What factors went into your decision to take the job as vice president of community affairs and Hispanic enterprises and content at NBCUniversal?
As I considered my career trajectory and opportunities, it became important to work for an organization that shares my values. I was particularly impressed by the commitment to the Hispanic community that I saw at Comcast, NBC, and Telemundo. I thought the position was a great opportunity and next step for me professionally.
What NBCUniversal company values resonate with you the most?
NBCUniversal acknowledges the fact that the US Hispanic population is 53 million and growing, shaping the nation’s economy and influencing its politics. Supporting the Hispanic community is not only the right thing to do, it makes business sense. Comcast, NBC, and Telemundo appreciate and celebrate the values that Latinos bring to the jobs on both sides of the camera. The organization has a proven record of supporting the communities where their employees work and live. With efforts such as Telemundo’s El Poder de Saber and Vota Por Tu Futuro, it has consistently carried out initiatives that empower Latinos through education and civic engagement. Comcast’s Internet Essentials program has connected more than 1.2 million Americans through the power of at-home Internet. I feel here the presence of commitment, responsibility, and passion to support our community.
As vice president of community affairs, what are your duties and responsibilities?
In this role I am located in New York and split my time with the Telemundo headquarters in Miami. I am responsible for developing the company’s long- and short-term strategic direction, planning community relations activities as they relate to NBC News and Telemundo Media. I am also charged with coordinating all of that work with our parent company, Comcast Corporation.
How is the arts and entertainment field changing for Latinos?
If you look at the Latino community today, one in six Americans is Latino. Among school-age children, Latinos represent one in four. In some cities, such as Los Angeles or Miami, they are every one in two. Hispanics are already a powerful force in the nation’s culture, politics, and economy. I think that over the next five years, our influence is only going to increase. As Latinos, we have a responsibility to ensure that we are providing opportunities for those who come after us. We must help others along the way and contribute to the workforce of the next decade. If we are not supporting ourselves as a community, then we are not doing our job. Working as part of Comcast, NBCUniversal, and Telemundo is gratifying because, unlike our competitors, we have the opportunity to reach Latinos in English and Spanish, online, on air, and on demand, wherever they are.
Comcast, NBCUniversal, and Telemundo recognize and deliver on the importance of engaging Latinos across the production process, in front of and behind the camera. This commitment is reflected in the success of film projects such as the Fast and Furious series, Universal’s highest-grossing franchise with broad diversity across production. Latinos had a major impact at the box office. Another great TV example is La Voz Kids on Telemundo, an expansion of NBC’s the Voice, now in its second season. Behind the cameras, NBC is committed to programs that give Hispanics opportunities to experience the different areas within our business. We have a number of partnership programs; diversity initiatives for writers, future leaders, and pages; as well as workshops and a fellowship for writers to better understand the business and gain experience.
What are your goals for NBCUniversal within the next three to five years?
I am looking forward to using my position to make an impact on the community. I want to empower our audience through access to information they need to succeed. We are exploring health, financial, and education opportunities as avenues to continue supporting the Hispanic community by expanding and building upon our civic engagement work.
