An Open Letter of Admiration and Gratitude to the Leaders of Hispanic, Latino, Latinx, and Latine Employee Resource Groups

Dear Esteemed ERG Leaders,

As a fellow advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and as someone who speaks to many of you every week, I write this letter to express my deepest admiration and gratitude to you, the courageous leaders of Hispanic, Latino, Latinx, and Latine Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) throughout companies across the United States. Your dedication, resilience, and tenacity as you balance this incredibly vital, albeit voluntary, role with your daily work responsibilities are nothing short of inspirational.

The work you do to advance Hispanic talent is as significant as it is challenging. ERGs serve as critical cornerstones within our organizations, fortifying the sense of community, belonging, and inclusivity. They nurture professional growth, spur career advancement, cultivate leadership skills, and foster an environment conducive to attracting, retaining, and promoting Hispanic, Latino, Latinx, and Latine talent within the workforce. Your roles are pivotal to promoting diversity and achieving equitable representation in our corporate landscape, and your efforts deserve nothing less than our utmost respect and recognition.

You are the unsung heroes who toil in silence, the quiet revolutionaries shaping a better future for future generations. Your compassion and commitment have manifested in your personal missions to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Despite the challenges of limited resources and budgets, your resolve remains unshaken, and you continually strive to turn the impossible into reality.

It's truly remarkable how you not only fulfill your primary work duties with utmost diligence but also dedicate significant time and effort to this cause that is close to your heart. This isn’t simply a task, a commitment, or an obligation, but a testament to your unwavering spirit, your care for our Hispanic, Latino, Latinx, and Latine people, and your commitment to progress.

I understand that the work can be taxing, the hours long, and the victories sometimes overshadowed by the magnitude of the task at hand. But please remember, your work is meaningful, your actions transformative, and your sacrifices noble. You, ERL Leaders, are creating lasting, positive change, one initiative at a time, one person at a time. You’re driving a paradigm shift, influencing perceptions, and most importantly, you are making a difference.

Let me assure you, every event you host, every program you run, every conversation you facilitate, every opportunity you create, and every barrier you dismantle echoes in the heart of our communities and resonates far beyond the confines of your respective organizations.

In closing, I invite all who read this letter to join me in acknowledging and celebrating the extraordinary Hispanic, Latino, Latinx, and Latine ERG leaders across the nation. Your selfless dedication is not only profoundly appreciated but also significantly impactful. Let's all extend our unwavering support to these champions of change who are molding a brighter, more diverse, and inclusive future for all of us.

As we stand together on the precipice of change, I am honored to be in your company and inspired by your example. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Continue to be the beacon of change, the torchbearers of diversity, and the architects of a more inclusive tomorrow.

Adelante,

Jose Pinero