HHM 2022 web banner

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration at Cal State San Bernardino supported two opportunities for students, staff and faculty to celebrate business, inspire further advancement and network this month.

Twenty-five represented the college at the recent CAL-MEX Aerospace Expo and L’Attitude Conference.

“Latinos are a driving force in a number of industries and areas including entrepreneurship, workforce and purchasing power,” says JHBC Dean Tomás Gomez-Arias. “It’s important to expose our pack to experiential opportunities like these to help expand our network, gain insight from industry leaders and stay abreast of industry trends.” 

According to a recent Latino Donor Collaborative report, Latinos are the largest and fastest growing segment in the U.S. economy, contributing $2.8 trillion in 2020. If it were a standalone economy, it would be the fifth largest in the world. Department of Labor statistics show Latinos account for 73 percent of growth in the U.S. labor force, and by 2030, one out of every five workers will be Hispanic. As for purchasing power, Latino consumption grew 87 percent from 2010 to 2020, outpacing the 51 percent increase in non-Latino purchasing power over the same period.

To provide further global perspectives and engagement, the California Inland Empire District Export Council in collaboration with the U.S. Commercial Service and the Baja Aerospace Cluster (Mexico), hosted and invited CSUSB to its CAL-MEX Aerospace Expo. The all-day event held at San Bernardino International Airport focused on the $2.1 billion aerospace supplier opportunities emerging from Baja California.

Meanwhile, L’Attitude, a four-day event in San Diego, drew more than 6,000 professionals including executives from major corporations such as Nike, Bank of America, Target and Sony Pictures. This year, former President Barack Obama spoke to attendees, reaffirming the impact of all minorities and importance for equal opportunity and representation in all industries.

MBA student Joanna Gavilanes noted how culture is embedded in brands and leadership after attending several sessions at the event.

“As an MBA student whose concentration is in management, I realized the importance of culture and diversity in terms of a business mission, innovation and inspiration,” she said. “A business’ success is determined on how well they are able to integrate culture and diversity, which not only increases opportunities for businesses, but also for people.”

MBA student Robert Traugott said he met influential people in the finance industry, but found an invitation-only round table on pension funds and endowments with the state treasurer, Fiona Ma, UC Chief Investment Officer Jagdeep Singh Bacher and others most inspiring.

“I received invaluable insight from Jagdeep about diversifying investments to involve some level of risk,” Traugott said. “If an opportunity is there and the due diligence is completed then a calculated risk can exponentially increase your profitability.”

The Jack H. Brown College of Business & Public Administration aims to offer similar experiences year-round through its 18 undergraduate concentrations and six graduate programs.