HACE’S ERG SYMPOSIUM

Patricia is an innovative trailblazer, advocate for access & equity, startup entrepreneur, author, connector, public speaker, and compassionate leader with a particular strength that exemplifies the mission of the Hispanic Alliance of Career Enhancement (HACE); to positively impact the workforce by cultivating the pipeline of Latinx/a/os talent and providing insight, access and support to their careers. Patricia serves as the President & CEO for HACE, leading strategy, fundraising & development, leadership programs, and expanding organizational reach on a national and international scale. Patricia is also a co-founder of SHENIX™, a Fintech tool to close the wealth gap that impact Latinas. Patricia’s story of transition is one that is representative of many of the stories of those positively impacted by programs and opportunities through HACE. Patricia is a proud Mexican-American, Latina, daughter of immigrants, and first-generation college graduate and professional. She is a fitness enthusiast, health, and lifestyle aficionado. Patricia has a strong history of serving in capacities that garner access to education, meaningful jobs, and advancement, also reflected by her service on various boards and accolades; serving on the Associated Colleges of Illinois, Indiana University’s O’Neil School of Public Affairs Distinguished Alumni Council, Chicago Theological Seminary Board of Trustee, Illinois Treasurer Charitable Trust Board and most recently awarded the SHERO award by the Center for Asian Pacific American Women (CAPAW) in 2021, the Nonprofit HR Top Leaders to Watch in 2020, and Crain’s Chicago Business Top 20 Most Powerful Latinos in Chicago in 2019. Patricia earned a double Bachelor of Arts degree from Indiana University-Bloomington in Spanish and Communication & Culture and a Master’s in Public Affairs (MPA) in Public Management from Indiana University’s School of Public & Environmental Affairs (SPEA)-Indianapolis, along with executive leadership certificates from both Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University. Patricia is also a certified coach and Insights Discovery© licensed practitioner, and a proud 2022 World Economic Forum at Davos Delegate, 2019 Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow and 2019 Aspen Institute Festival of Ideas Scholar.

Making connections within your company data is vital to success in business. From retail to consumer product goods and biotech, making the right connections is my passion. For the past 10+ years, I have been successful in creating and managing search, email and online promotions for various companies and agencies. Where I always felt my strength lies is in being the "data guy" who does the analysis and applies the learning to make the campaigns much more successful and sustainable. I continuously strive to see and hit the big picture goals while also developing and enjoy working within high-growth collaborative environments providing motivation and leadership across teams. Specialties: Innovation, account planning, e-commerce, marketing analytics, project management, data driven marketing, web development, merchandising, SEO/SEM, Photoshop, education and a strong desire for problem solving, while asking the question, "Why?"

Gerri Madrid-Davis is the Director of Internal Engagement in the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at AARP and works to advance DEI principles and actions across AARP’s workforce and workplace and fulfill AARP’s vision of a society in which all people live with dignity and purpose and fulfill their goals and dreams. She directs AARP’s award-winning Employee Resource Program and consults with teams across AARP to drive inclusion, belonging and equity. Gerri is the Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Institute on Retirement Security and has been a member of the Board since 2015.

Kate Russell is the Manager of Employee Business Networks at McDonald’s Corporation, working to drive the success of McDonald’s nine EBNs. SheBefore joining the DEI Team in 2021, she held several roles in the US People Organization, where she supported end-to-end design and deployment of HR products and solutions for restaurant crew and staff. Prior to that, she spent three years serving as an HR Consultant,She currently resides in Chicago, IL with her boyfriend, Jason, and their Victorian Bulldog GiGi. She enjoys immersing herself in travel. Experiencing diverse cultures brings her unparalleled joy, as it allows her to explore the world's wonders, taste unique cuisines, and connect with people around the world.growth and expansion of the EBNs, which are uniquely positioned to bring McDonald’s Valuesplays a pivotal role in supporting theand DEI strategy to life across the globe through their focus on increasing representation,accelerating cultures of inclusion and belonging, connecting with diverse communities, andproviding guidance on a variety of workplace policies, programs, and benefits.responsible forconsulting on employee relations concerns and initiatives to restaurant employees, restaurantmanagement, operations staff, franchise owners and Field HR partners

Rocio Garcia credits the impact that HACE has had on her career because it serves as an ecosystem of inspirational, driven, Latino leaders with skills, abilities, and experience that a first-generation immigrant like herself needs. As national director and chair for strategic planning at HACE, she considers the experience of working alongside and feeling the support of some of the strongest Latino minds priceless. During her four years as a national board member watching conversations of senior executives as they hurdle issues and push communities forward has taught her how to approach similar issues in her career. She is a motivated and driven leader with over 15 years of marketing, operations, management, sales, and strategic planning experience who is passionate about the CPG industry and thrives on the fast-paced and competitive environment. As senior manager for National Distributor Development at Bimbo Bakeries USA, and her previous job as Midwest Regional Manager, she is responsible for sales and management of category brands as well as trade planning, and financial and quantitative analysis. She began her career at Solex Partners, a high-end culinary gourmet importer of products from Spain, and quickly became the leader in national sales. During that time she immersed herself in the world of fine dining and traveled with Michelin-starred chefs to visit producers of some of the finest Spanish food. She then worked for Coca-Cola where she was Territory Manager of Large Accounts and lead her team for sales growth, product innovation, and excellence. In 2018 she was recognized by Negocios Now as one of Chicago’s top 40 under 40 and a rising star among those 40. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University and is working on her MBA from the Quinlan School of Business at Loyola University. She said it was important for organizations like HACE to recognize the next generation of leaders and to let them know what is possible.

Chanel Zapata se desempeña como coordinadora senior de estrategia de mercadeo global en Major League Baseball. Tiene ocho años de experiencia en la industria deportiva trabajando para entidades como: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR), Minor League Baseball, New York Yankees, Puerto Rico F.C., Burlington Royals y el Baloncesto Superior Nacional. Chanel nació y se crió en San Juan, Puerto Rico. Esta se graduó con un bachillerato en sport management (gerencia deportiva) de University of Tampa. Además, obtuvo su maestría en Sport Law & Business (derecho deportivo y administración) de Arizona State University. Entre sus intereses y pasiones están: viajar por el mundo, pasar tiempo con su familia y su perro, Vida, al igual que continuar la lucha para que se aumente la representación de comunidades marginadas en el ámbito deportivo y del entretenimiento. Chanel Zapata is a senior coordinator of global marketing strategy at Major League Baseball. She has eight years of experience in the sports industry working with Society for American Baseball Research (SABR), Minor League Baseball, New York Yankees, Puerto Rico F.C., Burlington Royals and Baloncesto Superior Nacional. Chanel was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She graduated from The University of Tampa with a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management and from Arizona State University with a master’s degree in Sport Law & Business. Her passions include traveling around the world, enjoying time with family and her dog, Vida and increasing representation of marginalized communities in sports and entertainment.

Experienced trial attorney now working in the SIU division as in house counsel for Allstate in NY. I have a background in compliance in the private banking sector. Skilled in Civil Litigation complex settlement negotiations and Arbitration. Fluent in Spanish. Graduated from Florida State University College of Law School of Law. Admitted to practice in the New York.

As an accomplished sales executive, with more than 15 years of experience, Emmanuel has driven top-performing sales teams to capture market share and achieve substantial revenue growth. Emmanuel possesses a wide range of knowledge and assets that have allowed him to contribute towards the success of major companies. Emmanuel’s expertise lies in successfully developing and implementing effective sales strategies, directing go-to-market campaigns, and leveraging his network from his many years as the Director of Membership and Member Engagement of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. Emmanuel Lopez was formerly the National Director of Strategy & Development for BetterWorld Technology before joining HACE. BetterWorld Technology is a founding B Corp member that meets the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, and legal accountability to balance profits and purpose. Through Emmanuel’s work, he helped businesses and nonprofits nationwide connect and collaborate securely with IT solutions. His incredibly supportive family has had a huge impact on him growing up and helped lay the foundation for the man Emmanuel has grown to become. As a stage-four cancer survivor, he is passionate about giving back and currently serves on the Associate Board of the Gateway for Cancer Research and volunteers as a Mentor with Imerman Angels to provide one-on-on cancer support for those currently undergoing treatment. He is also the President of the University of Oklahoma Alumni Club of Chicago where he raises scholarship funds for Chicagoland students to attend the University of Oklahoma. Most recently Emmanuel was recognized as “Chicago Latinos 40 under 40” in 2020 by Negocios Now. He was also featured as The Face of Chicago Business in February 2020 As a former collegiate and semi pro athlete he enjoys all things sports related in his free time. Especially gaining new gray hairs on the golf course.

Joshua Dantzler is a Sr. Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Specialist for Amtrak. Named a 2022 Rising Star, by Progressive Railroading Magazine, his work includes supporting the development and mobilization of Amtrak’s Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging programs and initiatives, while also managing the company’s eight Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). Originally from South Carolina, his upbringing has led him to have a passion for addressing educational and racial inequities, a spirit for community involvement, and an interest in creating inclusive communities wherever he goes. A graduate of the School of Public Affairs at American University in Washington DC, Joshua holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a minor in Communication Studies, and a certificate in Advanced Leadership Studies. He also holds a certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the workplace from the University of South Florida.

Group Vice President of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion, Ross Stores, Inc. Susan is currently the Group Vice President for Ross Stores, Inc. In this role she is responsible for the design, development and implementation of the Ross Stores, Inc. Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Strategy and Plan. Prior to joining Ross, Susan served at the Pentagon in Washington D.C., as Chief Diversity Officer and Highly Qualified Expert (HQE), United States Army, advising top military and civilian officials throughout the Department of Defense and the White House. In addition, Susan has earned more than 20 years of strategic diversity, inclusion, talent management, and human resources leadership experience at several Fortune 500 companies including Director of Global Diversity and Inclusion for Microsoft, Vice President of the Corporate Law Office, Vice President of Human Resources and Director of Talent Management for Bank of America, and Assistant Vice President of Corporate Diversity Staffing for the TJX Companies. She also served as CEO and Chief Diversity Consultant for Inclusion Excellence, LLC., where she provided DE&I strategic advise to several Fortune 500 companies including, Burlington Stores, AstraZeneca and Sunoco. Susan holds an undergraduate degree and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Northeastern University, completing international studies in London and in Prague. She has held numerous professional certifications including Certified Diversity Executive (CDE), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), Employment Law and Human Resources Negotiation Skills from the Harvard University/MIT/TUFTS Program on Negotiation. In addition, Susan holds U.S. Secret Security Clearance. Susan is widely recognized as one of the top Chief Diversity Officers in the United States and has been formally recognized for excellence in diversity and inclusion with numerous awards including; the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting’s, Diversity Leadership and Service Award, Bank of America/Fleet – Diversity in Action Award, the YMCA Black Achievers Award, the National Association of Professional Women “Professional Woman of the Year” Award, and the U.S. Army “Superior Civilian Service Award” for excellence in diversity and inclusion. She has demonstrated her personal commitment to the diversity and inclusion profession in volunteer roles including Society for Human Resources Diversity and Inclusion Expertise Advisor and State Diversity and Inclusion Director. She also served as Regional Director for the International Society of Diversity and Inclusion Professionals, Diversity and Inclusion Subject Matter Expert for the Institute for Diversity Certification, and as a Georgetown University – Diversity & Inclusion Advisor.

A results-oriented CPG professional with 15+ years of experience and a successful track record. Passionate about delivering actionable insights, developing talent, and cultivating strong relationships internally & externally.

Jennifer Murillo is Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, and a member of the Management Committee at Discover Financial Services. She is responsible for Brand Strategy and Communications; Consumer Insights; Rewards and Product Strategy; and Enterprise Programs. Ms. Murillo joined Discover in 1999 and most recently served as Vice President of Global Marketing for Discover Global Network and Diners Club. Prior to that, she led advertising, sponsorships and consumer insights for Discover Card. Before joining Discover Ms. Murillo developed media and message strategies for a variety of packaged goods, retail and automotive brands in her roles at advertising agencies. She has a Bachelor of Science from the Medill School of Journalism and an M.B.A. from the Kellogg School of Management, both at Northwestern University. Ms. Murillo previously served as a board member for the National Council of Better Business Bureaus and as Chairwoman of its Brand Committee. She is a member of Discover’s Diversity & Inclusion Taskforce and of the Women Executive 50. Working Mother Magazine and Advertising Women of New York named her “Advertising Working Mother of the Year” in 2011, and Brand Innovators named her to its “Women to Watch” list in 2019.

As Vice President of On-Air Talent Management for the NFL Network, Sandy Nunez oversees all employees on the Talent roster. She is also responsible for scouting and recruiting next generation, diverse Talent. Nunez works with NFL Media production, digital, social and marketing teams to ensure that content delivery is solid, and that Talent and the NFL brand are well represented. As an experienced television executive, Nunez is known for her ability to strategically plan, lead multi-skilled teams and produce stellar content that displays creative vision. In her role as VP of the Talent Management Team, Nunez helps shape sourcing and recruiting strategies through professional networking as well as sustained partnership outreach initiatives that identify and help retain diverse talent. Prior to joining the NFL, Nunez spent 15 years working at ESPN as a Coordinating Producer. One of her most notable achievements was the opening of the Los Angeles office and bringing production of the SportsCenter franchise to a new location for the first time in the show’s history. Before jumping into sports, Nunez worked at ABC News as a Producer where she covered domestic national stories such as the 9/11 Terrorist Bombings, Hurricane Katrina, Immigration Reform and numerous political conventions. On the international front, she worked in Israel and the Occupied Territories for several months covering intense conflict and suicide bombings during the Second Intifada. The following year, Nunez spent several more months working along the Turkish border before being assigned to cover Central Command in Qatar during the Second Gulf War. Nunez is an award-winning Producer, receiving an Emmy for her work on Sports Center. She just completed serving four years as President of the National Association of Multi-Ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC), Los Angeles chapter. She also serves on the Advisory Board for Women in Sports and Events (WISE), where she has been a long-time member and was named a “Woman of Inspiration.” She is a founding member of a private female executive network known as CHIEF, was named one of “The 30 Most Influential Hispanics in Sports” by Sports Illustrated, and one of “Los Angeles Most Influential Latina Journalists” by the California Chicano News Media Association (CCNMA). As an Executive Manager and former Producer in News and Sports Media, Nunez remains committed to leveraging her experience and skills to lead and navigate the global landscape of diversity and inclusion. Nunez’s goal is to champion internal and external change management as it relates to recruiting diverse talent. Nunez attended the University of California, Los Angeles where she studied Political Science and Government. When not attending football games at SoFi Stadium, she can be seen riding her bike in Hermosa Beach. She resides in Los Angeles with her husband, Chris and their two Golden Retrievers, Nemo and Dory.

Finance professional at a Global Food Company. I have served on the National Leadership Council for 2+ years