One theme was apparent in every discussion at the inaugural Alumni Society Leadership Summit: Diversity is not an option; it is an imperative.
The summit, which was held at Tribeca Rooftop in New York City, wrapped up with closing remarks by Heather Conneely, US business lead for Facebook, and Pedro Guerrero, publisher and CEO of Hispanic Executive magazine, organizer of the event.
Conneely shared her own story and discussed the importance of “paying it forward,” increasing the leadership of Latinos in corporate America. “Attracting and retaining a diverse workforce is not only the right thing to do,” she emphasized. “It’s the smart thing to do.”
Guerrero thanked the event’s sponsors (Facebook, MetLife, Kaiser Permanente, and Goldman Sachs). He also thanked the staff and advisory board members who made the event possible.
The Alumni Society set lofty goals for next year: increasing the number of members, adding new university partners, and sponsoring another summit next summer. “These goals,” he emphasized, “are all within reach, but we can’t do it alone. The future of corporate America is a community. It’s our community.”
Eliana Murillo closed the day by reminding everyone that amazing people were in attendance at the New York event. “Let’s keep it going,” she said.
Photography by Caleb Fox.
