The language skill that boosts careers

How Spanish fluency became a competitive business advantage As the US Latino population booms – and with it, its economic impact – Spanish is becoming an essential tool for workers and businesses alike to get ahead. Courtesy of Dani Herrera Dani Herrera, 39, used to fear speaking Spanish in public, let alone the workplace "The US is home to more than 62 million Latinos, who represent almost a fifth of the country," says Barbara Gomez-Aguinaga, the associate director of the Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. This heightened presence of Latinos both in the workforce and as business owners is driving "increased awareness" of the need for Spanish fluency, says Carla Zanoni, 49, an Argentine-American immigrant now living in New York, whose first language is Spanish. Native fluency, says Zanoni, pictured at top, is especially valuable, as it enables people to tap into and understand "the incredible nuance and diversity amongst the US Latino population". Ashley Hahn Fabiana Meléndez Ruiz says she often felt left out or even dismissed as a Spanish speaker The inclusion effect Zanoni, who works as journalist, and recently held a senior role at TED Conferences, notes native fluency is helpful not only to her personally, but also has the potential to change work culture across industries by creating inclusive environments.