Vice President of Diversity, Carlson Hotels Worldwide & Regent Luxury

For board member Maria Seiler, helping others become successful is both a personal and professional responsibility. It's in her talk, and, more importantly, it's in her walk. 

"I am the American dream for my family," she said. Seiler came to the U.S. from Mexico at the age of four. At 18, she became a citizen and was the first one in her family to graduate from college.

"Now, I have the responsibility to help other minorities achieve their American dream, because so many people have helped me along the way and I need to give back." That's why she joined the board nearly a year ago.

She said she also has the opportunity to help others get to know Carlson Companies and the good things it is doing to help minorities in the community.

Seiler is encouraged by MEDA's ability to help clients "make it," through business ownership, job creation and contributions to the economy and looks forward to the enhancement of its services, such as presentation skills.

"We need to help small businesses be as prepared and equipped as possible to really deal with a multicultural workplace -- which means people who don't look like them."

As an active board member, she said, "I am in awe of the brilliance that sits around that room. We're here because we have a common thread that binds us together - and that's to help others. I am proud to be part of MEDA."