Leaders On Trump
In the midst of the effervescence of the new administration and its initial actions, we wanted to ask the top Latino leaders of the Nation their position on the new government, how were they coping with the Trump administration and what they were planning to do about it, in order to keep advancing their own goals and missions. These are some of the top leaders from leading organizations that represent thousands. Added together, they make millions as a good part of the Hispanic community of the United States. It is a very impressive list, thoughtful leaders, some of the brightest minds and best advocates for Latinos. The main question was: “How are you trying or working with the new Government?” What challenges or advantages for your organization or the Latino community do you see with the new administration?”
The answers and comments are very interesting. But at the same time they leave the door open for the next big question: “Is there a common strategy? Is there a call-to-action for specific results? Are they each planning to keep doing their work from their different position or come together with a unified position?”
The following quotes and comments were extracted from larger interviews we received and reflect the organization’s leader point of view and character.
ROGER ROCHA
President of LULAC
“We are not in it for the glory. We’re in it to help the community. That’s what LULAC does. That’s what LULAC has been doing for 88 years.”
“Let’s help these young Dreamers that are here, who are going through college, getting their Masters, their Doctors, working as nurses. Let’s get them situated where they can be productive members of the community. We should not declare war on those dreamers that are here. We need to give them an opportunity.”
“I DO WANT TO REASSURE THE COMMUNITY THAT LULAC IS GOING TO BE DOING WHAT WE’VE BEEN DOING FOR 88 YEARS AND THAT’S LOOKING OUT FOR THE LATINO COMMUNITY. WE ARE THERE.”
“…you’re going to have to find people that are going to bring you the solutions and that’s where we’re looking and that’s what we bring to the table. Solutions. How are we going to make this work?”
CHARLIE GARCIA
CEO ALPFA
“…we expect to have senior ALPFA leaders working in the Trump Administration.”
Challenges?
“…trying to get as many qualified Latinos to serve in good paying jobs in the government, across all agencies.”
I would ask Trump…
“We don’t need anything from President Trump. I would ask him not to deport as many Latinos as President Obama. I would make sure he knows that Mexico is our #2 trading partner in the world and not to screw that up. I would tell him to control the export of American guns and weapons to Mexico that is fueling much of the violence there.”
CID WILSON
CEO of HACR
“…we are very concerned about the fact that President Donald Trump has created an environment that is counterproductive to Hispanic inclusion in Corporate America.”
“WE BELIEVE THAT, GIVEN TRUMP’S RHETORIC, CORPORATE AMERICA NEEDS TO ELEVATE, REINFORCE, AND STRENGTHEN ITS DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION PRACTICES.”
“It is our responsibility to communicate with Corporate America to get the assurance that any new hiring announcements are consistent with their diversity and inclusion initiatives.”
“…HACR is committed to helping those companies who are ready to pledge to diversity and Hispanic inclusion.”
CHALLENGES?
“President Trump has proven to be unpredictable, erratic, and untrustworthy. His message has not been friendly or positive to the Latino community.”
“These companies who are engaging with the Trump administration cannot compromise their diversity and inclusion strategies, and they certainly cannot look at the Trump administration as a model for their diversity practices.”
ADVANTAGES?
“Given that these departments have alliances with Corporate America, HACR is well-positioned to advance our mission of Hispanic inclusion in Corporate America by collaborating on key initiatives that are consistent with our mission.”
I WOULD ASK TRUMP…
“We would remind President Trump that the U.S. economy cannot succeed without the estimated $1.5 trillion economic buying power of the Latino consumer, and the over $600 billion in revenue generated by Hispanic-owned businesses.”
“His campaign message that one can be unqualified for a job because of their Mexican-American heritage (i.e. Judge Curiel) is unacceptable…”
“His divisive messages and his actions have promoted a heightened racial divide. These issues not only impact the Hispanic community, but also the companies who employ us.”
NINA VACA
Chair Emeritus USHCC Foundation
“…we want to push new ways to give Hispanic businesses better and easier access to capital and financial education.”
“Additionally, as a Presidential Ambassador of Global Entrepreneurship, I hope to work personally with the administration to continue to develop the next generation of entrepreneurs.”
Challenges?
“We want to encourage and educate these women as well as create more like them to start the small and medium-sized businesses today that become the large corporations of tomorrow.”
“WE WANT MORE PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND THAT WOMEN HAVE SOME OF THE STRONGEST ENTREPRENEURIAL DRIVE ANYWHERE.”
Advantages?
“The President has made jobs one of his top priorities. Small businesses employ nearly two out of three Americans and make up more than 99 percent of all American companies. These are the firms that will drive job growth in this country.”
I would ask Trump…
“We want effective and consistent governance, low taxes, reduced regulation, a robust economy, and free and fair trade with other countries. In that spirit, we seek alignment with this new administration and every administration to help realize those goals through effective policy proposals.”
“More specifically, small businesses need capital and education to grow. We benefit from policies that facilitate a more robust lending market – whether through the SBA or otherwise. We also benefit from educational programs that provide entrepreneurs with critical knowledge in key areas. And lastly, we benefit from being granted equal opportunities to submit competitive proposals on government contracts.”
“But if existing and aspiring business owners have greater access to the capital they need to grow, then we as a country benefit from a broader pool of more effective and diverse entrepreneurs. The resulting jobs and opportunities then produce a multiplier effect throughout our economy and in the Hispanic community specifically.”
JANET MURGUIA
President of NCLR
“WE ARE FOCUSED ON PROTECTING AND DEFENDING THE LATINO COMMUNITY.”
Challenges?
“Immigration. ACA. Consumer Protection. Voting Rights.“
I would ask Trump…
“We have long called out candidate Trump on the divisive and polarizing rhetoric he used repeatedly on the campaign trail and his complete failure to engage with our community. The same holds true for President Trump.”
ANTONIO TIJERINO
President, Hispanic Heritage Foundation
“Our work at the Hispanic Heritage Foundation just got more important as we continue to present a value proposition…”
“We will continue to meet America’s priorities in the classroom, community, and workforce to move our great nation forward under the incoming president or anyone else that holds the position.”
IGNACIO SALAZAR
President SER Jobs
“We cannot go back. We must move forward.”
“We are not just 25% of the kids that are in public school today. We are 50% of the growing workforce of the future and that’s an important statistic.”
“…WE HAVE TO PREPARE OUR COMMUNITY TO LEAD IN WAYS THAT WE HAVEN’T BEEN GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY FOR IN THE PAST. THAT’S THE ONLY WAY WE’RE GOING TO CONTINUE TO EVOLVE INTO A GREATER COUNTRY.”
MARIA TERESA KUMAR
Executive Director Voto Latino
“I think that it’s not by chance that the administration has not appointed a one single Latino to his cabinet. That’s the very first time in the last 20-30 years we are not going to have a Latino in a cabinet position.”
“…we have to make sure that we are delicate and paying attention.”
“…it’s important to ensure that we are clear on what we expect from him as a president and that is that they are fair to all Americans and they consider us as such.”
“IT’S SHOCKING TO BELIEVE THAT HE WAS ABLE TO GET AS FAR AS HE WAS BECAUSE THERE WAS NOT A CORPORATION, THERE WAS NOT A BAND OF ALLIES THAT STOOD UP FOR US THAT HE WAS AFRAID OF. AND THAT JUST TELLS ME THAT 1) WE’RE INCREDIBLY TOLERANT OF WHEN PEOPLE ABUSE US VERBALLY AND; 2) WE’RE INCREDIBLY TOLERANT OF FOLKS THAT TAKE FOR GRANTED OUR HARD WORK.”
HECTOR BARRETO
Chairman of The Latino Coalition
“...the 3 things that were interested in are the issues that are more important to the Hispanic community. 1) economic issues. 2) what is a suitable replacement for Obamacare 3) immigration reform”
“The challenge for the administration is going to be to reach out, to not take this community for granted, to base the relationship on respect and common goals.”
ANTONIO MOLINA
President of the Latino Caucus
“We will be ready to stand toe-to-toe whenever its necessary.”
“Accountability is our number #1 priority.”
“ACTIVISM IS GREAT. BUT, BEYOND ACTIVISM, WE GOT TO GET MORE INVOLVED. AND THE WAY WE GET MORE INVOLVED IS BECOMING PART OF THE PROCESS.”
“Some of the hardest workers that you are able to find are amongst those groups of people which he continuously to demonizes.”
JAVIER PALOMAREZ
President of the USHCC
“…I think it’s important that American small business has a voice in any administration. There were many ideas and language used during the campaign that we can’t support. But the election is over. So it is important for us as an organization to find the ideas we could support while fighting to change what we feel is necessary.”
“We want to continue to advise President Trump and any of his administration on the importance of these businesses and the Hispanic community to the American economy and society.”
Challenges?
“I WOULDN’T CALL THEM CHALLENGES SO MUCH AS I CALL THEM OPPORTUNITIES.”
“YOU CAN’T CHANGE THE GAME FROM THE SIDELINES- YOU HAVE TO BE IN THE GAME.”
“IT’S IMPOSSIBLE TO EDUCATE WHEN YOU ISOLATE”
Advantages?
“The greatest advantage is our membership. As Dina Powell, Trump Senior Economic Advisor, said: ‘No other organization in America matches the USHCC’s reach and influence in the Hispanic community.’ A recent Nielsen study called the Hispanic market ‘the most influential segment since the baby boomers’ because it represents 1.5 trillion in consumer buying power. More than that, Hispanics have one of the strongest entrepreneurial spirits of any group in the country. From 2007 to 2012, the number of businesses created by Hispanics grew almost 50% percent. … Like I mentioned before, we serve 4.2 million Latino-owned businesses that collectively contribute $669 billion to the national economy every year.”
I would ask Trump…
“…a chance to state our case and they have surprisingly open to that. We have a mutual goal of doing what is best for the American business community.”
“...as I recently told Stephen Mnuchin, the new Secretary of the Treasury, we do agree on lower corporate taxes and fair regulation as stimuli to business growth. It’s time to for us to find the areas we agree instead of focusing on the areas where we don’t.”
“…we are a dynamic, hard-working and industrious community filled with people who want the American Dream just like everyone else.”
SOL TRUJILLO
Chairman Latino Donor Collaborative
“Latinos are synonymous to entrepreneurship. It’s in the DNA of the entrepreneurs in the United States.”
“…70% of all new jobs created, have been created at that level. That’s where the Latinos are particular playing and that’s where they’re driving our domestic economy.”
“This country will not be able to successfully compete without the supply of labor and the variety of skills that are available with the Latino workers.”
“Our country will be dramatically better off competitively speaking, growth-wise, etc., if the Latino is growing, robust and is continuing to do what it is already doing.”
TOM SOTO
Chairman of the New America Alliance
“…we fully expect them to embrace the demands and the needs, as well as the contributions and the ideas that the Latino entrepreneur and members of the NAA…”
Challenges?
1- “Access to quality education.”
2- “Access to tax dollars and distributions for urban infrastructure and environmental justice.”
3- “Access to policies that will help to embrace the values of what immigrants contribute and making sure we have a fair immigration policy that is being considered by this administration. Especially the Dreamers, who are already here…”
CARLOS TORTOLERO
President National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago
“Speaking as Carlos Tortolero, I think the first thing Trump needs to do is to apologize not only to Mexicans, but to all the groups and individuals that he offended with his comments. I don’t see that happening. I also believe that the concept of “working with Trump” is the ultimate oxymoron. Trump doesn’t work with anyone. It’s his way or the highway.”
HENRY CISNEROS
Former Secretary of HUD and Former Mayor of San Antonio
“…another approach is to stand up for our concerns and then be willing to take them on when they hurt our interests.”
“It requires being very certain about what we believe to be important. And requires being very sure and solid in terms of holding our ground and not being drawn in…”
“Already I think the signs are very very dangerous for the community. For the first time, since 1988 there is no Latino in the cabinet which is a setback for us.”
“…that’s very important. To have someone there that can interpret our community for the President.”
Challenges?
“…but it is very important for the largest minority group in the country and the fastest growing minority group in the country to have representation at the Cabinet table. That the President hears from someone who brings a Latino point of view, who reminds the Administration that 100 million+ people by 2040 will be Latinos in the United States.”
Advantages?
“Perhaps one advantage is that I personally approach this with good will. I recognize the power of the President and what that can mean for our community…”
“…I like to believe that it is an advantage to be able to speak the truth.”
“…we’re out to be helpful.”
“…WITH SUCCESS FOR THE PRESIDENT, COMES SUCCESS FOR THE NATION AND WHEN THAT HAPPENS, THERE’S SUCCESS FOR LATINOS, AS WELL.”
I would ask Trump…
“I would ask him to lower the decibels on demonizing people of Hispanic heritage but especially, Mexicans. We do need border security. That’s clear. But we also need to figure out a way to address the legal status of the 12 million who are here.”
“Beyond that, I would ask for recognition that when a population is 55 million people and growing towards 100 million people, and already the largest minority in the country, it’s in America’s interest to help this community become part of the middle-class. To help this community become part of the small business ownership of this nation. To help this community advance in education and entrepreneurship, in income and in wealth and ownership. Become homeowners. Become business owners. And that when we do those things we really are helping the country in a major way.”
“I think the #1 issue for our community…is education. We need to perform better, beginning in pre-school. Lower the drop out rate. Improve the performance levels. That would be the issue that I would say is the one that shapes the Latino future and the American future.”
ARTURO VARGAS
President of NALEO
“While we may not agree on every policy position or proposal over the next four years, especially as it relates to immigration, we will seek areas of common ground that can be forged with the President that will allow us to work together to move the Latino community and nation forward.”
“One of our biggest priorities is ensuring that the many hard-working Latinos who want to put their skills and talents to work on behalf of the nation are able to do so in the next Administration. This is even more important given that there will not be a single Latino voice or perspective in the White House Cabinet Room for the first time in nearly 30 years.”
“THERE IS NO SHORTAGE OF TALENT AMONG THE DEEP BENCH OF LATINO QUALIFIED CANDIDATES IN THIS COUNTRY, AND A TRUMP ADMINISTRATION WILL NEED TO ENSURE THESE INDIVIDUALS ARE ABLE TO PUT THEIR SKILLS TO WORK FOR THE GOOD OF THE NATION IF WE WANT TO MOVE AMERICA FORWARD IN THE COMING FOUR YEARS.”
“We oppose the construction of a border wall on the basis of NALEO’s principles, and will continue to work toward real and meaningful immigration reform that promotes public safety and acknowledges the significant contributions immigrants make to this nation.”
“The persistent undercount of the nation’s second largest population group is a civil rights issue in this country. Unless we bring Latinos out of the shadows and into the light in the 2020 Census, the Latino community will continue to have disproportionate access to fair political representation and public services.”
ANTONIO FLORES
President HACU
“HACU IS COMMITTED TO WORKING WITH EVERY FEDERAL ADMINISTRATION TO CHAMPION HISPANIC SUCCESS IN HIGHER EDUCATION. OUR MISSION AND PRIORITIES REMAIN CLEAR AND COMPELLING FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF LATINOS AND THEIR IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE NATION’S PROSPERITY AND EQUALITY.”
“…I’m hopeful that the Trump Administration will support HACU’s advocacy efforts to enhance federal support for Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and emerging HSIs to more effectively meet the workforce and diversity needs of the country.”
CHALLENGES?
“As the overwhelming majority of the Latinos are educated by public schools and public and nonprofit colleges and universities, this would be troublesome and counterproductive for the nation.”
ADVANTAGES?
“Demographically, the nation is becoming increasingly diverse and particularly Hispanic.”
“These emerging generations of Hispanic youth are the foundation of America’s labor force.”
I WOULD ASK TRUMP?
“…level the playing field for HSIs and emerging HSIs with respect to federal funding;”
“…include HSIs and Hispanics in all federally funded higher education programs that already provide funding for other Minority-Serving Institutions and minority students but exclude HSIs and Hispanics.”
“…enhance student financial aid programs, particularly Pell Grants…”
“…close the wide gap in Hispanic representation in the federal workforce...”
“…preserve the DACA provisions until the DREAM Act is passed…”