Carlos Vargas, a systems engineering manager in Colorado Springs, has a rich background in manufacturing, avionics and systems engineering. As the chair of the Hispanic/Latino Organization for Leadership & Advancement (HOLA) Employee Resource Group (ERG), Carlos is passionate about fostering community and diversity. “I enjoy being a part of something bigger than myself and being able to meet people from all walks of life,” he explains. “That really enables me to grow.”

Carlos is committed to being a servant leader for HOLA, focusing on advocacy, growth and representation. “Being the ERG chair, I could advocate [for my community] at another level that I’ve never been able to before.” He recently spearheaded the establishment of three new chapters and is working on a series of events to celebrate Hispanic & Latino Heritage Month. “This is our month to shine,” he says. “We can help drive the conversation of what it means to be Hispanic or Latin. That’s a question and a conversation that’s extremely nuanced. But I’m really excited to have that this month and be able to showcase all the different walks of life, the ethnicities, the foods, the dancing, the culture. It’s all rich and vibrant.”

Looking ahead, Carlos and his fellow HOLA board members hope to brainstorm and advocate for changes that will benefit their community for years to come. “The board and I really want to leave a lasting legacy,” he says. His advice to young professionals aspiring to take on leadership roles is to act like a leader early on in their careers. “Leading with excellence, leading with rigor, leading with integrity and honor are all things we can do where we currently are,” he explains. “You don’t have to have a leadership title.”- Carlos Vargas, Systems Engineering Manager.