HispanicBusiness

Maria Louise (Marisa) Lago
Title: Global Head of Compliance Corp. & Investment Banking
Company: Citigroup
Currently: A Harvard Law School cum laude graduate, Ms. Lago oversees compliance matters for Citigroup's Capital Markets, Global Banking and Global Transaction Services businesses operating in over 90 countries worldwide. Her diverse career includes work with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as director of the Office of International Affairs as well as the chief economic development officer of the city of Boston and general counsel of the New York City Economic Development Corporation. Ms. Lago offers the following tip to those who are searching for success in the corporate world: "Seize opportunities, take risks, and make it evident how much you enjoy life – professionally and personally."

Maria Elena Lagomasino
Title: CEO
Company: Asset Management Advisors, LLC subsidiary of SunTrust Banks
Currently: Beginning at Citibank in 1977, Ms. Lagomasino worked her way up to become a leader in the wealth management industry, with positions as head of Chase Manhattan Private Bank, and most recently as chairman and CEO of JP Morgan Private Bank. She says the obstacles she faced on her way to the top were a case of mind over matter. "My obstacles are no different than anyone else's but whatever they are, they are much easier to overcome if you love what you do. I love what I do." The Columbia University graduate was hand picked last year by President Bush to lead an effort to secure private sector funds to help disaster victims in Central America.

Victor Lopez
Title: SVP of Development
Company: Hyatt
Currently: Mr. Lopez gained his promotion to senior vice-president in December 2005. The 30-year veteran in the hotel industry is responsible for the chain's international acquisition and development primarily in Latin America and Caribbean. He began at Hyatt as the restaurant manager at Hyatt Los Angeles. "I decided from the first day on the job that I was going to set high goals and not let the fact that I was an immigrant hinder my progress," Mr. Lopez says. "That attitude and the fact that I was fortunate enough to start with a company that gives [opportunities] to those who have a desire to work hard and advance contributed to my success at Hyatt."

Carlos M. Morales
Title: SVP& Associate General Counsel
Company: Merrill Lynch & Co.
Currently: A Merrill Lynch leader since joining in1986, Mr. Morales works as senior vice-president and director of Merrill Lynch International and is the chief legal officer and director for Merrill Lynch Pierce, Fenner & Smith. He helped found the Merrill Lynch Hispanic Employee Network. Before Merrill Lynch, he worked with the Securities and Exchange Commission's Division of Market Regulation. Mr. Morales has common-sense advice for advancement: "One has to be oneself. Try to be the best at your job. Don't wait for official mentoring programs. Unofficial mentoring is as impactful as anything."