CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A first-of-its-kind diversity and inclusion pledge is taking flight in Chicago this weekend.
It's called The Hispanic Promise pledge.
"It's a call to action to corporations to hire, promote, retain, and celebrate Hispanics in the workplace," said Claudia Romo Edelman, Founder of the We Are All Human Foundation. "This is the first ever national pledge for corporate America to empower Hispanics. It is shocking to me to see that there were so many other pledges for women, African Americans and others, but we Hispanics didn't have a single pledge."
Edelman is a co-host of a weekend summit in Chicago, where companies like Microsoft, Nielsen and Mars will join in the pledge.
"Since the Hispanic market is so huge, it is not surprising to me that within three months, we have more than 45 corporations on board. They have the data. They know that they cannot grow their businesses without this market," she said.
The pledge also requires corporations to promote employee engagement and mentorship programs.
"Hispanic values are American values," Edelman said. "I think the time is now and that's why we're in Chicago."