Washington, DC – The National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the U.S., and Sodexo today announced the release of Hispanic Employee Affinity and Network Groups Resource Guide: Making the Connection in Corporate America. This unique directory provides insight into Hispanic employee groups across various industry sectors while highlighting detailed contact information for groups operating within top U.S. companies. The directory will enable corporate executives, employees, and Hispanic community groups working to improve the quality of life for Hispanics to connect with one another.

Employee Affinity/Network Groups have historically provided a meeting place for employees with shared cultural interests and backgrounds. More recently, these groups have become pipelines for corporate talent retention, recruitment, and development. Yet, while Latino employees are joining these groups and employers are supporting them, an adequate representation of Latinos in key management positions is still lacking. Key findings from this initiative include:

• 85.7% of respondents stated that they actively seek talent recruitment opportunities through these groups.

• 97% of respondents said that they engage in professional development.

• 100% of respondents said that the groups aim to "network"

More than 50 companies participated in the survey associated with the directory, sharing information on the size, structure, mission, and role of their Hispanic Employee Affinity/Network Groups.

"Today's corporate diversity initiatives such as employee affinity/network groups are a testament to the progress we have made in creating work environments which value and respect talent from all backgrounds," said Janet Murguía, NCLR President and CEO. "But when we look at Latino representation in the executive ranks and board room, it is clear that we have much work ahead of us in creating truly inclusive and equal workplaces. This initiative provides a snapshot of the opportunity that affinity groups represent for Latino advancement inside Corporate America."

"The partnership between NCLR and Sodexo seeks to understand how to better promote a corporate structure reflective of our diverse world and needs at every level," said Dr. Rohini Anand, Senior Vice President and Global Chief Diversity Officer of Sodexo. "Sodexo is pleased to be a part of this project and remains committed to promoting diversity through an inclusive work environment.

In addition to this directory, NCLR will be presenting a workshop session at its 2008 Annual Conference focusing on a discussion of Hispanic Affinity/Network Groups, the key findings from the survey, and opportunities within Corporate America and partnerships with community organizations that leverage the impact and influence of these corporate leaders. A full copy of the resource guide and key findings can be downloaded at http://www.nclr.org/content/publications/detail/51704/.

For more information about this or other workforce development initiatives, please contact NCLR’s Director of Workforce Development Programs (WFD), Simon Lopez, at slopez@nclr.org.