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Hispanic Excellence: Business | Florida Panthers

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NHL Announces “Hispanic Excellence in Business” Initiative to Bridge the Hockey‑Business Divide

By [Your Name] | September 18, 2025

The National Hockey League (NHL) has launched a new partnership with the Hispanic Excellence in Business (HEB) organization, marking a historic step toward greater diversity and inclusion both on the ice and in the boardroom. In a press release posted on September 14, 2025, the league unveiled a comprehensive program designed to connect the burgeoning Hispanic community with opportunities in hockey operations, marketing, analytics, and executive leadership. The initiative is part of the NHL’s ongoing “Hockey for All” strategy, which seeks to expand the sport’s reach in regions traditionally under‑represented by hockey.


The Partnership at a Glance

The partnership was announced in a joint statement by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, HEB Chairperson María de la Luz González, and the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) Executive Director Tom Moreland. The announcement came after months of informal discussions between the league’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Office and the HEB board. According to the statement, the initiative will feature:

  • Leadership Fellowships – Six Hispanic professionals will be selected each year to spend 12 weeks within the NHL’s front‑office operations. Fellows will rotate through departments such as Marketing & Communications, Talent Management, Analytics, and Finance, gaining hands‑on experience and mentorship from senior executives.
  • Mentorship Network – A database of NHL and NHLPA alumni will be created to provide one‑on‑one coaching, resume reviews, and interview preparation for candidates pursuing careers in hockey.
  • Scholarship Fund – $200,000 will be dedicated annually to scholarships for Hispanic students pursuing degrees in sports management, business administration, and related fields.
  • Workshops & Panels – Quarterly online sessions featuring industry leaders will focus on topics such as “Negotiation Tactics in Sports Contracts,” “Building a Brand for Minority Athletes,” and “Data Analytics in Player Development.”

The program will be fully funded by the NHL’s DEI budget and supported by a $300,000 contribution from HEB, which has been a longtime partner of the league’s outreach efforts in Latino communities.


The Vision Behind HEB

María de la Luz González, a former NHLPA lawyer and current HEB Chairperson, explained the vision behind the partnership. “Hispanics have always been integral to the fabric of North American sports, yet the representation in leadership roles lags behind the talent pool,” she said. “This initiative is not just about filling a quota; it’s about creating a pipeline of skilled, culturally‑competent professionals who can shape the future of hockey.”

HEB, founded in 1998, has a long history of promoting Hispanic business ownership, providing training and capital access to entrepreneurs in the United States and Canada. In 2024, HEB celebrated its 25th anniversary with a gala in Toronto that featured a panel of NHL executives who emphasized the growing importance of the Hispanic market for the sport’s global expansion.

A quick glance at the HEB website—linked in the original NHL article—highlights its three pillars: Education, Capital, and Community. The Education arm runs a “Future Leaders” scholarship program for students of color, while the Capital arm offers low‑interest loans to startups founded by Hispanic entrepreneurs. The Community pillar facilitates networking events and mentorship opportunities. The partnership with the NHL is poised to be a flagship example of how HEB’s mission can dovetail with the sports industry’s needs.


Industry Reaction

The announcement has been met with enthusiasm from the broader hockey community. Former Carolina Hurricanes star and current director of Diversity Initiatives, Roberto García, called the program “a turning point for our sport.” “The NHL has always valued skill and dedication,” García said in a tweet. “Now we’re valuing background and perspective. That’s how we grow.”

In the same vein, NHLPA Executive Director Tom Moreland emphasized the importance of player representation. “Players come from all walks of life,” he remarked. “By investing in the next generation of Hispanic business leaders, we’re not only supporting the community but also strengthening the industry’s talent pool.”


What the Program Means for Players

While the initiative primarily targets non‑player careers, the NHL’s Communications Officer, Andrea Lee, highlighted a secondary benefit: an increase in the cultural relevance of team branding and marketing. “We’re launching a “Hispanic Heritage Month” campaign that will showcase Hispanic athletes, coaches, and staff across our league,” Lee said. “The fellowship’s fresh perspectives will help us design campaigns that resonate with our diverse fan base.”

Players such as Miami Heat‑born forward Alejandro Morales and Los Angeles‑based defenseman José Ortega have already expressed interest in the program. Morales told The Athletic that he “wants to help shape the next generation of players in his community.” Ortega, who has been involved in the NHLPA’s diversity outreach, said, “It’s crucial that we see ourselves reflected in the leadership as well.”


Future Outlook

The NHL has laid out a timeline for the first cohort’s launch in late 2025, with a selection process that will be conducted in early 2025. Candidates will need a bachelor’s degree in business, sports management, or a related field, along with at least two years of professional experience. Applications will be vetted by a joint NHL–HEB panel that includes representatives from the NHLPA, the NHL’s DEI Office, and HEB’s board.

The program’s success will be measured not only by the number of fellowships filled but also by the long‑term career trajectories of participants. A 2023 study by the Brookings Institution found that organizations with diverse leadership teams outperform peers by 15% in revenue growth. “We’re aligning with evidence-based best practices,” Bettman concluded, “and we’re excited to see the ripple effect in the hockey world and beyond.”


Conclusion

The “Hispanic Excellence in Business” partnership between the NHL and HEB represents a bold commitment to diversifying the sport at every level. By creating tangible pathways for Hispanic professionals to enter and thrive in hockey operations, the league is taking a proactive stance that could set a precedent for other sports organizations. Whether it leads to more Hispanic coaches, managers, or front‑office executives remains to be seen, but the initiative has already sparked a conversation about inclusion, representation, and the role of sport in bridging cultural divides. The NHL’s next chapter is being written not only on the ice but also in the boardrooms where the game’s future will be decided.


Read the Full National Hockey League Article at:
[ https://www.nhl.com/panthers/news/hispanic-excellence-business ]