The Power of Purpose: Francisco Estrada’s Path to Impactful Leadership and Empowering Others through DEI Initiatives

By: Day Rankin

In 2022, Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) launched its evolved narrative, sparking the Alumni Engagement Team to clarify its ultimate goal: We're not here to create executives. We're here to create Leaders of Impact. In particular, these are leaders who go beyond their personal success to advance racial equity. 

Among the inaugural class of Leaders of Impact is MLT Alum Francisco Estrada, recognized for his unwavering commitment to racial equity and his active participation in MLT's journey. Francisco's story is one of purpose, self-acceptance, and making a difference as a senior executive and leader of impact.

Francisco participating at a MLT SELF event

Being Bi-Cultural and One of One

Francisco grew up as a proud child of immigrant parents from Mexico. Born and raised in New York City, he attended Yale for his undergraduate studies and NYU Stern for business school. Francisco also had the privilege of being a part of various leadership development organizations, including Prep for Prep in New York City, INROADS, and MLT's MBA Prep program. He is a first-generation college student and the first in his family to earn an MBA and pursue executive leadership paths.

I view myself as a trailblazer, but it was done with mi familia at my back, cheering me on.” - Francisco Estrada

Navigating multiple worlds and identities, Francisco says he learned to appreciate his bi-cultural heritage during summer vacations in Mexico. These experiences allowed him to gain a deeper understanding of his family, language, food, and culture. Taking those experiences back to New York City, Francisco realized his unique journey as a first-generation Latino student, transitioning from public school to Prep for Prep and private junior high and high schools. 

I was one of the only inner city, first-generation kids. Socioeconomics being very distinct, I learned how to be a cultural chameleon, adapting to different spaces, reading the room and figuring out how to show up, communicate and interpret social signals.” - Francisco Estrada

College marked another transformative experience for Francisco, where he faced new challenges and obstacles related to his identity. Similarly, entering Corporate America presented its own set of hurdles. The cycles led Francisco to a profound moment of self-realization and acceptance.

There was a point in my career where I started to own my identity. I'm talented, I'm driven. I'm a play-maker. Bringing my bi-cultural heritage is part of who I am. That makes me distinct and unique. I know that when I  step into a corporate space, I'm the only or one of a few. So I’ve got to step up my game because I'm representing my comunidad. And I take that responsibility very seriously and present myself authentically as a Latino Leader.” - Francisco Estrada

Francisco leaned on his experiences in school and leadership development programs to secure a banking career at JPMorgan Chase. He worked on the Latin America sales team, which he says was his dream. He even landed a six-month assignment in London during the buzz of the 1998 World Cup, where France won.

I was pinching myself. I couldn’t believe I was having this experience and having this journey. But fast-forward a couple of years later, I realized this particular part of the business was debt-servicing. The Corporate Trust division was not a business that inspired me. I didn't really see long-term opportunities for myself.” - Francisco Estrada

Francisco speaking at LinkedIn HQ with Momentos with Nike and The Alumni Society LA

Taking a chance, Francisco applied for a diversity recruiting role with the University Relations team, leveraging his early career journey as a testament to his ability to contribute to the company's diversity efforts. He used his own story to craft a well-rounded pitch.

This was my pitch. "I'm a product of your diversity talent pipeline. I'm an INROADS internship program alumnus. And I'm also a management training associate graduate who has mentored incoming INROADS interns and associates. I've been to campus presentations andI know the business. While I have not formally worked as a recruiter, I'm a product of your entry level talent development program pipeline. Give me a shot and let me show you what I can do in this role.” - Francisco Estrada

This pivot marked the beginning of his extended career in Talent Acquisition and DEI across multiple industries, including financial services, media and entertainment, sports and footwear & apparel retail segments.

DEI is a part of his DNA

As a former Talent Acquisition Director at Nike, the trailblazer has held himself accountable by going beyond his role to to proactively collaborate with DEI partners and internal employee resource groups to build inclusive communities and engage external DEI partners. 

DEI is a part of my DNA. I've held formal DEI leadership roles in Talent Acquisition. There’s also diversity recruiting and working with MLT or organizations like the Alumni Society, and L’Attitude. That's a passion point for me and not just part of my job.  This is where I can flex my super-powers to make a positive impact” - Francisco Estrada

Francisco's leadership journey extends beyond his day-to-day responsibilities. He embraces his role as a super-connector, leveraging his network to forge partnerships between Nike and organizations like The Alumni Society. Additionally, he has utilized his position in talent acquisition to advocate for and connect DEI partners and business leaders with diverse organizations. 

Francisco learned early-on in his career that leadership meant more than being caught up in the luxury of corporate life. His impact is much bigger than his success alone. He’s now at a point in his life and career where he shows up as an authentic and confident Latino leader ready to help others do the same.

It's important for me to plant some seeds for that next generation of leaders that's going to step up. Being a connector, that's one of my superpowers. I'm a networking ninja, but inspiration, motivation, trying to light other people's lights, and sustain their unique sparks - that’s impact and legacy.” - Francisco Estrada

Francisco and SELF Fellows at a mindful MLT SELF session

A Message to MLTers

As a working parent, Francisco also understands the importance of inspiring the next generation and believes in the phrase, "you can't be what you can't see." He encourages MLTers and other business leaders to make an impact in their own unique ways. Francisco emphasizes that impactful leadership does not always require taking on visible ERG roles or driving initiatives. It can be achieved through community service, giving back to neighborhoods, or volunteerism. He also reminds individuals to prioritize their well-being and take breaks when needed, as self-care is essential for sustained impactful leadership. 

There's always some outlet where I think giving back matters. I think it refills us. It also puts us in position to realize we're in unique spaces where if not us, then who's going to do it? But there've also been times in my career where I've had to ramp down and focus on me, my inner circle or what I needed to tackle, and that's okay too. At a certain point, you’ve got to get back on the field and make those plays because we're the game-changers.” - Francisco Estrada

Embracing adversity is another crucial aspect of Francisco's leadership philosophy. He acknowledges that change can be uncomfortable but believes that pushing through with grit is necessary for personal growth and leveling up. Francisco encourages individuals to embrace their superpowers, pursue their purpose, and follow their true North Star. 

Francisco Estrada's story exemplifies the power of embracing one's identity, leveraging personal experiences, and making a difference as a leader of impact. His commitment to DEI, his dedication to connecting organizations, and his passion for inspiring the next generation are all testaments to his authentic and impactful leadership. Francisco's journey serves as an inspiration to MLTers and business leaders alike, reminding them of the importance of creating positive change and leaving a lasting impact on the world.

MLT Leaders of Impact

MLT exists to advance racial equity by elevating the career and economic trajectory of people of color and changing employer practices to improve outcomes for all. This series highlights Leaders of Impact, MLTers who maximize their impact by cultivating social capital access, institutional change, civic leadership, and DEI philanthropy. All with the purpose of advancing racial equity and closing the racial wealth gap. Stay tuned for more of their inspiring stories.