Beyond Boundaries: Lessons from the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber
I had the privilege of attending the 50th anniversary celebration of the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber last month, and it was a moment of deep reflection on my time as the Chamber’s CEO/President.
I feel truly honored and grateful to have played a small part in the remarkable history of this organization. Nowadays, when I interact with members of our community, they often reminisce about the incredible moments we shared, the hurdles we overcame, and the exceptional individuals we had the privilege to collaborate with.
One of the most frequently asked questions I still encounter is what prompted us to open the doors and welcome the entire non-Hispanic community into the Chamber. To set the record straight - I did not initiate this. The Chamber has had non-Hispanic members and board members since its inception, dating back to the 1970s and the leadership of the great John V. McMillian. I distinctly recall, even as a “redshirt” rookie board member, partying (I mean networking!) with Joseph D., Ish, and Rosa Navejar, who was the President at the time. I vividly remember her telling business owners and corporations that they didn’t need to be Hispanic to join or participate. This made me think of the words of entrepreneur, Malcolm Forbes, “Diversity: the art of thinking independently together.”
So, when I assumed the role of chamber president, I wanted to be deliberate about inclusivity. We believed that the best way to educate the public and promote business within our community was to invite everyone in. My rationale was simple - we can talk about how beautiful and powerful our community is, or we can extend an invitation for them to see it firsthand. Together we are better and stronger.
As a strategy consultant, I often share my experiences from my time at the Chamber, and I’m frequently told that this inclusive approach has made a significant impact. For minority nonprofit organizations looking to expand and grow, inclusion appears to be the key. It allows individuals to immerse themselves in our culture, attracts talent and resources from outside our community, and significantly enriches our donor base. Inviting everyone who wishes to participate, sponsor, and, most importantly, learn about our causes sheds light on issues that affect us all.
Regarding the Chamber, this inclusive concept continues to yield dividends and has worked wonders for our community. Under the leadership of Mrs. Landeros and her team, the Chamber has reached new heights, with no limits in sight. Here’s to another 50+ years of continued success!
