HL | Milestone Series – Honors OSI Engineering

HL | Milestone Series – Honors OSI Engineering

Jun 5, 2026 | Milestone

HL | Milestone Series – Honors OSI Engineering

Leadership, Innovation & Community Impact

Some companies are built to generate revenue. Others are built to create opportunity.

OSI Engineering has accomplished both.

In Silicon Valley, success is often measured by innovation, growth, and market influence. Yet the companies that leave a lasting legacy are those that understand success carries a responsibility beyond business results. They create opportunities, invest in people, and help shape the future of their communities.

OSI Engineering exemplifies that vision.

OSI Engineering will be recognized during  our HL | Milestone Series – Silicon Valley event, taking place on June 17, 2026. This invitation-only reception brings together a curated audience of executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders for an evening of connection, conversation, and recognition.

👉 Event details & RSVP: https://bit.ly/41B5Z3J

Co-founded by Javier Diaz, OSI Engineering has grown into one of Silicon Valley’s most respected technology workforce solutions firms, providing engineering, software development, artificial intelligence, and technology talent to some of the world’s most recognized companies. What began as an entrepreneurial vision has evolved into a company recognized for both business excellence and community impact.

Javier Diaz

For Javier Diaz, the journey began far from Silicon Valley’s boardrooms and technology campuses. Raised in the farming community of Gridley, California, he learned the values of hard work, perseverance, and determination at an early age. Those lessons would become the foundation for building a company capable of competing in one of the world’s most demanding and innovative business environments.

Milestone Moments

• Co-founded OSI Engineering and helped grow the company into one of Silicon Valley’s most respected technology workforce solutions firms.

• Recognized as one of the largest Latino-owned businesses in Silicon Valley.

• Earned Corporate Plus® designation through the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), placing OSI Engineering among an elite group of high-performing minority-owned businesses nationwide.

• Expanded the company’s reach by supporting engineering, software development, artificial intelligence, and emerging technology initiatives for many of the world’s leading organizations.

• Named a finalist for the 2025 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Award, recognizing entrepreneurial leadership and business excellence.

• Recognized multiple times among HITEC’s 100 Most Influential Hispanic Professionals in Technology.

• Invested in STEM, AI, and workforce development initiatives that help prepare future generations for careers in technology and innovation.

• Mentored students, emerging professionals, and future leaders while supporting educational and community-based organizations.

Yet the most meaningful measure of success may be found beyond the company’s growth and accolades.

Throughout his career, Javier has remained committed to helping others gain access to opportunities in technology, engineering, artificial intelligence, and STEM-related fields. Through mentorship, educational partnerships, board service, and support of nonprofit organizations, he has worked to help bridge the gap between education and career pathways for students and emerging professionals.

His commitment reflects a belief that innovation should not be limited to a select few. It should create opportunities for future generations to learn, lead, and succeed.

That commitment to expanding opportunity represents perhaps the most important milestone of all.

Today, OSI Engineering stands as an example of what can be achieved when entrepreneurial success is matched by a dedication to community impact. Through innovation, leadership, and service, the company continues to help shape the future of Silicon Valley while investing in the next generation of innovators and leaders.

 

The HL | Milestone Series is a national platform designed to celebrate leadership across business, community, education, and innovation.

The 2026 HL | Milestone Series is made possible through the support of Wells Fargo, the series’ funding partner, whose commitment to community engagement and financial empowerment helps bring these important conversations and recognitions to life.

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Dr. Marilyn Flores 

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Dr. Marilyn Flores 

Jun 3, 2026 | Milestone

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Dr. Marilyn Flores 

Breaking Barriers. Expanding Opportunity. Transforming Lives.

When Dr. Marilyn Flores was appointed President of San José City College, she became the first Latina president in the institution’s more than 100-year history a milestone that reflects decades of dedication to education, leadership, and expanding opportunities for future generations.

For more than twenty-five years, Dr. Flores has dedicated her career to helping students achieve their educational goals while strengthening the institutions that serve them. Her leadership journey reflects a steadfast commitment to educational excellence, student success, and community impact.

Throughout her career, Dr. Flores has been a passionate advocate for educational access, institutional excellence, and student achievement. Her leadership has helped strengthen colleges, expand opportunities for students, and build meaningful connections between higher education and the communities it serves.

Dr. Marilyn Flores will be recognized during  our HL | Milestone Series – Silicon Valley event, taking place on June 17, 2026. This invitation-only reception brings together a curated audience of executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders for an evening of connection, conversation, and recognition.

👉 Event details & RSVP: https://bit.ly/41B5Z3J

I can say without hesitation that she has been an outstanding addition to our executive leadership team. Her passion, authenticity, and unwavering commitment to educational excellence are evident in all that she does and are truly deserving of this recognition.

Beatriz S. Chaidez, Ed.D. Chancellor

Chancellor, San José-Evergreen Community College District

As President of San José City College, Dr. Flores leads one of Silicon Valley’s most important educational institutions, helping prepare students for careers, continued education, and leadership opportunities in one of the world’s most innovative regions.

Prior to joining San José City College, Dr. Flores served as Superintendent/President of Río Hondo College, where she guided the institution through a period of significant growth and advancement. During her tenure, the college established its first campus police department and secured voter approval of a $442 million bond measure to strengthen educational facilities and resources for future generations of students. She also expanded community partnerships and philanthropic initiatives designed to increase educational opportunity.

Known for her transparent leadership style, strategic vision, and commitment to accountability, Dr. Flores has earned the respect of students, faculty, administrators, and community leaders throughout California’s Community College system. Her influence continues to create pathways for students to achieve their educational and professional aspirations.

Milestone Moments

• President, San José City College

• First Latina President in San José City College’s history

• More than 25 years of leadership within California’s Community College system

• Former Superintendent/President, Río Hondo College

• Former Interim President, Santa Ana College

• Former Vice President of Academic Affairs, Santiago Canyon College

• Served as Chief Instructional Officer and Accreditation Liaison Officer

• Administrative leadership positions at Santiago Canyon College, Las Positas College, and Riverside City College

• First-generation college graduate and second-language learner

• Educator of the Year, Inland Empire Hispanic Image Awards

• Recipient, Hispanic Border Leadership Institute Doctoral Fellowship

• Ph.D., Institutional Leadership and Policy Studies, University of California, Riverside

Breaking Barriers Through Education

For more than two decades, Dr. Flores has dedicated her career to helping students access the opportunities that education can provide. Her leadership reflects a belief that higher education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives, strengthening families, and creating stronger communities.

Her own journey as a first-generation college graduate and second-language learner gives her a unique perspective on the challenges many students face. Those experiences have helped shape a leadership philosophy grounded in service, opportunity, and student success.

Throughout her career, Dr. Flores has successfully led complex institutions, strengthened academic programs, expanded community partnerships, and championed initiatives designed to improve outcomes for students from all backgrounds. Her work has consistently focused on creating environments where students can thrive and achieve their full potential.

Her leadership has already made a significant impact at San José City College. As Chancellor Beatriz S. Chaidez noted, Dr. Flores’ leadership represents “an important milestone not only for SJCC, but for Silicon Valley and the broader higher education community.”

Today, her influence extends far beyond the campuses she has served. Through her leadership, mentorship, and commitment to educational excellence, Dr. Flores continues to help shape the future of higher education throughout California.

Her career stands as a powerful example of how leadership, vision, and service can create opportunities that impact generations.

The HL | Milestone Series is a national platform designed to celebrate leadership across business, community, education, and innovation.

The 2026 HL | Milestone Series is made possible through the support of Wells Fargo, the series’ funding partner, whose commitment to community engagement and financial empowerment helps bring these important conversations and recognitions to life.

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Julian Cañete

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Julian Cañete

Jun 2, 2026 | Milestone

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Julian Cañete

Culture • Influence • Legacy

Some leaders advocate for business. Others dedicate their careers to creating opportunities that allow businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities to thrive.

Julian Cañete has spent more than two decades doing exactly that.

As President and CEO of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (CHCC), Julian leads one of the state’s most influential business advocacy organizations. Representing more than 135 Hispanic chambers of commerce and business associations, the CHCC serves as a powerful voice for approximately 1.8 million small businesses throughout California.

Julian Cañete will be recognized during  our HL | Milestone Series – Silicon Valley event, taking place on June 17, 2026. This invitation-only reception brings together a curated audience of executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders for an evening of connection, conversation, and recognition.

👉 Event details & RSVP: https://bit.ly/41B5Z3J

Throughout his career, Julian has been a tireless advocate for entrepreneurship, economic opportunity, and the advancement of small business owners. His leadership has helped connect entrepreneurs with resources, strengthen relationships between business and government, and ensure that the voices of small businesses are represented in important policy discussions across the state.

Julian’s connection to the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce spans decades. After serving as President and CEO from 1999 to 2006 and again from 2009 to 2013, he returned to lead the organization in 2017. His experience also includes serving as Vice President of Public Policy and Strategic Partnerships for the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce, where he continued his work advancing business development and economic growth.

Known for his ability to build coalitions and create meaningful partnerships, Julian has become one of California’s most respected voices on issues affecting small businesses, entrepreneurship, supplier inclusion, and economic empowerment.

Milestone Moments

• President & CEO, California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce

• Represents a statewide network of more than 135 chambers and business associations

• Advocate for approximately 1.8 million small businesses across California

• Former Vice President, Public Policy & Strategic Partnerships, California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce

• Founding Member, California Utilities Diversity Council

• Chairman, Vet Fund Foundation of California

• Board Member, Northeast Community Federal Credit Union

• Member, California Department of General Services Small Business Council

• Member, CalTrans Small Business Council

• Former Chairman, T-Mobile California External Council

• Longtime advocate for entrepreneurship, economic opportunity, and business growth

A Legacy of Advocacy and Economic Empowerment

For decades, Julian has worked at the intersection of business, public policy, and community leadership. His efforts have helped create pathways for entrepreneurs to grow their companies, access new opportunities, and contribute to California’s economic success.

His influence extends beyond chambers of commerce and boardrooms. Through his service on numerous public, private, and nonprofit organizations, Julian has consistently focused on strengthening communities by supporting the businesses that power them.

Whether advocating for small business owners at the state level, building strategic partnerships, or mentoring the next generation of business leaders, Julian’s work reflects a deep commitment to expanding opportunity and creating lasting economic impact.

His leadership continues to help shape a stronger future for entrepreneurs and communities throughout California.

The HL | Milestone Series is a national platform designed to celebrate leadership across business, community, education, and innovation.

The HL | Milestone Series is a national platform designed to celebrate leadership across business, community, education, and innovation.

The 2026 HL | Milestone Series is made possible through the support of Wells Fargo, the series’ funding partner, whose commitment to community engagement and financial empowerment helps bring these important conversations and recognitions to life.

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Frank Carbajal

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Frank Carbajal

May 29, 2026 | Milestone

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Frank Carbajal

Culture • Influence • Legacy

Some leaders build companies. Others dedicate their lives to building people, strengthening communities, and creating pathways for future generations to lead.

Frank Carbajal has spent his career doing exactly that.

Frank began his entrepreneurial journey in leadership development, quickly establishing himself as a respected voice dedicated to empowering the Latino community through education, mentorship, and leadership capacity building.

Frank Carbajal will be recognized during  our HL | Milestone Series – Silicon Valley event, taking place on June 17, 2026. This invitation-only reception brings together a curated audience of executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders for an evening of connection, conversation, and recognition.

👉 Event details & RSVP: https://bit.ly/41B5Z3J

He is the Founder and President of Es Tiempo, LLC, a firm focused on developing leaders and helping individuals and organizations reach their highest potential. Throughout his career, Frank’s work has been guided by one consistent mission: creating opportunities for emerging leaders while strengthening communities through intentional leadership.

A respected author and thought leader, Frank is the co-author of Building the Latino Future and Latinx Business Success, publications that continue to inspire entrepreneurs, professionals, and future leaders across the country. He also co-authored El Futuro Latino, a publication distributed throughout 14 Latin American countries, including Mexico.

Frank’s leadership influence expanded nationally through his involvement with renowned management expert Ken Blanchard’s network of keynote speakers, where he helped organizations, executives, and business owners develop leadership strategies rooted in growth, purpose, and accountability.

Milestone Moments

  • Founder and President of Es Tiempo, LLC
  • Founder of the Silicon Valley Latino Leadership Summit (SVLLS)
  • Creator of one of Silicon Valley’s premier Latino leadership gatherings hosted at Stanford University and the Computer History Museum
  • Co-author of Building the Latino Future
  • Co-author of Latinx Business Success
  • Co-author of El Futuro Latino, distributed across 14 Latin American countries
  • Member of Ken Blanchard’s keynote speaker network
  • Longtime advocate for Latino leadership development and community empowerment

A Legacy of Leadership and Community Impact

Through the Silicon Valley Latino Leadership Summit, Frank has created a nationally respected platform that brings together influential voices from business, education, technology, entrepreneurship, and public service to inspire dialogue and leadership at the highest levels.

Hosted at premier venues such as Stanford University and the Computer History Museum, the summit has become a meaningful gathering place for conversations centered on leadership, opportunity, innovation, and the future of Latino influence in America.

A graduate of San José State University, Frank lives in Santa Clara, California, with his wife Molly. While his professional accomplishments are significant, Frank often says his greatest source of pride and inspiration comes from his three daughters.

His life’s work continues to reflect the philosophy behind Es Tiempo:

It’s time to lead.
It’s time to build.
It’s time to create lasting impact.

The HL | Milestone Series is a national platform designed to celebrate leadership across business, community, education, and innovation.

The 2026 HL | Milestone Series is made possible through the support of Wells Fargo, the series’ funding partner, whose commitment to community engagement and financial empowerment helps bring these important conversations and recognitions to life.

HL | Update 29.9 From Surviving to Thriving Stories Behind Success, Influence & Legacy

HL | Update 29.9 From Surviving to Thriving Stories Behind Success, Influence & Legacy

May 29, 2026 | Culture and Influence

HL | Update 29.9 From Surviving to Thriving Stories Behind Success, Influence & Legacy

by Richard Sandoval – HL Culture & Influence

Over the past month, I’ve been thinking about a simple question:

What separates those who survive from those who thrive?

As we close out Small Business Month, that question feels especially relevant. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to meet entrepreneurs, executives, and community leaders who have navigated uncertainty, setbacks, and changing markets. What they share is not luck. It’s resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to keep moving forward.

In this edition of HL | Update, we explore those themes through our feature, Small Business Month: A Surviving to Thrive Story, highlighting the journeys of business owners who continue to build opportunities not only for themselves, but for future generations.

We also take a brief trip back to New York City, where a visit to Café Ginori inside Bergdorf Goodman reminded me that some of life’s best discoveries are often hidden in plain sight. Whether in business or travel, curiosity has a way of opening new doors.

You’ll also meet several of the remarkable individuals recognized through our recent HL | Milestone Series. Their accomplishments span business, community leadership, entrepreneurship, media, and advocacy, yet they all share a common thread: a commitment to creating meaningful impact.

At HL | Culture and Influence, we remain focused on telling stories that inform, inspire, and connect. Stories about leadership. Stories about opportunity. Stories about the people helping shape our communities.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

In this edition of HL | Update

Small Business Month: A Surviving to Thrive Story

Café Ginori: One of Manhattan’s Most Charming Hidden Gems

In case you missed “Videos”

Orange County – HL | Milestone Event

New York – HL | Milestone Event

Milestone Honoree Profiles

HL | Milestone Series – Honors A&H Security Services

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Classico Building Maintenance

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Esperanza (Escobar) Teasdale

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Ana Ceppi

Have a story to share, please send me a message – RDS@HispanicLifestyle.Com

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