Hispanic leader embodies collaboration
As her organization grows in membership and impact, Griselda Aldrete is receiving hate mail. Nevertheless, she persists.
Aldrete is CEO of the Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee. She says the number of insulting and sometimes threatening anonymous notes on post cards and in letters has steadily increased since Donald Trump launched his presidential campaign.
So much so, that the Milwaukee Police Department sent a detective to her office Thursday to investigate the nasty notes, which are being checked for fingerprints.
Aldrete believes Trump’s rhetoric about Latinos and his desire to build a wall at the Mexican border embolden the writers of the hate mail.
“Absolutely. They have definitely increased in frequency and severity,” Aldrete said. “For me, when my staff doesn’t feel safe, that’s not good. … When is enough enough?”
However, Aldrete is undaunted. The daughter of a Mexican father and an El Salvadoran mother, both of whom are now U.S. citizens, she has flourished since moving to Milwaukee from Mexico at age 11. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Aldrete earned a law degree from Marquette University last year.
Aldrete organizes and hosts the Hispanic group’s annual Five Star Gala at the Pfister Hotel. This year’s event, to be held May 12, will have 690 guests, and Aldrete expects it to raise more than $400,000 to support the organization’s stated mission:
“To connect and unite Hispanic professionals, students and the community with rich heritage, strong leadership and impactful initiatives and be the leading resource for professional development for Hispanics in Wisconsin.”
The list of sponsors for the gala is extensive and diverse. I counted 31 corporate logos in the gala program, including that of the Milwaukee Brewers Community Foundation Inc.
When Aldrete knocks, Milwaukee business lead-
ers tend to open their doors.
“How fortunate we are to have a young professional that understands that if we work together, there will be a greater impact,” said Cecelia Gore, executive director of the Brewers’ charitable arm, who accepted Aldrete’s request to serve as co-chair of this year’s gala. “As Griselda leads the Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee, our community is benefiting greatly from her wise perspective . ... Griselda is an amazing leader.”
Once the joyful Aldrete gets to know you, it usually isn’t long before she calls you “Hun” and tells you she loves you. That’s just the way she rolls.
Aldrete makes the art of collaboration look easy. But it is not. So I asked her to share seven keys for building effective collaborations among organizations. Here they are:
1. Identify common ground. “When trying to form a partnership or collaboration, we need to understand what our role is, understand the value we bring to the table and only then, we are able to create long-lasting partnerships and opportunities,” Aldrete said.
2. Ask questions and listen carefully. “Be inquisitive, curious and willing to just ask questions and just listen. Some of the best collaborations and ideas have come from simple conversations where questions are asked, answered and listened to.”
3. Think strategically and longterm. “Think about what you want to accomplish and work backwards on achieving that goal. If you want to create long-term, lasting impact, keep in mind the goal and hold yourself and those you’re collaborating with accountable to measure impact in a meaningful way.”
4. Be deliberate, intentional and honest. “Make sure when collaborating that intentionality is at the forefront about why certain collaborations need to exist, with who, and be honest about your desired impact and overall goals.”
5. Manage your expectations. “Life happens, leadership changes and overall things can change that can impact collaborations. Be open to re-arranging, changing or even letting go of plans if they don’t pan out the way you envisioned
them.”
6. Be business-minded, heartdriven. “Think about what type of leader and business/organization you want to run. Be professional and intentional about how you want to be known and perceived and what type of people you want to be around, whether it’s working for you or with you. Then lead with intentionality and values that at the core best represent you and the business you run.”
7. Surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed, and vice versa. “There needs to be a mutual respect for the people you engage and interact with, and eventually collaborate with. They must want your success as much as you want theirs. When their skills, experience and motivations enhance yours, then that’s partnership and collaboration at its best,” Aldrete said.