Saul Valentin NHPO Chairman
It was the drive and the energy of the group of professionals that first attracted his notice. A dynamic mix of individuals from a variety of backgrounds, united by the mission of helping each other and other Hispanics advance their personal and professional development.
This was Saul Valentin’s impression when he attended his first National Hispanic Professional Organization (NHPO) board meeting in 2003. Little did he know that in four short years this would turn into a family affair involving his wife and parents. He has served for three consecutive years as the proud chairman of this group of highly talented individuals.
He appears to be the modern generation X stereotype of young Hispanic to the casual observer. Nothing could be further from the truth. Saul exemplifies a new breed of Hispanics. These are the individuals corporate America would like to influence to purchase their goods and services. These are the power brokers of the upcoming Latino generation. His flawless Spanish when surrounded by family and close friends instantly translates into buying power of the Hispanic population at large.
He identifies with the consumer who watches American idol but, like most Hispanics, is not interested in who is still in the competition. On the road when he often travels with his job he reads a book or glances through the space age newspaper, USA Today.
He is the picture of a young successful American business professional. His tongue in cheek sense of humor hides a sharp and assessing business acumen that has allowed his climb up the corporate ladder as Executive Vice President of Perspectiva an architectural project management firm.
The flip side is shown in his comfort addressing Hispanic small business owners. It is these elusive individuals that marketers would love to target. Scarborough research shows Houston has a demographic population of over 341,000 Hispanic business owners and professionals that enjoy this same socio-economic profile.
Saul is a man that is driven. Never settling or getting too comfortable at the plateau he is at. NHPO is a challenge and a reward for someone who has modeled himself after American leaders like Henry Cisneros, Bill Clinton, and Rudolph Giuliani.
His vision for NHPO has been accomplished as the forerunner in expanding the NHPO membership base beyond its six hundred members when he first took over. His plan this year is to continue to expand ties to every local organization and unite Houston area Latinos.
As Saul looks back at his career trajectory, the city of Houston is a far cry from his humble roots in Puerto Rico. His perseverance reflects his desire to inspire excellence in all that he commits to.
His dedication to others shows how he takes the leadership role by molding a new definition for the current and future Hispanic business professional.
His support to others in the organization builds an integrated example of networking to open doors of opportunity. This group of Hispanics started out with a very big dream of uniting other like minding individuals to form a national force to be reckoned with. The number of chapters formed in major cities to date speak a resounding…. Si se puede!
