LATIN TIMES MAGAZINE - 2019 Summer Edition | Page 27

Latina
Leadership
Latina
Lideres Awards
Awards
entrepreneurial
Diane Cortes
2019 Latina Mover N Shaker
by: Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla
In this time, there are no limits for
Latinas. Go ahead, put God first, get
educated, respect yourself and others,
travel and don’t ever forget to pray.
LTM: What part of Florida do you live in – are you LTM: How important is being a Latina to you
from Florida? If not – what brought you to Florida? Diane Cortes Rodriguez: Being a Latina is an honor. I embrace it
Diane Cortes Rodriguez: I moved to Tampa in 2015 due to be-
ing transferred from a Company that I worked for 15 years with-
in the telecommunications and technology industry. I was born
in Queens, New York, and raised in Puerto Rico. My family is
from Puerto Rico, different from me; my parents were born in
Puerto Rico and raised in New York.
LTM: Tell me about what you do for a living
Diane Cortes Rodriguez: Currently, I am the President of the
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Tampa Bay. We focus on the
development of current businesses and connect with each other.
As the new investors at the HCCTB, we provide guidance and
advice. On the other hand, I am the Sales & Marketing Manager
of Medial Group. Medial Group is a STEM Staffing Agency. We
recruit professionals for industries in Manufacturing, Industri-
al, Medical, and Pharmaceutical. Some positions are Engineers,
Validations, Regulatory, Quality, and much more.
LTM: Tell me about what organizations you are a part of
Diane Cortes Rodriguez: Currently HCCTB is working closely
with HPWA, PROSPERA and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Metro Orlando, whom are providing us with great advice and
guidance. We are also members of The United States Hispanic
Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) & The Association of Cham-
ber of Commerce Executives (ACCE).
LTM: Tell us about the biggest highlights of your career
Diane Cortes Rodriguez: The biggest highlight in my career is
being able to impact so many lives in a professional and spiri-
tual way. There is no recognition in this world that makes me
happier than helping people in need and giving back to the com-
munity.
LTM: As a Latina leader in the community, business or other…
what has been your biggest challenge and how have you been
able to overcome it
Diane Cortes Rodriguez: The biggest challenge has been in
getting the message that Hispanic, Black, etc. ... should not be
treated as a minority just because there are programs that are
designed for Minorities, instead we should be treated as diverse.
The word Minority is a derogatory term. We are a group of ca-
pable, able, and professional people working hard to make the
US as best as it can be. Our contributions are endless to this
Country.
L atin T imes M agazine
because I have a mix of cultures that I treasure and have formed
me as a woman, and this includes my intellectual level.
LTM: What is your favorite type of music, and what is your favor-
ite song?
Diane Cortes Rodriguez: Mostly is Gospel. From Ingrid Rosa-
rio to Tasha Cobbs. As per my Hispanic roots, definitely El Gran
Combo de Puerto Rico and Olga Tanon.
LTM: IF you can go back to let’s say 18-21, what are some of the
pivotal decisions that you have made that you would do differ-
ently
Diane Cortes Rodriguez: Every decision I made, I was responsi-
ble for it. But if I could change something from the past, I would
not invest in the wrong business again. But I must say, I learned
ALOT! and it made me strong. I wish I had someone to guide
me. That is why I am so passionate about helping so many people
thru, HCCTB.
LTM: Tell us about what kind of projects you currently have going
on
Diane Cortes Rodriguez: The most important project current-
ly going on is changing the image and purpose of the Hispanic
Chamber of Commerce Tampa Bay. We are open for business,
and that is our focus. Helping everyone to fulfill their business
plans. Contributing to the Business Growth of Tampa Bay.
LTM: What can we expect to see from you in the future
Diane Cortes Rodriguez: In the Future, you will continue to see
me working in the community, perhaps working closely in Gov-
ernment Affairs.
LTM: What famous person do you most identify with and why
Diane Cortes Rodriguez: Queen Elizabeth II. A Woman that
has survived in a "Mans" world, a Christian Woman that has
gone thru changes, betrayals, defamation, death of loved ones,
development of the new generation and is still standing strong.
LTM: What did I miss? Tell me something you want us to know!
Diane Cortes Rodriguez: I am married to Leroy Estrada, and
have 5 Children, all college educated. We have been blessed. All
the Honor and Glory is to God.
Read more at: www.LatinTimesMedia.com
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A braza el calor de tu cultura !
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