Each year, from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, the U.S. celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM). It’s a month where businesses, governments, educational institutions and NGOs recognize the achievements, contributions and influence that Hispanic people have across the country. While 2020 has been anything but ordinary, it’s important that we pause to celebrate and acknowledge the tremendous value, uniqueness and cultural prowess Latino colleagues bring to Nielsen and to their communities. Considering the Hispanic community is made up of people from different countries that are united by their culture, that’s why our HHM 2020 themes is #unidosencultura.
“Nielsen is proud to stand with the change our Latino associates are steering across our company and their community. It’s important that we use our collective power and resources to drive the change that we want to see in business, government and in our community.”
Amilcar Perez, Co-Executive Sponsor of Nielsen HOLA BRG and EVP, National Media Clients
Having a robust, diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our products, business and relationships with clients and communities we serve. That’s why we are committed to investing in Hispanic associates and empowering our HOLA (Hispanic Organization for Leaders in Action) business resource group to have an active voice on the issues that are important to associates. In addition to focusing on growing our Hispanic talent pipeline through internal and external professional development programs, Nielsen is partnering with NGOs and non-profit organizations to support Latino causes and initiatives
Now that HHM has wrapped up, we remember our successes while we look ahead to how we can continue to drive progress for the Latino community. This past year, we are especially proud of:
- Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR) Ranking: For the second year in a row Nielsen participated in the 2020 HACR Corporate Inclusion Index (CII), a research initiative conducted by the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR) and the HACR Research Institute. The index benchmarks the status of Hispanic diversity and inclusion in Corporate America. We received five stars in Employment, Governance, and Procurement. Michael Alicea, CHRO, Nielsen Connect, said, “We are very proud of these five stars. They are a sign that we are investing in the right areas to champion diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of our business. But it’s also a sign that we have to keep at it — because real inclusion requires real action.”
- Hispanics in Leadership: Nielsen has placed Latinos at the highest level — including appointing Tom Castro to the Board of Directors, Michael Alicea as CHRO for Nielsen Connect and Amilcar Perez as EVP of National Media Clients for Nielsen Global Media.
- Sharpening The Professional Edge: As part of our Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, Hispanic associates participated in a series of professional development conferences including Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement’s (HACE) National Virtual Leadership Summit which offered round table discussions, professional development training and career advancement advice. Our HOLA business resource group curated its own professional development conference “It’s Not Bragging, It’s Briefing” focused on self-discovery, better understanding of cultural nuances, building a personal brand and communicating our achievements.
- Influencing the Influencers: Nielsen presented on the importance of measuring diverse content and audiences at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s (CHCI) “Latino Voices in American Journalism and Media” summit. More than 200 attendees, including elected officials, policymakers, and Latino community leaders, saw insights that showcased the importance of measuring representation of Latinos and other diverse communities in television programs.
- Giving Back for a Good Cause: Nielsen associates have reported that volunteering is a positive influence on their employee experience. As part of HHM 2020, Nielsen HOLA members did just that. They organized a fundraising event showcasing this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month theme #unidosencultura. Nielsen HOLA hosted a t-shirt fundraising event with proceeds going to the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) to support LULAC’s mission to advance the economic condition, education attainment and civil rights of the Hispanic Community in the U.S.
- Commitment to the Hispanic Community. David Kenny, our CEO and Chief Diversity Officer, sets the example for our associates by what he does to promote diversity outside the company. In 2019, David has boldly lent his voice in support of a fair and accurate 2020 Census, preserving the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and increasing Hispanic representation in our ranks by adding his signature to The Hispanic Promise.
For more information about Nielsen’s commitment to the Latino community, please visit www.nielsen.com/latinos.
