Saludos ALPFA Chicago Family!

The start of every year is full of new beginnings and excitement and the start of this year is no exception.  I’m thrilled to welcome in the New Year with you and bring you exciting news regarding what ALPFA Chicago has in the works for 2010.  In addition to sharing with you the new things in store for us this year, I would also like to highlight some of the individuals that have brought us to where we are today and will carry the organization to the next level in the year to come.

I want to first thank our communications team for developing ALPFA Chicago’s new website.  In particular I’d like to thank Susan Diaz de Leon, Henry Nakazawa, and Ben Hernandez.  These three individuals worked countless hours and showed tremendous dedication on building our new website, which will be our main vehicle for communicating upcoming events and updates in the future.  The new look and feel of our website will be representative of what ALPFA Chicago has become by showcasing the talent of our members, the strengths of our partnerships, and the cultural richness of our city.

ALPFA has always had an impact with our members and our corporate partners from a recruiting, retention and professional development aspect.  However, 2010 will bring our members and corporate partners the opportunity to also leverage our strong network for business development opportunities via ALPFA Law.  This new program will be spearheaded by the leadership of Jose Ramon Rivera, V.P. of ALPFA Law.  Jose’s success in his legal career has proven that he is the type of leader that has the dedication and commitment to turn ALPFA Law into a new source of business development for our members and corporate partners.  By bringing the financial world and the legal world together we will provide you with a unique opportunity to leverage the power of ALPFA in new dynamic ways.  I hope you join us at the upcoming ALPFA Law events that Jose and the team will be bringing you in 2010.

During the year you will also see another unique program, called ALPFA Link, that will help serve as an invaluable tool for our members seeking career opportunities and our corporate partners looking for dynamic leaders.  Heading up our professional development team and the ALPFA Link program is Irene Castaneda and Tom Grace, both who have unique experiences in recruiting and talent development that provide valuable insight into the needs of our members from a professional and career development standpoint.  You will see Irene and Tom bring  distinct offerings, providing one of a kind career advice and unique support, like workshops that address the challenges of bi-lingual professionals in the business world.

With the new programs that are being developed we’re confident that the impact of ALPFA Chicago will radiate deeper and wider, our geographical footprint will expand and our membership numbers will grow significantly.  ALPFA Chicago has long been one of the largest chapters in the country however our goal is to transform our chapter from a 600 member organization to a 1,000+ member organization.  By expanding our membership we hope to help many other local leaders to benefit from the programs, networking and business development opportunities that ALPFA Chicago provides.

On a personal note, I’m honored and humbled to lead such a talented team and wonderful organization.  Our chapter is lead by a board of 20 dedicated individuals who each work tirelessly on making ALPFA Chicago an uncommon organization, having an uncommon impact on our community.  Few organizations have the ability to provide support for diversity recruiting, employee retention, student development, professional growth, business expansion, and philanthropic aid.  It is with that in mind that I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of ALPFA Chicago’s board members whose support and leadership make all of these things possible.  Mil Gracias!

Lastly, from the bottom of my heart, I would like to acknowledge the family, friends and employers of all of our board members, committee members and volunteers.  Without the personal support of our family, friends and employers we could not give back to ALPFA Chicago the way that we do.  The board members, committee members and volunteers pour their heart and sweat into ALPFA Chicago and your understanding, patience and support is the foundation for those efforts. 

Mis mejores deseos,

Rick Cerda

ALPFA Chicago Chapter President