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Featured Guest Biographies: Winter Networking Noche at the Godfrey Hotel Chicago | Thursday, February 05

 
Steve Bernas, President & CEO, Better Busines Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois

Steve Bernas is the President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois, where he leads the organization’s mission to build trust between businesses and consumers in the marketplace. This year, the Chicago BBB proudly celebrates its 100th anniversary, marking a century of adva

Early 2026 is shaping up like a familiar pattern: companies talk about “efficiency,” “restructuring,” and “AI investment,” and then headcount reductions follow. For professionals, the signal is clear: even strong performers can get caught in a workforce reset—especially when organizations are trimming costs, reorganizing teams, or funding new technology priorities.

The practical takeaway isn’t panic. It’s preparation—and the single most reliable preparation lever is in-person networking. Not as

You can be talented, qualified, and hardworking—and still get overlooked. Not because you aren’t good, but because people can’t quickly understand what you’re known for, how you create value, and why you’re trustworthy. That’s the job of personal branding.

And while a digital presence helps you get discovered, in-person networking is still the fastest way to build trust, credibility, and momentum—because real relationships are built in real time. This article breaks down why personal branding

For many professionals, the idea of walking into a room full of strangers and starting conversations triggers anxiety. In-person networking is often associated with awkward small talk, fear of rejection, or uncertainty about what to say. Yet research consistently shows that networking is one of the most effective ways to advance careers, find opportunities, and build long-term professional relationships.

The good news is that networking anxiety is common, manageable, and — with the right mindset

As January comes to a close, professionals often pause to assess how the year has begun. The first month is typically filled with ambition and goal-setting, but sustaining that energy is what truly drives long-term career growth. February presents an opportunity to recalibrate, sharpen focus, and build momentum through intentional planning and meaningful connections.

Closing January with clarity allows you to enter February not just motivated, but prepared.

Reflect on January Before Moving Forw

Sales isn’t just a career path — it’s a set of universal skills that can accelerate your professional growth no matter what field you’re in. Whether you’re aiming for a promotion, starting a business, or influencing decision-making in your organization, the ability to sell ideas, communicate value, and build strong relationships is indispensable.

According to the Sales Education Foundation, more than 50% of business majors begin their careers in sales roles, highlighting how foundational sales

Professional networking has long been surrounded by misconceptions. Some professionals view it as superficial small talk, awkward meet-and-greets, or an activity reserved for job hunters. But research — including insights discussed in Harvard Business Review’s “Networking Myths Dispelled” — shows that meaningful networking is far more nuanced, practical, and impactful than most people realize.

Today, data underscores that networking isn’t just a “nice to have” skill. It’s a strategic investme

January represents more than a calendar reset—it’s a rare window of opportunity. The pace of work has not yet fully accelerated, goals are still forming, and professionals have the mental bandwidth to be intentional. This makes early January one of the most effective times to focus on self-care and to establish positive networking habits that can shape career momentum for the rest of the year.

Rather than waiting for burnout signals or missed opportunities later in the year, proactive professio

There’s something energizing about the beginning of a new year — a sense of possibility, fresh goals, and renewed momentum. For professionals and entrepreneurs alike, attending a high-impact networking event early in the year, like HispanicPro’s Winter Networking Noche at the Godfrey Hotel in Chicago, can be more than just a social evening — it can be a strategic move with lasting impact on your career, business, and professional satisfaction. Details on Winter Networking Noche Event

Networking

As 2026 begins, many professionals are refining their goals, updating their strategies, and deciding where to invest their time. One trend is clear across industries: in-person networking is back—and it’s essential.

While digital platforms make it easy to stay visible, research consistently shows that real career and business opportunities are built through face-to-face relationships. Studies estimate that up to 85% of jobs are filled through networking, and more than 70% of roles are secured t

As 2025 draws to a close, we at HispanicPro pause with gratitude to reflect on another year of meaningful growth, powerful connections, and shared progress across our national Hispanic professional community.

For more than 17 years, HispanicPro has remained committed to its core mission: promoting business networking, career advancement, and employment opportunities for Hispanic and diverse professionals. Through both digital and in-person experiences, HispanicPro continues to serve as a trus

For nearly two decades, The Hispanic Professional Network “HispanicPro” has been a cornerstone of professional connection, community building, and career advancement for the Latino workforce and allies across industries. What began as a vision to connect Hispanic professionals has grown into a powerful ecosystem that helps individuals expand their influence, elevate their careers, and build meaningful, lasting relationships.

A Mission Built on Connection

Since its founding, HispanicPro has f

2008 HispanicPro, MLI and M?rk Productions Holiday Networking Celebration at RELIGION (formerly Club 720 Chicago)

 
This year’s 17th Annual Holiday Networking Celebration represents more than a seasonal gathering—it marks a powerful milestone in HispanicPro’s legacy of bringing people together with purpose. For 17 consecutive years, this signature event has served as a space to reflect, reconnect, and reenergize, welcoming professionals from across industries to close out the year in community

As the year comes to a close, many professionals begin reflecting on what they want their careers, businesses, and networks to look like in the year ahead. While planning and goal-setting are important, one of the most powerful ways to position yourself for success in 2026 is by showing up—intentionally—in the right rooms.

This holiday season, two standout events in Chicago offer unique and complementary opportunities to expand your network, strengthen community ties, and start the new year wit

As we head into 2026, the most important strategy for career growth is clear: embrace adaptability and commit to lifelong learning. The job market is evolving at unprecedented speed, driven by AI and rapid digital innovation. In this environment, the ability to continuously learn, unlearn, and relearn skills has become the defining trait of long-term career resilience and success. Employers are increasingly seeking professionals who can navigate change with confidence, integrate new technologie

With just one week until the HispanicPro Holiday Networking Celebration, excitement is building across Chicago’s professional and entrepreneurial community. More than a festive end-of-year gathering, this signature event arrives at a pivotal moment—when careers are being repositioned, business strategies are being refined, and 2026 opportunities are already taking shape.

In today’s complex job market and fast-moving business environment, in-person networking is no longer optional—it’s essentia

As 2025 winds down, the job market feels complicated. Open roles exist, but hiring is slower, workers are fatigued from years of disruption, and AI is reshaping job descriptions faster than most professionals can update their résumés. Recent labor data shows U.S. job openings remain in the millions even as hiring and the quit rate have cooled, signaling a more cautious and competitive market for talent. At the same time, career platforms describe the mood of the job market with words like “fa

The countdown is officially on. In just two weeks, Chicago’s Hispanic Professionals Holiday Celebration returns—an evening that brings together leaders, innovators, and changemakers from across industries for a festive and high-impact night of connection. But beyond the music, atmosphere, and celebration, this moment carries deeper strategic value: networking now, before 2026 begins, can significantly shape your professional trajectory in the new year.

As companies finalize budgets, set priori

As the year winds down and calendars fill with celebrations, closings, and holiday travel, many professionals shift their focus toward wrapping up projects and stepping back from workplace interactions. But for those looking to elevate their careers or grow their businesses in 2026, the holiday season is one of the most powerful—and often overlooked—times to invest in in-person networking.

In an increasingly digital world, meaningful face-to-face connection has become a strategic advantage. The

As we approach the end of the year, there’s one powerful investment every professional can make—strengthening your personal brand.

Your personal brand is more than a resume or a job title. It’s your reputation, your story, and the value you’re known for. And when you refine it before year-end, you set yourself up for more opportunities, visibility, and growth in 2026.

Here’s a simple, practical roadmap to help you finish strong and start the new year with momentum.

1. Audit Your Brand

Take a fr