The Power of Latino Leadership: Culture, Inclusion, and Contribution Paperback – May 6, 2013

The Power of Latino leadership by Juana Bordas is a tour de force. It brings to life the Latino experience in the United States and it makes clear to all of us that Latinos/Hispanic people are not a race but a culture. Bordas writes about an American society which wants to involve and incorporate Latinos in the same American dichotomy Anglo Americans/African Americans have been arguing for the last three hundred years, a fight about race that the majority of Latinos hardly understand or recognize. Bordas writes with power and intellect about the history of Latinos in this country. She tells us that Latinos in the USA trace their roots to the missions of California, and that it was Spanish explores that marked the first European settlement in the USA, in St. Augustine, Florida, to be exact. She describes how the Spanish that came to the New World were considered the mestizos of Europe and that our Latino culture was already a melting pot, incorporating Jews, Germans, Romans and Africans and Arabs in the Iberian Peninsula historical experience. The Power Of Latino Leadership is a book for Latino leaders of today and tomorrow and for those who want to learn more about Latinos in America. It brings to the surface the idea of family, customs and traditions that Latinos bring to the American experience. It encourages us Latinos in leadership positions to embrace our Latino way in order to lead with a purpose. In a country that claims to be a melting pot, Latinos can show the rest of America that Latinos have been melting since we got here. I highly recommend The Power of Latino Leadership. - Domingo Gomez, Hispanic Alliance Leadership Development Initiative (HALDI) Program Participant

I thought Ms Bordas did an excellent job of blending fact with cultural insights along with business implications. This is a good read for anyone (especially Latino) that is in a leadership role or wants to be in one. As an organizational practitioner in the area of Human Capital Development, part-time educator in higher education, and a Latino (born and raised here in a very bi-cultural fashion) it was refreshing to see all of these areas of personal interest written about. Ms Bordas does a nice job of providing the factual/cultural context and history that has brought us to where we are. I really recommend this book especially to the younger Latino generation who might be losing touch with their Latinoism as they get further generations removed. It was an added pleasure to read this from a Nicaraguan author as my wife is from Nicaragua (and I've learned so much about this part of the world-wonderful people). Para adelante and si se puede if our Latino population in the US is willing to become a unified force vs you're from this Latino country and I'm from another. Great read and highly recommend it.Thank you.

If Latinos bring to the development table an enriching cultural experience, Juana Bordas brings to her readers the exciting potential of Latino leadership growth in a United States that is shifting away from its Anglo dominance (and, in terms of earlier American history, its Anglo exclusivity). In doing so, she explores the spiritual roots of leadership, offers young Latinos leadership principles, and shows how Latino leadership is rooted in the concept of community. To Bordas, Latinos should seek to apply the qualities that come from the very heart of Hispanic culture to the greater community. In that way they will enrich society as a whole. It's an exciting time for Latinos to grasp the reigns of leadership. It's an exciting and well written book such as this that can help Latinos intensify their role in America's future development.

Juana Bordas has written a critically important book that should be compulsory reading for any and every leader in the United States. Bordas has a deep and comprehensive appreciation of the value of the cultural norms of Latino leadership. In this book, she draws on interviews and examples of outstanding Latino leaders to describe the values, qualities and nuances of Latino leadership that would be well embraced in any organization. Not only to leverage the value of a Latino workforce, be they colleagues or direct reports, but to balance the non-inclusive, "I" culture of most US organizations - an orientation that overlooks the gains to be realized with a more inclusive, "we" orientation. An inspiring read and invaluable in creating a more inclusive and ultimately successful organization.

Juana Bordas is a voice we need in our generation. She has a clear understanding and vision about the Latino people that needs to be heard in regards to leadership and the destiny of our country. Her book clearly outlines why our culture is needed and how it fits that need based on the values and principles inherent in Latino tradition. Each chapter is filled with an accurate historical perspective, personal stories that connected with me, and universal principles of leadership that anyone; young or old, black, white, red, yellow or brown will benefit from. The Power of Latino Leadership is a book all current and aspiring leaders need to read and study.

This book is an easy read and provides the connection and stats necessary to provide the awareness I needed as a Latino in leadership in a majority culture organization. Muchas gracias!

This book should be required in classes teaching about Hispanic culture. I had forgotten so many events in Latino history that reading it reminded me of my roots and the people that helped me get to where I am today. Young people will find so many anecdotes and facts to feel proud of as the author transports the reader through history and examples of Latino leaders's efforts for integration and inclusion.Sonia Acosta, PhD - President/CEO of Centro Multicultural La Familia

The book dispels views that Latina are silent; this book shows the power they posses. Loved the book and recommend it for policy makers and also for history classes.