27th Annual LATINA Style 50 Awards & Corporate Leaders Conference Celebrating Leadership, Wellness, and Resilience
By Gloria Romano-Barrera
The 27th Annual LATINA Style 50 Awards & Corporate Leaders Conference, held on May 15th at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel in Arlington, VA, was a powerful showcase of leadership, authenticity, and community, drawing professionals from across the country to celebrate the achievements of Latina executives. This year’s program highlighted the essential role Latinas and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) play in shaping inclusive, forward-looking workplaces.
The event opened with elegance and energy, guided by Celeste Leon, Mistress of Ceremonies, and professional host. Lupita Colmenero, Chief Operating Officer of LATINA Style, Inc., welcomed attendees, setting the tone for a day of impactful conversations. Guest speaker Cid Wilson, president & CEO, the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR), followed with a compelling call to action, emphasizing Latino empowerment in corporate leadership.
Maria Laura Rodriguez, Vice President & Senior Counsel, Marriott International, delivered sponsor remarks that highlighted the organization's commitment to the community. The ceremony featured the highly anticipated presentation of the 2024 top Employee Resource Groups (ERG) of the Year to the Hispanic Leadership Council, at BNSF Railway and the top LATINA Style Corporate Executive of the Year (LEY) award to Ingrid Berner, Senior Vice President, Tax, AT&T.
The first session “Leading Authentically” was moderated by Jamie Maldonado, Managing Director, Accenture. The panel tackled the challenges and triumphs of staying true to one’s identity while meeting corporate expectations. Panelists included: Diana Plazas-Trowbridge, Chief Lodging Product and Services Officer, Marriott International; and Claudia Barrera, SVP, Global Applications, Colgate–Palmolive. Their personal stories highlighted the tightrope leaders often walk between compliance, strategic execution, and authenticity.
The ERG Excellence – Thriving During Moments of Significant Change session was led by renowned author and ERG strategist Dr. Robert Rodriguez.
The second session, “ERG Excellence: Thriving During Moments of Significant Change,” explored how employee resource groups can achieve excellence. In particular, the session highlighted current trends and best practices that will help ERGs thrive during moments of significant change. Several best practices and key research insights were shared to provide current ERG leaders with practical tips on how to navigate the current economic and sociopolitical landscape successfully.
Moderated by Dr. Robert Rodriguez, PhD, President – DRR Advisors, LLC, and author of Employee Resource Group Excellence, speakers included Alison Banks-Moore, VP & Chief Diversity Officer, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ; and Iris Rosa, Director of Procurement, Property Management - CBRE. Attendees were equipped with actionable strategies to strengthen ERGs amid turbulence, positioning them not just as safe spaces but as engines of cultural and business innovation.
The third session, “Holistic Wellness in the Workplace: Mind, Body, and Culture,” explored the importance of corporate wellness initiatives and how they contribute to a thriving and productive workforce. The panel focused on integrating mental health support, wellness practices, and cultural awareness into workplace policies. Panelists shared proven strategies that enhance employee well-being, elevate performance, and foster a supportive company culture. Attendees walked away with actionable takeaways for championing wellness in their organizations. The session was moderated by Melissa Trejo, Assistant Vice President, Aflac Incorporated; Tina Thornton, Associate VP, Wellbeing and Safety, Nationwide; and Valeria Aloe, award-winning author, speaker, and founder of Rising Together.
After a short break, attendees gathered to network and visit the Expo, where local business owners shared their products. Soon after, the LS50 Corporate Leaders luncheon commenced. During this time, the 50 Best Companies for Latinas to Work for in the United States were honored for their dedication to Latina advancement and inclusive practices.
Celebrating 50 leading corporate companies, a major moment came with Bank of America receiving the 2024 Company of the Year honors. Their executive dialogue session featured Raul Anaya, president of Business Banking, and top executives Karen Chopra and Michelle Boston, who discussed their leadership journeys and collective vision for the future of banking.
Veronica Segovia Bedon, AARP, delivered a standout session titled “Leading with Resilience,” equipping attendees with strategies to balance caregiving duties with career growth and personal wellness. In a post-pandemic world, where burnout is high and work-life boundaries are blurred, her session resonated deeply.
The conference concluded with the 2024 Top 50 Best Companies Awards Presentation, followed by heartfelt closing remarks from Robert E. Bard, president & CEO, LATINA Style, Inc. From there, attendees transitioned to the Closing Leadership Reception, sponsored by State Street Corporation—an elegant opportunity to network, celebrate, and reflect on the day’s impactful programming.
The 27th Annual LATINA Style 50 Awards & Corporate Leaders Conference was more than a celebration; it was a reaffirmation of purpose. As leaders shared their stories and companies showcased their progress, one thing became clear: Latinas are not just participating in the corporate world—they are redefining it.