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  • 27-Apr-2016 2:28 PM | Anonymous

    Q. You recently won an award, tell us about that.

    A. It was an honor to be awarded the 2015 Engineers' Society of Western Pennsylvania (ESWP) Engineer of the Year award. This recognition was made possible by two steadfast sources of inspiration: my parents, Norma and Enrique, and my colleagues through the years, particularly at DiGioia, Gray & Associates. The most valuable lessons bestowed have been: 1) Be a living example of the values that the civil engineering profession upholds, and 2) advocate for more students to become socially­engaged engineers. These are the engineers that understand society's needs and strive to maintain and develop the well­being of their communities and clients.

    Q. H ow long have you been involved with the PMAHCC? How did you get involved?

    A. I have been formally involved with the PMAHCC as a board member since 2015 but have known

    several PMAHCC leaders dating back to 1999. It has been a pleasure and pride to see how far the PMAHCC has grown! Particularly in outreach to students and engagement with community leaders.

    Q. What is your favorite thing about belonging to the PMAHCC?

    A. The synergy! And the actions taken to carry through with enthusiasm and endurance the tasks required to complete the PMAHCC goals every year.

    Q. W hat would you say to anyone thinking about joining the PMAHCC?

    A. At some point in time in your career and professional development you must evaluate whether you

    want to be a leader. This typically requires duties above and beyond the average professional's ­ investment of time, ideas and efforts beyond your required responsibilities. The PMAHCC is an organization that provides you the opportunity to work with other professionals in applying your skills, knowledge and experience towards common goals that benefit, in the end, your community. In leading this way, you will find you receive back multi­fold. Let your involvement establish your evaluation!




  • 24-Feb-2016 2:24 PM | Anonymous

    How long have you been a member of the PMAHCC?

    First got involved as a member of the Chamber way back in 2010. (6 years ago!)

    Why did you join the PMAHCC?

    Originally joined when I was a recruiter for Farmers Insurance. Joined in order to attract Hispanic/Latino professionals that may have interest in becoming small business owners by opening a Farmers Insurance Agency. Ended up recruiting myself and became the only full service Spanish speaking insurance agent in Western PA. I am the only one who can offer a full portfolio of insurance and financial products that speaks Spanish as a first language. Given the complexity of the business, I find that people are a LOT more comfortable with me....even if they speak English :)

    What has been the greatest benefit of being a member of the PMAHCC?

    Exposure and instant credibility. When I tell a person or business that I am on the board of the Hispanic Chamber, they instantly perk up. It's really started to help on the business side of things as well because clients want to work with someone that is not only committed to their career, but to making a difference in their community.

    Is your company a member of the PMAHCC? If yes, what has been the benefit to having them be a member?

    Our Agency has been a member of the Chamber for the past 3 years (ever since I started). Our Agency takes great pride in helping the growing Latino community of Western PA and we strive to be recognized as the one place where everyone can get great service! As of now I am the only Spanish speaker, but we aim to add more support staff very soon. Sky is the limit!

    ​What is you advice to a Latino business owner that is new to Pittsburgh?

    Surround yourself with a great team of individuals that will help you succeed. All business owners need Accountants, Lawyers, Insurance and Financial consultants, Payroll administrators and many other types of professionals that can help not only in the day to day, but can help ensure that the doors of the business will stay open! Many newly arrived Latinos think that they are alone and without help which is not the case. Another important thing to do is to get INVOLVED! Even if its in the smallest capacity, people will see that you are out and about; working for what you want! I've always said this and will continue to use this phrase: "People don't care how much you know.....they care how much you CARE!"




  • 24-Feb-2016 2:16 PM | Anonymous

    Jorge was born in Machala, Ecuador, and grew up splitting time between Miami, Florida and his hometown in Ecuador. After completing his high school education in Ecuador, Jorge attended the University of St. Mary, where he graduated magna cum laude with AllUniversity Honors and Departmental Honors in political science and history. After graduating from college, Jorge worked several years as the Director of the Pre­Litigation Department at Goldberg & Rosen, P.A., a prestigious law firm in Miami, Florida. Jorge has wanted to be an attorney since he was young child, and in 2013, he made the decision to follow his dreams and was accepted to law school at Duquesne University’s School of Law, where he will graduate from in May of 2016.

    Jorge has excelled in law school. He is a member of the law school’s Moot Court Board, and was selected by the faculty to participate in a national moot court competition hosted by the Touro Law Center in New York, winning the first place award for Best Advocate amongst over 40 participants, and helping Duquesne Law School place third in the competition. He has concentrated his studies in litigation and international law, and has received the CALI Excellence for the Future Award for the highest grade in his class in the subjects of international law, immigration law, and Latin American civil law. Most importantly, in 2014 and 2015, Jorge was a Summer Associate at the Pittsburgh based global law firm of Reed Smith, LLP, where he recently accepted a formal offer of employment.

    Jorge and his family are proud to call Pittsburgh home, and he looks forward to solidifying the expanding network of Latino professionals in our community. As such, Jorge has embraced the same principles espoused by the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce: furthering Hispanic and Latino interests in our community through leadership, integrity, and significant community involvement. In this regard, Jorge describes his relationship with the Chamber and the Chamber’s role in our community as “absolutely transformational, both on a personal and global level.

    The work the Chamber is performing in our community will undoubtedly usher in a new era of leadership in Pittsburgh, one bastioned by Hispanic/Latino men and women willing to do good.”

    ​Jorge looks forward to starting a family in Pittsburgh with his wife, Jessica, a Pittsburgh native.


  • 12-Jul-2015 2:11 PM | Anonymous


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