![]() Prior to founding CIEN+, Gil Valletta helped pioneer multicultural and inclusive marketing strategies at Johnson & Johnson (J&J) as director of global marketing services and the cofounder of the Latino employee resource group, HOLA (Hispanic Organization of Leadership and Achievement). “We approach it from a place of empowerment we demonstrate how it is mathematically impossible for a company to achieve their goals or street expectations without an inclusive approach to their business.” “We have the privilege of influencing some of the biggest corporations in the world that want to better understand untapped opportunities and the impact of culture and market shifts to their business,” Gil Valletta explains. For a decade, this framework has inspired the mission of both her market research tech firm CulturIntel and the consultancy and cultural marketing agency CIEN+. This mindset inspired what she has codified and patented as cultural intelligence, the ability to be aware of, understand, and apply cultural competence and inclusive data into everyday business. I would think, ‘OK, people are ignorant I’ve got to teach them, to show them a better way.’” “I thought it was very innocent, maybe a little oblivious, but I would try to have an open heart and not get offended. “People would first assume I was Mexican, but then when they found out I was Colombian they would reference Pablo Escobar,” Gil Valletta says. Unfortunately, many of her initial experiences in the United States were colored by stereotypes and clichés about Latinos. “I moved here without speaking English, with a suitcase, a student visa, a pocket translator, and lots of ideas and dreams in my head,” she recalls. Gil Valletta moved to the United States from Colombia at just seventeen years old. This philosophy serves as the bedrock for Gil Valletta’s leadership and mission: that businesses need cultural intelligence to win. Where some might see an obstacle or a disadvantage, she sees a superpower. Where some might see an offensive comment, she sees an opportunity to educate. For her own, she offers this practical advice, develop your social media following so you have direct communication with your customers.Lili Gil Valletta embodies the true meaning of optimism.For how-to knowledge, read Bob Circosta’s Book “Life’s A Pitch.”.For inspiration, watch the movie ‘Joy’ the story of how Joy Mangano, inventor and entrepreneur best known for the self-wringing Miracle Mop, built an empire by selling on TV.When applying, “Make sure your product makes people's lives easier and makes an emotional connection,” Flores advises. “The application process was not difficult.” “I encourage all entrepreneurs to apply,” said Lopez. However, none have had all these components or this caliber,” said Frances Prado, of Hanging Secrets, a bra and lingerie organizer. “I have participated in many pitch competitions before. You’re reaching 94 million households with your pitch, commented Victoria Flores of Lux Beauty Club hair extensions. What did the three women entrepreneurs say about the experience? “It was a chance of a lifetime,” said Hipatia Lopez of Empanada Fork. This will be announced on the March 13 TV show. Plus one lucky winner - chosen through a social media challenge - gets a cash prize. Everything from the cost of the program to food and lodging is paid for. Oh, but wait, there’s more! Winners get to attend the prestigious Stanford Latino Entrepreneur Leaders Program, expense free. Gil Valletta and her business partner Circosta, who literally wrote the book on how to successfully sell a product on TV, are supporting the entrepreneurs with Dreamers Ventures, a platform that includes leading experts, investors and mentors to fill the gap in access and opportunity for Hispanic entrepreneurs. However, “the typical Hispanic woman-owned businesses is significantly smaller than other entrepreneurial segments,” continued Martinez-Restrepo. ![]() That's higher than any other entrepreneurial segment. The growth rate in the number of Hispanic women entrepreneurs is soaring - 137% between 20, according to the 2016 American Express OPEN State of Women-owned Business. “Hispanic women entrepreneurs are on the rise,” said Susana Martinez-Restrepo, founder of CoreWoman, which conducts research to uncover where gaps between genders are, then addresses them with education. “They know fashion, beauty and gadgets - the things that sell on HSN.” “I wasn’t surprised that three of the five presenters are women,” said Gil Valletta. Again, with the help of HSN, five innovators were chosen to present on a live TV selling event - Project American Dream - premiering on HSN on Monday, March 13 at 6pm EST and 5pm CST.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |