Special Cafecito: Dr. Robert Rodriguez at the HACE Annual Summit

Special Cafecito: Holly Sales-Milanese at the HACE Annual Summit

Bienvenidos to Cafecito con HACE, hosted by The Chingona Chair. At HACE’s Annual Summit, our host Alex Garza sat down with Holly Sales-Milanese, Director of Consumer Banking Talent & Development at Ally Financial, for an inspiring conversation on career growth, courage, and authenticity. In this conversation, Holly shares her non-linear career journey across multiple industries and reflects on the pivotal moments that challenged her to embrace change, even when it meant walking away from long-held plans. She explores how the definition of talent is evolving, highlighting the growing importance of agility, continuous learning, and openness to new experiences in today’s workplace. From redefining cultural expectations around success to the importance of vulnerability in leadership, Holly offers a deeply personal perspective on what it takes to grow with intention. She also shares practical advice for early-career professionals on building meaningful relationships, finding mentors and sponsors, and knowing when to say “no” in order to stay aligned with your purpose. A powerful conversation about leaning into your authenticity, embracing discomfort as part of growth, and why community and connection are essential to unlocking your full potential.

Special Cafecito: Dr. Robert Rodriguez at the HACE Annual Summit

Bienvenidos to Cafecito Con HACE, hosted by The Chingona Chair. At HACE’s annual conference, our co-host Diana Sheehan sat down with Dr. Robert Rodriguez, Founder & President of DRR Advisors and a leading voice in advancing Latino leadership. In this conversation, Robert shares insights from over two decades of research and experience, exploring where organizations still fall short—and what it really takes to build effective pathways for Latino talent. From the importance of culturally grounded leadership development to the critical difference between mentorship and sponsorship, he offers a practical and deeply personal perspective on what drives advancement. A powerful conversation about embracing your identidad, leveraging community as a strength, and why investing in Latino talent isn’t just important—it’s essential for the future of leadership.

Special Cafecito: Steven Brown at the HACE Annual Summit

Bienvenidos to Cafecito Con HACE, hosted by The Chingona Chair. At HACE’s annual conference, our co-host Diana Leza Sheehan sat down with Steven Brown, VP of Culture and Engagement at Molson Coors. In this conversation, Steven shares his perspective on what it truly takes to build connection and belonging in today’s workplace, especially in a time where connection has become harder than ever. From navigating the impact of remote work and social dynamics to redefining culture as an ongoing, evolving practice, he offers a candid look at the realities behind the role. A thoughtful and honest conversation about culture as a verb, the power of engagement in unlocking opportunity, and the importance of creating spaces where people feel safe to show up as their authentic selves and grow.

Special Cafecito: Pattie Amaro at the HACE Annual Summit

Bienvenidos to Cafecito Con HACE, hosted by The Chingona Chair. At HACE’s annual conference in Chicago, our co-host Alejandra Garza sat down with Pattie Amaro, Director of Talent Acquisition at Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. In this conversation, Patty shares her journey from growing up in Pilsen to leading talent strategy at one of the largest healthcare organizations in the country—along with her perspective on AI, career growth, and staying rooted in your values. A short but powerful conversation about resilience, curiosity, and showing up as your authentic self while creating opportunities for others.

Special Cafecito: Silvana Montenegro at the HACE Annual Summit

Bienvenidos to Cafecito Con HACE, hosted by The Chingona Chair. At the 2026 HACE Summit, our host, Diana Leza Sheehan, sat down with Silvana Montenegro, Global Head of the Office of Hispanic & Latino Affairs at JPMorgan Chase. From walking into her first role in Brazil feeling fear and uncertainty to becoming one of the most influential Latina leaders in corporate America, Silvana shares the moment she realized her differences were not something to hide, but her greatest strength. A short but powerful conversation about embracing authenticity as a superpower, the critical role of sponsors who push us beyond our own limitations, and why the biggest barriers we face are often the ones we place on ourselves.