Contrary to several notions which point to the fact that women can climb social ladders on their own, it is important to note that on the road to success everyone needs the support of others to pull through challenges and achieve overall success.
Nina Vaca, Founder, and Chief executive officer of Pinnacle Group, USA, and an expert in spotting talents speaks on the need for women to be adequately supported in other for them to adequately contribute to the growth of society. She also speaks on plans to encourage STEM-related activities in the Hispanic community, and more. Excerpt:
In a few sentences, please describe the person Of NINA VACA.
Nina Vaca is an entrepreneur, a business leader, a philanthropist, and a global ambassador for global entrepreneurship. For over 20 years, she has led Pinnacle Group as its founder, chairman, and CEO and under her leadership it has grown astronomically, becoming the fastest-growing woman-owned business in the U.S. in 2015 and second-fastest in 2016 and 2017. Nina has also been named one of the 101 Most Influential Latinos in America for over a decade and she serves as Chairman Emeritus for Life of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. In 2014, she was appointed a Presidential Ambassador of Global Entrepreneurship by the White House and travels extensively in this capacity supporting and inspiring the next generation of global entrepreneurs.
What exactly are the unique functions of the Pinnacle Group as a workforce solution powerhouse?
Pinnacle Group provides talent acquisition and management solutions to some of the world’s most iconic brands. Our two main service lines are high-level IT talent acquisition and management, and contingent workforce program management. Our focus is on helping our customers find the talent they need when they need it to effectively address their business objectives now and in the future.
What will you say motivated you especially while transitioning from an IT services firm to a group addressing human capital challenges?
You’ve often heard, “Necessity is the mother of invention,” and so it was with Pinnacle Group’s transformation from a niche IT services firm to a firm focusing primarily on the workforce solutions space. In our over 20 years in business, we’ve had to reinvent ourselves several times as our clients’ needs have changed. Our first major shift was after 9/11 dramatically reshaped the tech landscape, and the second major shift happened during and after the Great Recession in 2008-2009. There is a third phase happening now, which is globalization and we are excited about the next steps in our evolution.
Through the trying times, did you ever feel too little given your status as a woman, and one who wanted to create an impact in society?
The most impactful woman in my life stands only 4’11” and yet we all look up to her. Through my mother’s example, I have never doubted the power of an individual, no matter their size or gender, to make a difference. But you have to believe in what you’re doing, find ways to give back and develop key relationships to help you along the way. No one does anything alone, in business or in life.
What more do you think women can do to establish their roles as game-changers in society?
Women are just realizing the economic power they have in the world economy, not only as consumers but also as entrepreneurs and business leaders. Recognizing this power and finding ways to use it productively has been happening gradually over several decades but is really picking up momentum now. We are seeing more women starting businesses, leading business, and in corporate board rooms. This is a trend that needs to continue.
What are some of the things you envision for the Hispanic community which you would like to be a part of?
I have two specific visions for helping the Hispanic community thrive and I am actively working on both of these today. The first is helping more Hispanic women choose business. Historically, there have been very few visible Latina business leaders for young women to look up to as mentors and role models and many girls and young women simply don’t see this as an option for their future. Along with individual projects, I’m working on, I also founded the At the Table initiative, housed at the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and helps provided resources to help more women get a seat at the table. The second vision is to help connect Hispanic youth with STEM education and careers. This is the surest way I know to help people change their lives and achieve prosperity in the current economy.
Would you say that Hispanic women are fairly treated compared to their counterparts across the world? If No, what do you think can be done to change the tide?
I’d rather focus on what we can do to support and empower all women globally. Through my travels, as a Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship, I have had the opportunity to speak with women on five continents about their challenges and their hopes for the future, and my main takeaway is that helping women succeed in business at all levels helps improve their lives, their families’ lives, and their communities.
In your opinion, is there a relationship between women and sustainable development? If yes, are there evidence-based proofs to such relationship and a way of validating this proof?
Absolutely – women play a vital role in global economic development. Investing in their economic and business opportunities is a critical factor in achieving sustainable development. This is one of the reasons I am so committed to supporting women entrepreneurs at all levels. While my viewpoint has been largely developed from my own experiences and those of my family, as well as interactions with women around the world, it has been supported by numerous studies and publications worldwide.
Do you have any plans to organize mentorship programs for rural Latino youths?
Currently, I am focused on helping Latino youths in urban settings such as my hometown of Dallas, Texas. One way we’re doing this is through a partnership with the Dallas Independent School District and our local community college district. Through this program, called P-TECH (Pathways to Technology Early College High School), Pinnacle Group serves as an industry partner to an early college high school whose student body is primarily Latina, preparing the students for career-track positions in STEM upon high school graduation. Currently, in its second year, we are thrilled to help the students grow and see a place for themselves in the business world. There is nothing more fulfilling than being part of their success.
What’s the best way for the readers of Amazons Watch Magazine to connect with you?
The best place to connect with me is through my website, ninavaca.com. I am also active on several social platforms:
