CEO Advocates for Hispanics in C-suites

Latino CEO Cid Wilson, a champion of Hispanic inclusion, inspired aspiring Hispanic leaders to reach for the C-suite in a presentation at Montclair State University’s Feliciano School of Business.

It’s a message he carries across the country in his work fostering corporate culture for Hispanics in boardrooms and for roles like chief financial officer and chief operating officer. Sponsoring, mentoring and developing internal Hispanic talent is at the core of his efforts as president and CEO of the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility.

“If I do my job right, then as you graduate from Montclair State University, corporations will be more welcoming, not only welcoming to hiring you, but also welcoming to promote you, to cultivate your career, to investing daily in your career growth,” he says.

As a Dominican American with Bergen County, New Jersey, roots, Wilson has dedicated himself to easing the path for Hispanics in corporate America. It’s an effort supported by Montclair State in its role as a nationally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution advancing educational opportunities and college and post-graduate success.

The U.S. Education Trust describes Montclair State as a “Top Gap Closer” for increasing graduation rates for minority students, and each summer, the University hosts more than 300 high school students from across the country for the Hispanic Student College Institute, a mix of empowerment activities, college-planning workshops, and career guidance to encourage students to “think big” about their futures. This fall, the University will introduce a new BA degree: Language, Business and Culture.

Wilson expanded on the “think big” theme during his February 21 presentation: “With your Montclair State degree, you can compete with anybody,” he says. “When given that opportunity, I know that in this room and throughout campus that you are examples of success.”

Wilson described his trajectory on Wall Street, one that began more than 20 years ago in a brokerage firm mailroom, where he worked for free to get his foot in the door. He offered advice, including seeking internships or full-time positions in sales and marketing, finding mentors and corporate sponsors, partaking in educational opportunities, and building a network of positive people who inspire. “Turn your career dreams into a vision, a vision into a plan and a plan into a schedule,” he says. Those were key as Wilson climbed the corporate ladder and was eventually named the No. 1 specialty retail analyst by Forbes Magazine.

“I share that not to impress you. I share to that to impress upon you that when given that opportunity that you can compete,” he says. “What you’re learning at the Feliciano School of Business and at the other Schools here at Montclair State, and the tools and educational opportunities you have been given, allows you to compete and be the best.”

Jane Sanchez Swain, an academic advisor in University College, found inspiration in the presentation. “His story shows the power of persistence, mentorship and paying it forward. Personally, as a first-generation Latina, his story resonated with me because he comes from a community similar to mine. I am sure that many of our Latinx students in the room felt the same way.”