Read biographies of feature guests for the 2017 Law & Government Networking Forum being held November 15 at Fulton Market Company in Chicago's trendy West Loop neighborhood!

MODERATOR

Marty Castro, President - Castro Synergies, Interim Executive Director, Casa Central

Marty Castro is the President and CEO of Castro Synergies, LLC, which provides strategic consulting services to corporations, entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations that seek to collaborate with and have a positive social impact on diverse communities.

Mr. Castro was appointed by President Barack Obama to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights in January of 2011. In March 2011, President Obama elevated Mr. Castro to the position of Chairperson of the USCCR, making him the agency's eighth Chair since the formation of the Commission, and the first Latino Chairperson in the over half-century history of the USCCR.

In December 2009, Mr. Castro was appointed by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn to Chair the Illinois Human Rights Commission. The Human Rights Commission is the State public body that arbitrates complaints of civil rights violations in housing, employment, public accommodations and financial credit.

Mr. Castro is on the board of directors of the National Museum of Mexican Art; the only accredited Latino Museum in the United States. He also serves on the board of the Chicago Community Trust. Mr. Castro is also chair and co-founder of New Futuro, LLC. Mr. Castro is a former national board member of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and former chair of the Hispanic National Bar Association's U.S. Supreme Court Committee. Mr. Castro is also the former chair of the Judicial Nominations Commission for the Northern District of Illinois, by appointment of U.S. Senator Richard Durbin.

For his leadership and accomplishments, Mr. Castro has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the National Medical Fellowships' Humanitarian Award; the Hispanic National Bar Association's Cesar Chavez Humanitarian Award; the Edwin A. Rothschild Civil Liberties Award from the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois; and the Thurgood Marshall Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Corporate Counsel, Chicago Chapter.

Mr. Castro is the proud product of Head Start and affirmative action in higher education. He received his B.A. in political science in 1985 from DePaul University and his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Michigan Law School in 1988. Mr. Castro was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Roosevelt University in December 2011 for his work in the area of social justice.

Currently Mr. Castro serves as Interim President and CEO of Casa Central, a Chicago non-profit serving the Hispanic community. Mr. Castro provides executive leadership and assists Casa Central in strengthening its relationships with partners, donors, and advocates.

DISCUSSION PANELISTS

Nancy Andrade, Lead Counsel, Commission on Hispanic Legal Rights & Responsibilities, American Bar Association

Nancy C. Andrade is Lead Counsel to the American Bar Association (ABA) Commission on Hispanic Legal Rights & Responsibilities (Hispanic Commission). In this capacity she works internally within the ABA and externally with national and local organizations to address the challenges and responsibilities facing Hispanics in and within the legal system of the United States. The ABA is the premier volunteer association of lawyers and law students in the United States.

Prior to joining the ABA, Ms. Andrade was an entrepreneur having started Mexifeast Foods, Inc., which sold traditional and high end Mexican tamales throughout the Midwest. She was known as the “Tamale Lawyer” and was named the 2009 Latina Entrepreneur of the Year Award by Latina Style Magazine. Her legal experience includes both large firm and public interest law having practiced in the Financial Services and Corporate Divisions at Katten Muchin Rosenman and the Chicago Legal Clinic, Inc. Her civic and professional affiliations include: appointed to City of Chicago, Board of Ethics by Mayor Rahm Emanuel; Illinois Department of Public Health, Disability Advisory Board; and Fellow, American Bar Foundation. In 2017 she was recognized by Negocios Now for her achievements in Law as a Who’s Who in Chicago Hispanic Power.

Ms. Andrade is a graduate of The Catholic University, Columbus School of Law and Loyola University Chicago where she received her B.A. in Political Science. She is the proud mother of 6 year old Mateo who happened to be blessed with an extra 21st chromosome. Both mother and son are very active members of the Down Syndrome community.

Vincent Casillas, President & CEO, Casillas Strategies

Vincent Casillas founded Casillas Strategies in 2011 and presently serves as CEO. Casillas Strategies is a full service Public Affairs firm which specializes in Strategic Communications & Outreach, Messaging & Branding, Latino Marketing and Government Relations/Lobbying. Recent clients have included, Exelon, New Schools for Chicago, PACO Collective, One Chance Illinois, the Illinois Network of Charter Schools, Independent Maps and Interactive Financial Advisors. Prior to this Casillas was a Partner at Balsera Communications out of Miami, Florida where he was brought in to oversee operations and business development at the agency's Washington D.C. office. Under the leadership of Casillas the firm provided services to the Obama administration, including the Department of Labor, Department of Interior, the Federal Communications Commission and the White House.

In 2008 Casillas was the National Hispanic Communications Director for the Obama for America Presidential campaign. In this capacity he served as a primary campaign spokesperson and worked with national Spanish language press outlets to coordinate interviews with the Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates. This included providing policy briefings for the candidates. He also coordinated all Spanish speaking surrogate interviews on behalf of the Obama campaign.

Before working on the Obama for America campaign, Casillas was the Lead organizer and Lobbyist to the Illinois Latino Caucus for A+ Illinois, a coalition that was created to mobilize communities and lobby state Legislators to change the way Illinois funds public education.

Casillas got involved in politics after being inspired by the 2007 immigration marches and subsequently worked on his first political campaign as a Coordinator for the Richard M. Daley for Mayor 2007 campaign and then the Iris Martinez for State Senator Campaign as a Strategist. Casillas has also worked for organizations like Greater West Town Academy, Erie Neighborhood House, Lifelink, Illinois Latino Coalition for Prevention, Dominican University and Harold Washington College.

Christian Gutierrez, Director of Latino Affairs at Office of the Governor - Illinois, Bruce Rauner

Christian Gutierrez is a results-oriented public service professional with expertise in Public Affairs and Government Relations and who brings a wide breadth of relationships within the Latino Community across Illinois. He has worked in state government since March of 2009 where he began his career with the Senate Republican Caucus under Leader Christine Radogno. Christian has spearheaded high visibility projects to increase Latino representation within the State of Illinois and has successfully developed and executed numerous high impact community outreach programs. He also brings a banking background and over 10 years of management experience. He has been a member of leading Latino non-profit organizations (local and national). His involvement in the Latino community has allowed him to create a tangible presence among key community stakeholders. He currently serves as President of the Emerging Leaders Board for the National Latino Education Institute in Chicago.

Christian currently works as Director of Latino Affairs for the Office of the Governor, Bruce Rauner. Within his role as Director, he manages a variety of projects and serves as a liaison to government officials and community stakeholders, identifying key policies and programs that can benefit constituents and working to strengthen the Governor’s office through its effort to improve efficiency, transparency and accountability within State Government.

Martin A. Sandoval, Illinois State Senator, 11th Senate District

Senator Martin A. Sandoval was born and raised in Back of the Yards, a neighborhood on Chicago’s Southwest side. He is a graduate of Quigley Preparatory Seminary South High School and Loyola University in Chicago where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology.

Senator Sandoval’s commitment to public service has spanned more than thirty years. He served in the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency between 1984 and 1999, and later in 1999 then Illinois Governor George Ryan and Chicago Mayor Richard Daley appointed him as the first Latino to the position of Commissioner of Water Reclamation of Greater Chicago. On January 8, 2003, Senator Sandoval was sworn into office in the newly created 12th Legislative District, becoming one of four Latinos to be elected to the Illinois State Senate of the 93rd General Assembly.

Now serving his fifth term, Senator Sandoval is the Co-chair of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus, Chairman of the Illinois Senate Transportation Committee, and Vice-chairman of the Senate Energy Committee. Today, he represents the 11th Senate District, which includes the neighborhoods of Brighton Park, Clearing, Gage Park, Garfield Ridge, Little Village, West Lawn, and West Cook municipalities of Bedford Park, Burbank, Cicero, Forest View, Lyons, McCook, Stickney, Summit and Riverside.

Anna Valencia, City Clerk, City of Chicago

Anna Valencia was sworn-in as City Clerk of Chicago on January 25, 2017 overseeing one of the largest offices in the City serving 1.2 million Chicagoans and generating more than $130 million annually.

As City Clerk, Valencia has focused on making government accessible to all Chicagoans. Under Valencia’s leadership, the Office of the City Clerk has made it a priority to find new and innovative ways to bring services directly to residents, increase civic engagement, improve efficiencies and collaborate across government in the private and public sectors.

Valencia has also been charged with implementing the Municipal ID program which will roll out later this year. Available to all Chicago residents, this government-issued ID will combine access to government and city services into one card.

Prior to becoming Clerk, Valencia served as the second woman and first Latina to run Mayor Emanuel’s Legislative Counsel and Government Affairs (LCGA) where she spearheaded the passage of police accountability reform, the modernization of the CTA’s Red and Purple lines, the stabilization of pension funds and creation of the City’s legal fund that assists immigrants and refugees threatened with deportation.

Valencia has also worked as an Illinois political professional in several positions including, serving as Campaign Manager for U.S. Senator Dick Durbin’s re-election campaign, Senior Advisor for Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s re-election campaign, Deputy Director of the Illinois Senate Democratic Victory Fund, a Communications Staffer for State Senate President John Cullerton, and Field Director for both Mike Quigley for Congress (IL-05) and Gary Peters for Congress (MI-09).

In 2017, Chicago Magazine listed Valencia as an Emerging Power Player highlighting her as a rising star in Chicago politics. Valencia has also been awarded Negocios Nows’ 40 under 40 for her work as part of the next generation of Latina leaders.

Valencia earned her degree in International Studies from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She currently resides in the West Town neighborhood with her husband and dog.

Gilbert Villegas, 36th Ward Alderman, City of Chicago

Alderman Gilbert Villegas has spent his entire career serving others. Since being honorably discharged from the Marines, he has served in government, non-profits and for profit companies, each time successfully bringing new opportunities to businesses and employees.

As a partner of Stratagem Consulting Group, Gilbert Villegas is responsible for consulting clients including Fortune 500 companies and small businesses that are seeking to penetrate public and private sectors in Illinois.

Before joining Stratagem, Alderman Villegas served as Chief of Staff position at the Illinois Capital Development Board. Ald. Villegas oversaw a staff of 140 State personnel, a $25 million operating budget and a $3.9 billion dollar capital construction program. As the construction management agency for Illinois state government since 1972, the Capital Development Board (CDB) oversees the construction of new state facilities, such as prisons, colleges and university classroom buildings, mental health hospitals and state parks. In addition, CDB is responsible for renovation and rehabilitation projects at the State’s 8,500 plus state-owned buildings containing more than 96 million square-feet of floor space.

From 2008 to 2011, Ald. Villegas was the Associate Director of the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association. At HACIA he oversaw Government Affairs for the organization and spearheaded the development and lobbying efforts behind passage of two instrumental Illinois Senate Bills (SB 351 and SB3249), ensuring minority and women owned businesses have a principal opportunity to participate on state funded projects. Ald. Villegas successfully created the Minority Contractor Training Program, which trained over 300 businesses that sought to perform on federally and state funded infrastructure projects.

Prior to joining HACIA, Ald. Villegas served as the Deputy Director of the Office of Business and Workforce Diversity at the Illinois Department of Transportation. As the Deputy Director he oversaw two departments: the Bureaus of Small Business Enterprises and the statewide District Equal Employment Opportunity Contract Compliance Officers.

Ald. Villegas was previously a member of Teamster 734 where he served as the Teamster Union Steward, representing over 300 Teamster drivers and dockworkers. As the Teamster Union Steward, Ald. Villegas ensured that workers’ rights were protected and the collective bargaining agreements were adhered to.

Ald. Villegas currently represents the 36th Ward in City Council. The 36th Ward is located on Chicago’s Northwest Side and covers neighborhoods ranging from Portage Park to Hermosa. The Alderman sits on six committees, Aviation, Rules and Ethics, Economic, Capital and Technology Development, Health and Environmental Protection, Pedestrian and Traffic Safety, and Transportation and Public Way. Elected in 2015, the Alderman is focused on bringing his engineering expertise to the 36th in order to spur development and job creation. He has started a new Veteran Caucus in City Council to make Chicago the best city in the world for Veterans.

Time is running out to register. The 2017 Law & Government Networking Forum is tomorrow. Don't miss out >> http://bit.ly/2zXUJ6D

More than half of Latinos in the U.S. say applying to college was never discussed with them. This is according to a new survey that NPR conducted with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Researchers interviewed people from different racial and ethnic groups to gauge how discrimination affects their daily lives at home, in school and at work. READ MORE AT NPR

It’s a fact: women and minorities are underrepresented in the legal profession. Latinos for example, make up 18 percent of the population, yet comprise only 4 percent of U.S. lawyers. This coupled with Pew Hispanic Research’s report that 3.2 million Latinos living in the U.S. don’t speak English, begs the question who is helping Spanish-speaking Latinos navigate the legal system, when Spanish language resources are limited?

As long as Latinos are underrepresented in the legal profession, the Latino community will remain underserved. READ MORE AT HUFFPOST

The energy industry is committed to making its workforce more diverse. Now and over the next decade or two, there’s great opportunity to realize that goal.

With 40 percent or more of industry’s worker base on track to retire by 2035, research indicates hundreds of thousands of women and minorities will help fill the ranks through the next decade and beyond. Critically important is properly preparing them to be petroleum engineers, geologists, welders, electricians, accountants, business managers and more. READ MORE AT BREAKING ENERGY

Local Organizations Band Together to Host ‘Celebrating a Brighter Future,’ an Event Highlighting and Promoting Positivity in Chicago’s At-Risk Communities
Monterrey Security To Partner with BUILD Chicago and The Resurrection Project for Civic Engagement Event for At-Risk Youth

Chicago, IL. On Wednesday, November 15 at 6:00 p.m., the Austin Town Hall, 5610 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60644, will be transformed into “Celebrating a Brighter Future,” an art, peace and job festival. This celebration will promote peace, and highlight the positive work young people and adults in these communities are doing to promote anti-violence. Monterrey Security, in partnership with non-profits BUILD Chicago and The Resurrection Project, is behind the initiative.

“We strongly believe that Monterrey Security has a duty to be an engaged business leader,” says Juan Gaytan, president and CEO of Monterrey Security. “That is why we are stepping up and creating this program. Through our actions, we want to show our commitment and investment in the people of Chicago. It’s not enough to stand by and
wish for things to change, action must be taken now to create a pipeline of hope for the city’s most at-risk communities. The area of Austin and West Garfield Park boasts high numbers in crime rates . With this event we hope to not only inspire young people to reach their full potential, but to galvanize our peers to aid in the support of them,” added
Gaytan.

Monterrey Security is partnering with BUILD and The Resurrection Project to help support and amplify their already active work in two under-resourced neighborhoods: Austin and Garfield Park. These two areas consistently rank in the top 10 of highest crime rates in the city . The purpose of this initiative is to counteract that news by highlighting and celebrating the positive stories coming out of those streets. The intent is to empower the young people of this area to pursue a brighter future, regardless of their current conditions. The three organizations are teaming up to create
a sustainable solution, in the form of job opportunities, for the people struggling in these areas. They want to continue inspiring and highlight the belief that there is more than one way to be successful despite their own surroundings.

On what makes BUILD special, Estella R., program participant says “It is not just one thing. Every day has a moment that changes my life. I don’t know what my life would be without BUILD - definitely not as successful”

The event will feature, the Peacemaker award recognizing the work of young leaders from each non-profit, a live painting section, and an “Express yourself Against Violence,” art contest. White Sox alum Michael Huff, who shared the field with Carlton Fisk, Ozzie Guillen and Frank Thomas, will be in attendance alongside White Sox Director of Fan Engagement, Cris Quintana.

“Through the leadership and organization skills I’ve learned at The Resurrection Project, I’m able to bring my community together for this ‘increase the peace initiative,’ says youth leader Marcos Constantino.

The need for programs that promote peace, public safety and anti-violence awareness among at-risk youth is paramount. For more information go to: https://www.buildchicago.org/build-community-family-night

About Monterrey Security
Monterrey Security was founded in 1999 to offer exceptional private security services based on industry best practices, cutting-edge technology, and the best-trained security professionals in the business including off-duty police officers and firefighters. A minority-owned firm, Monterrey Security is certified by the City of Chicago as a minority-business enterprise (MBE). Monterrey Security is also actively pursuing federal 8(a) certification as a minority-owned business. For more information please visit: http://www.monterreysecurity.com

About The Resurrection Project
The Resurrection Project is a multifaceted organization that seamlessly blends community development, community organizing, human service delivery, and advocacy to build healthier and engaged communities. Since its founding in 1990 with an initial seed capital of $30,000, TRP has leveraged more than $469 million in community reinvestment through homes for ownership, rental housing, small businesses and community facilities. To date TRP has developed 844 units of affordable housing, and created over 275,091 square feet of community commercial space, creating vibrant, healthier and involved communities. For more information about The Resurrection Project, please visit www.resurrectionproject.org

About BUILD
BUILD’s mission is to engage at-risk youth in the schools and on the streets, so they can realize their educational and career potential and contribute to the stability, safety and well being of our communities. Since 1969, BUILD (Broader Urban Involvement & Leadership Development) has been a pioneer and innovator in youth development, now
serving neighborhoods on Chicago’s West (Austin, Humboldt Park, Hermosa, West Town) and South (Fuller Park, Bronzeville) Sides. Through three primary program areas — Prevention, Intervention, and BUILDing Futures — BUILD partners with an array of stakeholders to offer a spectrum of services designed to build lives and futures.

Whether by providing a school-based curriculum, youth leadership opportunities, positive out of school activities or intensive, individualized mentoring, all of BUILD’s programs share the same objectives. For more information please visit: https://www.buildchicago.org.

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It is a word that has been both embraced and scorned by Latinos. It often sparks conversations about identity, gender and privilege. Its usage has led to innumerable social media spats, and the debate shows no sign of dying down. The word in question is “Latinx,” which some Hispanics are using as a more inclusive term for Latinos.

But do Latinos need a new word to describe themselves? READ MORE AT NBC NEWS

At every professional stage in life (job searching, job switching, promotion seeking), there will come a time when you need to ask someone to write you a letter of recommendation.

Though not as common as they once were, many would-be employers still want to know that someone vouches for you.

If the thought of asking someone to say nice things about you makes you nervous, don't worry — it's awkward for everyone. Here are a few tips on how to make the asking as easy as possible for everyone involved.

1. Ask someone who really likes you. READ MORE AT USA TODAY

Time Inc. (NYSE: TIME) is set to deliver unparalleled access to the U.S. Hispanic audience with the launch of Time Inc. Latino. This new digital platform incorporates all of Time Inc.’s brands, which connect with two thirds of Hispanic adults in the United States.

Time Inc. also has the largest digital reach across the Hispanic media landscape, with an audience three times larger than Univision’s sites and 27 times larger than Telemundo’s sites. READ MORE AT BUSINESS WIRE

When Miguel García-Garibay came to the University of California, Los Angeles, 25 years ago, he was one of just a handful of Hispanic professors in top U.S. chemistry departments. And that hasn’t changed.
“Over a quarter of a century I haven’t seen a significant increase in the number of Hispanic and Latino scientists in top-ranked institutions,” he says. “I think we know each other by name.”

García-Garibay’s experience is reflected in the most recent survey of chemistry faculty at the 50 U.S. universities with the most federal research funding. READ MORE AT C&EN

Let’s face it: your job search isn’t going to be easy. It will require perseverance, confidence and the ability to handle uncertainty and stress. While there are people that can support you in this process and lots of wonderful advice on “Carpe Careers,” it is up to you to take charge of your career.

Being able to plan and act on your career and professional development goals is an important life skill that is vital for your career success. READ MORE AT INSIDE HIGHER ED

Latinos say institutional discrimination, including discrimination while trying to vote or participate in politics, is a problem in America today. However, when asked, many Latinos reported feeling better about their local government.

That's according to a new survey out this week from NPR, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

The survey found that 15 percent of Latinos say they've been discriminated against personally when trying to vote or participate in politics because they are Latino. READ MORE AT 89.3KPCC

Latinas are among the most adversely affected by the gender pay gap, earning just 54 cents to the dollar earned by a white male, yet according to the U.S. Census they are contributing to over half of the overall U.S. population growth. For that reason, the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA), the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda, the AFL-CIO, and other leading organizations are joining together on November 2, 2017 for the National Latina Equal Pay Day of Action. This day marks the day that Latina workers finally catch up to what white, non-Hispanic male workers were paid in 2016. READ MORE AT LATIN TIMES

With the holidays and new year approaching, it will soon be the season people pause to reflect on their life, and evaluate their personal and professional goals. After a year of dissatisfaction in their work, this is the time of year people resolve to do something about it, whether it is to stay the course with a particular job or a particular company, or to move to a different company, or embark on a new career path. READ MORE AT FORBES

Who are Wisconsin’s innovators? Meet these movers and shakers – and learn what drove them to put new ideas to work to solve problems and improve service to their clients and communities.

The path toward legal innovation often begins with “What if?” What if we could devise a way to make a certain task easier and less time-consuming? What if we could use a legal process in a different way to solve a new problem? What if we could make the justice system more equitable and accessible?

Such were the questions that sparked the creativity of this year’s legal innovators, selected in the State Bar of Wisconsin’s fourth annual “That’s a Fine Idea: Legal Innovation Wisconsin” initiative. READ MORE AT STATE BAR OF WISCONSIN

The share of U.S. Latinos speaking español at home has gone down in the last 10 years, according to an analysis of Census Bureau data by Pew Research Center.

In 2015, 73 percent of U.S. Hispanics spoke Spanish at home, which is down from 2006 when 78 percent spoke the language.

While the share of Latinos who speak Spanish at home has declined, there are more Hispanics speaking Spanish in the U.S. because the population has increased. READ MORE AT NBC NEWS

Hispanics make up about a quarter of the U.S. student population, nearly half of whom reside in our two most-populous states — California and Texas. But while 1 in 5 U.S. students call these states home, California and Texas have access to only 4 percent of the national spots at the National Geographic Bee, the U.S. Academic Decathlon, Letters About Literature, the Presidential Scholars Program award and several other iconic academic competitions. READ MORE AT WASHINGTON POST

Miscommunication, conflict, assumptions, errors, mistakes, ineffective decisions and a loss of team cohesion: What do all of these organizational issues have in common? All are the result, at least in part, of poor listening.

It's often said that we have two ears but only one mouth.  Therefore, we should listen twice as much as we speak. Yet, while effective listening is a highly valued skill in the workplace, many of us find that task difficult to master. READ MORE AT ENTREPRENEUR

Dr. Beatriz T. Espinoza had no idea of the challenges that awaited her shortly after she took over as president of Coastal Bend College, a community college located in a rural part of South Texas.

The college was financially strapped and was on the brink of losing its accreditation. There was also a “disconnect” between the college and the majority of Hispanics who reside in the town of 12,000 where the college is situated. READ MORE AT DIVERSE ISSUES IN HIGHER EDUCATION

On Friday, October 20, The Financial Services Pipeline (FSP) hosted more than 100 leaders from Chicago’s top financial services firms at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago for its 4th Annual FSP Summit.  The event addressed the need to increase the representation of African Americans and Latinos in the financial services industry.

This year’s theme was Advancing Cultural Transformation. The Summit was led by the organization’s CEO Leadership Council Co-Chairs: John W. Rogers, Jr., Chairman and CEO of Ariel Investments, Matt Feldman, President and CEO of Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago and Dr. Helene Gayle, President and CEO of the Chicago Community Trust.

Andrés Tapia, Senior Client Partner and Global Diversity & Inclusion Solutions Leader for Korn Ferry, delivered the keynote address. Attendees were engaged in the conversation as Tapia stressed the importance of cultural competency as a leading factor to continue increasing racial diversity within the sector.

New research that debuted at the FSP Summit shows that if no changes are made to hiring and retention processes within the next few years, the number of African-American and Latino talent will remain stagnant. Additional research updates showcased:

• Promotion: Consistently lower promotion rates for African-American and Latino talent since 2014

• Hiring: African-American and Latino talent are being hired at greater rates since last surveyed in 2014

• Retention: The gap in attrition rates has narrowed, but rates remain higher for African-American and Latino talent

  • Note: 2017 Research report available upon request.

Events like the FSP Summit and the organization’s annual Intern Career Conference look to engage more institutions and industry leaders to continue thinking strategically as they strive to increase racial diversity within their organizations.

FSP CEO Leadership Council Co-Chairs. From L to R: Matt Feldman, President and CEO of Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, Dr. Helene Gayle, President and CEO of the Chicago Community Trust, and John W. Rogers, Jr., Chairman and CEO of Ariel Investments. [Photo Credit: Miguel Zuno for FSP]

Perika Sampson, Regional Diversity Officer, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, speaks on best practices for retention of diverse employees. [Photo Credit: Miguel Zuno for FSP]

Dr. Helene Gayle of the Chicago Community Trust moderates a candid discussion between fellow FSP co-chairs Matt Feldman and John W. Rogers, Jr. on the importance of instating top-down policies on workplace diversity. [Photo Credit: Miguel Zuno for FSP]

Keynote speaker, Andrés Tapia, Global Diversity & Inclusion Solutions Leader for Korn Ferry, addresses attendees at the 4th Annual FSP Summit [Photo Credit: Miguel Zuno for FSP]

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City leaders must do more to increase the number of Latinos employed by the City of Chicago — and stop "pandering" to the city's newly minted second-largest ethnic or racial group, the chairman of the City Council's Latino Caucus said Wednesday.

With Human Resources Commissioner Soo Choi in front of the Council to field questions about her department's 2018 budget, caucus chairman Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th) demanded that she do more to ensure the city hires more Latinos. He made his point next to a sign that read "Help Wanted — Latinos Need Not Apply" embellished with two red Chicago stars. READ MORE AT DNA INFO