Q&A with Sara Gonzalez, president and CEO, Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

February 1, 2008

President and CEO, Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce In May, Sara González will be stepping down as president and CEO of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. During her tenure, which began in 1996, the chamber has grown in both endowment and membership, from 172 members in 1996 to nearly 1,500 members in 2007. In 2007, González received the Purpose Prize for her creative and effective work to tackle some of the nation's most pressing problems.

Business to Business: You prefer the phrase, "stepping down" rather than "retirement." Why?  

Sara González: The connotation of the word "retirement," for me, always has been negative. In many instances, throughout my life, the "retirement" act usually has signaled an end and not always an auspicious one. Mostly, people who look forward to retiring, in my opinion, have never really enjoyed what they do. My case is very different. I have loved my tenure at the chamber; although at times it has been frustrating, in the end, it has been very rewarding and enjoyable. I have achieved, most of the time, what I set out to do.

BtoB: What's been your biggest accomplishment?

González: The chamber was not very well known when I took over, so my very first challenge was to make everyone aware we existed. It was not an easy task. We were invisible at that time. So as a result of many presentations, networking, phone calls, little by little, we stopped being invisible to the point now we are the largest Latino business organization in Georgia. We are an organization to be reckoned with – even the reputable magazine The Economist used that memorable phrase. 

Another big accomplishment was the creation of the successful Hispanic American Center for Economic Development, the first Hispanic small business incubator in Georgia and the Southeast, not counting Florida.

BtoB: What's been your biggest mistake or regret? 

González: Regrets, none. Mistakes I consider learning experiences; they are necessary. I see them as learning tools. I have always tried to benefit from my personal and professional mistakes.  

BtoB: Where does the chamber go from here?  

González: The chamber has a very solid base, strong and well established, so it will continue to succeed. The niche it fills is one of a kind. The chamber is run by a very dedicated, passionate and professional staff. When I took this position, a well-known Hispanic newspaper quoted "unknown sources" saying I would not succeed and the chamber would fold. Other sources said as soon as other Hispanic chambers debuted, that would mark the end of [our chamber]. Well, what can I say? All those ill-intended predictions fueled my desire to prove them wrong and the rest is history.

BtoB:  What are your plans for the future?

González: Plans? I have none. My life has been what I describe as an accidental life; I take a day at a time. Ever the consummate optimist, and with my "glass half full" perspective, life will continue to be good. I look forward to continued travels, enjoying the company of my wonderful children and grandchildren, and the many friends I have made throughout my life, tasting good wine and good food with good, challenging conversation. If I can help it, I will never be bored. And truly, what more can I ask?