How CEOs are Shaping the Digital Future in Politics – Where are the Latinos?

Donald Trump’s inauguration was a big event, for him and also for some of the major players in tech and business. One of the most talked-about attendees was TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew.

His attendance definitely turned heads, especially considering TikTok’s ongoing legal challenges in the U.S. regarding concerns about its Chinese ownership. By appearing at the event, Chew seemed to be indicating that TikTok was not backing down and was prepared to defend its spot in the American market.

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

Una publicación compartida por ABC News (@abcnews)

Chew wasn’t alone among the powerful executives at the event. Major tech figures made their presence felt, with Elon Musk (Tesla and SpaceX), Jeff Bezos (Amazon), Sundar Pichai (Google), Tim Cook (Apple), and Mark Zuckerberg (Meta) all attending. It’s clear that these leaders are carving out the future of the digital age, and their presence highlighted the tech industry’s strong sway in politics.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Forbes Middle East (@forbesmiddleeast)

Absence of Latino and Female Voices at Trump’s Inauguration

One aspect that really caught my attention was the noticeable lack of diversity among the CEOs there. Sure, Miriam Adelson, a Republican donor and casino mogul, made an appearance, but there were no other women or Latino leaders in sight. This gap in representation is pretty striking, especially when you think about how important these communities are both in the workforce and as consumers.

That said, there’s no shortage of Latino leaders at the highest levels of corporate America. Take Priscilla Almodovar, the CEO of Fannie Mae. As one of the few women leading a major financial institution, she’s helping shape the housing and finance industry. Leaders like her demonstrate the importance of breaking barriers and increasing visibility for women and Latinos in corporate leadership.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Forbes Middle East (@forbesmiddleeast)

Latino Leaders in Business

Then we have Ramon Laguarta, the CEO of PepsiCo. Since stepping into the role in 2018, he’s been steering the global beverage giant with a focus on innovation and sustainability. His leadership has helped PepsiCo remain a top competitor in an ever-changing market.

Joaquin Duato, who leads Johnson & Johnson, is another powerhouse in the business world. With over three decades at the company, he’s risen through the ranks to oversee one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical and healthcare companies. His contributions to innovation and public health have earned him respect across industries.

Antonio Neri, the CEO of Hewlett Packard Enterprise, made history as the company’s first Latino leader in 2018. Under his leadership, HPE has expanded its role in enterprise technology, delivering cutting-edge solutions for businesses worldwide. Similarly, Enrique Lores, who serves as CEO of HP Inc., has been instrumental in driving the company’s growth and maintaining its reputation as a tech leader.

Latino CEOs are also turning heads in sectors like energy and healthcare. Joseph Dominguez, the CEO of Constellation Energy, is at the forefront of clean energy initiatives, while Javier Rodriguez, leading DaVita Inc., has dedicated his career to advancing care for kidney disease patients. These leaders exemplify the increasing influence of Latinos in industries that are pivotal to the nation’s future.

The diversity among these leaders is impressive. Whether it’s Richard Gonzalez at AbbVie, Pedro Pizarro at Edison International, or Rafael Santana at Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies, they all bring unique perspectives and strategies to their roles. These leaders show that Latinos are not only part of the conversation, they’re driving it in some of the most competitive and innovative industries.

Even though most of these CEOs didn’t attend Trump’s inauguration, their impact on business and society is immense. Their leadership exemplifies the diversity and strength of the Latino community in the U.S. and highlights the crucial role representation plays across all arenas, from corporate boardrooms to major public events.