STATE News:
SANTA FE — New Mexico State Treasurer Laura M. Montoya received a standing ovation for her keynote address to kick off the New America Alliance (NAA) Symposium, an international symposium bringing together business and finance leaders and allocators from across the Americas.
In her remarks, Treasurer Montoya highlighted the economic power of Latino communities in the United States and abroad, the importance of preserving Latino culture, and the strategic significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in fund management and purpose-driven investments.
The New America Alliance is “the leading Latino asset management organization in the United States, representing Latino and diverse asset managers.” The NAA International Symposium is an event “thoughtfully designed to foster education and networking among capital allocators from across the Western Hemisphere.”
Treasurer Montoya expressed concern about the silencing of culture in America, especially in communities being targeted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials. “When our music is quieted, when our language is shamed, when our children are told to hide who they are, it sends a clear message: our communities matter less. Our contributions matter less. And our value is diminished. I reject that unequivocally,” Treasurer Montoya stated.
Her address went on to spotlight the rapidly growing Latino economic footprint nationally and globally. In the United States, Latino GDP reached $4.1 trillion, accounting for 30.6% of the nation’s GDP growth despite only representing 19.5% of the U.S. population. The American Latino GDP equates to the fifth-largest economy in the world, with a growth rate surpassing the world’s 10 largest, including China and India. “I ran for state treasurer to make sure that communities that have been told to step aside are finally seen and to ensure Latinos are no longer viewed as a cost or burden, but as a powerful investment that drives innovation and creates lasting value,” she continued. “The truth is, it’s astonishing what we’ve already achieved despite those barriers.”
Treasurer Montoya also underscored the significance of DEI in fund management, reframing it from a political issue to a strategic imperative backed by data. “[DEI] is not political. It’s economic. Data makes it evident that [investment] practices rooted in diversity, equity, and inclusion drive long-term returns and facilitate growth for everyone while mitigating risk,” said Treasurer Montoya. “When we align our strategies with the needs and values of our communities, passion and purpose converge … and it’s not just the right thing to do—it’s economically smart.”
Treasurer Montoya also spoke on a panel alongside New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, and Rhode Island General Treasurer James A. Diossa. The panel, titled “State Financial Officers: Mobilizing Capital and Expanding Access to Emerging Managers,” served as a platform for panelists to share how “new partnership models are helping states boost returns while promoting inclusion.” This panel session was moderated by Henry Cisneros, former Mayor of San Antonio, Texas, and Co-Founder/Senior Advisor at American Triple-I.
Treasurer Montoya’s remarks reflect her ongoing commitment to elevating marginalized voices, strengthening Latino economic leadership, and advancing inclusive investment strategies to maximize return on investment.