Who wouldn’t want a meaningful career and better balance between work and home? For many of us, it’s finances that keep us from making a career change. Sure, our current job has lost its spark, but it’s stable. Dependable. Reliable. Steady. We worry and wonder: What would a career change do to our bank accounts? To our way of life? To our family?

We assume that a major reinvention would involve a gap between paychecks when we’d leave our job and break into a new field. Sometimes we think (or we know) that the career we’d love would fill our days with more meaning but pay us less (significantly less, even). HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW

Seventy percent of U.S. Hispanics follow artists on social media, a 43% higher number than that of the total population, according to “Descubrimiento Digital, the Online Lives of Latinx Consumers,” a new report from The Nielsen Company.

“Forty-four percent of U.S. Hispanics agree that they feel really good about seeing celebrities in the media who share their ethnic background,” Nielsen reports, adding that “Latinx consumers are gregarious by nature, engaging in social interaction and activities more than their non-Hispanic White counterparts.” U.S. Hispanics over-index for the amount of time they spend on social networking sites, with 52% spending 1 or more hour(s) per day (compared with 38% of non-Hispanic Whites) and 24% spending 3 or more hours per day (compared with 13%). READ MORE AT BILLBOARD

The National Science Foundation's (NSF) Improving Undergraduate STEM Education: Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program (HSI Program) today issued its first research awards for 31 projects totaling approximately $45 million.

Hispanics constitute 16 percent of the U.S. workforce, but they make up only 6 percent of the U.S. science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workforce. More than 60 percent of Hispanic students attend an HSI. NSF's HSI Program invests in projects that build capacity and increase retention and graduation rates for STEM students at HSIs. It also aims to build capacity at HSIs with little or no prior NSF funding. READ MORE AT NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

Much has been written about the upcoming “robot apocalypse” as it relates to the jobs market. Technological advances in robotics and artificial intelligence are rushing along at a breakneck pace. Already human workers in fields from construction to finance are being replaced by their mechanized or digital counterparts. But plenty more industries will be affected in the coming decade.

A 2017 McKinsey Global Institute study of 800 occupations across 46 countries found that by 2030, 800 million people will lose their jobs to automation. That’s one-fifth of the global workforce. READ MORE AT FAST COMPANY

Whether you’re a recent graduate about to embark on your career or a seasoned professional navigating the difficult waters of professional development and career pathing, a mentor can be an invaluable resource for career advice, support, connections, and encouragement.

A mentor, by nature of what they’re not, occupies a unique position in your professional ecosystem. READ MORE AT BIOSPACE

While millennials made up 36 percent of homebuyers in 2017, they have yet to catch up with other generations as far as home ownership is concerned. A recent study found they have lower homeownership rates than the nation’s two previous generations, and millennials of color have rates nearly 15 percentage points lower than their white counterparts. READ MORE AT BRISTOL HAROLD COURIER

Jenny from the block has certainly come a long way! In her decades-long career, Jennifer Lopez has tackled TV, movies, music, design, the beauty business and more. The multi-hyphenate performer and mom to 10-year-old twins Max and Emme has also picked up plenty of accolades along the way.

KEEP GOING
“There was a certain hustle I grew up with, a hustle that I learned from watching my parents,” Jennifer wrote in her 2014 memoir True Love. READ MORE AT HELLO!

There’s no better reward for an internship well done than an invitation to join a company full-time. For many interns, completing a program with a job offer in hand is a dream. But for Berta de Pablos-Barbier, president of Mars Wrigley Confectionery U.S., it was a reality. READ MORE AT FORBES

Despite such challenges as inadequate access to capital, the number of Latino-owned businesses in the U.S. is growing at a rate that outpaces just about every other ethnic group, a new study from the Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative found.

The study — titled “State of Latino Entrepreneurship 2017” and coauthored by Stanford GSB professor emeritus Jerry Porras, GSB economics professor Paul Oyer, and SLEI research analyst Marlene Orozco — analyzed data from more than 5,000 Latino businesses to get insights on the entrepreneurs, their successes, and the barriers they face.

The Latino population has grown at a steady clip and now accounts for 18% of the U.S. population. However, the rate at which new Latino firms are being created outpaces Latino population growth. READ MORE AT STANFORD BUSINESS

Nowadays, a candidate's acceptance of a new employment position is likely preceded by a quick company Google search or a scouring of previous employees’ Glassdoor reviews.

As a female entering any industry, let alone one dominated by men, as most industries still are -- you should make sure that your first step toward achieving success as a female professional is to closely vet the company you’re thinking of joining. READ MORE AT ENTREPRENEUR

A new report puts a price tag on the Latino population in the United States, and it is over two trillion dollars. This economic power, says the report, would rank as the 7th largest in the world if the Latino GDP (Gross Domestic Product) were its own country. READ MORE AT NBC NEWS LATINO

The United States is the most popular destination for immigrants in the world. As such, the nation’s demographic composition is anything but static. Comprising over 17% of the total U.S. population, Hispanics and Latinos are one of the largest and fastest growing groups in the United States. READ MORE AT USA TODAY

Hispanics are on the rise in every way. They start businesses at a faster rate than any other demographic group, they have high employment and they are actively improving the economic and social outlook for their children. 

The developing narrative of the Latino community is one about economic opportunity. This young, growing, entrepreneurial demographic is today’s most vivid example of what can happen when government creates the right environment for entrepreneurs and workers to do what they do best. READ MORE AT FOX NEWS

At some point in our careers, we find ourselves in need of help from others — whether it’s to make a direct connection to a hiring manager, to gather information on a prospective client company, or to get help in learning about a new industry quickly.

However, over the years, we often lose touch with people in our network as work, family, and other demands fill our limited time. As if reaching out to ask for help wasn’t hard enough, what do you do when the person whose help you need is someone you haven’t spoken to in over a decade? READ MORE AT HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW

In the current job market, it’s not unusual for people to be looking for jobs over many months. It’s a very competitive market, and job openings are few. This situation is amplified by the herd mentality whereby people deploy the job search strategies commonly used in the past. READ MORE AT ENTREPRENEUR

Seasons of transition — whether we’re focusing in on summer or seasons of life — are anxiety inducing on their worst day and transformative on their best.

When those seasons of transformation are reflective of a need for a career change they can be even more emotionally taxing.

Dr. Gladys Ato is a clinical psychologist and leadership mentor based out of San Francisco who works with entrepreneurs and executives to help align their workflow with their mission. READ MORE AT FORBES

It’s no secret that there are many pathways to success. If you’re looking towards a leadership role, you probably have a certain trajectory in mind — one strongly guided by the wisdom passed down from parents, bosses and mentors. But what if one day you decided to make a sharp left turn from the conventional path? It could be a big mistake. But it could also be the best move you’ve ever made. READ MORE NBC.COM

Mangos were once an unfamiliar fruit to American consumers. That’s changing. “Since 2005, mango volume has increased more than 76 percent,” says Angela Serna, communications manager for the National Mango Board, a research and promotion organization headquartered in Orlando, FL. “Specifically, weekly store volume has improved from 132 units per store per week in 2005, to 227 units per store per week in 2016.”

Tropical mangos don’t grow well in most parts of the United States. As a result, the majority of fresh product comes from Mexico. READ MORE AT PRODUCE BUSINESS

Hispanics are more optimistic about their financial futures than other consumers segments. As multicultural marketing expert Isaac Mizrahi shares in Forbes, in the next 12 months…

• 9 percent of Hispanics are planning to buy a house, compared to 6 percent of non-Hispanics. This means Hispanics, who represent about 18 percent of the U.S. population, may represent 22 percent of all new home buyers in the next year.
• 14 percent of Hispanics are planning to buy a new car, compared to 11 percent of non-Hispanics.
• 11 percent of Hispanics plan to switch jobs, compared to 8 percent of non-Hispanics.

More than 3 percent of Hispanics plan to make their first financial investment ever, compared to 1.5 percent of non-Hispanics. Hispanics may represent almost a third of all new investors in the market in the next 12 months. READ MORE AT CUINSIGHT

Read biographies of feature guests for the 2018 Healthcare Networking Forum being held this Thursday, August 16 at Latinicity Chicago. 

MODERATOR

Mark Vargas, President, Licentiam

Mark Vargas is a trusted adviser and close confidante to some of the most high profile political and business leaders in America. His work as a tech entrepreneur in health care and opinion writer have been featured in the Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, Daily Herald, Huffington Post and Fox News.

Prior to that, Mr. Vargas was Vice President of a boutique healthcare consulting firm where he focused on government affairs as well as coordinating the company’s initiative – Stronger2gether –a Washington, D.C.-based program and public-private partnership under the Executive Office of the Mayor aimed at improving birth outcomes and lowering the infant mortality rate by utilizing predictive health analytics. Mr. Vargas also served as the spokesperson for this initiative and testified frequently as an expert witness before the Committee on Health and Human Services.

Mr. Vargas is a regular panelist and guest speaker on issues related to entrepreneurship, technology and innovation, political affairs and foreign policy. A dedicated writer, Mr. Vargas is also contributor for the Washington Examiner.

A native of Saint Charles, Illinois, Mr. Vargas returned home and at age 28, he announced his candidacy for United States Congress in Illinois’ 14th Congressional District (2010) – a seat once held by his former boss – U.S House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert.

Mr. Vargas earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Judson University where he served as student body president.

DISCUSSION PANELISTS

Pilar Guerrero, MD
Attending Physician, Cook County Department of Emergency Medicine, Cook County Health and Hospitals System, Assistant Professor, Rush Medical Center

Dr. Pilar Guerrero obtained her BS in nursing and majored in Spanish Language and Literature. After practicing as a registered nurse for 6 years, she decided to embark in a medical career and obtained her medical degree from University of Michigan Medical School, followed by Emergency Medicine residency at SUNY Downstate/Kings County Hospital New York, becoming chief resident in her fourth year. She then completed a one-year research fellowship in the department of Emergency Medicine at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

After a short time of practicing in private, non-academic hospitals as an Emergency Medicine attending, she realized her passion included teaching/training students and residents, as well as caring for the uninsured, disadvantaged and the LEP (Limited English Proficiency) patients.

Dr. Guerrero has been working as an attending at Stroger Cook County Hospital for the last 14 years and is an Assistant Professor at Rush Medical Center. Her interests have also included teaching medical Spanish, doing clinical research and disaster medicine. She has taught medical Spanish to attending physicians, and now to Emergency Medicine residents. Her clinical research projects have been on asthma, diabetes, H1N1.

In addition she is an active member of IMERT (Illinois Medical Emergency Response Team). She has participated in disaster aid or citywide events (i.e., post Katrina, NATO summit, marathons, and rural health with Global Brigades in Honduras). Currently, she is working on initiatives to improve patients’ experience in the ED.

Grace E. Noboa-Hidalgo, M.A.
Manager, Healthcare Segment Development, Walgreens

Grace Noboa-Hidalgo currently serves as Manager in the Healthcare Segment Development team at Walgreens corporate headquarters. She is primarily responsible for leading high-priority strategic planning and implementation efforts in the Commercial segment to drive end-to-end pharmacy growth across a book of business representing 400 million prescriptions annually. She works with several cross-functional teams at Walgreens and external partners to ultimately deliver affordable quality healthcare to patients. She is eager to address disparities in access to care, advance consumer-centric innovations in healthcare, and build partnerships with leading PBMs, health insurance companies, and Fortune 500 employers.

In addition, she serves as the Vice Chair for the Walgreens Latino Professionals Network and volunteers on the boards of Prospanica and Junior Achievement of Chicago. Previously, she was a Sr. Associate in the Health Practice at A.T. Kearney, one of the top management consulting firms globally. Prior to this, she held positions at the Inter-American Development Bank in Washington DC, the Institute for Policy Research and the Economics Department at Northwestern University. She's an Economist by training and holds Master degrees from Northwestern University and the University of Maryland as well as a Certificate in Financial Economics from the Kellogg School of Management. She's originally from Quito, Ecuador, and has resided in Chicago most of her life.

David Segura, CEO, VisionIT

VisionIT was founded over 21 years ago by David Segura, and now works with some of the largest corporations in the U.S. and globally providing technology solutions across specific IT practices and software products.

Segura leads the VisionIT corporate strategy and under his leadership the company went from a startup to a mid-size corporation operating across the U.S., as well as Mexico and the Philippines. VisionIT has made strategic investments in building new technologies in healthcare including CareTrail, a mobile app used for secure clinical communication and collaboration. VisionIT’s latest healthcare investment is in software used to manage the end to end workflow of specialty pharmacies.

Segura serves as a board member of the Detroit Regional Chamber, one of the largest regional chambers in the U.S. by revenue. Segura is an advisor to eLAB Ventures, a venture capital fund operating in Silicon Valley and Ann Arbor, Michigan which invests in innovative technology companies. He also serves as a board member of the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan.

Segura serves as a board member of Stanford University’s Latino Business Action Network which has built the most extensive research on Hispanic businesses in the U.S. as well as a nationally recognized entrepreneurship program for high growth firms. Segura has global impact by serving in his 2nd term from his appointment by the United States President to the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations in support of the U.S. Trade Ambassador. He also served the U.S. Secretary of Commerce on the National Advisory Council on Minority Business Enterprise.
Segura is a long time champion of diversity in technology as a co-founder of HITEC, the Hispanic IT Executive Council and senior member of ITSMF, IT Senior Management Forum focused on increasing African-American IT executive leadership in Corporate America.

Segura is active in professional boxing as an advisor/manager to Domonique Dolton, a top welterweight prospect and serves on the board of the Norwayne Boxing Gym based in Wayne, Michigan.

Segura has been honored to have had his accomplishments recognized by many organizations, including Ernst & Young, who named him Entrepreneur of the Year for the Central Great Lakes region and Hispanic Business Magazine’s national entrepreneur of the year.
He earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Engineering from the University of Michigan.

Laura P. Vasquez, PhD
Assistant Professor, Acting Chairperson | Department of Medical Imaging Sciences
Rush University - College of Health Sciences

Laura P. Vasquez is the Acting Chairperson for the Department of Medical Imaging Sciences and Program director of the Imaging Sciences Program in the College of Health Sciences at Rush University, Chicago, IL. Her medical imaging background includes radiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and vascular ultrasound. She is multi-credentialed by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography in vascular ultrasound and by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists in radiography and magnetic resonance imaging. She has a bachelor of science degree in vascular ultrasound, a master of science degree in perfusion technology and doctor of philosophy degree in Health Sciences from Rush University.

Dr. Vasquez’s specialties include medical imaging curriculum development and she has co-authored a chapter on cardiopulmonary imaging for the first edition of Respiratory Care. Her research interest is in magnetic resonance imaging safety and she serves in advisory roles to government, industry and other policy-making organizations. Her dissertation paper was recently published; “Evaluation of MRI Issues for a Wirelessly Powered Freedom-8A Stimulator with Freedom Receiver Used for Spinal Cord Stimulation” and subsequently has submitted a manuscript; “Evaluation of MRI Issues for a Wirelessly-Powered, Spinal Cord Stimulation Lead with Receiver” to the Journal of Neuromodulation. She also serves as a Reviewing Editor for the Journal of Thermal Biology.

As the chairperson of the College of Health Sciences Diversity Committee at Rush University, Dr. Vasquez is responsible for strategic planning related to diversity and inclusion. She has presented nationally about strategic planning initiatives associated with student recruitment and retainment. Several of her abstracts have been published in the Journal of Allied Health. Vasquez also serves as an academic administrative fellow for the College of Health Sciences and is responsible for promoting continuing education initiatives.

Federico Herrera MD
Lead Pediatrician, Esperanza Medical Centers, Little Village

A native of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Dr. Herrera is the Lead Pediatrician for Esperanza Health Centers and the Site Medical Director for Esperanza’s Little Village clinic. A champion of the Vaccines for Children program, Dr. Herrera has been instrumental in ensuring that children at Esperanza receive the vaccinations they need, leading Esperanza Little Village to receive recognition from the Illinois Department of Public Health for the highest vaccination rate among all clinics participating in the City of Chicago Vaccines for Children program.

Dr. Herrera has a special interest in providing care for asthma, eczema, and allergies, and believes that caring for families as a whole unit ensures the healthy growth and development of children.

Geraldine Luna, MD, MPH
Assistant Professor of Medicine, Geriatrics Fellowship, Department of Medicine and Geriatrics of UIC, Treasurer and Executive Member of the Board of Directors of the Medical Organization for Latino Advancement (MOLA)

Dr. Geraldine Luna is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Geriatrics Fellowship at the Department of Medicine and Geriatrics of UIC. She started her medical degree at UAG and finished at Ponce School of Medicine in Puerto Rico in 2005, and went on to earn her Residency in Internal Medicine in the San Juan City Hospital in Puerto Rico in 2009. She has also completed Subspecialty Fellowships in Geriatrics and Advanced Geriatrics Research Track in UIC in 2011 and 2012. She is also completed a Master’s in Public Health in Health Policy and Administration in Dec 2017.

Dr. Luna is ABIM board certified in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine. She actively partakes community and academic roles such as: board of directives in Urban and Global Health at UIC, editorial board member of Gavin Publisher for the International Journal of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Falls Committee, Hiring Committee and is treasurer and board directive member of the Medical Organization for Latino Advancement.

Dr. Luna has various clinical interests in the healthcare of geriatric population and in general public health such as healthcare disparities. Her current research investigations underlie frailty syndrome in the elderly, falls and retraining gait interventions in the elder, transition of healthcare and advanced care planning, as well as cultural barriers in healthcare.

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