The Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility’s Annual Corporate Inclusion Index Report Released Today

The report highlights the ongoing need for greater focus on Hispanic inclusion.

October 16, 2024 – The newly released 2024 HACR Corporate Inclusion Index™ (CII) Report reveals that American corporations still have significant strides to make in fully including Hispanics at all levels—from employment and corporate boards to supplier partnerships and philanthropic contributions. The report aggregated data from 84 participating corporations, mostly Fortune 500 companies.

The Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility’s (HACR) CII report has been the source for comprehensive reporting, on Corporate America’s Hispanic inclusion strategies since 2009. The 2024 HACR CII examined Hispanic corporate inclusion practices from 2023.

“The data show that we still have a long way to go toward achieving full economic reciprocity for Hispanics in the corporate sector,” said HACR President and CEO, Cid Wilson. “But in this extraordinary year, as we face a strong backlash against diversity and inclusion, this report gives us hope. Despite the challenges, some of the nation’s largest companies have stood strong by participating in our survey, reaffirming their commitment to Hispanic inclusion. Returning participants gain a clear view of their progress year over year, while new companies set a vital baseline for future growth.”

Key findings include:

  • TALENT PIPELINES & HIRING
    • Among all participating companies, 14% of interns at participating companies are Hispanic.
    • 56% of Hispanic employees at participating companies are non-exempt.
  • C-SUITE & BOARDS
    • 8% of individuals on boards of participating companies are Hispanic.
    • 38% of participating companies had no Hispanic board members.
    • 54% of participating companies had no Hispanic executives.
  • SUPPLIERS & PROCUREMENT
    • Fewer than 1% of suppliers are Hispanic.
    • Just over 1% of total spend is with Hispanic-owned businesses.
  • Philanthropy
    • 12% of total corporate donations went to the Hispanic community.
    • 2% of volunteer hours were in the Hispanic community.

HACR’s Research Institute conducts the HACR Corporate Inclusion Index™ Report to measure Hispanic inclusion in HACR’s four pillars of economic reciprocity: Employment, Procurement, Governance, and Philanthropy. This year, 84 companies participated in the report, and 32 were listed in the Fortune 100 last year. Participating companies represented a cross-section of industries, including commercial banks, diversified financials, financial data services, pharmaceuticals, health care, insurance and managed care, pharmacy, telecommunications, and general merchandisers.

Utilizing a five-star rating system, HACR recognizes excellence in Hispanic inclusion with companies that document best practices in DEI and are progressing towards greater Hispanic inclusion. This year, the Washington-based nonprofit awarded two companies 5-Star ratings in all four pillars of inclusion: Medtronic Plc and Edison International. HACR celebrates their partnership and commitment to the advancement of Hispanics and acknowledges all 2024 participating companies’ demonstrated dedication to data-based benchmarking and actionable change.

To explore all 2024 findings, download the report.

HACR Team Successfully Accomplishes 240-Mile “Walk to Wall Street” to Elevate Importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Cid Wilson, President & CEO and the HACR Team walked from Capitol Hill in Washington, DC to Wall Street in New York City with support of major national organizations advocating for greater DEI in Corporate America.

Washington, DC, and New York, NY (October 13, 2024)—The Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR) is pleased to announce that on October 11, 2024, it accomplished its groundbreaking and historic Walk To Wall Street for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion when the organization’s team members arrived in Lower Manhattan, completing the 240-mile trek from Capitol Hill to Bowling Green Park. The walk began on September 17, 2024.  

HACR President & CEO Cid Wilson led the walk to Wall Street to elevate the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Corporate America. Wilson and members of the HACR team physically walked from Washington, DC to New York City with rally stops in Baltimore, Wilmington, DE, Philadelphia, Trenton, NJ, and Newark, NJ, before crossing the George Washington Bridge and concluding the walk in the Financial District of New York City. Each day, the Walk to Wall Street for DEI focused on one of the many historically marginalized communities that lack presence and representation on boards of directors and at senior and executive levels of Corporate America. 

“We organized this historic ‘Walk to Wall Street’ because the issues that impact historically underrepresented communities still exist and have not gone away,” said Wilson. “This extraordinary environment where diversity, equity, and inclusion are under attack means that it was time for us to respond in extraordinary ways, thus the movement to physically walk 240 miles from Capitol Hill to Wall Street to elevate the continued importance and the need for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels of Corporate America, especially the senior positions, the C-suite, and the corporate boards.”   

“Those that wish to take us backward to the days when it was acceptable to have inequality and exclusion have attempted to take the acronym ‘DEI’ and brand it as a word. Our ‘Walk to Wall Street’ reminds us that DEI is not a word but an empowering acronym for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Those who oppose DEI support the opposite of DEI: homogeneity, inequality, and exclusion. That is why HACR announced in January 2024 that we would not slow down, back down, or turn around on movement for greater DEI. This is the year we call on Corporate America to double down on DEI, thus the extraordinary decision to Walk to Wall Street for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Corporate America,” continues Wilson.  

 

HACR thanks the following nonprofit organizations who officially supported the ‘Walk to Wall Street’ (listed in alphabetical order):  

  • Asian American Business Development Center  
  • Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors  
  • Bowling Green Association (host of finale rally in NYC)  
  • Dominican Bar Association  
  • Disability:IN  
  • The Executive Leadership Council (ELC)  
  • Global Black Economic Forum  
  • Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE)  
  • Human Rights Campaign Foundation  
  • Latino Corporate Directors Association (LCDA)  
  • LatinoJustice PRLDEF  
  • Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics (LEAP) 
  • MANA – A National Latina Organization  
  • National Urban League  
  • SER National  
  • UnidosUS  
  • Women Business Collaborative  

“While we accomplished this groundbreaking walk, the movement for greater DEI continues. We will build on this momentum to elevate our call for Corporate America to stand strong in support of diversity, equity, and inclusion and to not yield to those societal elements who intend to take Corporate America backward despite our growing diverse and multicultural country. Corporate America must acculturate to an increasingly diverse workforce, not ask a diverse society to assimilate to a decades-old corporate culture that does not embrace DEI nor recognize the growingly diverse workforce,” concludes Wilson.  

HACR will commemorate the completion of the Walk to Wall Street for DEI on Monday, October 14, 2024, at 5:30 pm ET with a ceremonial walk through Times Square in New York City into the New York Marriott Marquis, where we will cross the finish line tape as the organization hosts its 32nd Annual HACR Symposium: The Power of Hispanic Inclusion™.  

HACR elevates Dr. Lisette M. Garcia to EVP & Chief Operating Officer

Dr. Garcia most recently served as EVP & Chief Research Officer and will continue to oversee the HACR Research Institute as she takes on expanded operational responsibilities.

Washington, D.C., August 20, 2024 – The Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR) is pleased to announce that it has elevated Dr. Lisette M. Garcia to the title of Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, effective August 12, 2024. In this role, Dr. Garcia is second in command at HACR, reporting to Cid Wilson, President & CEO. She fills the role previously held by Sylvia Pérez Cash, who recently departed the organization to join the Latino Community Foundation.

Dr. Garcia first joined HACR in 2012 as the Director of the HACR Research Institute. She served as HACR’s Chief Operating Officer from 2016 to 2020 before joining her alma mater, Penn State University, as their Assistant Vice President for Diversity, Inclusion, & Belonging from November 2020 to March 2023. She returned to HACR as Chief Research Officer in March of 2023.

“Dr. Lisette Garcia is a veteran leader in the movement to advance Hispanic inclusion in Corporate America as well as the overall movement for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Cid Wilson, President & CEO of HACR. “Under her leadership, the HACR Corporate Inclusion Index has grown to be the most effective research-driven corporate accountability initiative for Hispanic inclusion in the country. Additionally, her prior operational oversight experience in human resources, administration, finance, corporate engagement, and programs has prepared her for the leadership responsibilities of Chief Operating Officer. We are excited for her research and operational leadership that will help fuel HACR’s mission-driven and impactful growth.”

Dr. Garcia received her bachelor’s degree from Penn State University, her master’s degree from Virginia Tech University, and her Ph.D. from The Ohio State University. Additionally, she completed executive education in nonprofit financial success from Cornell University. Dr. Garcia’s community involvement includes service on the board of directors for the Penn State Alumni Association, Trickle Up, and Collegiate Directions Inc. She is a past member of the boards of the Southern Sociological Society, American Sociological Association, and the American Association for University Women (AAUW).

Celebrating a Decade of Leadership:
Cid Wilson Marks 10 Years at the Helm of HACR

Washington – July 17, 2024 – The Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR) proudly celebrates Cid Wilson’s 10th anniversary as President and CEO. Since his appointment on July 14, 2014, Wilson, a trailblazer and the first Afro Latino to lead a national Hispanic organization, has propelled HACR to new heights, expanding its influence both domestically and internationally. 

Under Wilson’s leadership, HACR has achieved unprecedented growth and recognition. His strategic vision has made HACR internationally known, and Wilson’s commitment to breaking down barriers is evident in his regular participation at high-profile events, including the Milken Institute, Global Summit of Women, Aspen Ideas Festival, Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, and the World Economic Forum perimeter events, where today HACR boasts one of the largest teams among Hispanic nonprofits at such gatherings. 

“I am honored and excited to celebrate ten years with HACR, it’s a privilege to lead an organization that champions and actively contributes to increasing and enhancing Hispanic inclusion in Corporate America,” Wilson stated. “As we mark this milestone at HACR, I am profoundly grateful for the pivotal role our team has played in our collective success. The unwavering dedication and innovative spirit of our board, staff, corporate members, stakeholders, and friends have also been at the cornerstone of our achievements. Together, we have pushed limits and set new benchmarks in advancing Hispanic inclusion in Corporate America. I am deeply thankful for your commitment and support, which have been instrumental in transforming our vision into an impactful reality. Your collaboration and passion empower us to continue our mission with even greater resolve. Thank you for being such an integral part of our journey.” 

Under his leadership, HACR has also broadened its signature programming. It now includes two executive-level programs, the HACR Executive Programs, and the Latina executive-focused HACR Latina Empow(h)er Summit™, a leadership program for mid-level managers, the HACR Leadership Pipeline Program™, HACR’s Annual Symposium: The Power of Hispanic Inclusion™, a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) best practices forum, and the Inclusión Gala, an annual awards gala that honors icons in corporate DE&I. 

In addition to his accolades, Wilson is a respected member of several CEO councils, including the Fortune CEO Initiative, The Wall Street Journal CEO Council, and the CNBC CEO Council, where he contributes insights on advancing diversity and inclusion within Corporate America. Wilson also serves on the governing committee for the CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion and several non-profit organization boards. 

The Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR) Presents the HACR Young Hispanic Corporate Achievers™ Class of 2024 Graduates.

More than 60 Hispanic corporate leaders completed the prestigious leadership advancement program in Atlanta this month.

Atlanta – June 12, 2024 – The Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR) is delighted to announce the successful completion of the 17th cohort of the HACR Young Hispanic Corporate Achievers™ program on June 12.

The HACR YHCA program boasts an accomplished group of young Hispanic corporate professionals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and significant achievements in their respective fields.

“I proudly congratulate every one of the talented graduates of the HACR Young Hispanic Corporate Achievers™ program on their exceptional achievements,” said HACR President & CEO, Cid Wilson. “Their steadfast dedication, relentless effort, and unwavering commitment to excellence have distinguished them as shining examples of the remarkable potential of Hispanic leaders within Corporate America.”

The HACR YHCA program emphasizes professional leadership, community engagement, and corporate diversity, and promotes Hispanic and Latino representation in high-level corporate positions. The program began with virtual training over two months and culminated with a dynamic in-person experience in Atlanta over the past few days. The group bonded over stories of resilience and perseverance during two-and-a-half days of training and one day of community service for the Latin American Association (LAA), which offers education, nutrition, housing, and healthcare access in Atlanta.

The HACR YHCA program embodies HACR’s core mission of enhancing Hispanic representation in Corporate America, embracing heritage and cultural identity while prioritizing corporate diversity, leadership, and community involvement. Participants exchange narratives from diverse, bicultural, multilingual, and immigrant viewpoints, fostering solidarity through shared resilience. The culminating in-person segment coincided with the 2024 HACR Executive Programs, uniting C-suite Latino executives and advocates. Despite distinct agendas, HACR YHCA candidates and senior leaders convened during meals and receptions, fostering invaluable networking and relationship-building opportunities.

More than 30 Fortune 500 and HACR member companies collectively sponsored 63 Hispanic employees to complete the 2024 program. Here is the list in alphabetical order by company:

AARP

Sébastien Monzón Rueda

Accenture

Nicholas Rinz

AlixPartners

Cecilia Velázquez-Chávez

Christopher Sanchez Montes de Oca

Altria Group

Sabrina Sifuentes

Michelle Ramirez

Blanca Cristina Barajas Rodriguez

Ana Romero

Bank of America

Bruno Grimm de Campos

Jose Magadan

Bristol Myers Squibb

Camila Morena

Ricardo Sanchez

Carla Cárdenas Ayala

Chevron

Luis Enrique Valencia

Alejandro Lerza

Liliana Cevallos

Circle K

Angela Mondragon

Cisco Systems

Angel Velez

Comerica Bank

Fredy Salguero

Dell Technologies

Joana Vargas

Cristina Lima Grinda

Celia Sofia Loya

Dow, Inc.

Kymberly Juettemeyer

Meaghin Lucero

Sean Ortega

GE HealthCare

Iris Simmons

Bruno Yabuta

General Motors

Raul Alberto Sosa Velazquez

Jose Rivera III

Google

Lucitania Hernandez

Sofía Carrasquillo Aponte

Eduardo Quintero Cruz

Honeywell International Inc.

Ernesto López Hernández

Humana Inc.

Diana Duran

Efrain Cuadra

Intel Corporation

Jaymie M. Velasquez

Nidia Segura

Johnson & Johnson

Veronica Berruz

Manuel Morales Robles

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Alejandra Garcia

Zindy Arias

Liberty Mutual

Joanne Loubriel

Brenda Ferman

Jose Medina

McDonald’s Corporation

Sandy Giranio

Yaritza Vallejo

Carlos Terrazas

Nationwide

Noemi Garcia

Papa John’s International

Miguel Alvarez

PNC

Miguel Angel Yáñez Sauza

Giovanni Perez

Edith Campos

Procter & Gamble

Evelyn Taveras

Jhohan Lozano

Prudential Financial

Suzette Cintron

State Street

Brankely Garcia Marcano

Andres Marin Olavarria

The Coca-Cola Company

Jessan Torres

Unilever

Vicky Estrella

United Parcel Service, Inc.

Andrea Quintero

Carlos Huezo

U.S. Bank

Jordan Valdez Soto

Marcela Groves

HACR President and CEO, Cid Wilson, Embarks on Historic Walk from Capitol Hill to Wall Street to Highlight Diversity Gaps in Corporate

America

Atlanta – June 12, 2024 – The Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR) is proud to announce that its President and CEO, Cid Wilson, will embark on a monumental journey this Hispanic Heritage Month. Starting from Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, Wilson will walk over 200 miles to Wall Street in New York City to raise awareness about the critical gaps in diversity, equity, representation, inclusion, and belonging that persist in Corporate America.

Wilson, 54, will travel on foot over four weeks, making his way past iconic landmarks including the U.S. White House, and through significant cities such as Baltimore, MD; Wilmington, DE; Philadelphia, PA; Trenton, NJ; Princeton, NJ; and New Brunswick, NJ. This journey is more than just a physical feat; it is a powerful statement aimed at drawing attention to the need for comprehensive diversity and inclusion across all levels of corporate structure—executive positions, C-suite roles, corporate boards, supplier procurement, and philanthropic giving.

“Despite progress over the years, Corporate America still has a long way to go in terms of achieving true diversity, representation, and inclusion,” said Wilson. “This walk symbolizes the journey we must all undertake to bridge these gaps. Each step I take is a call to action for companies to commit to meaningful change and equity in the workplace. 2024 is not a time to slow down, or back down, and it’s certainly not a time to turn around. It’s a time to double down on diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

Wilson makes the announcement today before a live audience of Hispanic corporate executives in Atlanta on the final day of the 2024 HACR Executive Programs, a two-and-a-half-day leadership advancement conference for senior and executive corporate leaders seeking to maximize their impact at the highest levels of Corporate America.

HACR anticipates that Wilson will be joined at various points of his journey by representatives from allied organizations and potentially by allies from within some of Corporate America’s largest companies. This collaborative effort underscores the shared responsibility in addressing and overcoming the challenges of inclusion and equity.

Each day of Wilson’s journey will focus on a specific area of challenge, highlighting the multifaceted nature of diversity and inclusion. The journey will culminate in New York City’s financial district, Wall Street, a symbol of Corporate America. This ending point is highly symbolic, representing the epicenter of corporate influence and power, and underscoring the message that diversity and inclusion must be prioritized at the highest levels of decision-making.

Wilson’s walk is set to inspire conversations and actions around the systemic changes needed to foster an inclusive and equitable corporate environment. By walking from Capitol Hill to Wall Street, Wilson highlights the geographical span of his journey and the breadth of the issues at hand, from policy-making centers to financial powerhouses.

HACR invites corporate leaders, policymakers, media, and the public to follow Wilson’s journey and engage in this critical dialogue. Regular updates and highlights of each leg of the trip will be shared on HACR’s social media channels.

For more information, to join Wilson on a segment of his walk, or to support the cause, please get in touch with communications@hacr.org

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