Meet Anselmo R. Rodriguez
Occupation: Manager, Supply Chain Management
Organization: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana
What does your company/organization do?
Our mission is to improve the health and lives of Louisianans. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana began in New Orleans in February 1934 when representatives of six area hospitals got together and formed the Hospital Service Association of New Orleans, a nonprofit, mutual insurer that offered a form of pre-paid hospital care. More than 80 years later, we are still committed to improving the health and lives of all Louisianans.
Why did you decide to invest in BRAC?
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana is headquartered in Baton Rouge and employs more than 2,000 people in this city. Our vision for diversity and inclusion is to integrate diversity into all business practices. Like BRAC, our company is an industry leader and understands the value of investing in the city we call home, the people we employ and insure, and the communities we serve.
What would you say to companies contemplating joining BRAC?
BRAC gives our company a voice in the business community for shaping public policy, recruiting talent, and maintaining a healthy competitive landscape in the Baton Rouge Area. I believe BRAC’s strategic plan, specifically around advancing economic inclusion, directly aligns with our own diversity initiatives.
What are some resources that Hispanic business owners in the Capital Region should utilize?
I strongly suggest that Hispanic businesses get acquainted with and participate in the Baton Rouge Procurement Opportunity Partnership (BR POP) through BRAC. Get certified as a minority business enterprise and/or woman business enterprise through SRMSDC and/or WBEC South. Become an active member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana and BRAC, if you are not already. Lastly, register in the BCBSLA Supplier Portal to gain access to sourcing opportunities at BCBSLA.
What changes have you seen in inclusivity for Hispanic people across the BR Area? What changes would you like to see?
Since my arrival to Baton Rouge in 1980, I have witnessed exponential growth in the visibility and relevance of the population and purchasing power of the Hispanic community. I remember how difficult it was to find any Hispanic restaurants, any stores that catered to Hispanic tastes, and any kind of entertainment in the Spanish language. Today, we see how Hispanic-owned businesses are thriving and are commonplace. Every major store carries Hispanic foods, and major corporations have a Spanish language option in their customer service. This is a great sign of the growing understanding of the Hispanic market’s potential and a wonderful sign of inclusion.
What do you anticipate for your company in the next five years? For the Capital Region?
We will continue to carry on our mission to improve the health and life of Louisianans in coordination with our key directive of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We have been here since 1934 across nine regions of the state and plan to stay and grow for the benefit of our members.