The landscape of the digital world is evolving at an unprecedented pace, rendering adaptability and continuous learning imperative. For numerous individuals within the Hispanic community, distinct challenges exist in embracing the expansive realm of technology. Addressing these unique challenges and barriers with a strategic and empathetic approach is paramount.
Glue Up hosted an online panel discussion on September 21, 2023, to help the Hispanic community get comfortable with new technologies to spark innovation and boost engagement. The event, called "Transforming the Hispanic Community: Sin Miedo a Lo Nuevo" (Without Fear of the New!), served as a hub for sharing insights and real-world examples.
For those who missed the event and are looking forward to a deeper understanding of the pivotal role of innovative approaches and the courageous embrace of new ideas in the transformation and advancement of the Hispanic community.
Also, be sure to check out our upcoming events for insights from our top-level industry and association leaders.
Embracing the New
"There's always something new happening and something innovative, you really just have to let go and jump at it and learn as you go through the process."
Dulce M. Cortina, Director of Membership at Edinburg Chamber of Commerce
"Technology for us is essential. We use online tools and platforms to collaborate with my colleagues and clients. We are trying to use AI and machine learning to automate and optimize some of the process tasks."
Marcelo William Bottini, Executive Director of Argentine-American Chamber of Commerce
"Technology is here to stay. Embrace it and become familiar with it because if you want to succeed in this new world. Technology is the number one tool resource that we're going to have."
Juan A. Umanzor, Jr., President at Salvadoran American Chamber of Commerce
"Technology is a big plus, especially with AI; there's nothing to be afraid of anymore. Definitely apply that and don't be afraid. Just learn from it and apply it."
Dulce M. Cortina, Director of Membership at Edinburg Chamber of Commerce
"We have to embrace technology because we will become obsolete if we don't. It's all about embracing the technology available to us and helping to prepare the next generation on how to best utilize technology to their advantage in order to compete."
Maite Salazar, Special Projects at Latin Chamber of Commerce Community Foundation
Overcoming the Fears
"Technology creates a lot of fear but being in the field of marketing and public relations. But it forces you to step outside of your comfort zone in different areas."
Maite Salazar, Special Projects at Latin Chamber of Commerce Community Foundation
"Fear is just, you know, you're not aware of what it is; it's the unknown that creates that fear. It might be a lack of resources to understand what you're getting into. Fear is not real; it's just a lack of resources and understanding."
Juan A. Umanzor, Jr., President at Salvadoran American Chamber of Commerce
"Public speaking is the number one fear across the board. It's higher than dying, being shot to death. If you can't overcome the fear of public speaking in your own language, it's going to be much more difficult to communicate in another language with confidence."
Maite Salazar, Special Projects at Latin Chamber of Commerce Community Foundation
“I think in our Hispanic culture, we grow up with a lot of fear but if you're able to just dive into the technology with AI and stay relevant and learn and not be afraid, just jump into it, you'll find that it's very beneficial.”
Dulce M. Cortina, Director of Membership at Edinburg Chamber of Commerce
“Fear seems to probably be one of the number one responses that people have to the unknown and it's just learning how to respond differently to different situations. There are those people who are fearless who truly are instinctively fearless, and that could be a good thing, and it could be a bad thing. So fear is not always bad; it’s understanding how to process that fear and make it into something productive.”
Maite Salazar, Special Projects at Latin Chamber of Commerce Community Foundation
Adapting to Change
"Every day we have a new day, we have new things, we come from the computer generation. I learn how to work with the computer, always trying to be updated."
Marcelo William Bottini, Executive Director of Argentine-American Chamber of Commerce
"I love the way technology is transforming the world, we must love the change."
Juan A. Umanzor, Jr., President at Salvadoran American Chamber of Commerce
“The fear of diving into something that is going to require that has a learning curve… and you have to get familiar and sometimes you’ve learned some basic technologies that have helped you get through some challenges, and you become attached to those outdated technologies because they worked for you.”
Maite Salazar, Special Projects at Latin Chamber of Commerce Community Foundation
"As humans, we actually try to protect ourselves from the unknown, we just got to work with our mind and our mindset and understand that fear is not real, that we just need to dive in and learn through the process."
Juan A. Umanzor, Jr., President at Salvadoran American Chamber of Commerce
The Bridge of Technology
“I don’t qualify technology like fear, for instance, but I say it's a bridge to move forward and to be updated; there’s no option. Technology is something that will be there, and you have to learn; you have to move forward.”
Marcelo William Bottini, Executive Director of Argentine-American Chamber of Commerce
"If you use it the correct way, technology is a powerful, powerful tool. We've never met each other, but we've created this collaboration because of Technology. That wouldn't have been possible without it."
Dulce M. Cortina, Director of Membership at Edinburg Chamber of Commerce
"I've been able to do more because of Technology. I never thought that I could sell a house without a buyer being able to be present. I've been closing deals from out of the United States because of Technology."
Juan A. Umanzor, Jr., President at Salvadoran American Chamber of Commerce
"Smartphones, or as I call them, smart machines, have aided a lot of businesses but at the same time created a lot of problems. You go to the restaurant and see many people not talking anymore; they are always there on their phones. It's crucial to use this technology properly not to replace real human interaction."
Marcelo William Bottini, Executive Director of Argentine-American Chamber of Commerce
"Control technology and utilize it to enrich people's lives, not let technology control us. Often, we let our technology control us that’s a really strong point there, controlling technology, not letting technology control us."
Juan A. Umanzor, Jr., President at Salvadoran American Chamber of Commerce
The New Keys
"When you have to close a business, people need to trust in you; people need to look into your eyes. For new customers, we talk, but to close the business, maybe you have to have a coffee with them and see face to face. This is something still there."
Marcelo William Bottini, Executive Director of Argentine-American Chamber of Commerce
"AI has been a wonderful timesaver. You do have to tailor it to make it sound like you. It kind of knows how I speak, and it sounds just like me. It’s kind of scary but helpful."
Dulce M. Cortina, Director of Membership at Edinburg Chamber of Commerce
"Messi brought joy to the fans, and he became inspiration for the young players. He was a game-changer for the state economy. A lot of Argentina people and other people come to Miami to see Messi, some people call it the Messi effect."
Marcelo William Bottini, Executive Director of Argentine-American Chamber of Commerce
"We in Texas, especially in the Rio Grande Valley, are hard workers, go-getters, innovators. We are the 12th fastest-growing region consistently Nationwide. People here are not looking for a free handout; in the mornings, you'll see the shops full of lines around because everybody's headed to work."
Dulce M. Cortina, Director of Membership at Edinburg Chamber of Commerce
"Know your people and the important piece is knowing your people. We do things because we want to do things, but we don’t know our people. We’re doing it to get the job done versus doing it to do the right job for others that need it."
Mervin Whea, Senior Sales Manager at Glue Up
How We Make a Difference?
"We are the largest minority in this country. We contribute to the GDP of this country $3 trillion dollars. We’re here to stay and make a difference. We are an engine for this country; we're making things happen."
Juan A. Umanzor, Jr., President at Salvadoran American Chamber of Commerce
"YouTube has become kind of my university, and you have to be willing to dabble and play with technology. YouTube can walk you through step by step on almost anything you can possibly think of."
Maite Salazar, Special Projects at Latin Chamber of Commerce Community Foundation
"TikTok is a huge one; people can just go in there, and I think to use it as Google. These younger generations are really good about walking you through how to use a camera and record a video."
Dulce M. Cortina, Director of Membership at Edinburg Chamber of Commerce
"Everybody can have the technology. What makes the difference is the people behind the technology, how we are going to use the tech, your ideas, people make the difference."
Marcelo William Bottini, Executive Director of Argentine-American Chamber of Commerce
"Don't be afraid to step into your purpose and use all the tools available to you to become the better version of yourself."
Maite Salazar, Special Projects at Latin Chamber of Commerce Community Foundation
The event highlighted the importance of merging tradition with technology to foster growth in the Hispanic community, with Glue Up proving its crucial role in reinforcing connections and promoting collective advancement.
As we look ahead to a future brimming with enriched community interactions and sustainable development, don't miss the opportunity to witness this transformative power firsthand. Schedule a demo today to revolutionize your association and elevate your membership experience to new heights.
