"Latinas Rising Up in HR" by Priscilla Guasso Opens New Platform for Latina HR Professionals; 20 authors break barriers and share their personal stories of success
Latinas in executive leadership roles are not very common. According to a Missing Pieces Report by Alliance of Board Diversity only 4% of executive positions at Fortune 100 companies are held by Latinas.
CHICAGO, Oct. 27, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Latinas in executive leadership roles are not very common. According to a Missing Pieces Report by Alliance of Board Diversity only 4% of executive positions at Fortune 100 companies are held by Latinas.
When Priscilla Guasso, a 15-year experienced HR leader based in Chicago and Miami, began to notice this lack of diversity in executive roles she decided to bring to light and create a platform for Latina professionals. She had a vision to create a community to share their experiences, tips, and stories and to empower one another as they navigate their careers in human resources.
With that inspiration, her book "Latinas Rising Up in HR: Inspirational Stories of Human Resources Professionals Leading, Thriving, and Breaking Barriers" was born. Guasso shares that during her 15-year career she was blessed to have had opportunities to move up the corporate ladder and reach successful heights. She credits her hard work but also the support she received from her family, friends, mentors, and sponsors. However, as she reached more professional success, she realized not many people looked like her at the top.
"I educated myself and learned what it took to move into these roles," Guasso said. "Later on, did I realize that I was quite the exception. There is less representation of Latinas and women at the table, unfortunately. The 2019 Corporate Inclusion index from Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility research shares that 2% of board seats are held by Latinas and less than 1% of executive positions are held by Latinas. Those results, honestly, are unacceptable for me."
This stirred something inside her and at the beginning of 2020, Guasso paused her career for personal reasons and focused on developing this unique project. To bring this inspiring book to life Guasso partnered up with Fig Factor Media Publishing.
"Latinas Rising Up in HR" launched via Facebook Live on Fig Factor Media's Facebook Page on Oct 17. Since then the launch has reached over 9,000 people and has had over 3,600 views. A recording can also be found on YouTube. The launch allowed all the authors to share a short message with the audience through a series of themed panels.
The book's preface is written by NBC Universal Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion Salvador Mendoza. A mentor to her, Guasso credits his guidance and tireless advocacy of her growth and success.
The following 20 authors featured in the book:
- Priscilla Guasso, Speaker, Author & Founder of Latinas Rising Up In HR
- Valerie Hope, Leadership Coach & Professional Speaker
- Stephanie Martinez, CEO & Founder, HRDesigned4U, LLC
- Janine Ting Jansen, People Partner Director
- Irma I. Reyes, Director of HR
- Katie Lopes, HR Anthropologist
- Naysa Aparicio-Hernandez, Vice President of HR
- Susana Mota, HR Business Partner
- Edith Pacheco, Benefits Manager
- Pamela Burga, Diversity & Inclusion Leader
- Myriam Del Angel, HR Manager
- Karina A. Jimenez, Regional HR Manager
- Griselda Rodriguez, Benefits Director
- Sonya Lamas, Colleague Experience Director
- Monica Tijerina, Corporate Social Responsibility Strategist
- Francisca Phillips, Engagement, Diversity & Inclusion Leader
- Mercedes E Jaime, Supplier Diversity Professional
- Isabel Montes, Human Resources & Learning Director
- Karina Pro, Sr. Director of Human Resources
- Luz Perez, manager, HR Business Partner
Guasso announced that two scholarships would be offered through the platform: Latinas Rising Up in HR Student Scholarship offered to students ages 17-24 and the Latinas Rising Up in HR Professional Scholarship offered to professionals with two to seven years' experience. A portion of the book proceeds will fund these scholarships.
The reason Guasso wrote this book was to encourage Latinas in the HR field to grow, thrive and help the next generation of leaders.
"Yes, we are all Latinas, but our stories resonate with so many more people," she said. "You may ask why did I jump into this? Why did 19 of us do this together? We really wanted to build a space where Latinas in HR could share the keys of their knowledge and open doors for others to join us."
For more information about the book and to purchase a copy visit http://www.latinasrisingupinhr.com.
Marketing partner support of this launch include:
- CDW
- CHCI Alumni Association Chicago
- FAIRYGODBOSS
- Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc.
- Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement
- Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities
- Hispanic Executive
- Hispanic Star
- HRhotseat
- Hyatt
- Latina Style Inc.
- Latinas and Power, Corp.
- Latino Corporate Directors Association
- Latino Economic Development Center - MN
- Latino U College Access
- National Association of Women Business Owners in MN
- National Hispanic Corporate Council
- Prospanica Chicago
- Prospanica NYC
- RJW Logistics Group
- SHRM
- SHRM Chicago
- The Latinista
- University of Illinois' Latino Latina Alumni Association
- We Are All Human
About "Latinas Rising Up In HR"
"Latinas Rising Up in HR" created by Priscilla Guasso proudly showcases inspirational stories of aspiring human resources professionals who overcame obstacles and defied statistics to achieve their dreams in corporate America, nonprofit and as entrepreneurs. Their experiences answer the question, "Why aren't there more Latinas in executive leadership?" and show how determination, grit, and finding the right mentors can pave the way to opportunity for anyone of any background. Be inspired by their personal wisdom in the Reflect and Rise micro-mentoring moments at the end of each chapter, and you too can continue to rise to your dreams. # # #
About Fig Factor Media:
Fig Factor Media Publishing is an international publishing company with a "beeping" heart. Fig Factor Media has helped many authors achieve and support their dream of impacting their communities in the United States, Mexico, and Europe. Fig Factor Media is the official publisher of Today's Inspired Latina. For information, visit figfactormedia.com. ###
SOURCE Latinas Rising Up in HR

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