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For over half a century, it has become <\/span>a <\/span>tradition in the U.S. to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15<\/span>th<\/span> to October 15<\/span>th<\/span>. This is a month of celebration, tribute and pride <\/span>for<\/span> those of us that relate to the Hispanic\/<\/span>Latinx<\/span> culture, either because we are part of it, or because we have grown fond of this community and feel <\/span>a connection<\/span>. <\/span>But<\/span>,<\/span> this is also a time <\/span>for<\/span> reflection.<\/span><\/p>\n For some time now, our community has been going through <\/span>challenging times<\/span> deriving from strong external narratives that <\/span>fail to<\/span> represent <\/span>our<\/span> beauty, <\/span>our <\/span>diversity and <\/span>the real <\/span>challenges <\/span>that we <\/span>face today and in the past. Stories that attempt to create deep <\/span>social <\/span>division<\/span>s<\/span>. Stories that intend to tear down the very fabric of what the Hispanic and Latin<\/span>x<\/span> communities <\/span>truly<\/span> represent<\/span>. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n As a Latino an<\/span>d Executive Sponsor of HOLA (<\/span>H<\/span><\/b>ispanic & Latinx <\/span>O<\/span><\/b>rganization of <\/span>L<\/span><\/b>eaders in <\/span>A<\/span><\/b>ction), Microsoft\u2019s Hispanic\/Latinx Employee Resource Group<\/span>,<\/span> I have learned so much <\/span>on<\/span> my journey<\/span> to represent and propel the Latino culture in the USA. <\/span>It\u2019s just amazing to see the positive impact that Latinos have <\/span>daily<\/span>. On one hand, 86% of all new US businesses have been launched by Latinos over the last decade<\/span> <\/span>and<\/span> <\/span>Latinas create small businesses 6x faster than any other group in the country.<\/span>[1] <\/span>Latino GDP was $2.13 Trillion in 2015, and it\u2019s growing 70% faster than the rest of the economy.<\/span>[2]<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n Latinos <\/span>are contributing to the very fabric of this country and that is<\/span> why it is extremely important that our individual voices and personal stories of struggles, achievements and contributions to the North American culture continue to collectively rise<\/span>. <\/span>Hispanic Heritage Month is a perfect moment to share the true narrative of who we are<\/span>,<\/span> and the great impact and role each one of us plays in society.<\/span> <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n To honor Hispanic Heritage Month,<\/span> <\/span>Microsoft is <\/span>celebrating <\/span>Latinx<\/span> culture and inspirational stories through<\/span> <\/span>Our Voz<\/span><\/i><\/a>. <\/span><\/i>This will include local events in the community, <\/span>celebrations, <\/span>as well as stories from our own <\/span>Latinx<\/span> <\/span>employees<\/span> who are making an impact in the community<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n Microsoft HOLA<\/span>,<\/span> in partnership with our <\/span>Global <\/span>Diversity and Inclusion team and our many internal allies across all businesses<\/span>,<\/span> have established strong partnership<\/span>s<\/span> with key <\/span>stakeholders <\/span>in the Latino community<\/span>. B<\/span>y<\/span> <\/span>join<\/span>ing<\/span> forces<\/span>,<\/span> <\/span>we have helped <\/span>accelerate progress<\/span> across a wide range of topics<\/span> <\/span>from our <\/span>own<\/span> internal culture and ability to bring ou<\/span>r<\/span> true <\/span>selves <\/span>to work, to suppor<\/span>t<\/span>ing<\/span> families through <\/span>immigration<\/span> challenges<\/span>, <\/span>improv<\/span>ing<\/span> <\/span>education<\/span>, and much more<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>W<\/span>e would like to take the opportunity to recognize and thank these organizations for their partnership and the great work they do every day to make a difference for our community.<\/span> <\/span> <\/span>You can view the full list of <\/span>partner <\/span>organizations <\/span>below<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n It is my belief that through empathy, mutual understanding and purposeful action we can make a lasting, bigger impact that changes how we experience the world \u2013 and how the world experiences u<\/span>s.<\/span> Please <\/span>visit<\/span> microsoft.com\/en-us\/hispanic-heritage-month\/default.aspx<\/a><\/span> for the most current news and opportunities to celebrate<\/span>, <\/span>engage<\/span> and be inspired<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>If you want to learn more about broader initiatives for diversity and inclusion at Microsoft please <\/span>visit<\/span> <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span> <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n Let\u2019s continue this conversation and <\/span>share our stories <\/span>to<\/span> celebrate<\/span> Hispanic Heritage Month!<\/span> Follow me on Twitter, @alvarocelis<\/a> and on LinkedIn at https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/alcelis\/<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [1] Hispanic Sentiment Study, Xeno Group 2018 <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n [2] Latino Donor Collaborative <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n H.O.L.A <\/span><\/b>Partner Organizations <\/span><\/b> <\/span><\/p>\n![\"HOLA](\"https:\/\/www.sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/microsoft-kicks-off-hispanic-heritage-month-a-celebration-of-the-cultures-and-contributions-of-the-latinx-community-1.jpg\")
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<\/a>ALPFA\u2019s mission: To empower and develop Latino men and women as leaders of character for the nation, in every sector of the global economy.<\/span> <\/span><\/li>\n
<\/a>DigiGirlz is Microsoft\u2019s own global outreach program that gives middle and high school girls opportunities to learn about careers in technology, connect with Microsoft employees, and participate in hands-on computer and technology workshops.<\/span> <\/span><\/li>\n
<\/a>HACR\u2019s Mission is to advance the inclusion of Hispanics in Corporate America at a level commensurate with our economic contributions.<\/span> <\/span><\/li>\n
HITEC\u202fis a premier global executive leadership organization of senior business and technology executives who have built outstanding careers in technology. HITEC\u2019s premiere network spans the Americas and is focused on building stronger technology and executive leaders, leadership teams, corporations, and role models in a rapidly changing, flatter, and technology centric world. <\/span> <\/span><\/li>\n
The \u201cHNBA\/Microsoft IP Law Institute\u201d provides opportunities for Latino students interested in intellectual property law. This summer, up to twenty-five Latino law students from law schools across the country will be chosen to participate in an IP immersion program in Washington, DC. Candidates are selected in a highly competitive process, and the selected students are provided substantive instruction, the opportunity to observe first-hand U.S. IP institutions at work, and the chance to meet leading members of the IP legal community who will serve as mentors and potentially provide pathways for future job opportunities.<\/span> <\/span><\/li>\n
Mission: To expose and inspire underrepresented youth to become tomorrow\u2019s business and technology leaders. iUrban Teen is a nationally recognized program focused on bringing career focused education to underrepresented teens ages 13 to 18. Youth receive hands-on exposure to a variety of careers and civic engagement that step them outside of their current boundaries. Our target demographics are African American, Latino and Native American males, however, the program is inclusive of all youth.<\/span><\/li>\n
<\/a>Microsoft, along with Angelina Jolie, founded KIND in 2008 to provide legal services to unaccompanied children entering the U.S.\u202f Brad Smith Microsoft President is also KIND Chairman of the Board.\u202f Many of our Microsoft in house attorneys and other professionals work on KIND cases on a pro bono basis, and Microsoft also supports for a KIND fellow, an attorney who works for KIND and supports Microsoft\u2019s pro bono efforts.\u202f More information about KIND can be found <\/span>Here<\/span><\/a> <\/span> <\/span><\/li>\n
Empowering and inspiring adult Latinas by sharing technical knowledge, business skills, and entrepreneurship resources through hands-on workshops and community events.