■ Cover Story : Hispanic Heritage Month
Continued From Page 34 development and public policy issues impacting the island . Gov . Phil Murphy also asked Medina to serve on various boards and commissions , including the state ’ s Puerto Rico Relief Commission . Medina readily accepted the post . “ It ’ s important not just to do well for yourself , but to do good for others .”
Even though Puerto Rico has been roiled by economic strife and natural disasters , Medina said there is a tremendous amount of promise there and he is optimistic for its future .
In New Jersey , Medina can see the challenges facing the Hispanic community . The Hispanic population in the state is growing , as it is across the nation . He noted the latest U . S . Census reports that the Hispanic population grew by 23 percent in the United States since 2010 . The Hispanic growth was greatest in metropolitan centers . While Hispanic immigrants are drawn by the opportunities in the United States , there is also a downside , evident in the poverty and the challenges of cultural integration .
Medina believes that to a larger extent than many other states , New Jersey has an extensive Hispanic-led social service infrastructure that helps address the challenges that Hispanic communities are facing . New Jersey ’ s robust Hispanic social service community provides a safety net for the disadvantaged . To tackle the underlying cause of poverty , he recognizes that a strategic approach is needed .
Medina has been impressed by the research of Enrico Moretti , an economist at the University of California Berkeley . In his book , “ The New Geography of Jobs ,” Moretti analyzed the shift from a labor force centered on a manufacturing economy to an innovation economy . Medina explained that “ Moretti posits that there are diverging Americas . At one extreme are the brain hubs with workers who are among the most productive , creative and best paid in the world . At the other extreme are former manufacturing hubs , which are rapidly losing employment and residents . Moretti proposes that this divergence is reshaping the fabric of our society , affecting all aspects of our lives , from health and education to family stability and political engagement .”
Medina believes that to the extent that New Jersey can expand its leadership position in the innovation economy , New Jersey and all of its citizens will experience a greater quality of life . And education is key to fostering the growth of innovation centers .
“ If you are looking to help , to truly transform a community , education is foundational ,” Media said . He said a “ tripod ” is needed to overcome the challenges facing the Hispanic community . Its legs are the safety net , education and economic development to create job opportunities .
Whether intentional or not , for much of his career Medina has helped in the progress over all parts of the tripod .
Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month
Two CIANJ Board Members offer their thoughts …
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center President and CEO Deborah Visconi :
“ Hispanic Heritage Month gives us the opportunity to pause and reflect on how we will support the Hispanic communities and their diversity and unique cultural complexion , while celebrating the successes , contributions and culture of Hispanic people . Traditional Hispanic community values include a focus on family and faith combined with a strong work ethic . These principles have been the underpinnings of my life and ones I have imparted as priorities to my children . As healthcare professionals , it is important for us to understand the cultural values , diversity and beliefs of the Hispanic community in order to help us deliver the highest quality , culturally appropriate care . We have a responsibility to increase cultural proficiency among healthcare providers in order to reduce inconsistencies and inequity in the delivery of care .”
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield NJ , Director , Government Affairs , Uli Diaz :
Medina believes that education is the key to expanding New Jersey ‘ s leadership position in the innovation economy .
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / Feverpitched
“ We are all either first-generation immigrants or children of immigrants . Our story is the American Dream and Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates that dream . My family came here from Cuba when I was 6 . We settled in West New York in Hudson County , which continues to be a great melting pot for many ethnic groups . Latinos are different because we come from many different places . But we have the commonality of language , the commonality of wanting a better life and the commonality of seizing the opportunities here . It ’ s bittersweet that my family was forced to leave its native land . But like so many immigrants before and after , we are thankful for the opportunities here for a better life .”
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