Latina women network to succeed in business, study says

Networking is seen as necessary to succeed in business, and Latina professionals are no exception. According to a recent study by UC Irvine sociology graduate student Jody Agius Vallejo, ethnic professional associations are key to a Latina businesswoman’s ability to thrive in Orange County’s corporate world. Previous research suggested Latinas lack involvement in professional organizations. Agius Vallejo found this is not the case. “These organizations and associations help Latinas develop skills that aren’t learned in a classroom – like business etiquette and socializing through golf – which are very important in the area’s corporate culture,” she says. Agius Vallejo will present her work at the American Sociological Association’s annual meeting in Boston Aug. 4. The study will be published in the association’s City & Community journal.