The Latino Donor Collaborative (LDC) proudly unveiled the LDC Latina Initiative during a transformative two-day event, The Latina Paradigm Shift, held in New York City on November 19–20, 2024. Driven by the strength and vision of Latinas, this initiative is dedicated to empowering the Latina cohort to reach their fullest potential. Through cutting-edge reports, impactful events, and transformative programs, the initiative amplifies Latina voices and paves the way for a new era of leadership, innovation, and opportunity in the U.S. economy.

The launch kicked off with The Latina Legacy Dinner at Peak Restaurant at Hudson Yards, sponsored by Wells Fargo. The LDC honored two trailblazing Latinas—Patty Arvielo, Co-Founder and CEO of New American Funding, and Linda Alvarado, President and CEO of Alvarado Construction, Inc.—for their groundbreaking contributions to the new mainstream economy.

Honoring Patty Arvielo

Patty Arvielo is an award-winning entrepreneur and Co-Founder and CEO of New American Funding, one of the largest independent mortgage lenders in the United States. A first-generation Hispanic, Patty’s career began at age 16 with an entry-level position at TransUnion Credit. Through hard work and determination, she rose through the ranks at a prominent mortgage company to become a branch manager and assistant vice president.

In 2003, Patty co-founded New American Funding with her husband, Rick Arvielo. Under her leadership, the company has grown into a national powerhouse with a servicing portfolio of over 260,000 loans totaling $70 billion, more than 260 locations, and over 4,400 employees, 53% of whom are women and 37% from diverse backgrounds. Patty has championed diversity initiatives such as Latino Focus and the NAF Dream Initiative, which promote homeownership among minority communities. Her leadership has redefined representation in finance while empowering women and minorities across industries.

Honoring Linda Alvarado

Linda Alvarado is the founder, President, and CEO of Alvarado Construction, Inc., a commercial general contracting firm that has grown into a major industry player. Starting as a small concrete contractor, her company has developed high-profile projects across the United States and internationally, including the Denver Broncos Empower Field, Arizona and Colorado Convention Centers, and Kaiser Permanente hospitals.

In 1991, Linda made history as the first Latina—and woman—to become an owner of a Major League Baseball team: the Colorado Rockies. Her groundbreaking achievements extend beyond construction to sports management and corporate leadership. She serves on the boards of numerous Fortune 500 companies, such as 3M and Pitney Bowes. Linda’s accolades include induction into the National Women’s Hall of Fame and recognition as one of Forbes’ Most Successful Women Entrepreneurs. Through her civic involvement and philanthropy, Linda continues to inspire Latinas to break barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries.

The Latina Paradigm Shift: An LDC Latina Initiative

On November 20th, the event continued at Wells Fargo Connections in New York City with The 23rd LDC Convening: The Latina Paradigm Shift, which brought together an exceptional lineup of speakers for thought-provoking panels on authentic leadership, business innovation, allyship, and economic growth, thanks to the support of United Latinas. Speakers included Ana Marie Argilagos (President of Hispanics in Philanthropy), Valeria Aloe (Founder of Rising Together), Ivette Rodriguez (President of American Entertainment Marketing), Cecilia Orvañanos (Country Director of Population Media Center), Marissa Solis (SVP Global Brand/Consumer Marketing at NFL), Sandra Velasquez (CEO of Nopalera), Millie Carrasquillo (CRO of LatinUS Beauty), Nina Vaca (CEO of Pinnacle Group), Pancho Gonzalez (CEO of Lopez Dorada Foods), and Sol Trujillo (Chairman of Latino Donor Collaborative).

Moderators such as Beatriz Acevedo (CEO & Co-Founder of Suma Wealth), Ana Pinczuk (Board Member of LDC, SentinelOne, Aptiv), Ana Valdez (President & CEO of Latino Donor Collaborative), and Patty Juarez (Executive Vice President and Head of Hispanic/Latino Affairs at Wells Fargo) led discussions that underscored the critical role of Latinas in driving economic progress while identifying actionable strategies to close leadership gaps and advance representation across all sectors.

“Latinas are transforming the fabric of society—leading businesses, reshaping industries, fueling innovation in media, and raising the next generation of Latino leaders,” said Ana Valdez, CEO of the LDC. “We are thrilled to launch the LDC Latina Initiative to celebrate and empower this dynamic cohort. Starting with honoring Patty Arvielo and Linda Alvarado—two extraordinary examples of Latina leadership—we aim to shape the narrative of Latinas in America and unlock their full potential for the benefit of our nation.”

Latinas are a driving force in the U.S. economy, representing 22 million women—nearly 17% of all adult women. However, they face persistent challenges, earning only 62 cents for every dollar earned by non-Hispanic White men and holding just 1.7% of Fortune 500 board seats. Through the LDC Latina Initiative, the LDC is committed to closing these gaps by empowering Latinas with the tools, research, and opportunities to thrive in positions of influence.

To learn more about this initiative, visit https://latinodonorcollaborative.org/ldc-latina-initiative/.

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