As part of its Hispanic Heritage Month celebration earlier this year, Morgan Stanley hosted a panel discussion called, “The State of Latinos in America,” which featured an engaging dialogue on the inclusion and recognition of Latinos in the business and political spheres. Angel Lorente, an executive director in the firm’s Finance division, moderated the panel, which included Laura LoCosa, managing director, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management and a co-chair of the firm’s Latino employee networking group; José Calderón, president, Hispanic Federation; and Cid Wilson, president and CEO, Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility. Lorente began by discussing how, while Latinos are making progress and are considered the most influential segment since the baby boomers (according to Nielsen Co.), they still face challenges in the workplace, marketplace, and politics. “Latinos are currently underrepresented, underserved, and underleveraged in almost all aspects of society, and we need to change that,” said Lorente. Wilson added, “17 percent of the U.S. population is Latino, and yet Latinos only account for two percent of the nation’s wealth. It’s not only a challenge but it’s an opportunity.” This event was one of the most well attended Hispanic Heritage Month programs hosted by Morgan Stanley’s Latino employee networking group, which was founded to foster inclusiveness through speaker series, professional development opportunities, networking events, community outreach, and volunteering activities.