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NSHMBA Cleveland marks fifth year
By Arooj Ashraf, La Prensa Correspondent
The Cleveland Chapter of the National Society of Hispanic MBAs celebrated its fifth year on Dec. 12, 2011 at University Hospital Case Medical Center (UHCMC). Scholarship recipients, local corporate sponsors were recognized, and new leadership for 2012 was presented. Nearly 50 guests enjoyed music, raffle prizes, food, and networking.
Current president Carolina Schneider said the chapter has experienced highs and lows but accomplished its mission of supporting MBA students through the help and support of corporate sponsors, “We have grown as a chapter.” She said the chapter has awarded 40 scholarships in the past five years, and signed 25 sponsorship agreements for future financial support.
Schneider said through Education development programs and partnerships with Latino organizations, like the Hispanic Roundtable, Young Latino Network, and Esperanza, Inc., the chapter is ensuring a pipeline of emerging leaders. In partnering with the Society of Urban Professionals, NSHMBA is offering dual memberships to enhance networking possibilities.
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NSHMBA Board Members
Lorraine Vega from Key Bank and Donnie Perkins
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Robert Romero, Vice President of Education, said the chapter has partnerships with Cleveland State University and Case Western Reserve, and is seeking to extend its partnerships with more universities in the area. Nationally, NSHMBA has more than 50 university partners that chapter members may enroll in to advance their education and careers.
Schneider said the chapter was the first to host NSHMBA’s Healthcare Summit in the summer (with Cleveland Clinic). Due to its success and importance of healthcare the next Summit will be held in Florida.
Keynote speaker Dr. Wanda Cruz-Knight, Director at Pre-Doctoral Education Division at UHCMC, highlighted the he surmounting impact of Latinos without medical insurance. “I can only help a patient once they walk through my door,” she said, adding 25 percent of Ohio’s Latino population is uninsured. Cruz-Knight said the hurdles to access of medical care concerns everyone.
Donnie Perkins, Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion at UHCMC, congratulated the chapter, “You are an important asset and we value your continued willingness to collaborate with us,” he said. Perkins said the UHCMC’s mission and advocacy are a work in progress that is applied into action by supporting emerging leaders of tomorrow.
For more information on NSHMBA visit: http://www.nshmba.org/cleveland
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