Silvia Cortez Spotlight – National Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic Americans. We’re proud to spotlight some of our Hispanic colleagues and share the experiences and perspectives that have shaped their journeys.

Meet Silvia Cortez, Head of Marketing at The Lerner Group. For nearly a decade, Silvia has helped shape the practice’s brand, content strategy, and communications efforts.

In the Q+A below, Silvia shares more about her career journey, the importance of staying connected to her family’s roots, and why expanding access to financial education is especially meaningful to her.

Q: Tell us about your role at Hightower and the experiences that shaped your path to where you are today.

A: I am the Head of Marketing for The Lerner Group. I started as an operations associate, and my path to marketing was unconventional. What helped shape my path was having a mentor and a leadership team that recognized my creativity, valued my ideas, and encouraged me to take on new challenges. 

Q: What does National Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you personally?

A: It means celebrating our culture, feeling seen, and being recognized for what makes us unique and the contributions the Hispanic community has made.

Q: What achievement or project that you’ve completed in your career are you most proud of and why?

A: I’m proud of the financial literacy program our team launched this year. I care deeply about access to financial education because it can have a lasting impact on individuals and families across generations.

Q: What is a lesson from your family, culture, or community that continues to guide you today?

A: Working hard to achieve your dreams was a lesson that was embedded in me from a young age. I believe that is reflected in my work ethic. I’m someone who takes pride in the details and is willing to put in the extra effort to make sure a project is done well.

Q: What advice would you give to Hispanic students or young professionals who are interested in pursuing a career in financial services?

A: Do it! Don’t let self-doubt hold you back. You belong here. Financial services can be an incredibly fulfilling career, and the industry needs diverse perspectives and experiences. Representation matters, and our ideas and voices can help drive meaningful change.

Q: How are you celebrating or recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month this year?

Honestly, I celebrate in small ways all year round by sharing traditions with my children. Whether it’s through the foods we cook, the holidays we celebrate, or the stories we share, I look for everyday opportunities to keep them connected to our roots. Passing down our culture and helping them understand where our family comes from is incredibly important to me.