Rulla Nehme-Malko has been named vice president of membership for the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting of Rhode Island (ALPFA-RI). She will be responsible for growing and maintaining membership in the newly formed chapter. Currently, Nehme-Malko serves as a financial consultant for John Hancock Financial Network. She has a B.A. in economics from Clark University.

PBN: How large is the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting and how does ALPFA enhance opportunities for Latinos?

NEHME: : Nationally, ALPFA has 38 chapters and close to 10,000 members. In less than one year, the ALPFA-RI chapter has grown to more than 100 members. As the premier Latino professional organization in finance, accounting and other related professions, our mission is to build relationships for our members, the community and our business partners while expanding Latino leadership in the work force. We promote technical excellence, leadership training, continuing professional education and opportunities for networking as a platform for career advancement.

PBN: What does it mean for the Rhode Island business community to have a newly formed, locally based ALPFA chapter?

NEHME: : The Hispanic population is the fastest-growing segment of Rhode Island’s population and the same is true of Latino-owned businesses. Through our programs and events, ALPFA-RI works to create opportunities by providing an environment where individuals are highly profiled, where unique opportunities are brought to members’ attention, and where decision-makers are connected to qualified candidates. We believe the more resources we provide to help our members grow professionally, the greater, positive impact Latinos will have on the Rhode Island business community.

PBN: In what ways do you think diversity has become an integral part of the U.S. financial industry?

NEHME: : Diversity has become such an important topic, both nationally and locally, that major corporations have executive-level positions dedicated to meeting the unique needs of their diverse customers and employees. Working with both Middle Eastern and Latino business owners and professionals, I find it critically important to not only be able to speak the language, but to also have experience and knowledge of the culture. To provide financial advice, you need to understand a culture’s behaviors and beliefs and build relationships. •