Networking spaces are often created with good intentions, yet they can sometimes feel difficult to navigate, especially for early-career professionals or those who thrive in smaller, more reflective environments. However, at their best, these events can be transformative, both personally and professionally. 

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month in September 2025, Ares Management's Unidos employee resource group partnered with Mindr to host Las Ventanas de la Oportunidad, an intimate, guided networking salon focused on economic empowerment and belonging. Leaders from across the financial services industry gathered in New York City for an evening intentionally designed to foster authentic connection, reflection, and community.

Hosted at Frida Midtown, a Mexican-Peruvian restaurant named for Frida Kahlo, the event drew inspiration from Kahlo’s storytelling and self-expression. Conversations took place in rotating small-group discussions, thoughtfully guided by industry leaders Anthony Diaz (Antares Capital), Carlos Muñoz (Morgan Stanley), Damayra Cacho (Ares Management), Maria Paula Tenorio Useche (Citi), and Tom Cisco (Ares Management).

Focusing on the themes of Heritage, Perspective, Purpose, Resilience, and Support, participants shared personal stories, exchanged insights, and reflected on how identity and lived experience shaped their career journeys. Throughout the evening, attendees discussed the personal values that inform how they lead, and exchanged Ventanas de la Oportunidad cards offering one another mentorship, introductions, skills, or support. These moments reinforced the shared belief that leadership is not only about individual success, but about intentionally opening doors, or windows, for others.

Here are a few key takeaways from the night:

• Community is built through intention, not proximity. Creating spaces that encourage vulnerability and storytelling allows deeper connections to form, often more quickly and meaningfully than traditional networking.
• Heritage is a leadership asset. Cultural identity, lived experience, and perspective, when embraced with pride, create space for new partnerships, insight, and impact.
• Resilience is collective, not individual. While individual grit matters, sustainable, long-term growth is strengthened through moments of vulnerability and networks of care, mentorship, and shared wisdom.
• Leadership is about lifting others as you rise. Small acts (independently of your title or level), introductions, advice, recognition, and advocacy, can open meaningful “windows” for others and expand access across the industry.
• Belonging fuels long-term engagement. When people feel valued and supported in our organizations, they are more likely to build relationships, stay connected, give back, and invest in their communities.

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Find more resources on building belonging at work here, and check out the first enterprise SaaS ecosystem for cultivating leaders and building belonging at work, Mindr Connect.