Latinos Unidos Members Gain Insight from Leaders Shaping Business, Technology, and Global Brands
November 12, 2026
Two Upper School students recently had the opportunity to connect with influential women in business and explore the evolving relationship between culture, leadership, and technology at Women Who Move Markets, hosted Thursday, November 5, 2026, by the Asociación de Empresarios Mexicanos Dallas-Fort Worth (AEM DFW).
Maria Solis ’27 and Sheridan Bailey ’27, members of Latinos Unidos, attended the event at the invitation of Marcela Garcini, senior class dean and Upper School Spanish instructor. Latinos Unidos is a student alliance group dedicated to celebrating Hispanic and Latino cultures, fostering inclusivity, and building cultural awareness across the ESD community.
The experience brought students into conversation with accomplished professionals, including Iris Díaz, director of marketing and brand for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and former chief marketing officer of the Dallas Mavericks, who shared insights into global branding, executive leadership, and her professional journey.
The evening also featured a discussion led by Dallas Mexican business leaders on the growing role of artificial intelligence in business and the ways emerging technologies are shaping future careers. Additional programming celebrated the leadership and contributions of women across industries, featuring professionals in marketing, consulting, fashion, and entrepreneurship. Through their stories, students gained perspective on navigating professional challenges, building meaningful relationships, and creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders.
For Maria, the presentations reinforced the importance of pursuing personal passions with intention and perseverance, even when the path toward achieving a goal looks different than expected.
"There is not one exact path one has to follow to achieve success, but remaining consistent is key to maintaining the necessary determination to get there," Maria shared. She also reflected on the importance of relationships and recognizing that difficult circumstances can lead to new opportunities.
Sheridan found particular value in hearing how the speakers' cultural identities shaped their professional journeys. As a student preparing to enter an increasingly technology-driven workforce, she appreciated the opportunity to learn more about artificial intelligence, U.S.-Mexico relations, and the challenges women may encounter in their careers.
"Everyone who spoke talked about how integral their culture was in their career journey, and that is a message I will carry with me," Sheridan said. "To succeed as a Latina in the workforce is to take pride in my culture and use it to my advantage."
For Sheridan, seeing accomplished Latina professionals share their experiences was especially impactful. Their stories offered a tangible picture of what is possible while reinforcing the importance of embracing one's identity, navigating adversity, and pursuing ambitious goals.
At The Episcopal School of Dallas (ESD), Latinos Unidos provides an important space for students to celebrate their cultural identities, build community, and develop a deeper understanding of the traditions and experiences represented across the Latino diaspora. Through programming, service initiatives, mentorship, and educational opportunities, the group contributes to a school community committed to inclusivity, mutual respect, and an appreciation for the perspectives that shape each individual.
For Maria and Sheridan, Women Who Move Markets offered an opportunity to see those values reflected in the professional journeys of women whose experiences resonated with their own. Hearing firsthand how the speakers navigated adversity, embraced their cultural identities, and pursued meaningful careers encouraged both students to consider how their own backgrounds, passions, and values might shape their futures. Their experience reflects the way Latinos Unidos extends learning beyond ESD’s campus, helping students discover new possibilities and consider the impact they hope to make in the world.
