{"id":14762,"date":"2011-11-23T15:53:33","date_gmt":"2011-11-23T15:53:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/biznews.fiu.edu\/?p=14762"},"modified":"2017-06-29T09:40:24","modified_gmt":"2017-06-29T13:40:24","slug":"longtime-state-farm-exec-describes-the-workplace-bicultural-advantage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/biznews.fiu.edu\/2011\/11\/longtime-state-farm-exec-describes-the-workplace-bicultural-advantage\/","title":{"rendered":"Longtime State Farm exec describes the workplace\u2019s bicultural advantage."},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cI thought being a Hispanic woman meant there\u2019s only a certain level of leadership I can reach,\u201d said Paola A. Lacouture, a student at Florida International University (FIU). \u201cHowever, after listening to Annette Martinez, I learned that the thickness of the glass ceiling is determined by me. We set our own limits.\u201d<\/p>\n

Annette Martinez, vice president of operations, human resources at State Farm Insurance Companies, spoke on \u201cThe Bicultural Advantage in the Workplace\u201d on November 3rd<\/sup>. Her appearance at the College of Business Administration was part of the Herbert A. Wertheim Lecture Series. This program has brought distinguished speakers and experts in business leadership and entrepreneurship to FIU since 1993.<\/p>\n

\"Annette
Annette Martinez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Martinez, whose exemplary career includes leadership roles in many State Farm departments, delivered a message that proved to be informative and inspirational for the 140 students, faculty, alumni and other visitors.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe emphasized that a person needs to feel at home in their organization,\u201d said Melissa Izquierdo (BBA ’10), the college\u2019s coordinator, corporate and community relations. \u201cThe organization\u2019s values, morals and mission must align with your own.\u201d<\/p>\n

The bicultural advantage is alive and well at State Farm and other organizations. <\/em><\/p>\n

Andres Lopez, (BACC \u201911), a claim representative at State Farm, gained specific motivation from Martinez\u2019s impassioned and lively presentation.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve always felt comfortable at State Farm and after hearing from this outstanding leader who has been at our company for 23 years, I decided my long-term future is here,\u201d he said. \u201cThe inclusion that State Farm offers Hispanics and other minorities is outstanding. I also appreciate how Annette Martinez made me realize how cultural differences can be an advantage.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Annette
Annette Martinez and Executive Dean Joyce J. Elam<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

That point also resonated with Lacouture, who serves as president of ALPFA at FIU\/ALPFA Honor Society, the student organization for accounting, finance and business related majors.<\/p>\n

\u201cHaving a bicultural background is not a barrier,\u201d Lacouture said. \u201cI learned that having an accent is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, it reminds you where you\u2019re from and what makes you unique in the society you live in.\u201d<\/p>\n