The Latino Professional Mentoring Network (LPMN).
"How lovely to think that no one need wait a moment, we can start now, start slowly changing the world. How lovely that everyone, great and small, can make their contribution...how we can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness." – Anne Frank
The Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce identified the need for a strategy that would bring together Hispanic professionals able to connect in a socio-professional environment. While at a business social last year, a couple of Hispanic professionals and Hispanic Chamber staff struck a conversation about professional networking. The ideas discussed lead to a powerful description of what is the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber Latino Professional Mentoring Network (LPMN):
- A source of Hispanic talent that supports and promotes corporate diversity
- A source of hope to Hispanic youth
- A potential source of Hispanic business owners
- A group directed by professional members from within, committed to helping Latino professionals and youth grow into a more educated, employable and accountable community through civic engagement and professionalism.
Purpose
- To connect Latino professionals with corporate executives willing to share knowledge and success stories that will help them grow professionally as they grow into management and executive positions;
- To connect Latino professionals with Latino youth to help mentor them by sharing their professional experience and exposing them to a more stable outlook to life and opportunities; and
- To create a resume database of Latino professionals for members of the Hispanic Chamber to use as a resource when seeking professional talent.
Activities
- Roundtable discussions, seminars, lectures and workshops led by seasoned executives about topics that address a path to executive leadership: careers, leadership, civic engagement and networking
- Seminars that address the career options youth have and focus group discussions to help LPMN understand what youth need, to help them achieve high school graduation and a path to education or a skilled job
- Mentoring meetings in the form of lunch, outings, corporate and community events for both groups: executives to professional and professional to youth
- Networking socials
Who may contribute
- Young Hispanic professionals with a four-year college degree or extensive vertical expertise
- Executives and Latino professionals passionate about growing a healthier Latino community by promoting higher education, economics, markets and opportunity in the Greater Philadelphia region
- Community-based organizations helping Latino youth thrive