It’s astounding to realize that HACEMOS is already celebrating its 35th anniversary, with membership exceeding 7,000 AT&T employees. United by our commitment to empower our communities, we strive to increase social and cultural awareness while promoting employee development, retention, and advancement.
HACEMOS isn’t just an acronym, it’s a word, it’s a verb. It means “we do” – Together we do more. It’s an action. The Latino culture is diverse in our language, our appearance and characteristics, our traditions, and even our food. Here at HACEMOS, we do more to teach one another and learn from one another.
Finding My Purpose
In October 2013, I became a founding board member of our Pacific Northwest Chapter with my friends and coworkers. It was an honor to be able to help guide the programs and initiatives of HACEMOS and introduce new members in my region. We also had the opportunity to start the Regional Latino ERG Forum, a gathering of leaders of Latino Employee Resource Groups from different Washington State-based organizations. Together, we networked with Latino professionals from several companies, shared best practices, and were able to collaborate on community projects.
Three years later, I joined the National Executive Board of HACEMOS, drawn by its impeccable reputation and its deliberate efforts to grow and adapt in addressing both community and employee needs.
Doing More, Together
Each year, HACEMOS introduces new programs and opportunities to serve others, fostering collaborative and innovative ways to make a positive impact on the people and communities involved. In 2023, we were recognized as one of the Top 25 Employee Resource Groups in the nation by the Diversity Impact Awards® for our initiatives, including…
- Emerging Latina Leadership Program: a 6-month program to empower managers and broaden their abilities through a curriculum designed to address culture and societal influences.
- C.R.E.C.E.R. Mentoring Program: Cultivating Relationships Explore Careers Exhibiting Responsibly.
- LatinoTalks: A monthly platform for candid conversations that engage internal and external audiences. Each session brings a unique perspective to promote a better understanding of our diversities, aiming to recognize our strengths, differences, and similarities to bridge the knowledge gap.
- Latino Career Chat: An annual, online event to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and facilitate a conversation between Latino professionals.
- Scholarships: In 2023, HACEMOS awarded over 100 scholarships totaling $281,000.
During my ten years as a member and leader of HACEMOS, our unwavering commitment to improve communities and supporting our members has been constant. I am thankful to be a part of an organization that helps bridge gaps in education and access, and I am proud to lead as we continue this journey over the next 35 years – honoring our past, embracing the present, and empowering the future.
We live and breathe our mission and will always remember; Juntos HACEMOS más!
Learn more about HACEMOS