LCDA Is Committed to Paying It Forward

Reflection by Esther Aguilera

As part of the continuing partnership between the Latino Corporate Directors Association (LCDA) and Latino Leaders magazine, I am proud to share updates regarding the state of LCDA, its members, and Latinos in America’s boardrooms.

LCDA is a community of US Latinos at the highest levels of corporate leadership that are committed to paying it forward and which welcomes highly-accomplished leaders who have demonstrated a personal or professional commitment to the advancement of the Latino community. 

Paying it forward is a key tenet of LCDA membership; being the first Latino with a seat at the table is a considerable responsibility—with the potential to pay it forward by opening doors for other board aspiring Latinos. LCDA members understand that as thought leaders and accomplished executives, they can propel the advancement of US Latino board placements.

Due to this commitment, LCDA is at the forefront of promoting qualified Latino board talent and preparing Latinos for board service with LCDA members occupying more than 30 percent of the board seats held by Latinos on Fortune 1000 companies. LCDA currently boasts more than 430 members, and through its continued rapid growth, is driving forward US Latino corporate board appointments and connecting companies with Latino talent. 

Just recently, two LCDA board aspiring members were appointed simultaneously to a public company board. The search for two board placements was led by an LCDA Member. Through LCDA’s network of members and search firm partners, doors have been opened to successful board appointments to companies such as — PayPal, Ulta Beauty, PG&E, American Outdoor Brands, Delta Apparel, Zion Bancorporation, and Meritage Homes, to name a few. Out of many, these are some notable instances for LCDA, where our network has lived up to the commitment of expanding opportunities and uplifting the next wave of Latino directors.

Plus, the organization is committed to providing members with high-caliber programming. This fall, LCDA members will participate in LCDA’s 7th Annual Convening—where board aspiring members are given the opportunity to network with and learn from Director Members, alongside LCDA’s Partners, Sponsors, and Search Firm Partners. As an exclusive benefit, our members are also invited to participate in LCDA’s Fall BoardReady Institute (BRI) Program, hosted by Morgan Stanley, focused on accelerating the development and placement of highly credentialed Latinos who are aspiring, new, and board-experienced directors from a variety of sectors and professions onto the highest levels of corporate governance. 

As the preeminent association of US Latina and Latino corporate directors and a trusted source for US corporations and search firms seeking board talent, LCDA believes a diverse board isn’t just about fulfilling social quotas, but about creating a diverse think engine for companies. Having Latinos on corporate boards means representing the vast majority of market growth as Latino consumers contribute $2.7 trillion to the US GDP and make up nearly 20 percent of the US population. 

LCDA stays committed to partnering with key organizations, like Latino Leaders, to bring awareness to the ample supply of Latino corporate board talent and the value of boardroom diversity. For more information on our work or to partner and be a part of growing this association, visit: latinocorporatedirectors.org. Together, we can ensure we are all paying it forward!

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