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JACOBS is creating the world of tomorrow as one of the largest providers of architecture, engineering, construction, and other professional technical services. Jacobs Technology, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Jacobs Engineering, is a worldwide leader in providing advanced engineering and technical services for government and industry.

www.jacobstechnology.com

http://hnicareers.com/allsteel.aspx

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CAREER AND BUSINESS NEWSNATIONAL HISPANIC ENTREPRENEURS’ ORGANIZATION LAUNCHED TO EMPOWER HISPANIC ENTREPRENEURSJuan Pablo Giometti, president and CEO of NHEO, Inc., has announced the launch of National Hispanic Entrepreneurs’ Organization (www.nheo.org), a nonprofit organization created to empower Hispanic entrepreneurs who are underrepresented in America. As the premier business organization serving Hispanic entrepreneurs, NHEO’s mission is to close the minority gap that Hispanics face in the business world and foster entrepreneurship among Hispanics through mentoring, networking and education. The organization acts as an information hub for new and existing Hispanic business owners and offers timely access to business and community resources at the local, regional and national level. NHEO also helps stimulate economic growth by providing high quality, prescreened information in the English and Spanish languages. “I am excited that NHEO is up and ready for business,” said Giometti, president and CEO of the organization. “Our overall objective is to increase the chances of success of Hispanic entrepreneurs by providing them needed business wisdom, resulting in increased revenue as well as job growth within the country.“

Juan Pablo Giometti is also Managing Director of The Latin Focus LLC, a full-service Hispanic media and marketing consulting firm headquartered in

Charlotte, N.C., with research and development and call centers in Latin America. In 2006, Mr. Giometti founded Viva Carolina, a multimedia Latino network in the Carolinas with focus in Education, Business and Healthcare, that was acquired in 2008 by The Latin Focus LLC. Viva Carolina was the first community Hispanic newspaper in eastern North Carolina. Giometti has held several managerial positions for Fortune 500 companies, including NACCO Materials Handling Group, Inc. (NMHG), IBM, Pepsi Bottling Group and Motorola in the United States and Latin America, where he worked in business development and marketing roles for multimillion dollar projects.

NEW REPORT DETAILS MOST COMMON AND FASTEST-GROWING OCCUPATIONSPerhaps more than ever, workplace skills are key to finding and retaining employment. If you’re considering a new occupation in the new year and want to explore some possibilities, check out the new “Occupational Opportunities” report issued by ACT, Inc. The eight-page report is available online, for free (click here).

Three charts in the report present projected annual openings, recommended skill levels, and average annual salaries associated with some of the nation’s most common occupations. The information is based on ACT research, along with data extracted from the Occupational Information Network developed by the U.S. Department of Labor and data published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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CAREER AND BUSINESS NEWSTHE OCCUPATION CHARTS ARE DIVIDED INTO THREE SECTIONS:The Now section provides data for 45 occupations commonly available to high school graduates. These positions frequently serve as gateways to higher-level jobs and careers.

The Next section provides data for 55 occupations requiring additional training usually acquired on the job or via educational programs offered by community colleges or other providers.

The Later section lists 50 occupations requiring postsecondary educational credentials and may call for professional experience.

For each occupation listed in the Now, Next and Later sections, three columns list the recommended WorkKeys® assessment scores an individual should have to be successful in that occupation. The three WorkKeys assessments used for this chart are Reading for Information, Applied Mathematics, and Locating Information. ACT research shows that these three skills are important to 85 percent of the nearly 17,000 jobs that have been analyzed since the WorkKeys system was launched about twenty years ago.

These assessments support the National Career Readiness Certificate offered by ACT – a portable credential issued to verify that individuals possess the essential skills associated with the listed occupations. Employers across the nation may validate the presence of core employability skills that are closely related to job performance and success. “The U.S. economy is in a period of transformation,”

states Martin Scaglione, ACT Workforce Division president & COO. “We will continue to see steady growth in occupations that demand the knowledge and skills needed to master complex tasks and responsibilities. Opportunities abound for those who prepare to meet these new challenges.”

In order of Annual Openings, the top five opportunities for each category according to the number of projected annual openings include: NOW: Retail salespersons (719,636)Customer service representatives (577,955)Office clerks, general (474,658)Home health aides (393,920)Janitors and cleaners (except maids and housekeeping cleaners) (390,328)NEXT: Bookkeeping, accounting, clerks (303,213)Executive secretaries and assts. (270,183)Carpenters (173,807)Sales reps (171,904)Automotive service techs (131,007)LATER: Registered nurses (639,815)Postsecondary teachers (420,031)Accountants and auditors (249,672)Elementary school teachers (243,257)Computer systems analysts (151,659)

In order of U.S. Median Wage, the top five median annual (gross) earnings for each category include:NOW:Power-line installers and repairers ($52,570)Police and sheriff’s patrol officers ($49,630)

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CAREER AND BUSINESS NEWSPostal service mail carriers ($44,500)Brickmasons and blockmasons ($44,070)Firefighters ($43,170) NEXT: Dental hygienists ($64,740)Flight attendants ($61,120)Diagnostic medical sonographers ($59,860)Real estate brokers ($58,860)Cost estimators ($54,920) LATER:Physicians and surgeons ($153,640)Chief executives ($151,370)Airline pilots and flight engineers ($148,810)Dentists, general ($137,630)Computer and IS managers ($108,070)

“As you might guess,” stated Scaglione, “the occupations in the Next and Later sections requiring postsecondary training and/or postsecondary education are the more highly compensated positions, as well as the occupations requiring higher WorkKeys assessment scores.”

For individuals unsure of what occupation might be the most suitable for them, ACT offers an assessment called “Fit” designed to match individual interests and values to the work environment. This tool assesses work-related interests and a broad range of work-related values, such as Autonomy, Physical Activity, Influencing Others, and Precision. For ease of use, information from both interests and values are combined into a single Fit Index. More information about this assessment is available at http://www.act.org/workkeys/assess/fit/index.html. For more information about ACT, visit www.act.org.

DESPITE ECONOMY, NEARLY TWO-THIRDS OF COMPANIES PLANNING YEAR-END BONUSESAs the economy struggles to crawl out of the worst recession in decades, many companies remain focused on containing costs. However, one new survey shows that, despite continued worries about costs, 64 percent of employers are planning to hand out holiday bonus checks this year. The survey of approximately 100 human resource executives conducted in November by global outplacement consultancy Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. suggests that while companies are not quite ready to accelerate hiring, they are cognizant of the potential to lose high performing workers when the job market begins to improve and job creation gains momentum.

The percentage of companies awarding holiday bonuses this year represents a marked improvement over 2008, when 54 percent of companies planned to give bonuses. Not only are more employers planning to give bonuses this year, but some are planning to give bigger checks. Eight percent of those polled said their companies were increasing the size of bonus checks. Last year, none of the companies planning bonuses were giving bigger ones.

While the survey shows an overall increase in the percentage of companies awarding bonuses, it also demonstrates the impact that the recession has had on many companies. Sixteen percent of respondents said that, while they awarded bonuses in 2008, they did not plan to do so this year. That is up from 13 percent of companies that saw the cancellation of bonuses from one year to the next.

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CAREER AND BUSINESS NEWSAnother four percent of companies planned to give smaller bonuses than a year ago, which the same percentage who said as much in the 2008 survey.“Companies are not quite ready to ramp up hiring, but they are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. While most can probably justify postponing bonuses another year, there are growing concerns that job market improvements in 2010 could bring an exodus of workers. Companies are also sending a message that we appreciate that this has been a tough year for everyone, and that the workers’ part in ensuring continued survival is recognized,” said John A. Challenger, chief executive officer of Challenger, Gray & Christmas.

Many employers are indeed expecting a rapid surge in turnover when the economy improves, according to a survey by consultancy firm Deloitte. The survey found that nearly two-thirds of managers were highly or very highly concerned about losing high-potential talent in the year after the recession ended.

“In addition to layoffs, the recession forced many employers to decrease workers’ hours, institute pay cuts, force employees to take unpaid vacations and halt matching 401(k) contributions. While some of these measures have saved jobs, they undoubtedly

left many workers disgruntled, frustrated and ready to move on as soon as the market improves. Year-end bonuses may not ensure the loyalty of all unhappy workers, but they could help entice some to stay aboard,” said Challenger.

While the human resource executives surveyed did not provide details on the amount of bonus checks, John Challenger said some companies may choose to be creative when it comes to year-end rewards. “In some respects, it truly is the thought that counts. Employees want to be recognized for their contribution to the company. It doesn’t have to be a Wall Street sized bonus check. Many workers would be happy with a $100 gift certificate to a local restaurant or store. Many would probably be happy with a couple of extra days of paid vacation at the end of the year. Many are simply happy to have a job in this economy,” said Challenger.

“Of course, those who are just happy to have a job are usually the first ones seeking greener pastures at the first sign of improvement. Companies understand this and it is why nearly two-thirds of them are finding a way to give bonuses this year,” he concluded. HT

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Work Here. Fly Anywhere.www.skywest.com/careers

the journey begins here

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REACHINGSTARSfor the

Hispanics have made their mark in a myriad of fields. Perhaps none more

impressive than their involvement in space exploration. Ever since the first

Hispanic traveled past the confines of gravity, the number of Hispanics that

have joined the ranks of space travelers continues to grow.

By Richard Chudy Photos and additional material courtesty of NASA

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The first Hispanic NASA astronaut was Dr. Franklin Chang-Diaz. His first foray into space took place in 1986 but his career as an astronaut was not a singular flight. In fact, Chang- Diaz flew a total of 7 space missions from 1986 to 2002. All told, he logged over 1,600 hours in space and an impressive 19 hours and 31 minutes of spacewalking.

Dr. Franklin Chang-Diaz

His first mission, STS 61-C (January 12-18, 1986), was launched from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on the Space Shuttle Columbia. STS 61-C was a 6-day flight during which Dr. Chang- Diaz participated in the deployment of the SATCOM KU satellite, conducted experiments in astrophysics, and operated the materials processing laboratory MSL-2. Following 96 orbits of the Earth, Columbia and her crew made a successful night landing at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Mission duration was 146 hours, 3 minutes, 51 seconds. Subsequent missions all had their moments, including milestone trips to establish and upgrade the International Space Station and Russian Space Station Mir. His passion for space exploration was inspiration for many other Hispanics who looked to the stars with dreams of becoming an astronaut. In an interview conducted towards the latter part of his career in January of 2003, Dr. Chang- Diaz relayed these words. “Space is just wonderful,” he said. “It’s a place I long to be now. When I get there, it’s like being home every time. I have the sensation of more familiarity.”

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His journey to becoming an astronaut proves that hard work, dedication and a deep-seated desire to follow one’s dreams can payoff big. Few NASA astronauts have chalked up more than a decade in space, but Franklin Chang-Diaz says he’s been touring the cosmos for nearly half a century. His first spacecraft? An oversized cardboard box, fueled by the vivid imagination of a small boy who already knew what he wanted to do with his life and would meet every challenge to make it happen. A self-described “normal kid” growing up in Costa Rica in the 1950s, Chang-Diaz had an early interest in science and physics, building and launching his own rockets through the rain gutters of his grandparent’s house. His parents fostered his enthusiasm, but offered some wise counsel as well. “You can’t just be an explorer who goes along and looks for things,” his mother told him. “You have to study and be a scientist, so you can tell what you’re really finding.” Inspiration also came from Chang-Diaz’s father who always told him to believe in himself. “My dad was my hero,” he said. “He instilled in me a very strong sense of self- assurance.”

When a NASA official visited Costa Rica to talk to high school students about space exploration, Chang-Diaz made a decision that would alter his life. “I sat in the front row, listening to this guy talk about rockets and rocket propulsion,” he recalls. “He had copies of a booklet, ‘So You Want To Be a Rocket Scientist,’ by Werner von Braun, it told you how to become a rocket scientist and work for NASA. That’s what I wanted to do,” he said.

He immediately wrote to von Braun. NASA’s reply commended him on his interest, but stressed careers in NASA were reserved for U.S. citizens. “That’s when I formulated my plan to come to the United States,” he said.

Chang-Diaz graduated from a Costa Rica high school in 1967. He worked as a bank teller for nine months and saved $50. His father got him a one-way ticket to Hartford, Conn., where he would live with relatives.

“The first thing I had to do was learn English, so I enrolled myself in public high school,” he said. “Then I planned to find a way to get a scholarship to go to a university.” He got that scholarship, and earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Connecticut in 1973. In 1977, he earned a doctorate in applied physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Mass.

Fast-forward to August of 2009 and you’ll find the newest of roughly a dozen Hispanics who have made the grade and attained the position of NASA astronaut – Jose Hernandez. He, like many that have completed training as an astronaut, came from humble beginnings. He was a young boy when he and his family, migrant farm workers, began working the California Circuit – the name given to the grapevine of farms that provided seasonal work for pickers and farm workers. Frequent moves throughout his childhood made getting an education difficult, but regardless, Hernandez earned a first rate education. He obtained a master’s degree in electrical engineering from UC Santa Barbara. But the impetus to reach for the stars came much earlier in life. It was while he was in high school in Stockton, California that Hernandez caught wind of something that captured his attention and stoked a new passion. He heard that fellow Hispanic, Franklin Chang-Diaz was recruited by the Astronaut Corps – and the thought of becoming an astronaut became his new dream.

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“I was hoeing a row of sugar beets in a field near Stockton, Calif., and I heard on my transistor radio that Franklin Chang-Diaz had been selected for the Astronaut Corps,” says Hernandez, who was a senior in high school at the time. “I was already interested in science and engineering,” Hernandez remembers, “but that was the moment I said, ‘I want to fly in space.’ After graduating high school in Stockton, Hernandez enrolled at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering and was awarded a full scholarship to the graduate program at the University of California in Santa Barbara, where he continued his engineering studies. In 1987 he accepted a full-time job with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where he had worked as a co-op in college.

While at Lawrence Livermore, Hernandez worked on signal and image processing applications in radar imaging, computed tomography, and acoustic imaging. Later in his career, Hernandez worked on developing quantitative x-ray film imaging analysis techniques for the x-ray laser program. Hernandez applied these techniques in the medical physics arena and co-developed the first full-field digital mammography imaging system. This system has proven useful for detecting breast cancer at an earlier stage than present film/screen mammography techniques. Hernandez has won recognition awards for his work on this project. He has also worked in the international arena where he represented Lawrence Livermore and the U.S. Department of Energy on Russian nuclear non-proliferation issues.

Astronaut Jose Hernandez, STS-128 mission specialist, attired in a training version of his shuttle launch and entry suit, awaits the start of a training session in the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

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(PRNewsFoto/MGM MIRAGE)

NASA astronaut John “Danny” Olivas, STS-128 mission specialist, participates in the mission’s second session of extravehicular activity (EVA) as construction and maintenance continue on the International Space Station.

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During the astronaut application process, Hernandez had to meet with a review board. That’s where he came face-to-face with his original inspiration: Franklin Chang-Diaz.

“It was a strange place to find myself, being evaluated by the person who gave me the motivation to get there in the first place,” Hernandez says. “But I found that we actually had common experiences -- a similar upbringing, the same language issues. That built up my confidence. Any barriers that existed, he had already hurdled them.”

But it was not easy to get into the program. In fact, although he obtained a college scholarship and earned a master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering, getting into the Astronaut Corps would take much time and effort. All told,

Hernandez applied a total of 12 times and after a long 12 year pursuit, he was finally recruited at the age of forty-one. “It’s okay to dream the impossible because if you work hard enough, get a good education… you can actually obtain the impossible and make it possible.” says Hernandez. On Aug. 25, the 47-year-old engineer’s impossible dream culminated with the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery. The seven-member Discovery crew included another Hispanic, Danny Olivas, a graduate of the University of Texas at El Paso. It was the first NASA shuttle crew to include two Hispanic astronauts. When asked about how he feels about being an example to others, especially the Hispanic community at large, Hernandez offered these

Seated are Commander Rick Sturckow (right) and Pilot Kevin Ford. From the left (standing) are mission specialists José Hernández, John “Danny” Olivas, Nicole Stott, European Space Agency’s Christer Fuglesang and Patrick Forrester. Stott is scheduled to join Expedition 20 as flight engineer after launching to the International Space Station on STS-128.

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(PRNewsFoto/MGM MIRAGE)

words. Well, I think it’s a good story to tell. I just look at it the way I received it when I was a senior in high school and read about Franklin Chang’s story, of how it empowered me to say, “If he did it, why can’t I do it?” And so, that’s the way I feel about my story saying that it’s a feel good story but it’s not a story to tell because, “Hey, look at me. I’m an astronaut. Look how good I am.” It’s more of a story to tell so that folks can say, “Hey, if he was able to do it, why can’t I do it?” So that’s what I’m hoping to do is to empower especially the Latino community, the Latino students, empower them to say, “Hey, Jose did it, why can’t I do it?” And so that’s how I feel about it.

Jose Hernandez doesn’t stop at mere words to inspire others to reach for the stars. In December of 2005 he formed the Jose Hernandez Reaching for the Stars Foundation. In creating this foundation, he aims to ensure the opportunities for children to pursue their educational and professional goals regardless of perceived obstacles. The efforts and goals of the foundation are designed to carry forward Jose’s aim of giving back to his community. By awarding scholarships, the foundation focuses on

helping students achieve their educational goals. An annual Space Conference is designed to inspire youth to pursue occupations in the math and science fields. The foundation also looks to connect with the community to establish a network of resources to help children.

On September 28, 2007, the foundation hosted its first annual Space Conference with over 500 eighth graders from throughout San Joaquin County in attendance. This signature event provided students practical and advanced hands-on experience thought knowledge and concepts from the fields of science, and engineering. And, of course, Jose was on hand to experience the participants’ learning and excitement, as well as to enlighten them about his educational and professional experiences.

In June 2008, the foundation awarded its first scholarship to a deserving, local, college-bound student. The recipient was Alejandra Aguilar who is attending the University of the Pacific and intends on studying engineering. For more information about the foundation, or to make a contribution to their scholarship fund, visit http://www.astrojh.com/foundation.html.

Space shuttle Discovery touches down at Edwards AFB in Califorinia’s Mojave Desert as mission STS 128 completes a successful mission. Two final shutlle missions will mark the end of the program.

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Scan the front page of any newspaper in

the US and chances are good that you’ll

find a headline dealing with the Healthcare

reform. Check out MSN, Yahoo or any major

news website and you’re in for more of the

same. Healthcare reform has taken center

stage and for all intents and purposes, the

likelihood that new legislation will come out

of Washington with far-reaching implications

has never been more likely.

Even without healthcare reform, the healthcare industry is set to realize tremendous need for new hires. The demand for trained personnel is already great and will only increase as baby boomers reach retirement age. According to a US Department of Labor study completed in December of 2009, of the 30 fastest growing

occupations 17 are healthcare related. While many of those positions are directly related to the increase in the number of retirees and senior citizens in need of specialized healthcare, the greatest number of new positions that are likely to be created in the next 3 years is in the healthcare IT field. That’s right…. Information technology as it relates to healthcare is the new “it” career. Part of President Obama’s sweeping healthcare reform deals with cost-cutting by way of digitizing medical records and record keeping, a move that will streamline the way medical professionals access patient records as well as reducing the expense of creating and maintaining those records. Estimates vary but experts anticipate anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000, or more, new IT careers will be created by healthcare reform measures. Those positions are already coming to fruition with demand expected to remain high well into 2013.

President Barack Obama delivers a health care address to a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., September 9, 2009. September 10, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

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(image courtesy of: MGM MIRAGE)

With $22-50 billion in federal stimulus incentives available by way of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, deploying e-medical records and other clinical systems is not just something that the healthcare industry is considering, it’s something they must do to meet federal requirements. It’s this very need that is pushing the expansion of IT teams in hospitals, insurance companies and government agencies dealing with or overseeing healthcare modernization. According to Robert Half Technology, a recent survey of 244 healthcare CIO’s found that hiring plans for the immediate future include recruiting personnel who have the following IT skills.• Network administration• Desktop support• Windows administration• Wireless network management• Database management• Telecommunications support• Web development/design• Virtualization• Business intelligence/reporting services• ERP implementation Demand for IT pros in healthcare is real and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is taking steps to increase the number of qualified applicants. In late November, HHS announced plans to provide $80 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grants for community college programs and curricula to strengthen the nation’s health information technology (IT) workforce. The recipients will develop intensive non-degree training programs and materials to quickly prepare people with some background in health care or IT to help health care practices deploy and support IT systems. Participating colleges will coordinate their efforts through five regional consortia.

According to Blumenthal, the community college program will establish intensive, non-degree training that can be completed in six months or less by individuals with some background in either healthcare or IT. Participating colleges will coordinate their efforts through five regional consortia. Graduates will fill a variety of roles that both assist healthcare practices during the critical process of deploying IT systems and support these practices on an ongoing basis.

“Critical to achieving the goal of the Heath

Information Technology for Economic and

Clinical Health (HITECH) Act and supporting

meaningful use of health IT is the availability

of a skilled workforce that understands the

unique technology and management needs

within a clinical setting.”

Dr. David Blumenthal

David Blumenthal, M.D., National Coordinator for Health Information Technology

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The curriculum development program will make high-quality educational materials available to the community colleges so these training programs can be established quickly to meet workforce needs, Blumenthal said.

Any U.S. non-profit institution of higher learning currently engaged in providing healthcare IT training that is interested in drafting curriculum or establishing a consortium that includes community colleges may apply for the grants.

For those seeking to break into this growing field, there are two distinct ways to land a position in healthcare IT – a move from the clinical side into IT, or, a move from a traditional IT career with no healthcare experience. According to some industry experts, moving from the clinical side is easier and more common. Why? Clinicians already possess many skills that make them more desirable candidates for transitioning. Physicians, nurses and allied health professionals such as respiratory therapists, physical therapists and laboratory personnel come equipped with a thorough understanding of the clinical process as well as an in-depth understanding of medical terminology. While there are positions in healthcare information management that do not require a college degree, the majority of healthcare IT careers will require a bachelor’s degree with a focus on either IT or healthcare. Master’s degrees with specific focus on either healthcare or IT are especially sought after. Clinicians seeking to make the transition should keep the clinical licensing and certifications active as well as maintaining continuing education. These are definite plusses when searching for IT positions. The same goes for IT professionals. Professional or technical certifications and alliances will only make your resume standout from the crowd.

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITYWe are the world’s largest ASME Authorized Inspection Agency. Although we are best known for our services as an AIA, we’ve leveraged experience gained over more than 136 years of operation to become an industry leader in a variety of engineering services fields.

Job opportunities are currently available at HSB Global Standards. Please visit our website for more information on current openings.

www.hsbglobalstandards.com

An Equal Opportunity Employer

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN EMPLOYEES RECEIVE ENGINEER AWARDSFour Northrop Grumman Corporation employees were honored at the Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards Conference for their technical achievements and leadership. Rosa Sandoval and Ana-Luisa Ramirez both received the Luminary award, Teresa Segura was awarded the Most Promising award and Emilio Sovero received the Outstanding Technical Achievement award. Sandoval and Ramirez were named HENAAC Luminary awardees, which recognized them for their leadership, collaboration and initiative in programs and research within their respective organizations.

“The celebration of these Hispanic achievers helps provide our community and our youth with mentors and leaders who can motivate individuals to attain success in these fields,” said Frank Flores, vice president of engineering for Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems sector. “At our sector, we recognize the advances of our Hispanic employees in many ways, including Adelante, an internal Hispanic networking group. It is their recognition and stories that help mold the engineers and scientists of tomorrow.”

As a subsystems design engineer for the N-UCAS program at Northrop Grumman’s Aerospace System sector in El Segundo, Calif., Sandoval prepares and releases component procurement packages for the electrical power generation and distribution equipment. Furthermore, she is responsible for management of supplier performance including testing and data submittals.

Ana-Luisa Ramirez, tlead systems engineer for the Imagery Intelligence group for Northrop Grumman’s Electronic Systems sector in Baltimore, received HENAAC’s Luminary award for her leadership, collaboration and initiative in programs and research within her organization.

Rosa Sandoval, a subsystems design engineer for the N-UCAS program at Northrop Grumman’s Aerospace System sector in El Segundo, Calif., received HENAAC’s Luminary award for her leadership, collaboration and initiative in programs and research within her organization.

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Teresa Segura, a staff scientist of Civil Systems Business Development for Northrop Grumman’s Aerospace Systems sector in Redondo Beach, Calif., was awarded HENAAC’s Most Promising award for her technical contributions and achievements.

Emilio Sovero received the Outstanding Technical Achievement award for his significant contribution to science, engineering or technology by having designed, developed, managed or assisted in the development of a product, service, system or intellectual property.

Ramirez, the lead systems engineer for the Imagery Intelligence group for Northrop Grumman’s Electronic Systems sector in Baltimore, is involved in the overall design of military products that directly impact the nation’s security. She provides input to several military programs, presents technical subjects to clients, writes technical requirements and oversees program tasks.

Segura was awarded the Most Promising, Advanced Degree award for her technical contributions and achievements. She is a staff scientist of Civil Systems Business Development for Northrop Grumman’s Aerospace Systems sector in Redondo Beach, Calif. She leads concept design and development studies for spacecraft missions related to Mars, Jupiter, asteroids, comets, the Earth, and the Moon. In particular, she develops science investigation goals, sizes the scientific instrument payloads for each mission, and makes decisions on primary subsystem designs such as propulsion, communications, and avionics.

Sovero received the Outstanding Technical Achievement award for his significant contribution to science, engineering or technology by having designed, developed, managed or assisted in the development of a product, service, system or intellectual property. Sovero, chief scientist in the mixed signal and power center at Northrop Grumman Advanced Systems and the program manager of the DARPA A-to-I Receiver Development program at the company’s Aerospace Systems sector in Manhattan Beach, Calif., is involved in several projects as well as writing proposals for new contracts.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide. HT

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DIVERSITY/EXECUTIVE NEWS

MicroTech President & CEO Tony Jimenez was named the National “Corporate Business Advocate of the Year” at the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) Annual Awards Gala, held in conjunction with the organization’s 30th National Convention and Business Expo in Denver. Jimenez was previously a Corporate Business Advocate of the Year regional winner and was selected for the national honor during the September 19th “Hispanic Excellence in Leadership and Business” awards event, with USHCC Chairman David Lizarraga presenting the crystal trophy.

CORPORATE BUSINESS ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR AWARDED TO MICROTECH’S TONY JIMENEZ

The celebrated USHCC annual awards are focused on extraordinary and visionary Hispanic chambers, as well as business leaders and corporate advocates like Tony Jimenez who have contributed to and demonstrated exemplary excellence and leadership in business. The awards pay tribute to the unparalleled achievements and innovations that have significantly empowered the U.S. Hispanic community, the nation’s largest and fastest growing minority group. The business advocacy award specifically represents significant contributions made to the local Hispanic community and Hispanic business, and support of Hispanic Chambers.

“Some of the best known business people in America are considered for this prestigious award, and I am honored that the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has recognized our efforts,” Jimenez said. “It is important to note that this recognition is not just about me; it’s a testament and well-deserved acknowledgement of all the hard work and commitment of Team MicroTech.

MicroTech was recently named America’s #1 Fastest-Growing Hispanic-Owned Business by Hispanic Business; the #1 ranking on the Washington Technology Top 25 8(a) List, recognizing the most successful 8(a) businesses in the government marketplace; along with a second consecutive year on the prestigious Inc. 500, moving up 109 spots from last year to #174. Jimenez has also received other awards this year, including the “Hispanic Entrepreneur of the Year.”

The USHCC convention was the largest gathering of Hispanic business owners in the nation. The USHCC

MicroTech President & CEO Tony Jimenez

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serves as the umbrella organization for 200 local Hispanic chambers in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Bolivia and Uruguay, and represents 3 million Hispanic-owned businesses that generate nearly $400 billion annually. This year’s convention promoted best practices on creating wealth, accessing procurement opportunities, and securing and sustaining long-term growth.The national winners were selected from nominations submitted by numerous local and statewide Hispanic chambers of commerce from across the country. The selection panel included a wide variety of professionals that included representatives from Fortune 500 companies and national non-profit organizations.

MICROTECH’S TÓMAS ESTERRICH HONORED AS CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OF THE YEAR BY LISTALatinos in Information Sciences and Technology Association announced that it would be presenting Tómas Esterrich, Chief Financial Officer of the Virginia-based technology firm, MicroTech with the 2009 LISTA Chief Financial Officer of the Year Award. Mr. Esterrich earned the honor for his long-standing commitment to the advancement of the Latino community and his philanthropic support of youth programs and initiatives in Puerto Rico, Washington, D.C. and Virginia. As CFO of Microtech, Esterrich has played a critical role in spearheading the company’s business and financial strategy, helping propel MicroTech to the No. 1 Fastest-Growing Hispanic-Owned Business in the Nation, according to HispanicBusiness.com.

MicroTech’s 130% annual compounded revenue growth rate since being founded in 2004 pushed the company to the top of the list, along with an astounding 2693% revenue increase during the five-year period. Away from MicroTech, Tomás Esterrich is also a founding member and the current Vice President of the Association of University of Puerto Rico Alumni and Friends Abroad (UPRAA). In this role, Esterrich leads the convergence of UPRAA members in the D.C. -area and supports charitable and scholarship programs for Latino youth entering the University of Puerto Rico educational system. His educational and leadership development efforts have proven instrumental in helping young people understand the power of technology for 21st Century jobs and empowering them to go after and secure those positions. “We are proud to recognize Tómas Esterrich with our Chief Financial Officer of the Year award,” says Jose Marquez, President and CEO of LISTA. “His passion for the advancement of Hispanic community and business acumen is a great example of what makes Micro Tech’s so successful in the technology field. Tómas is why LISTA came into existence. To recognize outstanding members of our community who go above and beyond their day to day.” “I’m deeply honored with this recognition,” said Tomas Esterrich. “The LISTA Award is truly unique in that it comes from the industry and provides a benchmark for my efforts towards my community and my career —both of which have been hallmarks throughout my life”

DIVERSITY/EXECUTIVE NEWS

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DIVERSITY/EXECUTIVE NEWS

ARVIZU ELECTED TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS AT STATE FARMDan Arvizu, Ph.D., Director of the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory has been elected to the Board of Directors of State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co.

Dr. Arvizu headed NREL, the Energy Department’s primary laboratory for energy efficiency and renewable energy research and development located in Golden, Co, for four years. He is president of the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, which operates NREL for the Department of Energy and is the Executive Vice President of the Midwest Research Institute.

Prior to joining NREL, he was the chief technology officer with CH2M HILL Companies, and before that, an executive with Sandia National Laboratories. He started his career at the AT&T Bell Telephone Laboratories.

“HACR commends State Farm Insurance Companies for their continued commitment to Hispanic inclusion at the highest levels,” stated Carlos F. Orta, president & CEO, HACR. “Dr. Arvizu’s appointment is a clear indication that State Farm understands the importance of the Hispanic Consumer Market and the Hispanic community to its continued success and profitability.”

Arvizu serves on a number of boards, panels and advisory committees, including: the American Council on Renewable Energy Advisory Board, the Harvard Kennedy School’s Energy Research, Development and Deployment Policy Project Advisory Committee, the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on Alternative Energies, the Singapore Clean Energy International Advisory Panel, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Working Group III, the Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Award Corp., and the Colorado Renewable Energy Authority Board of Directors.

His education includes a Bachelor of Science degree from New Mexico State University, a Master of Science and a Ph.D. from Stanford University — all in mechanical engineering. Dr. Arvizu succeeds Jerry Porras, Professor Emeritus at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. Porras is retiring from the board, which he joined in 1998.

Dan Arvizu, Ph.D.

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DIVERSITY/EXECUTIVE NEWS

HERRERA NAMED CEO OF THE ANNA MARIAS FOUNDATIONGeorge Herrera, Founder of the Herrera-Cristina Group, Ltd, and former President and CEO of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, has been named the CEO of the Anna Maria Arias Foundation. The Foundation has been established to continue the legacy of Anna Maria Arias, the late founder and editor of LATINA Style Magazine. Anna’s drive and mission to empower Hispanic women is one of the true legacies in the Hispanic community.

“We are so pleased and excited to have someone of George’s stature and national prominence to carry the mantle of Anna’s mission of empowering the Latina community in the United States,” stated Arcilia Acosta, Chairwoman of the Foundation, and President & CEO of CARCON Industries/

STL Engineers. “George’s experience, recognized leadership skills, and national corporate resources will assist us in establishing a strategic blueprint to drive entrepreneurial programs for Latina entrepreneurs and Latina youth.” A mainstay of the Foundation’s program is the Anna Maria Arias Memorial Business Fund, the most respected and coveted business development awards program for Latina business owners in the United States. The fund celebrates the spirit of entrepreneurship that was Anna’s vision and that today serves to fuel the phenomenal growth of the Latina Business sector.

Robert Bard, President and CEO of LATINA Style, Inc., stated, “I am very pleased that George has agreed to help us in moving forward Anna’s legacy, and our goal of empowering Latinas in the United States. We are committed to providing the necessary educational, entrepreneurial, and financial resources to assist in elevating Latinas into the economic mainstream of business activity in this country.”

Mr. Herrera is a nationally recognized leader in the business community. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation, one of the world’s largest hospitality companies; a member of the Diversity Action Council at the Burger King Corporation; and is also the creator of Hispanics Today, a nationally syndicated television show that highlights the positive contributions that Hispanics are making in the United States. In 2002, Mr. Herrera was named as a “Fellow”, Wharton Society of Fellows, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

George Herrera

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DIVERSITY/EXECUTIVE NEWS

JANET MURGUÍA NAMED ONE OF “WASHINGTONIAN’S 100 MOST POWERFUL WOMEN”NCLR (National Council of La Raza) is pleased to announce that the October 2009 issue of Washingtonian magazine names NCLR President and CEO Janet Murguía as one of “Washington’s 100 Most Powerful Women.” She made the list with Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis. Murguía, who has served for five years as President and CEO of NCLR, the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States, is being featured on this list for a second time, the first being in 2006. Other honorees include First Lady Michelle Obama, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, District of Columbia Schools Superintendent Michelle Rhee,

and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, among others.

Washingtonian magazine compiled this list to recognize women leaders in Washington from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Candidates were asked to fill out a survey about their work, home lives, and preparation for their careers including education and previous jobs. They were asked to give advice to young women starting out in their careers and to women who are balancing work and family life.

Murguía has devoted her career to public service. She began her career in Washington, DC as legislative counsel to former Kansas Congressman Jim Slattery. She then worked in the White House from 1994 to 2000, ultimately serving as deputy assistant to President Clinton, providing strategic and legislative advice to the president on key issues. In 2001, Murguía joined the University of Kansas (KU) as executive vice chancellor for university relations. She grew up in Kansas City, Kansas and received degrees in journalism, Spanish, and law from KU.

As NCLR President and CEO, Murguía has worked to harness the power of the nation’s nearly 47 million Hispanics and strengthen the partnership between NCLR and its network of nearly 300 community-based Affiliates, which annually serves millions of people in 41 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. She has also sought to strengthen the Latino voice on issues affecting the Hispanic community, including education, health care, immigration, civil rights, the economy, and the rise of hate rhetoric and hate crimes targeting Latinos.

CEO Janet Murguía

HT

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City of Hollywood 10

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Golden Coral 10

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Thermo Fisher Scientific 37

VHB 3

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