Diverse group of leaders to address Latino success in a digital economy; Task force to convene roundtable discussion on principles for Digital Success
Contact: Jon Purves
Associate Director, Media Relations
The Aspen Institute
Jon.Purves@aspeninstitute.org
Washington, D.C. – May 18, 2022 – The Aspen Institute Latinos and Society Program (AILAS) announced today the formation of a task force to address Latino Digital Success. The group will aim to prepare leaders in the public, corporate, educational, and nonprofit sectors to better support Latino workers and small business owners in an increasingly digital environment, contributing to a more equitable and resilient U.S. economy. Domenika Lynch, Executive Director of AILAS, has convened a group of luminaries from the fields of technology, finance, media, and public policy. Through the Task Force, these leaders will tackle timely issues such as the implications of digital transformation for Latino entrepreneurs, the digital upskilling and reskilling needs of Latino workers, and the digital innovation being led by Latino youth and adults.
“The world is changing in profound and irrevocable ways, which presents challenges but also significant opportunities,” said Gaddi Vasquez, Chair of the AILAS Advisory Board. “Our aim is to galvanize the talent, skillset, and networks of truly impactful leaders, all at the service of addressing Latino success in this new digital economy,”
This June, the Task Force will host a roundtable discussion on principles for Digital Success and strategies to inspire action by companies, workforce organizations, and elected officials to better support the Latino community. Through the Digital Equity Act, the Federal government will soon begin distributing an unprecedented $2.75 billion in funding to initiatives that address digital gaps, especially among underserved communities. The Task Force will also strategize on ways to maximize the impact of these much-needed funds.
Three esteemed executives co-chair the group: Amanda Renteria, CEO of Code for America; Hector Mujica, Head of Economic Opportunity for the Americas at Google.org; and Juan Otero, Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Comcast Corporation. Joining them on the Task Force is a diverse group of leaders in their respective fields:
- Alex Alonso, Chief Knowledge Officer, Society for Human Resource Management
- Amanda Bergson-Shilcock, Senior Fellow, National Skills Coalition
- Dayanna Torres, Director, Blackstone Charitable Foundation
- Emmanuel Caudillo, Program and Management Analyst, White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics
- Lili Gangas, Chief Technology Community Officer, Kapor Center
- Parag Mehta, Managing Director & President, JPMorgan Chase PolicyCenter
- Plinio Ayala, President & CEO, Per Scholas
- Steve Preston, CEO, Goodwill Industries International
- Yscaira Jimenez, Chief Innovation Officer, Opportunity @ Work
In a joint statement, Co-Chairs Renteria, Mujica, and Otero said: “As society becomes increasingly reliant on technology, we must prepare Latino communities for new ways of working, doing business, accessing educational opportunities and essential services such as healthcare. This is not a job one person or organization should confront alone. We are committed to this important cause and are stronger as a group igniting our collective passion for making a difference.”
The Aspen Institute founded the Latinos and Society Program in 2015 to identify and promote ideas and solutions that foster greater opportunity for American Latinos and enable a more prosperous, inclusive America for all. AILAS offers a series of initiatives, programs, convenings, and conversations collectively aimed at increasing the economic advancement of Latinos by seeking to generate solutions and catalyze actions that advance a more prosperous and inclusive future for all.
About The Aspen Institute
The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization committed to realizing a free, just, and equitable society. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve the most critical challenges facing the United States and the world. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the Institute has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, New York, and an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.
###