Dear Friends,
I am writing to you all today with an open heart—not just as the President and CEO of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, but as a father, a son, a brother, and someone who has been profoundly shaped by strong women my whole life.
As we approach Hispanic Heritage Month, I want to express my immense pride in my Mexican heritage. I am proud of my team, the majority of whom are strong and intelligent women. I am also profoundly proud of what Latinas have achieved in this amazing United States. They are the backbone of our communities, the driving force behind $1.3 trillion in economic contributions to the U.S. economy each year. Their progress is a testament to their resilience and determination. However, we must also acknowledge that Latinas still face significant barriers—particularly in terms of pay equity and representation in leadership.
For me, this mission to close the gender gap and foster an inclusive ecosystem is professional and deeply personal. I am the proud father of a 15-year-old daughter, Mariana, and like any parent, I want her to grow up in a world where she can succeed in whatever path she chooses to take. A world where her gender or background does not limit her opportunities. I want her to flourish in an environment that recognizes her talents and potential—an environment that values inclusivity and equity.
My journey as a leader has not been perfect, and I don’t pretend to be. I’ve had my share of struggles, particularly when it comes to navigating cross-generational changes and expectations. Like many of us, I try to keep up with our fast-paced world, balancing the lessons from my past with the demands of our modern era. I have made mistakes along the way—plenty of them—but with every misstep, I’ve learned, grown, and pushed myself to keep going and be a better person.
I firmly believe that part of being a good leader is being honest about the struggles and vulnerabilities we face. It’s about recognizing that we don’t always have all the answers but committing to doing our best to meet the challenges of our time. For me, that means working on both a professional and personal level to create a world where my daughter, and all young women like her, can thrive.
At IHCC, I am focused on creating an inclusive ecosystem where everyone—regardless of their gender, ethnicity, or background—can flourish. I understand that the challenges faced by Latinas are often compounded by their gender and ethnicity. The future we build must reflect the diversity of our society. Latinas, in particular, are breaking barriers in education and business. Since 2010, the number of Latinas in the labor force has grown by 32.9 percent, and Latina educational attainment has surged by 103 percent. Yet, despite these gains, Latinas still face persistent wage gaps and underrepresentation in leadership roles.
I am committed to addressing these disparities, both through my work at IHCC and in my personal life. I believe that creating a truly inclusive economy requires continuous effort, self-reflection, and learning from our experiences. I am dedicated to ensuring that every Latina can succeed, just as my mother worked tirelessly to provide for our family and gave me the tools to strive for a better future. This commitment is unwavering, and I will continue to work tirelessly to make it a reality.
This journey is not over, and I will continue to fight for a world where my daughter and millions of other women can step into their full potential—free from the barriers that have held them back in previous generations. I am deeply grateful for the support of the broader community in these efforts. Here’s to Latinas!
Sincerely,
Jaime di Paulo