WASHINGTON, Nov. 12, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The United States Hispanic of Commerce proudly announces the newest members of its Board of Directors, a group of national professionals representing diverse industries - Among them Luis Ramirez, President & CEO of Global Power Equipment Group; Carmen Castillo, CEO of SDI International Corp.; Veronica Edwards, CEO of InGenesis; and Maria Cardona, a Principal at the Dewey Square Group.
"The USHCC is proud to welcome this exceptional group of business leaders to its Board of Directors. These executives and entrepreneurs hail from numerous sectors, including energy, human resources, media and technology -- all key industries which USHCC is actively involved in," said USHCC President & CEO Javier Palomarez. "Our organization is led by some of America's top professionals who understand that today's business models must be anchored in diversity and inclusion practices in order to be profitable. We are honored that Mr. Ramirez, Ms. Castillo, Ms. Edwards and Ms. Cardona have joined the USHCC, and look forward to their counsel as we continue to grow the organization and act as champions for America's Hispanic entrepreneurs and all American business."
The son of Cuban exiles, Ramirez grew up in Stuart, FL and experienced the promise of the American Dream firsthand. Being "first generation" in the U.S. has given him personal perspectives and experiences on the value of diversity in the corporate world. As such, Ramirez has been recognized for his global experience and formation of diverse teams. Ramirez joined Global Power as President and CEO in July 2012. Ramirez previously served twelve years with GE, most recently as CEO of GE Energy Industrial Solutions, a more than $3 billion global electrical products and services business operating in over 60 countries.
Carmen Castillo is a Spanish immigrant who left the Spanish island of Mallorca and made her way to America in order to do just that: make it in America. 20 years later, thanks to an immeasurable degree of hard work and steely resolve, Ms. Castillo is now the first Hispanic woman to become Founder & CEO of a $1.3 billion U.S. company. In addition to championing minority-owned businesses through her work at SDI International, Carmen also served on a panel at the United Nations, engaging in real-world discussions regarding the challenges and opportunities that exist for business diversity on the global stage. Through her life, words and work, Carmen demonstrates an unwavering commitment to diversity, helping businesses of all sizes prosper, and advancing the Hispanic community on all fronts.
Veronica Edwards is the founder, CEO and sole-owner of InGenesis, one of the largest and most successful human resources and medical staffing firms in the nation. Ranked by Staffing Industry Analysts one of the 2013 fastest-growing healthcare staffing company in America, InGenesis delivers recruiting and workforce solutions to 200 client facilities in 43 states from its corporate headquarters in San Antonio, Texas. The $150 million company currently staffs over 1600 full time professional, medical, scientific, technical and support personnel in hundreds of unique specialties for commercial and government clients.
A seasoned public policy advocate and political strategist, Maria Cardona has more than two decades of experience in the government, politics, public relations and community affairs arenas. Recognized among the most influential Hispanics in the country, Maria is a Principal at the Dewey Square Group, leading the Multicultural and Public Affairs practices, where she guides clients on "best practices" for coalition building spearheads nationwide multicultural campaigns. Maria is also known for her work as a political commentator, and is currently a CNN and CNN en Español political contributor. She is regarded as one of the nation's top 100 most influential Latinos.
"In the USHCC, the Hispanic business community has some of our nation's most dedicated -- and powerful -- advocates. Our Board of Directors is exemplary of the leadership and acumen required to run one of America's largest business organizations in a successful and effective manner," said USHCC Chairman Marc Rodriguez. "I look forward to working with this savvy group of individuals and incorporating their vision into our daily advocacy work."
About the USHCC
Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of entrepreneurs and represents the interests of over 3.1 million Hispanic owned businesses nationwide that contribute in excess of $468 billion to the American economy each year. It also serves as the umbrella organization for more than 200 local chambers and business associations in the United States and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit www.USHCC.com
Valentina Pereda USHCC Director of Communications 202-489-2932
