His View: The Power of Business Resource Groups

By Jose Aguayo, Assistant Vice President on the Product Innovation team, U.S. Bank

More than 12 years ago, I saw Business Resource Groups (BRGs) very differently than I do today.

At the time, I thought of BRGs mostly as community or volunteer groups inside a company. I assumed the people involved simply had extra time to do activities outside of their normal responsibilities—time that I felt I did not have.

Over time, my perspective changed completely, and today, BRG involvement is part of who I am and has become one of my greatest professional passions.

As a U.S. Bank employee, I have been deeply committed to advancing Business Resource Groups and strengthening engagement within the Latino community. I helped establish and lead the Latino BRG Atlanta chapter, Nosotros Latinos, and previously served as chair of a global Latino BRG at another large organization. Beyond internal leadership, I actively represent U.S. Bank through partnerships with the Latin American Association, the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce— organizations supported by U.S. Bank and Elavon as part of broader efforts to expand access, awareness, and opportunity. I also serve on the board of the Hispanic Corporate Council of Atlanta, a consortium of BRGs representing nearly 70 Georgia-based corporations.

BRGs create something that is difficult to build through traditional roles alone: a genuine sense of community within an organization. They bring people together through shared experiences, perspectives, and values. That sense of camaraderie and belonging becomes a powerful driver of employee engagement.

When people feel connected, they become more invested—not only in their work, but in the success of those around them.

For many, that involvement does not stop inside the walls of the company. Over time, BRG participation often extends into the broader community. You begin to feel a responsibility to help others, especially those who may not have had the same opportunities. Employees start volunteering, mentoring, and supporting initiatives that uplift underserved communities.

At the same time, BRGs open doors for professional growth. They provide opportunities to build relationships across the organization, collaborate with leaders from different areas of the business, and develop skills that may not always be available in a functional role. Whether organizing events, managing initiatives, or mentoring others, BRGs allow employees to grow as leaders.

Perhaps most importantly, BRGs help individuals see themselves as ambassadors of their company’s values. Through every interaction with colleagues, customers, and the community, BRG leaders represent a commitment to inclusion, collaboration, and service.

More than 12 years after my first introduction to BRGs, I am encouraged to see the impact these groups have across our organization. I sometimes joke that when you see BRG leaders walking through the halls, they are usually on a mission and almost always with a smile on their faces as they plan the next initiative or opportunity to bring people together.

That energy reflects something powerful. BRGs are not simply employee groups; they are engines of engagement, leadership, and connection.

When organizations support these networks and employees choose to participate, something meaningful happens. People feel seen and connected. And they are inspired to give more of themselves to their colleagues, their communities, and the mission of the organization they represent.

Jose Aguayo is a seasoned product leader with over 18 years of experience driving innovation across payments, digital wallets, and financial services. He currently serves as an Assistant Vice President on the Product Innovation team at U.S. Bank, where he focuses on developing and scaling next-generation solutions that enhance customer experiences and drive business growth.

Aguayo has a strong track record of identifying market opportunities, shaping product strategy, and leading cross-functional teams from ideation through launch. His work sits at the intersection of technology, customer needs, and commercial impact—bringing innovative concepts to life and positioning them for successful adoption in competitive markets.

Beyond his professional role, Aguayo is deeply committed to community engagement and leadership. He serves as the Vice President of Engagement for the Hispanic Corporate Council of Atlanta (HCCA) and as Chair of Nosotros Latinos in Atlanta, the Latino/Hispanic Business Resource Group at U.S. Bank. In these roles, he leads initiatives that foster connection, professional development, and economic empowerment within the Hispanic business community.

Born in Puerto Rico and a native Spanish speaker, Aguayo brings a unique cultural perspective and a strong connection to the Hispanic market, which he integrates into both his professional and community leadership efforts.

Aguayo holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Central Connecticut State University.