A CLOSER LOOK AT
AL
By : Celia Rentería Szelwach
FrederickFrederick says one of his future years as the General Manager of an offshore bank in Willemstad , Curacao . He then managed back-office brokerage operations for Heptagon Securities LTD in Caracas . After 17 years in Venezuela , Frederick and his family returned to the U . S . in July 2000 .
In this issue , Latin Times talks with Al Frederick , recognized throughout Tampa Bay for his active support and championship of Hispanic causes . Originally from Ohio , Frederick became involved with the Hispanic community as a high school exchange student to Venezuela . Although he ’ s fluent in Spanish and reads and writes French , you might be surprised to discover that Frederick ’ s heritage is Pennsylvania Dutch Mennonite and West Virginian .
After earning a B . A . in Spanish , Mathematics , and International Business from Ohio Wesleyan University , Frederick completed his MBA in Finance and International Business from the University of Florida in Gainesville . With degrees in hand , Frederick returned to Caracas , Venezuela in 1984 where he served as Vice President of International Operations for Banco Latino , the second largest bank in Venezuela . In 1993 , Frederick joined Banco Exterior for several
Although he acknowledges that it was “ traumatic ” to start over in the U . S ., he joined MassMutual Financial Group in Tampa as a financial advisor in 2001 and immediately earned the 2002 New Associate of the Year Award .
While Frederick ’ s career achievements are impressive , his extensive contributions to the Hispanic community are remarkable . As Membership Director for the Tampa Bay Hispanic Chamber of Commerce , Frederick grew membership from 150 members in 2004 to over 600 members in 2005 . As Chapter Program Officer for the National Society of Hispanic MBA ’ s ( NSHMBA ) in Tampa Bay , Frederick encouraged growth in membership as well . His claim to fame is his weekly e- mail communications to keep community members informed of local , non-commercial Hispanic events . On a state level , Frederick serves as Communications Officer for the League of United Latin American Citizens ( LULAC ) which advances the economic condition , educational attainment , political influence , health and civil rights of Hispanic Americans . In recognition of his assistance , Tampa Hispanic Heritage , Inc acknowledged him with their prestigious 2005 Amigo Award .
1st . & 2nd . Fridays R 4 Networking Socials ! goals is , “ educating the community about xenophobia ( fear of those who are different )” and “ removing barriers to what Hispanics ( can accomplish ) in the U . S .” He admits that he frequently experienced career challenges as an American living in Latin America where he often heard , “ Yanqui go home !” He hopes to change this perception .
Despite his considerable professional achievements , Frederick is most proud of his Venezuelan wife and talented three children who are dual citizens of Venezuela and the U . S . When he ’ s not networking , communicating , and collaborating , Al Frederick is out leading Boy Scout Troop 45 . Gracias Al Frederick por su talento y su dedicación !
Celia Rentería Szelwach is a writer , speaker , and President of Creative Collaborations Consulting . Contact her at cszelwach @ creativecollaborations . com or 941-795-0928 .