HL | Milestone Series
A Question Worth Asking
How a conversation between a high school student and artist Carlos Pérez became one of the most memorable moments of the HL | Milestone Series in Silicon Valley.
Photos and article by
Richard Sandoval
Artist and designer Carlos Pérez with Nicholas Sandoval following the HL / Milestone Series event in Silicon Valley.
t every HL | Milestone Series gathering, we invest months in planning the program, selecting speakers, recognizing community leaders, and creating opportunities for meaningful conversations. Yet, as rewarding as those moments on stage can be, some of the most memorable experiences happen after the program has concluded.
That was certainly the case following our recent Silicon Valley reception.
As guests continued to visit and exchange ideas, my youngest son, Nicholas, introduced himself to artist and designer Carlos Pérez. Nicholas, who will be a junior in high school this fall, has become an active part of our family business, following in the footsteps of his older brothers—Andrew, Ryan, and Christopher. Like them, he is learning that our work is about much more than producing events. It is about building relationships, encouraging curiosity, and creating opportunities for people to learn from one another.
Instead of asking Carlos for a photograph or an autograph, Nicholas asked a simple question:
“What inspired the Apple logo?”
Carlos smiled and graciously shared the story behind the famous “bite” and “byte” connection, explaining how the design cleverly references both taking a bite from an apple and the computer term “byte.” He also pointed out a fascinating design detail Nicholas had never noticed before, showing how the leaf, when enlarged and repositioned, could visually complete the apple.
Whether discussing the symbolism behind an iconic logo or simply sharing the creative process, it became an unforgettable conversation.
Standing nearby, I couldn’t help but smile.
Guests connecting and sharing ideas during the HL | Milestone Series event in Silicon Valley.
“What impressed me most wasn’t simply the answer Carlos provided. It was Nicholas’s curiosity and Carlos’s willingness to pause, engage, and encourage a young person who genuinely wanted to learn.”
Moments like these remind us why Hispanic Lifestyle continues to create experiences that bring accomplished leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, and innovators together. While our events recognize achievement, they also create an environment where conversations can happen naturally—where questions are welcomed, ideas are exchanged, and inspiration is often found in the most unexpected places.
As both a father and a storyteller, watching that exchange reaffirmed something I have believed for many years: some of life’s greatest lessons begin with a simple question.
EDITOR NOTES
Thank you, Carlos, for generously sharing your time and your passion. And thank you, Nicholas, for reminding all of us that curiosity remains one of the greatest tools for learning.
Because sometimes the most important part of an event isn’t what happens on stage.
It’s the conversation that begins after the applause.
