The Northern Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (NOVAHCC) held the sixth annual National Diversity Career Expo in collaboration with Marymount University on September 18-19 in Arlington, Virginia.
This event, which coincided with Hispanic Heritage Month, was a meeting point for employers from various sectors and candidates from different professional backgrounds, reaffirming the power of diversity in the workplace.
“This year we have approximately 25 of the best employers in the region from technology, transportation, health care, banking, retail, hospitality, sales, administration, professional services and education,” said Susana Mariño, the Chamber’s president.
Mariño said there is a great interest in participation from governments at the federal, state and municipal levels, as well as from private companies. “They recognize and understand the importance of increasing their diversity with Hispanic professionals who are ready to work and take advantage of these opportunities,” said the Venezuelan businesswoman.
Due to the lack of space for more exhibitors, the Chamber had to place seven more employers on a waiting list.
The partnership between NOVAHCC and Marymount University promotes Hispanic empowerment, facilitates access to job opportunities, highlights diversity as a driver of innovation and highlights Latino leadership in education and the economy.
Marymount President Irma Becerra expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration.
“Diversity drives innovation and growth. Our mission as the first Hispanic-Serving University in Virginia is to offer our students and graduates a bridge to new opportunities, especially at an event like this,” Becerra said.
Highlighting her personal experience as a Cuban immigrant, Becerra added: “I have dedicated my life to education because it is something that no one can take away from you, and our collaboration here is a perfect example of how we can help others follow that path.”
For her part, Mariño emphasized the importance of this collaboration, noting that “this event is doubly special, since both the Chamber and Marymount are led by Latina women. We are joining forces to empower the Hispanic community with tools, connections and professional opportunities. There is no better time than Hispanic Heritage Month to highlight the relevance of Hispanics in the world of work,” she added.
Numbers that support diversity
The value of diversity is not just a matter of inclusion, but a competitive advantage.
Ethnically and culturally diverse companies are 33 percent more likely to increase their profitability, and those with high diversity generate 19 percent more revenue from innovation.
“These numbers, backed by studies such as the one from Harvard Business Review, clearly show us that diversity is not just a moral value, but an imperative for business success,” said Mariño.
Mariño also highlighted the growing importance of the Hispanic community. “With 62.2 million Latinos in the U.S., our community represents the eighth-largest economy in the world. The Chamber was founded to support Hispanics, who are opening businesses at a rate six times higher than any other ethnic group,” he said.
Key opportunities during the fair
The event took place in two parts. On September 18, participants attended the Career Day Development Summit, with workshops led by Marymount University faculty and local employers, focusing on interview techniques, resume writing and interview preparation. The second day, the National Diversity Career Expo brought together more than 25 top-level employers seeking diverse and qualified candidates.
“We have leading companies like Dominion Energy, Metro, Congress, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and many others. They understand the importance of integrating Hispanic talent into their organizations. We are connecting our candidates with opportunities in sectors as diverse as technology, health care, transportation and more,” said Mariño.
An event to advance inclusion and innovation
At the end of the event, Becerra reiterated the importance of creating spaces where diversity is valued: “A diverse workforce is more innovative and better prepared to face challenges. What we have done here is a clear example of how we can foster an inclusive work environment that benefits both employers and employees.”
Juan José Ortuño, vice president at Truist and board member of the Northern Virginia Hispanic Chamber, highlighted his work in the Financial Inclusion Department. “I am dedicated to creating connections with the community, supporting individuals, families and small businesses to achieve their financial goals.” During a recent event in collaboration with Marymount University, he noted that “we have already seen more than 100 people, many of them immigrants and international students.” Ortuño emphasized that Truist offers growth opportunities and resources such as educational and financial programs that have boosted his career.
Roxette Romero Palacios, a designer at Dominion Energy’s Alexandria office, said there are many job and career opportunities for Hispanics. The young Salvadoran woman joined the company four years ago. “I came without experience, but I received training. Visit dominionenergy.com for more information!” she emphasized.
The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Department is looking to recruit more personnel, especially bilingual in English and Spanish, due to the large Hispanic population in the area. The requirement is to be a U.S. citizen, be over 21 years old and have a valid license. In addition, they are offering a $15,000 bonus for those who start working. Those interested can apply on the department’s website.
Read the original article on El Tiempo Latino’s website.
