Jose Lozano, long a leader in both the political and business communities in the state and around the country, was honored as a Latino Trailblazer by the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey last week.
As has been his nature throughout his career, Lozano — the chief growth officer at Hackensack Meridian Health and former CEO of Choose New Jersey — shifted the spotlight to others.
“There are so many trailblazers in our community,” he said. “I know my success and opportunities that I’ve been afforded is due to the many achievements of so many folks that have come before me.”
Lozano, 44, is the son of a mother from Puerto Rico and a father from the Dominican Republic. He recognizes the opportunities that he has had — opportunities that include time spent in President Barack Obama’s administration — come from his upbringing.
“While I’m humbled and honored to receive this award, I know I’m here today because of so many others,” he said.
Lozano, speaking last Friday at the annual Health and Wellness Fair that the Hispanic Chamber puts on with support from Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, HMH and others, said his goal throughout his career has been to give back to the communities that have helped him.
He has had two stints at HMH because the organization shares his vision, he said.
“I joined Hackensack Meridian Health back in 2013 because of what the organization stood for,” he said. “It serves so many of the communities that I really care so much for.”
Lozano told the crowd that a large number of the state’s approximately 25% Hispanic population use HMH facilities.
“It’s why we’ve committed so many resources and opportunities toward building and educating and understanding what the needs are of the Hispanic community,” he said. “We acknowledge that cancer is the leading cause of death in our community. It is why we’re committing resources and awareness campaigns — as we are in the back of the room — to make sure that folks are informed and educated about so many opportunities that they can do to actually prevent that and not just be another statistic.”
HMH’s commitment to the Hispanic community has many avenues, Lozano said.
Ensuring the community gets a piece of the economic pie is important, too.
“Economically, we know that Hackensack Meridian Health is the largest employer in the state, and we have significant buying power,” he said. “That’s why under the leadership of Avonia (Richardson-Miller), we are committed to making sure that we are supporting women- and minority-owned businesses economically.
“We subscribe to the model that a rising tide lifts all boats. That means for every community.
“As someone who appreciates and understands the economic contribution of the Hispanic community, not only to New Jersey, but in the U.S., it’s imperative that we all work together to nurture our community, to support our community and to ensure that we have a healthy community.
“We owe it to our children and all generations moving forward.”
This dedication to the community is worthy of recognition, Hispanic Chamber CEO Carlos Medina said.
“Our Trailblazer Award is one of our top honors — and one that has to be earned,” Medina said. “It is our pleasure to honor someone like Jose who does so much to help our community.”
