Latinos in the Workplace Conference Focuses on Challenges and Opportunities

An evolving demographic landscape presents supervisors and managers unique workplace challenges and opportunities related to diversity that require cultural competency, cross-cultural communication skills and legal compliance. These topics were explored at last week’s 10th Annual Latinos in the Workplace Conference for North Bay businesses through inspiring presentations and a panel featuring Sonoma County business that are making a difference in our community.

Opening the conference, 4th District Sonoma County Supervisor James Gore spoke about inspiring examples of community pride and passion taken from everyday conversations.

Keynote speaker, Jaime Peñaherrera, MBA, MA, CDP, presented innovative methods for developing cultural intelligence at work and explored ways to interpret and respond appropriately to unfamiliar cultural signals. Jaime defined dimensions of culture and diversity relevant to all levels of an organization and encouraged the audience to challenge stereotypes, prejudices, and biases. Cultural intelligence represents inclusivity in a society of equal opportunity and requires knowledge and insight, empathy and respect, and the initiative to taking action while adapting to others.

Consultant, Mimi Lemanski, emphasized the importance of effective communication in a diverse work environment. The way we approach culturally-sensitive situations is critical, and Mimi offered insights about understanding cultural nuances and increasing trust to create respect.

Local immigration attorney, Christopher Kerosky, gave an overview on developments in workplace enforcement and how they effect on North Bay businesses, and also provided an update on immigration reform. Christopher contextualized his overview of The DREAM Act with an inspirational video featuring the true story of a “DREAMer” from Sonoma County.

The “Making a Difference” Panel featured three exemplary Sonoma County business representatives; Doug Hamilton, President of Oak Grove Construction; Angel Lechón, Director of People and Culture for Straus Family Creamery; and William K. Seppi, President and CEO of Costeaux French Bakery, Inc. The panel answered questions from the audience and offered ways to address cultural and language barriers, and made practical suggestions with examples from past experiences in their respective industry.