Hispanic Heritage Inspiration Celebrated

19 Sep, 2012

Latin Business Today mentors share their insights by answering the question: who inspires you?

Look around you. Who inspires you? Which Latinos have had an impact on your life? For some people the answer is family members who made sacrifices, for others inspiration comes from role models who forged new career paths for Hispanics. For still others it was Hispanics who made a difference in the lives of others, like Dr. Les “Coach” Fernandez, the inspiration behind Latin Business Today.

To mark Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15-Oct. 15, a number of our mentors wanted to contribute short essays explaining who inspired them. They felt they had a compelling story to tell about someone who made a dramatic impact on their lives.

Latin Business Today’s inspiration:

A profile in memory of Dr. Les “Coach” Fernandez — the late father in law of publisher, Barry Mittelman. He inspired Latin Business Today, and many others before us.

Andrea Cotter

Andrea, a Trends & Insights mentor, was inspired by teachers in her formative years. They opened her up to new languages, cultures and instilled confidence and support.
Read more: Teachers Set Students’ Course in Life

Carlos Garcia

For Carlos, a Trends & Insights mentor, it was his sister. The influence of the author’s middle sister, Rose Marie Garcia Fontana, made the pursuit of academic excellence seem attainable and cool to her little brother.
Read more: My Sister Remains A Primary Role Model

Jésus Grana

Jésus, a Marketing & Resources mentor, wrote about Roberto Goizueta who became one of the first, if not the first, Cuban-born CEO of a major global corporation.
Read more: Early Inspirations Lead to Career Path

Teresita Abay Krueger

Teresita, an IT & Innovation mentor, chose a 17th century nun who broke new ground for women, mastering disciplines and subjects exclusive to men
Read more: Inspiration From An Early Feminist

Daniel Vargas

Dan, a Latin Business Today advisory board member, wrote his piece on Jacobo Salazar his father in law who taught his daughter and son-in-law the importance of always helping others. Never forget where you came from, think of where you are going and help everyone along the way
Read more: Hispanic Heritage: Remembering Jacobo Salazar “Jobo”

Lily Z. Winsaft

Lily, a Work, Life & Culture mentor, was inspired by her parents’ devotion, and sacrifice taught her the importance of hard work and dedication. After emigrating from Colombia, Lily’s parents strived to retain their heritage and instill the importance of education.
Read more: Hispanic Heritage, My Parents, My Heroes

We will continue to add to this page as other mentors share their essays so check back frequently. Readers are also invited to share their own stories of inspiration. Send 200 words to ask@latinbusinesstoday.com and we will select entries to be posted.