MassLive recently asked readers to identify people they consider Hispanic and Latino leaders in Massachusetts, working to make a difference across the state.
Profiles of these leaders will be published over the course of Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. These are people readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change.
His story: Alex Guardiola is passionate about helping businesses across all sectors.
As the president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Central New England, Guardiola is committed to advocating for great businesses in Central and Western Massachusetts as well as for consumer rights and ethical business practices.
Through building and maintaining relationships with businesses, government agencies and other organizations, Guardiola expands the reach and impact of the BBB.
"It is my goal to help all businesses be successful including our minority-owned, women-owned and veteran-owned businesses," he said. "I continue to be an advocate for our Black and Brown community in the region to help procure equity in our lives."
In his position, Guardiola is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the organization's operations and strategic direction. He provides strategic leadership to the organization and ensure's BBB member businesses receive value from their membership in addition to overseeing all of the organizations day-to-day operations.
Guardiola's journey in business management began after graduating college, where he worked at the attorney general's Fair Labor and Business Practice's division while attending law school in the evenings.
This experience inspired him to help businesses, large and small, to be successful while working to be ethical and trustworthy.
After graduating law school, Guardiola went on to work for Massachusetts's Medicaid Fraud Division, fighting to combat fraudsters trying to steal funds, eventually accepting a position as the vice president of government affairs and public policy with the Worcester Regional Chamber where he advocated for businesses at the federal, state and municipal level.
After six years in that role, Guardiola was named to be the president and CEO of the BBB of Central New England where he has continued to advocate for businesses in the region.
Here, he manages the organization's finances and identifies opportunities for growth and innovation such as expanding the BBB's services, developing new programs and reaching new audiences.
In his words: "Passion drives success... In this world, like in business, your schedule is never just 9-5. You have to adjust schedules to make sure no one is left behind."