Name: Dayli Aleman
Title: Compliance Operations – Compliance Consultant
Company: NRS
“Hispanic” is a term which encompasses a vast quantity of cultures, regions and traditions. Can you speak a little bit about your specific heritage and any traditions that are especially important to you?
I was born in Cuba and raised in Florida. We left when I was 2, so while Spanish is my first language, I’m better at English. We’re a super close family and get together to celebrate everything! You can always count on black beans and rice being on the table! We eat 13 grapes on NYE for a good luck! This is something I’ve shared with lots of friends on NYE! Togetherness and mom’s cooking are probably my personal favorite traditions!
Why do you think diversity and inclusion is so important in today’s business world?
It takes a team to get things done! Everyone is special and what we learn from each other is invaluable. Include everyone! The more the merrier!
What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
That family is above all, but it’s not necessarily determined by blood. I’ve had the privilege of meeting some amazing people I consider family! That I laughed at everything and always kept my rose-colored glasses shiny!
Name: Elizabeth Slone
Title: Compliance Consultant
Company: RIA in a Box
“Hispanic” is a term which encompasses a vast quantity of cultures, regions and traditions. Can you speak a little bit about your specific heritage and any traditions that are especially important to you?
My parents were born in Cuba, and I was born in little Cuba (aka Miami). Christmas and New Years are always huge celebrations with the family, with everyone getting together and dancing and eating and laughing.
Why do you think diversity and inclusion is so important in today’s business world?
There’s a lot of different ways that people connect. The broader the scope of types of people in an organization, the more socio-economic and familial viewpoints associated with it, the better chances of success. Customers have so many different service options that working for a company which has policies in place for diversity, equity and inclusion makes me confident that we are the right choice for them.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
I hope I leave behind a general sense of “can do.” With the right training, education and support – we all can do.
Name: Jessica Alvarez
Title: IACCP® Consultant
Company: NRS
“Hispanic” is a term which encompasses a vast quantity of cultures, regions and traditions. Can you speak a little bit about your specific heritage and any traditions that are especially important to you?
The first thing that comes to mind when I think about my Hispanic heritage is food. I grew up in southern Arizona, so I have a lot of experience with authentic Mexican food, but nothing was ever as delicious as my dad’s homemade chili, beans and potatoes. It is a relatively simple meal that my grandmother made and that my dad grew up eating almost every day, but to me – and many of my parents’ friends who would jump at the chance to come to dinner whenever he made it – it was the finest Mexican cuisine and still remains my all-time favorite meal to this day. I now make my own version of the dish and hope to pass on the tradition to my kids.
Why do you think diversity and inclusion is so important in today’s business world?
I think diversity and inclusion are so important because they are the cornerstones of growth and progress in our society. New ideas and collaboration are often the foundational virtues of any successful business venture and by inviting people of all different backgrounds, cultures and experiences to the conversation, we ultimately propel business and industry forward and open new doors for everyone.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
I hope to leave behind a legacy of individuality and ambition to never stop striving for your own happiness. It took me a long time to get comfortable in my own skin and realize my version of a “successful businesswoman” was different than what was being shown to me – mainly by the media. But by staying true to myself and figuring out what I wanted my life to look like on a daily basis, I was able to forge a path that has allowed me to find success in each day without having to compromise who I am and what really makes me happy.
Name: Lucielle Mendez
Title: Staff Accountant
Company: Ria in a Box
“Hispanic” is a term which encompasses a vast quantity of cultures, regions and traditions. Can you speak a little bit about your specific heritage and any traditions that are especially important to you?
I am of Mexican decent. I believe some of the most important aspects of my heritage are traditional values such as family unity, belief in God, respect for parents and a strong work ethic. Many traditions incorporate some or all these values. You can’t speak about Mexican traditions without speaking about the food. The kitchen really is the heart of a home in Mexican culture and your goal is to learn as many recipes from grandma as you can because she never writes anything down. Mariachis at celebrations and getting together with my family on Christmas eve to open presents at midnight are two of my favorite traditions.
Why do you think diversity and inclusion is so important in today’s business world?
I think diversity can promote creativity and bring together people with different skillsets. I believe creating an environment where people can be comfortable to be themselves increases productivity and promotes a teamwork mindset.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
I hope I can teach my daughter that she can lead a successful and purpose filled life without compromising her values.