Latinization and the Latino Leader: How and Why Corporations and Non-profits Need to do a Better Job Preparing their Latino Employees for Leadership Positions

The American economy of the future will increasingly depend on the Latino community for its labor force and its consumer purchasing power. Latinos represent its biggest minority group. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that by 2050 Hispanics will comprise 24.4 percent of the population. Latino heritage has brought cultural shifts and changes in our community's language, food, music, art, workforce, and businesses, contributing significantly to the multicultural tapestry of our nation and the growth of our economy. Organizations need to reflect the current demographic changes in their workforce and ensure fair and full participation for Latinos at all levels of business in the organization.

The journey will be led by you--our leaders, politicians, doctors, teachers, lawyers, corporate and not-for-profit organizations and institutions--committed to developing, coaching, and advancing Latinos in business.

This book does not describe or portray the idea that all Latino leaders are the same, or face similar issues. The Latino culture is rich and diverse and so are its leaders. Our intention is to provide information that gives organizations and Latino leaders a deeper, broader understanding of Latinos, their culture and their challenges--to guide these new professionals and to increase the number of Latinos in leadership positions.