The second annual AL DÍA 40 Under Forty event will serve to highlight and showcase some of the most diverse and impactful young professionals across the Philadelphia region.

At the event, taking place on August 27, 2021, Héctor Manuel Herrada Rangel will be one of the 40 honorees. Currently, he is the Executive Liaison and External Affairs Associate at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, Inc.

Héctor Manuel Herrada Rangel joined Congreso de Latinos Unidos in June 2018, becoming executive liaison and external affairs associate in July 2020. Throughout her professional career, Rangel has had an interest in initiatives that aim to advance the Latino community and build bridges of understanding between the United States and Latin America. Prior to joining Congreso, he worked two years as a consular agent for the Consulate of Mexico in Philadelphia. 

Rangel earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, the oldest and largest university in Puebla, Mexico. He later earned a master’s of business administration from Universidad de las Américas Puebla in San Andrés Cholula, Mexico.

As a first-generation immigrant educated in Mexico, I faced the challenge to move to this country with no more than a suitcase full of dreams and limited knowledge of the work culture in the United States. I have had to learn to adapt my skills to compete in a different professional environment, and most importantly to embrace my background as an asset instead of a limitation. Being resilient has been key to overcoming this challenge, and now I can gladly confirm that we live in a land full of opportunities for those who persevere.

I am fortunate to work in an organization that embraces equality as one of its values. Philadelphia is a place where nonprofit organizations play a key role helping diverse communities. However, organizations could still do a better job creating teams that better reflect the communities they serve.

For example, as an immigrant, I have noticed that some organizations that serve immigrant communities do not have enough immigrant people working in their teams or serving in their boards. Embracing diversity, equity and inclusion in their team is key for nonprofits to keep being agents of change in our city.

Being a leader is both a responsibility and a privilege. A leader must have the courage to seek innovative solutions and the vulnerability to admit to mistakes, viewing failure as an opportunity for growth. A true leader should be compassionate and approachable, investing in their team members and finding success through helping others succeed.

Throughout my career, I have worked and volunteered for institutions that help diverse communities thrive, and I see myself continuing to grow in pursuit of this mission over the next 5 years and beyond.

Serving is my passion, and I will strive to keep empowering diverse communities in our city and in our country. I plan to focus my efforts in making Philadelphia an even more inclusive and thriving city, where all communities can find the opportunities they need to succeed.