What role do MBAs play in the U.S. workforce today? Is it to crunch numbers and drive profits for corporations, or is there more to it than that? How can corporations impact policy on critical issues such as child nutrition? How can corporations coordinate, empower and enable employees to offer their strengths and expertise and to make a difference in their communities? Sodexo leaders discussed these topics and much more with members of the DC Chapter of NSHMBA at George Washington University during a Sodexo-sponsored event on May 6th.

NSHMBA’s mission is to foster Hispanic leadership through graduate management education and professional development. The organization works to prepare Hispanics for leadership positions throughout the U.S., so that they can provide the cultural awareness and sensitivity vital in the management of the nation's diverse workforce.

At the event, Sodexo leaders provided testimony and insight on their careers where they have excelled, found challenges, taken risks and advanced their education, as well as how they are able to make an impact at Sodexo, within local communities, and on a national scale.

Ann Oka, Sodexo SVP of Supply Chain, started the event discussing her career path and ultimately what led her to Sodexo. She shared how during her interview with Michel Landel, who was the North American CEO at the time and who has since been promoted to the Global CEO for Sodexo, he was able to illustrate how Sodexo walks the talk of our values. The interview was at 7am and he had asked that coffee be brought to his office. When the person bringing the coffee arrived, he jumped up and immediately began to help the catering employee arrange and set up the table for the coffee. That small act of service was a very powerful illustration of Michel’s commitment to Spirit of Service.

Jessica Montoya, Sodexo VP of Government Relations and Assistant General Counsel, encouraged NSHMBA members to think about how they want to make their mark within their corporate roles and also within the communities in which they live. She expressed her passion for being able to impact national policy on big issues such as from her former work in the auto industry. She also illustrated how she is able to make a difference at Sodexo in her new role, but also, because of Sodexo’s expertise, make a difference in communities throughout the U.S. on issues such as nutrition in schools.

Michael Montelongo, Sodexo SVP and Chief Administrative Officer, explained that Sodexo is a place where employees can make a difference and have an impact on the company and the communities we serve. He also illustrated the need for the skills and competencies NSHMBA members develop and gain through MBA programs. The need to think globally and identify ways to impact the company and community is vitally important to Sodexo, the greater business community and the country.

You can learn more about NSHMBA on a national scale by visiting their Web site at www.nshmba.org, and you can learn more about the specific activities of the DC Chapter here.