Courtesy of Steve Kelly 

Indians are head-and-shoulders above other immigrants in US: Forbes

"Pepsico chief executive Indra Nooyi inevitably tops the list of what Forbes calls "Eight Indian-Flavoured CEOs" who lead US corporations with revenues of at least $2 billion as the premier business magazine chronicles the rise of Indians in corporate ranks in America.

"The chief executive of PepsiCo would be prominent no matter what. The fact that the current one - Indra Nooyi - is an Indian immigrant (and female, in case you’ve been living under a rock) makes her all the more noteworthy," it says. "It’s not a not a surprise that we’re seeing Indians rise in corporate ranks," Forbes quotes Richard Herman, co-author of a book on migrants to the US, Immigrant, Inc, as saying in an article published Monday.

"Of all the immigrant groups coming in today, Indians are head-and-shoulders above others, and this is partly because of their English language skills and also the advanced education that many of them are bringing to the US." 

"Despite these personal success stories the number of immigrants who are leading corporate America, Indian or otherwise, is still a tiny fraction," according to Forbes. But, says Herman, "look at where the data was ten years ago and maybe it was zero or one [Indian then]."

Future CEO candidates might want to look for a tough assignment in order to break through, he says. "Americans are having a tough time dealing with global diversity, Herman adds, " but just look at who was running the Tarp financial-rescue fund - Neel Kashkari"- an Indian-American who is now joining bond giant Pimco as a managing director." 
Of the featured eight, Nooyi, 53, says Herman, is part of a growing trend where US companies are being created, or led, by foreign-born individuals who bring in something special..."

Courtesy of Hindustantimes.com,  Indo-Asian News Service

Image courtesy of Natalia Kolesnikova/AFP/Getty Images

Courtesy of Cagle Cartoons and Jeff Parker

“The beauty of this program is that we not only provide them with financial assistance but with technical support as well to help ensure their success” said Janie Barrera, President & CEO, ACCION Texas-Louisiana.

The MMAP program depends on the generosity and financial support from businesses and donors to succeed, and MATT has committed to securing financial supporters to ensure the continuation and success of the program. MATT will identify and secure businesses to support ACCION-Texas.

However, MATT’s contribution comes with a twist. “We are going after Mexican-owned companies so that they can give back to the community that has helped them succeed,” confirms Garcia-Granados. “We need to cultivate a sense of philanthropy among Latinos and this is one small way to do it.”

“There are many talented people in our communities, especially among Latinos, who just need a little counseling and financial support to make the American dream come true. I am glad to have had this opportunity to partner with MATT and ACCION-Texas. I cannot think of a better cause and a more needed program.”

It is MATT’s goal to work with its national network of supporters to identify communities where MMAP is most likely to succeed. “At this point, we want to get the information out there to create interest among potential donors but we are also going to aggressively promote this program and get supporters. There is a lot of need out there and we are committed to make this program work for those who will most benefit,” concluded Garcia-Granados.

(Left) MATT Executive Director, Aracely Garcia-Granados

(At top)Secretary of State Hope Andrade, President and CEO of ACCION Texas, Janie Barrera; San Antonio Councilwoman Mary Cisneros; Owner of La Tradicional Tortilleria, Anne-Marie Grube. 

For more information on the MATT Micro-lending Assistance Program-San Antonio, contact ACCION-Texas at 1-888-215-2373 or MATT at 1-866-980-MATT (6288).