SVL Pick-Up Party at Charles Schwab

March 03, 2015

Last Thursday evening Silicon Valley Latino held another one of its “Magazine Pick-Up Parties” and this time it was graciously hosted and sponsored by Charles Schwab at its San Francisco headquarters. As usual the attendees included a comprehensive mix of Cultura Ambassadors (Silicon Valley Latino members) ranging from seasoned professionals, entrepreneurs and executives to emerging leaders from various fields. The Magazine Pick-Up Party was hosted by Charles Schwab’s Latino employee resource group, “Schwab Organization of Latinos” also known as SOL. Alex Ontiveros, Silicon Valley Latino CEO, and Zana Lugo co-lead (along with Juan Barroso) of SOL opened the event by welcoming all guests and thanking them for their attendance and support. Ontiveros continued to address the audience, thanking Charles Schwab, SOL and Charles Schwab’s Chief Investment Officer, Omar Aguilar, for their support of SVL’s mission and vision early on. The group was also recognized for hosting SVL’s inaugural Latino leadership recognition event, The 40 Under 40 Latinos2Watch awards ceremony in 2013. He then elaborated on Silicon Valley Latino’s mission and vision as well as the various platforms (online magazine, print publication, ½ hour TV program, Latino leadership recognition events, social media outlets, Inspire Higher Tour and its membership program) that are utilized to continuously promote positive stories from the Latino community as well as the exemplary work that key influential Latinos, like Omar Aguilar lead. Alex closed his remarks by talking about the latest issue’s primary segment, the inaugural “SVL List” where Omar, the evening’s keynote speaker, is featured as one of the 47 most influential, prominent, trend setting and game changing Latinos of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Ms. Lugo then introduced Mr. Aguilar and welcomed him to the podium. Omar also welcomed all attendees and thanked them for joining this special reception where Silicon Valley Latino introduced its latest print issue. He went on to talk about the importance of the work that Silicon Valley Latino leads and how it resonates with Schwab Values of providing platforms for people with good ideas and providing the support they need. He also elaborated on the importance of the work the Schwab Foundation leads and how they provide support for non-profit organizations. This also resonates with his personal mission which is to give back to the community. Omar also shared his personal story and how different things were when he came to the United States 20 years ago as a Fullbright Scholar to Duke University. One of the key differences that he highlighted was that 20 years ago the Latino population was only 25 million compared to 55 million today and the importance and the potential of the next generation, which in 2050 is projected to be close to 40% of the US population. Omar also pointed out that 65% of Latino millennials are on computers, which is higher than other ethnic groups. In closing, Mr. Aguilar stated, “It’s an honor and pleasure to co-host an event with Silicon Valley Latino and to reaffirm Schwab’s commitment to support the Latino community in the Bay Area. These events exemplify the values of active citizenship, community engagement, and leadership that are so integral to the Schwab culture.”

At the conclusion of the event another SVL List Honoree, Isabel Valdes, was asked to talk about what it meant for to be named to the prestigious list. She described it as an honor to be included as part of the inaugural list and was pleased to be recognized for the work she has led in the community, as well as through her professional career. She also talked about the importance of mentoring and civic engagement. She closed by stating, “I strongly support the work of Silicon Valley Latino because it helps us become more established as a community. We need to have media that tells our stories, that represents us as we are with our struggles and our successes. I’m sending a copy of the magazine to my parents in Chile and letting them know that we are here and contributing as well as bringing the Latino community to be 110% integrated and fully successful in America!” Silicon Valley Latino would like to, once again, thank Charles Schwab and SOL for hosting this special magazine pick-up party as well as for their continued support. SVL looks forward to seeing you at its next magazine pick up party in the very near future.