs Monday through Friday at 4:30 PM, 5:00 PM, and 10:00 PM on Telemundo Chicago/WSNS, the local station which serves the Spanish speaking community of Chicago.

As part of Noticiero Telemundo Chicago, Gutiérrez reports the latest and most important news for Chicago area viewers. Gutiérrez first joined Telemundo Chicago in 2003, when he worked in the creative services department as an intern.

Gutiérrez has received two Emmy Awards for his journalistic work in a series of special investigations for Telemundo Chicago. He has been nominated an additional 6 times to the Emmy for his work as reporter and producer. Gutiérrez received his Bachelor’s degree in Video and Film Production from Columbia College Chicago.

Originally from Jalisco, Mexico, Gutiérrez advocates for the success of young students, inspiring them to become future leaders.

To learn more about Alfonso Gutiérrez, please visit his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/alfonso.telemundo and follow him on Twitter @alfonsoreporta

1 week away! 250 tickets sold. Don't miss the signature holiday celebration for Chicago's Latino professional community next Wednesday, December 16 at SHAY. Tickets will not be sold at the door. 

For a number of U.S. immigrants, the “American Dream” includes starting a business one day. That's true for many in Latin American communities, and increasingly women are starting those businesses.

States like California, Texas and Florida all have strong markets for business-minded Latinas. But no state has seen more growth in its number of Latina-owned firms than Georgia, according to the 2015 State of Women-Owned Businesses Survey.

Maria Azuri teaches a class to Latin American women interested in starting their own businesses. One recent morning, she talks to her students about the importance of branding products. She asks what comes to mind when they hear the name of a well-known brand. READ MORE AT WABE

Latinos account for nearly half of all consumer spending growth and are the fastest-growing population group in the country, yet a new report finds that Hispanics are largely missing in action in the corridors of power in corporate America.

The 2015 Corporate Inclusion Report from the Washington-based Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR) finds that just over 7 percent of Latinos held board seats - higher than average in Fortune 500 companies but still considered low, and of those, about two percent were held by Latinas. Overall, four percent of all executive positions were held by Hispanics, with Latina executives comprising one percent, which HACR calls a "worrisome" lack of movement in the executive ranks.

"The data reveals that few companies are tapping into top Latino talent to fill open board positions, which is a trend we would like to see change," the report states. READ MORE AT NBC NEWS

People who are unemployed often don’t even bother looking for work in December. They figure it’s pointless because some hiring managers are on vacation and offices are closed.

Big mistake, says Susan P. Joyce, publisher of Job-Hunt.org, who says the total number of jobs filled in December 2014 was greater than the number filled in January 2015. What’s more, Joyce notes, January is the toughest, most competitive and most crowded job market of the year — precisely because so many people stop job hunting during the holidays.

Why Holidays Are a Good Time to Job Hunt READ MORE AT FORBES

At the dawn of the smartphone age, US Hispanics stood out as early adopters. Now that the population in general is converging at a high rate of smartphone ownership, one must look harder to see distinctive aspects of Hispanics’ mobile usage. The key is that smartphones still power an exceptionally large portion of Hispanics’ overall digital activity.

US Hispanics are well-equipped with smartphones, though they no longer outpace the general population in that respect. And the volume of their usage is large as phones fill an outsized share of their digital day, according to a new eMarketer report, “US Hispanics’ Mobile Usage: Relying on Smartphones as Core of Their Digital Lives.” READ MORE AT EMARKETER

MIAMI – November 30, 2015 –Telemundo is the first ever Spanish-language television network to surpass the 1 million subscriber mark on YouTube and receive YouTube’s “Gold Button” Award. Launched in September 2011, the channel reached this significant milestone through a mix of original digital content and “best of” moments from the network’s highly engaging on-air programming. Telemundo’s YouTube channel added 613,000 subscribers year-over-year (from 1/1/15- 10/31/15), increasing the number of views during that period 262% (460MM). In addition, the amount of watch time for visitors to Telemundo’s YouTube Channel is up 278%, registering 3.11 billion minutes of content consumed so far this year.

Telemundo’s other YouTube channels are also experiencing significant growth as well... READ MORE AT NBCUNIVERSAL MEDIAVILLAGE

As the holiday season approaches, so do the holiday parties. These events bring up mixed feelings for most of us. In a way, look forward to the parties, anticipating that they'll be at least a little bit fun, but there is also so much to do around this time of year, and extra social events can feel like a waste of time. But, holiday parties are actually rife with opportunity – not just to enjoy ourselves, but to do a little professional networking while we're at it.

Here are some tips for networking at holiday parties:

1. First thing first – show up.

Never say no to a holiday party invitation, especially if you're looking for work right now. Instead, go to all of them, and bring your best self along with you. Talk to the hosts beforehand about who will be attending, and make a point to introduce yourself around once you've arrived. These parties can be great networking opportunities, but you have to be there in order to reap the potential rewards. READ MORE AT PAYSCALE HUMAN CAPITAL