2023 HBSA Corporate Trip to Chicago: Event Highlights
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McDonald’s Headquarters
Our first corporate visit was to McDonald’s Headquarters, where we met with Melissa Flores from Global Public Policy & Stakeholder Engagement and members of the Latino Employee Resource Group. We toured the headquarters and saw unique collections like the full set of Happy Meal toys. A panel discussion with Latino professionals gave us insights into diverse career paths and strategies for navigating corporate environments.
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1871 Innovation Hub and Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
That evening, we visited 1871, Chicago’s renowned innovation hub and home to the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Jaime di Paulo, President and CEO of the Chamber, introduced us to the space before a professional development session with Dr. Seth Frei and Mark Madrid. Their workshop covered essential skills like public speaking, emotional intelligence, and networking—vital tools for our members' growth.
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Wynndalco Enterprises, LLC
The next day began with a visit to Wynndalco Enterprises, where we heard from founder David Andalcio. His inspiring journey from immigrant to successful entrepreneur showed us the importance of persistence and resilience. His story reinforced the impact of strong leadership and adaptability in diverse business fields.
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PEPSICO Headquarters
At PEPSICO’s Chicago headquarters, we toured the office, met with the customer relations team, and even had the chance to pitch product ideas. This visit showcased PEPSICO’s emphasis on innovation and inclusivity, and the experience left our members inspired to pursue careers in dynamic, growth-driven companies.
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Sit Social
On our final day, we visited Sit Social, a small business in downtown Chicago, where we spoke with local entrepreneurs. Their stories offered a grounded perspective on entrepreneurship, highlighting both the challenges and the rewards of building a business from the ground up.
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Hispanic Executive Studios
Our next stop was Hispanic Executive Studios, where we met with founder Pedro Guerrero, who spoke about creating Hispanic Executive magazine to highlight Latino leaders. This session underscored the importance of representation in media and encouraged us to value diverse voices in the business world.
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Closing Ceremony at Moe’s Cantina
We concluded our trip with a closing ceremony at Moe’s Cantina, where each student reflected on how the experience influenced their aspirations. These reflections emphasized the personal growth and strengthened connections gained over the trip.
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Chicago River Boat Tour
To wrap up our time in Chicago, we enjoyed a scenic boat tour on the Chicago River. This relaxing evening on the water allowed us to reflect on our journey while taking in the city’s impressive skyline.