Hispanic Heritage Month Archives

New Banker Spotlight: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Brian Martinez and Aaron Aliaga

October 21, 2024 by Mike

Gwinnett Studio

New Banker Spotlight: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Brian Martinez and Aaron Aliaga

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Aaron Aliaga, J.D. Mealor, and Brian Martinez

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, host J.D. Mealor is joined by Brian Martinez, VP of Commercial Banking, and Aaron Aliaga, Commercial Relationship Manager, to discuss their backgrounds and their roles at Regions Bank.

J.D. Mealor is Senior Vice President and North Georgia Market Executive for Regions Bank. His podcast series, “Regions Business Radio”, covers financial topics such as banking and lending, mortgages, wealth management and more. The program also allows listeners to get to know some of the top executives from Regions Bank.

About Regions:

Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $145 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation’s largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest, and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates approximately 1,400 banking offices and 2,000 ATMs. Regions Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. Additional information about Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions.com.

This information is general in nature and is provided for educational purposes only. Regions makes no representation as to the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of any information presented and Regions does not accept liability for any direct or indirect loss stemming from the application of any material. Information provided and statements made by employees of Regions should not be relied on or interpreted as accounting, financial planning, investment, legal or tax advice. Regions encourages you to consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation and irs.gov for current tax rules.

Spotlight on the Georgia Hispanic Chamber’s 40th Anniversary with CEO Verónica Maldonado-Torres

October 1, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Spotlight on the Georgia Hispanic Chamber's 40th Anniversary with CEO Verónica Maldonado-Torres

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Spotlight on the Georgia Hispanic Chamber’s 40th Anniversary with CEO Verónica Maldonado-Torres (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 99)

In this episode of the GNFCC 400 Insider, host Kali Boatright, President and CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, welcomes Verónica Maldonado-Torres, President and CEO of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. They discuss GHCC’s impactful 40-year journey, upcoming celebrations during Hispanic Heritage Month, and the initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth and community support. Verónica shares her personal journey from growing up in an entrepreneurial family to leading the Georgia Hispanic Chamber, highlighting the importance of community, advocacy, and entrepreneurship. The episode also covers various programs, events, and the chamber’s strategic goals to support Hispanic businesses and promote cultural integration.

The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by John Ray and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

The Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GHCC) serves as a vital resource and advocate for Hispanic-owned businesses in Georgia, promoting economic development and fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Established over four decades ago, GHCC is dedicated to empowering its members through various programs, networking opportunities, and educational resources. The chamber connects Hispanic entrepreneurs with key stakeholders, including government entities, corporate partners, and community organizations, facilitating partnerships that enhance business growth and sustainability.

In addition to its commitment to economic advancement, the GHCC actively engages in advocacy efforts that address the unique challenges faced by Hispanic businesses. By providing a platform for voices within the community, the chamber works to influence policy decisions and promote equitable access to opportunities. Through events such as workshops, seminars, and networking gatherings, GHCC not only celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Hispanic community but also strives to create an inclusive environment where all members can thrive and contribute to Georgia’s diverse economy.

Verónica Maldonado-Torres, President and CEO, Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Verónica Maldonado-Torres is the President and CEO of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GHCC), where she brings over a decade of experience as a small business champion and supplier diversity advocate. With a legacy of entrepreneurship spanning over 60 years in her family, Verónica is a dynamic leader who fosters growth for both small businesses and large corporations through thought leadership and innovation. Her work focuses on building strategic alliances, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and accelerating businesses to thrive in corporate America.

Prior to joining GHCC, Verónica led the Georgia Mentor Protégé Connection (MPC), where she guided the development of over 150 firms and built relationships with 131 Fortune 500 companies. She also served as Director of Strategic Alliances for the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council, where she established partnerships among minority business associations and organizations dedicated to small business development. Additionally, Verónica is the CEO and founder of VMT Consulting, where she empowers businesses to secure contracts, increase sales, and achieve sustainable growth, with a focus on supplier development and diversity initiatives.

A passionate community leader, Verónica serves on multiple boards, including the American Heart Association and the Hispanic Corporate Council of Atlanta. Her leadership has earned her numerous accolades, such as the Corporate Diversity Champion Award and being named one of the “Top 50 Most Influential Latinos in Georgia.” A sought-after speaker, Verónica frequently addresses topics such as small business, diversity, servant leadership, and women empowerment, and she has collaborated with Fortune 500 companies and organizations worldwide.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to the GNFCC 400 Insider
00:30 Meet Verónica Maldonado-Torres
01:07 Verónica‘s Journey to Chamber Leadership
04:49 Overview of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
09:14 Impact and Initiatives in North Fulton
12:13 Celebrating 40 Years of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber
17:29 Hispanic Heritage Month Explained
23:09 Verónica‘s Personal Journey and Musical Passion
27:35 How to Connect with the Georgia Hispanic Chamber
28:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider

**Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC**

The GNFCC 400 Insider is sponsored by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC), and the host of the show is Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC.

The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit, member-driven organization comprised of over 1,400 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions, and individuals. Their service area includes Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell, and Sandy Springs. GNFCC is the leading voice on economic development, business growth, and quality of life issues in North Fulton County.

As a five-star accredited chamber, GNFCC’s vision is to be the premier organization driving member and community success across the region, and they are dedicated to pursuing this vision based on the guiding principles of advocacy, inclusivity, and operational excellence.

GNFCC promotes the interests of their members by assuming a leadership role in making North Fulton an excellent place to work, live, play, and stay. They provide one voice for all local businesses to influence decision-makers, recommend legislation, and protect the valuable resources that make North Fulton a popular place to live.

For more information on GNFCC and its North Fulton County service area, follow this link or call (770) 993-8806. For more information on other GNFCC events, follow this link.

Spotlight on Hispanic Heritage Month, Part 1

September 16, 2014 by angishields

Let's Talk Small Business

Spotlight on Hispanic Heritage Month, Part 1

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In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, GMSDC Radio kicked off a special two-part interview series highlighting the accomplishments of area Hispanic-owned small businesses. Featured this week was Founder and CEO Rick Tapia of La Bodega Internacional, and Managing Member and President Fernando de Augero of Diversified Energy Supply, along with cohost Program Director Veronica Maldonado of Mentor Protege Connection.

As divergent as craft spirits and the energy supply business may seem, the CEOs stressed the same key ingredients for success: mentorship, passion and experience, resources and a healthy “leap of faith.” With a decidedly more contemplative tone, the interview covered the full spectrum of entrepreneurship–from startup to established enterprise. Listen now, for their nuggets of wisdom and leadership!

Fernando de Agüero / Diversified Energy Supply

Mr. de Agüero is the President of Diversified Fuel Supply. He is also the founder and Manager of its parent company, DES Wholesale, LLC d/b/a Diversified Energy Supply. Mr. de Agüero possesses a broad energy industry experience ranging from regulated utilities to deregulated merchant and retail business. He has launched five privately held energy ventures, was Chairman, CEO and President of a deregulated retail natural gas marketer, Manager and CEO of a deregulated retail electric provider, Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of a leading smart grid-enabled prepaid utility solutions and software development company and held various leadership roles spanning strategic planning, finance, business development, commercial operations and trading at AGL Resources (Atlanta Gas Light, Virginia Natural Gas, City Gas of Florida, Elizabethtown Gas, Chattanooga Gas, Pivotal and Sequent Energy Management), Mirant Corporation and Southern Company (Southern Nuclear and Southern Company Services). Mr. de Agüero previously led the team that designed and built the first prepaid retail natural gas billing platform in North America, the first smart-metered prepaid electric billing platform, as well as other software based

solutions in the utility vertical. He has been involved in several power plant development projects and corporate acquisitions with negotiated valuations totaling over $10 Billion in both the natural gas and electric industries.

Mr. de Agüero started his career with Southern Company in 1993, working in nuclear plant design engineering and safety as a nuclear and mechanical engineer, as well as a health physicist. He earned a Bachelor in Nuclear Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He speaks Spanish fluently, has a history of political and community involvement, and invests most of his personal time with his wife, four children and church family in Roswell, Georgia.

Rick Tapia / La Bodega Internacional, LLC

Jesús Ricardo “Rick” Tapia is the founder of La Bodega International, LLC and the creator of J.R. Revelry, a craft bourbon whiskey that will be launching this fall, here in Atlanta.

J.R. Revelry is an All-American craft bourbon in the finest tradition, produced and bottled in small batches in Nashville, Tennessee. Rick created this smooth bourbon with the goal to appeal to all audiences, but especially to Latinos.

Rick started his career in the Beverage Alcohol industry with Joseph E. Seagram and Sons in 1997, and over the last 17 years he has worked across multiple disciplines and brands within the spirits industry, including accounting, finance, sales and marketing. He earned a Bachelor in Business Administration from Boston University. He speaks Spanish fluently and invests most of his personal time with his wife and daughter in Sandy Springs, Georgia.

Rick is also an active member of the Atlanta community and of the local Hispanic and Latin American Chambers of Commerce. As part of J.R. Revelry’s launch, Rick plans to give back to the community by donating $1 for every 9 liter case sold of J.R. Revelry to the Diversity Council Scholarship Program, to help fellow entrepreneurs realize their business goals.