Five Inspiring Hispanic Heritage Icons Who Shaped Financial History

Victor Arias Jr.

Victor Arias, Jr. hails from Irving, Texas, and stands out as a leader in executive search with over 35 years of experience under his belt. He helps those with leadership expertise reach their dreams across real estate, higher education, and consumer goods industries.

However, Arias doesn’t stop there. He’s also an avid philanthropist who supports the Latino community in business, education, and civic leadership. Specifically, Arias has provided his support to these nonprofit organizations:

Richard Carranza

While Richard Carranza may not be a Texan by birth, he’s made his mark on educating our youth and those nationwide. Formerly, Carranza served as superintendent of the Houston Independent School District. From there, he moved on to New York City and then to his current role with renowned educational technology, IXL.

Carranza created initiatives to improve educational opportunities and results for Hispanic students nationwide. Through partner collaborations across the educational sector, Carranza shaped the academic and financial future of the Hispanic community by:

Narrowing the achievement gap
Ensuring equitable access to quality education
Boosting educational opportunities nationwide
Advocating for quality educational technologies

Carranza has also engaged in the Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, a premier organization that advocates for the growth and advancement of the Hispanic community by developing learners and leaders.

Ana Maria “Cha” Guzman, Ed.D.

Ana Maria “Cha” Guzman immigrated from Cuba to America at age 12. While initially living in Wisconsin, she later made her way to Texas. Guzman has dedicated her life to inspiring personal and professional growth and educational opportunities.

Guzman began her career as a teacher’s aide in Wisconsin, mediating between a non-Spanish-speaking teacher and students who didn’t speak English. From this point, Guzman’s career and dedication to education grew.

She advocated and inspired women’s leadership. She’s served on many corporate boards while promoting economic opportunities, growth, and leadership for women and minorities. Because of her contributions, Guzman was named to the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame in 2006.

Today, Guzman holds a chair position with the San Antonio Housing Authority. She promotes safe housing for families, especially older adults, those living with disabilities, and single women with children.

Armando Codina

Armando Codina hails from Miami, Florida, but was born in Cuba. Under Operation Peter Pan, his mother sent him to the U.S. and away from the dangers of the Castro regime. Codina grew up in orphanages and foster homes but later reunited with his mother when she arrived in the States.

Codina believes in the power of community and has spent his life in real estate investments and philanthropy, building communities for all, revitalizing neighborhoods, and giving back to the community that first welcomed him. He founded the real estate investment and development firm Codina Partners, LLC., and its affiliates. He is actively involved with several organizations, such as:

Board of Trustees of Mayo Clinic
Community Partnership for the Homeless
Florida Council of 100
National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts/YOUNG ARTS
No Casinos in Florida
The Home Depot
Town Square Neighborhood Development Corporation

Nina Vaca

Like other Hispanic icons, Nina Vaca has dedicated her life and career to helping, encouraging, motivating, and inspiring others. Born in Ecuador, Nina immigrated to the U.S. and spent much of her childhood in Los Angeles before moving to Texas.

Her list of accomplishments is long; here, we highlight some for you.

She founded Pinnacle Group, a leading workforce solutions company that expanded to include global reach. Besides offering recruitment solutions to top businesses and corporations, she advocates for diversity and women’s empowerment, especially in business leadership.

Vaca has won many leadership awards and serves on many boards and councils for business and entrepreneurship causes, including the following:

Pinnacle Group
Nina Vaca Foundation
Aspen Institute
Foreign Relations
Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship
Startup America Partnership
Peace Through Business
German Marshall Fund

The Final Word

America is referred to as a “Melting Pot” for good reason. Our country is brimming with rich, diverse cultures and voices. Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to recognize those who have overcome the many challenges of adversity.

Each of our featured Hispanic icons has strived toward goals to achieve success. But they didn’t stop there. They also gave back. They advocated, inspired, motivated, educated, and mentored others to keep pushing forward to pave their paths to success.