What Latino Leaders Are Saying: Key Insights from My Listening Tour

But one thing remains consistent:

Latinos are a massive, untapped economic and business opportunity.

While the landscape is shifting rapidly, most leaders I’ve spoken to estimate that this period of uncertainty and change will last between 3-6 months. That means the companies, professionals, and leaders who prepare and adapt now will be the ones best positioned for success on the other side.

Here’s what I’m hearing:

1. DEI is not just fading—it’s under attack.

Many leaders are struggling with how to define, defend, or replace DEI efforts. Those who are successfully navigating this shift are moving away from ideological arguments and instead focusing on business value.

2. Marketing teams assume they are safe—but they are not.

Many believe DEI cuts will not affect Hispanic marketing budgets because DEI is seen as an internal initiative, while marketing is externally focused. But the reality is that marketing leaders are already feeling the pressure, with budgets shifting or being scrutinized in ways they didn’t anticipate.

3. Nobody has full visibility.

Things are shifting too fast, and leaders need better ways to share information and align strategies. One of the biggest concerns I hear is: “We don’t know what’s happening at other companies—what’s working, what’s failing, what’s changing?” The need for trusted networks and shared insights has never been greater.

4. Recruitment goals are quietly disappearing—but tracking continues.

Some companies have quietly removed diversity hiring targets, yet they are still tracking recruitment numbers because data-driven workforce planning remains a necessity.

5. DEI decisions are now being evaluated through legal risk management.

More companies are moving DEI decisions out of HR and into legal and risk management teams—not necessarily eliminating initiatives but ensuring that all corporate DEI efforts are reviewed through a legal lens to minimize liability. This shift means that entire DEI portfolios could end up under legal oversight, slowing down or restructuring programs.

6. The language is changing.

Some companies are renaming DEI efforts under different banners like Talent, Wellness, Culture, or Leadership Development. Others are removing labels altogether to avoid backlash while still keeping elements of the work.

7. Most companies are in the middle.

Some are fully abandoning DEI, while others are doubling down, but the vast majority are trying to find a new balance in this evolving environment.

So, what do we do next?

After speaking with over 50 leaders and visiting multiple cities, my best recommendation is this:

• Stay Informed.Get the data, track the shifts, and understand how these changes are affecting industries beyond your own.
• Share Best Practices. Now is the time to build strong business cases, backed by data, that are framed in terms of growth, opportunity, and competitive advantage.
• Don’t Rush into Bold Moves. The situation is fluid—what seems like a final decision today may not hold six months from now. Strategic patience is key.
• Build Networks.The leaders who will thrive in this moment are the ones with access to the right conversations, decision-makers, and insights.
• Manage Emotions and Stay Focused. Many of us might be experiencing deep fear, anxiety, or even anger as we see things shift rapidly. But crisis requires us to be focused and attentive, informed and connected. This is the time to make clear-headed, strategic decisions that will ensure long-term success.

Latinos are resilient, resourceful, and unshakable. The way forward is not just to defend—but to reposition and reinforce why investing in Latinos is a smart business strategy.

That’s why at the We Are All Human Foundation and The Hispanic Star, we are launching a series of events, from small leadership dinners to larger gatherings, designed to bring leaders together, share insights, and navigate this new landscape.

And for those looking to stay at the forefront, we are also opening up individual and corporate memberships for executives, professionals, and allies who want to be part of this movement.

Because in uncertain times, the best advantage you can have is being informed, connected, and ready to lead.