Leading Latinas

Our annual Leading Latinas issue spotlights exemplary Latinas who are breaking barriers and paving the way for the next generation.

Born to Lead, Born to Serve: Anna Maria Chávez

Anna Maria Chávez was born to be a public servant. Growing up in rural Arizona,…

Alexion’s Next Chapter: Indrani Franchini

There are those who hear of an opportunity to work for a company going through…

Development & Mentorship: Carmen Fernandez

In today’s fast-changing world, the role of a chief human resources officer to strategically align…

Todo Se Puede: Anne Alonzo

Anne Alonzo has a mission. As president and CEO of the American Egg Board (AEB),…

Roxanne Martinez Knows Coaching Is a Two-Way Street

When Roxanne Martinez was on maternity leave in 2005, career moves weren’t a personal priority.…

Nina Vaca: Reaching for a Pinnacle

Nina Vaca has been thinking and doing big ever since she was a little girl. Now, as CEO of Pinnacle Technical Resources, she leads a top IT staffing and VMS software firm in the United States while continuing to impact the Hispanic business world through her work with the USHCC, Startup America Partnership, and acting as a mentor to women and entrepreneurs.

Raquel Tamez: The Restless Riveter

Raquel Tamez is strong, positive, and inspirational. Raised in a Houston barrio with a conservative Mexican family, she defied innumerable odds. It’s only apropos that this self-described Latina “fighter” chose a profession that lets her fight everyday: law.

Maria B. Winans: Building a Smarter Planet

Chile native Maria B. Winans thrives in changing business for the better, spearheading IBM’s modern marketing initiatives.

Ana Castellanos: From Front Desk to C-Suite

Early on in her career, Ana Castellanos became determined to climb the corporate ladder in the hospitality industry—a feat that, at the time, was unprecedented for a Latina. Last year, Castellanos achieved her lifelong career goal; she was named VP and chief HR officer for Oakwood Worldwide.

Geisha Williams: Providing Power to the People

As Pacific Gas and Electric’s executive vice president of electric operations, Geisha Williams is the highest-ranking Latina in the industry. Her work may be behind the scenes, but without her, 15 million Californians would be left in the dark.

Neddy Perez: The Cultural Bridge Builder

Nereida “Neddy” Perez’s the VP of global diversity and inclusion for a Fortune 500 corporation. To her, that means she can continue doing what she’s done since she was a child—bridging the gap between cultures. “I know what it feels like to be a minority,” says Nereida “Neddy” Perez, “which is why bridging cultural differences to help others feel included is so important.”

Rebeca León: Latin Music’s Backstage Maestra

Selling out Maná shows and overseeing the likes of Shakira and Ricky Martin have all been part of Rebeca León’s day job. Here she shares with HE her climb to becoming one of the entertainment industry’s most powerful players.

Gabrielle Martinez: Self-Made, By Design

When the leader of the free world needs an event planned, entrepreneur Gabrielle Martinez of agencyEA is up to the task.

Wendy Vividor: The Star of Starwood

She flies through the corporate world with the greatest of ease—first an investment banker, then a marketer, now at the director level of one of the world’s largest hotel and leisure companies. She’s Wendy Vividor, the mastermind behind NYC’s Spider-Man Week, one of the city’s largest entertainment partnerships.

Anna T. Pinedo: Impatience is a Virtue

The no-nonsense approach championed by Morrison & Foerster partner Anna T. Pinedo.