Latino Leadership Interviews
With this new series (new here, old in my head), Latinos who are at the forefront of influence will be asked a series of questions to get to the core of their drive and passion. It is from their direction I believe, that we will find a source of inspiration and encouragement.
On Twitter, I’ve thought of creating a new hashtag (#) called #latinoleaders, but I’ll just use the hashtag #leader for a broader discussion. Here, on the blog I’m considering putting a new page for this endeavor, but for now will just use the Category – Interviews (yes…not Latino Interviews).
I’ve been in constant communication with the following guest over the course of a few weeks now hammering down some fine details for the upcoming LISTA Technology Expo next week. He is very thorough, knowledgeable and successful.
Who are you and what do you do?
Eduardo Gonzalez Loumiet, MBA, PMP
“A Latino Making a Difference”
I am Cuban-American born in Miami, Florida. I attended Belen Jesuit Prep in Miami. I also attended Loyola University, New Orleans earning a bachelor’s degree in Finance as well as a B.A. in Computer Information Systems. I received my Executive MBA in 2007 from the University of Miami. I have worked in the services industry since 1996, managing multi-million dollar enterprise technology projects and business continuity strategies. I currently work at Uber Operations, a leading health care technology company in Tallahassee, Florida. As Managing Director of Uber Operations, I focus on the continued development of the company’s strategic growth, including partnership and supplier relationships, ensuring flexibility and growth in response to an increasingly demanding marketplace. At Uber Operations, among other projects I have had the opportunity to work with the Florida Department of Health and the Texas Department of State Health Services on a CDC sponsored project for Pandemic Influenza information exchange. We are also working on several projects related to the Nationwide Health Information Network.
I am fluent in English, Spanish, and have a working knowledge of Portuguese, and have traveled on business to over 15 countries. I am the President of the Florida chapter of Latinos in Information Sciences and Technology Association, in addition to a member of the Board of Directors leading the government affairs division. I am also a member of the National Society of Hispanic MBAs, The Project Management Institute, The Tallahassee Latino Professional Association and the President of the University of Miami Alumni Club in Tallahassee.
Why Technology? Why LISTA?
I still remember when my grandfather, a Cuban immigrant, purchased a personal computer. I was probably eight years old and I had no clue what it was or what I could do with it but after two sleepless nights, tinkering away, I had a feeling my future would involve these “big boxes” with green screens. I started with creating web sites for friends in the late 90’s and managed the computer lab at my university. I then worked at a small law firm in Miami in addition to FleetBoston, where I was a member of the Internet Development Team. After graduating from the University, I moved to Antigua where I managed the IT Department for an international private bank. After six years overseas, and over 1 million miles flown, I took on the challenge of growing a small IT services company into a health care IT player nationwide.
Through social networking I met Jose Marquez, National President of LISTA. I soon after accepted an invitation to speak on health IT at LISTA’s Legislative Forum in D.C. I saw firsthand Latino executives share ideas on how to improve the digital divide in the Latino community. I was impressed by Jose’s vision and goals for LISTA and asked him if I could get more involved. A few months later, I am organizing LISTA’s National Emerging Technology Leadership Summit and Career Expo, an event where participants can interact with some of today’s top experts in technology and Latino leadership. There will also be a Tech Career Expo where several dozen companies will be accepting resumes and offering advice to job seekers. The event will conclude with the Technology Achievers Award Gala dinner. Event details can be found here: http://nltaa.org/
What is some of your personal goals that coincide w/ national Latino agendas? What is your outlook on the future?
Whether it’s gathering a group of friends with brilliant business ideas, speaking at the Federal Penitentiary on the Latino movement in the US, or volunteering in the Dominican Republic, my goals are focused on helping others. My grandparents and parents arrived from Cuba in the early 60’s focused on creating opportunities for our family. Thanks to their hard work and courage, I am able to make a difference in Corporate America, as well as give back to the community. I feel I have skills and experiences that can be used to help others that are less fortunate. I am a very proud Latino, and understand that this country’s future depends on the creative men and women in our science, technology, and engineering communities.
As the fastest-growing minority group, Latinos represent the greatest growth markets for the technology, telecommunications, and information sectors, and are one of the greatest pools of talent for America’s success in the global information economy. However, I also understand that the state of Latino education has not changed substantially for decades. By participating in the Hispanic Stem Initiative by the National Association of Hispanic Education, I hope to be a part of the mobilization of human assets to restore our nation’s prosperity. As mentioned in the previous questions, I am heavily involved in LISTA. LISTA’s mission is simple: to educate, motivate, and empower the Latino community with Technology. LISTA promotes the utilization of the technology sectors for the empowerment of the Latino community. LISTA is an organization that is committed to bringing various elements of technology under one central hub to facilitate their partners, members, and the community with the leverage and education they need to succeed in a highly advanced technologically driven society.
I strongly believe that organizations like LISTA, the National Association of Hispanic Education, and LATISM are creating a foundation for Latinos to compete. Not only in the US but also with overseas competition like China and India. I have used technology to better my life and to make a difference in the lives of others. We have the responsibility to get technology in the hands of all Latinos….our country depends on it.
Where can we find you online?
Personal: http://www.eduardogonzalezloumiet.com
Company: http://www.uberops.com
LISTA: http://nltaa.org/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/gonzalezloumiet
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/egonzalezloumiet
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