In the vibrant landscape of North Texas, a remarkable movement is continuing to unfold, led by an extraordinary Latina individual, Adriana Ocampo Senior. With a resolute commitment to fostering leadership, developing opportunities for Latinas, and addressing key challenges facing the Latinx community, Adriana is not just a figure of inspiration; she is a catalyst for change. Her leadership as the President of the DFW Hispanic 100 Latina Leaders organization in 2024 is a testament to her dedication and vision for a future where Latinas are empowered to achieve their fullest potential.
Adriana's journey with The Hispanic 100 is characterized by a deep-seated desire to make a meaningful impact in the Latinx community. By enhancing the participation of Hispanic women in various spheres such as philosophy, employment, and procurement, she is laying the groundwork for a transformative journey. Adriana’s call to action for Latinas to join this impactful voyage is not just an invitation but a rallying cry for unity and strength in pursuit of leveling up in the workplace and business.
Before stepping into her role with The Hispanic 100, Adriana has been a guiding light of leadership across North Texas. Her involvement with organizations such as SHPE and High Tech High Heels underscores her commitment to paving the way for Latinas in STEM. On International Day of Women and Girls in Science, she announced the launch of "The Ocampo-Senior STEM Scholarship," honoring her parents and supporting Hispanic female college students passionate about STEM disciplines. Adriana's message is clear: the future belongs to those who dare to dream and act upon their convictions.
The Hispanic 100 has come a long way since its inception as the Hispanic 50 in 1996. Founded by local Latina leaders who recognized the need for unity and advancement among Hispanic women, the organization has grown in numbers and impact, evolving into a dynamic network committed to supporting each other's success and making a difference for future generations of Latinas. The transition of its Donor Advised Fund to the Texas Women’s Foundation in 2019, and the launch of the Latina Giving Circle, signify a new chapter in enhancing philanthropic outreach and empowerment.
As we celebrate International Women's Day 2024, Adriana Ocampo Senior's message of women’s inclusion and the advancement of women and girls of color resonates more than ever. Envisioning a gender-equal world, free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination, Adriana emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion. She believes in a world where differences are not just tolerated but celebrated, paving the way for true equality.
The journey of Adriana Ocampo Senior with The Hispanic 100 is more than a story of leadership; it is a pillar of optimism and inspiration for Latinas across North Texas and beyond. As she leads with experience, backed by the support of the 2024 Board and Committee Chairs, the future looks promising. The commitment to fostering leadership, developing opportunities, and influencing key challenges remains steadfast, as does the vision for a community where Latinas are empowered to lead and inspire.
In a world in need of leadership that is committed, open-minded, and inclusive, Adriana Ocampo Senior stands out as a shining example. Her journey with The Hispanic 100 is not just about expanding community growth, one leader at a time; it is about crafting a legacy of empowerment, equality, and hope for present and future generations of Latinas. Let Adriana's unwavering resolve ignite the flames of change within us all, compelling us to stride boldly alongside her toward a world where diversity is celebrated, voices are amplified, and barriers are shattered. Together, let us heed her call and embark on a transformative journey towards a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow. In early February, we at Our Latinx Magazine had the privilege of sitting down with Adriana for an insightful interview. Here's what she shared with us.
OLM: Can you tell us about the mission and goals of the DFW Hispanic 100 organization, and how it aligns with your personal values and aspirations?
Adriana:Â The DFW Hispanic100 Latina Leaders Network is committed to mobilizing the collective power of the trailblazers Latinas we represent to continue elevating our Hispanic community through connections, opportunity, and philanthropy.
At the core of our organization is my shared passion to catalyze to help increase the visibility of the Hispanic women leaders of our organization. This organization has my commitment to making a positive impact in our community Together, we have the potential to create a lasting impact and make a difference in the lives of those we aim to serve.
OLM: As the new president of the board, what innovative strategies do you plan to implement to further advance the organization's mission and impact within the Hispanic community in the Dallas-Fort Worth area?
Adriana:Â The new Board leaders are working tirelessly to establish a strong foundation that will help us shape the direction of the DFW Hispanic100. This exercise encompasses the definition of our 3-yr. vision, the development of clear strategic objectives, and the identification of levers that will help us achieve our long-term goals. I am extremely proud of the active leadership and participation demonstrated by our board members, and their interest in contributing their expertise in pro of our collective success.
OLM: How do you envision fostering greater collaboration and partnerships with other community organizations to amplify the reach and effectiveness of the DFW Hispanic 100's initiatives?
Adriana:Â There are many opportunities to foster collaboration. To give you an example - in our effort to inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, the DFW Hispanic 100 Latina Giving Circle is working with members of the Orchid Circle, Heritage Circle, and Village Circle to demonstrate the power of unity, embrace sisterhood and increase our cumulative impact. I am a great believer that when women and minorities are included and represented, society gains a deeper understanding of intersectionality, fosters inclusivity, and promotes equity and justice for all.
OLM: In what ways do you believe the organization can address challenges and issues facing the Hispanic community in the region, such as access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities?
Adriana: DFW Hispanic 100 Latina Giving Circle – In 2004, the Hispanic 100 created a Donor Advised Fund at the Dallas Foundation. Since then, the H100 has awarded numerous grants to organizations committed to empowering and advancing Latina women and girls across North Texas. In 2019, the Hispanic 100 moved the Donor Advised Fund to the Texas Women’s Foundation and we simultaneously launched the Latina Giving Circle (LGC). This partnership further enhances our philanthropic outreach through our combined strengths.
The Hispanic 100 Latina Giving Circle further engages Latinos in philanthropy and expands resources for local organizations whose mission is to empower, educate, and support Latinas. A gift to the Hispanic 100 Latina Giving Circle supports programs for Hispanic women and girls in low- and moderate-income communities. Our Latina Giving Circle Committee reviews and vets each application to ensure the grants are awarded to the organizations making the biggest impact.
OLM: What are some of the key initiatives or programs that you are particularly excited about leading or expanding upon during your leadership as President?
Adriana: One of the key programs we offer, that I am particularly excited about and look forward to continue seeing expanding is our Leadership Forum. Hosting leadership forums offers several benefits to the participants, including knowledge sharing, networking, collaboration, professional development and strategic thinking,
Interacting with successful leaders and hearing their stories can inspire and motivate participants to strive for excellence in their own leadership roles. Learning from the achievements and failures of others can provide valuable guidance and encouragement.
By participating in leadership forums, leaders become part of a community of like-minded individuals who are committed to personal and professional growth. I believe that, overall, leadership forums create a conducive environment for learning and networking, and ultimately contribute to the growth and success of the leaders and our organization.
OLM: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are incredibly important in today's society. How do you plan to ensure that these principles are integrated into the leadership of the organization and its activities?
Adriana:Â Ensuring that diversity, equity, and inclusion principles are integrated into the leadership of our organization and its activities requires a multi-faceted approach. Within the DFW Hispanic 100, we demonstrate our genuine commitment, starting with our leadership, by leveraging our network connections to help promote, elevate, and advance our Latina leaders, to ensure they have access to equitable opportunities. Through our Leadership Forum, we offer training for our members on inclusive leadership practices, including understanding unconscious bias, fostering inclusive team cultures, and managing diverse teams effectively.
OLM: What role do you see technology playing in advancing the mission of the DFW Hispanic 100, especially in reaching younger generations and engaging with a broader audience?
Adriana:Â Technology can play a significant role in advancing the mission of the DFW Hispanic 100 and help us engage with a broader audience. Some ways in which technology can be leveraged are:
Social media presence: by maintaining active profiles on popular social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Share updates, events, success stories, and relevant content to engage with broader audiences who are active on these platforms.
Digital Marketing Campaigns: Utilize targeted digital marketing campaigns to reach specific demographics within the Hispanic community. Platforms like Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and LinkedIn Ads allow for precise targeting based on demographics, interests, and behaviors.
Mobile-Friendly Website: Ensuring our organization's website is mobile-friendly and easy to navigate
Online Events and Webinars: Host online events, webinars, and workshops on topics relevant to our
members, such as professional development, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
Data Analytics: Use data analytics tools to track engagement metrics, audience demographics, and trends over time. This data can inform future strategies and help optimize outreach efforts to better resonate with the target audience.
Collaboration with Tech Partners: collaborating with these partners can provide access to expertise, resources, and innovative solutions to further the organization's mission.
By embracing technology and implementing these strategies, the DFW Hispanic 100 can engage with a broader audience, ultimately advancing its mission of empowering and supporting the Hispanic community in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
OLM: The Hispanic population in the Dallas-Fort Worth area is diverse, with various cultural backgrounds and experiences. How do you plan to ensure that the organization's efforts are inclusive and representative of this diversity?
Adriana:Â The Hispanic 100 began as the Hispanic 50 in 1996 when local Latina leaders Delia Reyes, Bertha Outler, and Patricia Asip recognized the need for Hispanic women leaders in the Dallas area to unite and advance Latina participation in the areas of employment, procurement, and social issues. The organization changed its name to the Hispanic 100 in 2003 as its membership grew.
Today, the DFW Hispanic 100 brings together a network of engaged and dedicated Hispanic women who are passionate about continuing to support each other’s success in the private and public sectors and committed to making a difference for future generations of Latinas.
OLM: Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals for the DFW Hispanic 100, and how do you hope to leave a lasting impact on the community through your leadership?
Adriana:Â In my short 12-month term in office as president of the board, my main focus is to help build a strong foundation that will help shape the long-term direction of the organization. In the first 30 days, our board developed a 3- yr. strategic plan that will position DFW Hispanic 100 for stable growth and strong execution.
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