By: Franco Mondo
A Gathering to Transform Puerto Rico’s Talent Landscape
“Conversaciones que construyen” – Conversations That Build. That’s how the 52nd Annual Conference of SHRM Puerto Rico felt: a dynamic meeting point for HR professionals and business leaders determined to shape the present and future of talent in Puerto Rico. Over three days, hundreds of attendees converged to exchange ideas on how strategic human capital management can drive economic growth. It was a call to action for collective progress.
The business landscape in Puerto Rico is rapidly evolving, creating unprecedented opportunities for companies that understand how to leverage strategic talent management. This year’s gathering focused on a critical reality: organizations that treat human capital as their primary competitive advantage are the ones positioning themselves for sustainable growth in Puerto Rico’s emerging economic environment.
What made this year’s event particularly relevant was its emphasis on actionable business strategies rather than theoretical HR concepts. The conversations centered on how forward-thinking companies are adapting their talent approaches to capitalize on Puerto Rico’s unique market position – leveraging the island’s bilingual, bicultural workforce to create competitive advantages in global markets.
The most significant discussions emerged from executive-level panels that addressed the intersection of public policy, investment opportunities, and strategic talent management. These weren’t typical HR sessions about benefits and compliance – they were high-level business strategy conversations about how smart companies are using Puerto Rico’s talent advantages to drive market dominance and sustainable growth.
BMA Group: Championing Talent Development at SHRM-PR
As a proud sponsor of the 52nd SHRM-PR Conference, BMA Group played an active role in these future-shaping dialogues.
Year after year, BMA Group is present in these forums because we know that supporting the development of local talent isn’t just good networking – it’s our responsibility as a leader in strategic recruitment. We are not just service providers; we are partners in the island’s growth story.
Panel Spotlight: Public Policy & Investment – Transforming the Business Landscape
Puerto Rico’s New Economic Scenario: What Businesses Need to Know, Moderated by this server, BMA’s Executive Vice President for Global Business Development. This executive-level panel explored how recent public policy changes are reconfiguring Puerto Rico’s business environment, creating unprecedented opportunities for investment and economic development.
This discussion brought together voices from key industries to explore the challenges and opportunities on the horizon. Together, these leaders painted a comprehensive picture of Puerto Rico’s current economic momentum and talent opportunities. Each shared unique insights from their sector:
- Employee Value Proposition is Key: Rosa Maldonado explained that in today’s job market, professionals weigh workplace culture, benefits, and growth opportunities just as heavily as salary. Carelon Global Solutions has transformed its employee value proposition to meet these new expectations. Companies across Puerto Rico must similarly adapt – offering enriching environments and career development – to attract and retain the best talent. Adapting to the evolving needs of the workforce isn’t a mere perk; it’s critical for building sustainable, successful organizations.
- People Are Puerto Rico’s Greatest Advantage: Karen Mojica highlighted the unique strengths of Puerto Rico’s talent pool. Puerto Rican professionals are U.S. citizens, bilingual, and bicultural – an inherent advantage in competing globally. Despite operational challenges that businesses may face on the island, our workforce consistently stands out for its loyalty and stability when employees feel valued. In short, Puerto Rico’s greatest competitive asset is its people. Companies and investors are taking note that a committed, well-prepared workforce lives here – and that’s a compelling reason to invest in the island’s future.
- Innovation and Community in Healthcare: Dr. Rosa Castro shared inspiring examples of how innovation in healthcare, paired with deep community engagement, can transform lives. At NeoMed Center, her team has implemented healthy lifestyle programs across six municipalities, introduced sliding-scale payment options for patients without insurance, and organized health fairs open to all. They’ve even integrated artificial intelligence tools into their operations to improve patient care. This blend of social commitment and technological innovation shows what’s possible when organizations prioritize both people and progress. Rosa’s message was clear: by caring for our communities and embracing new tech, we can build a healthier, stronger Puerto Rico.
- The Power of Multi-Sector Partnerships: Efraín Rodríguez, COO of COPAN, emphasized that accelerating Puerto Rico’s development will require breaking out of silos. He noted that fostering alliances between the private sector, government, and educational institutions isn’t additive – it’s multiplicative. Collaboration doesn’t simply add resources; it multiplies impact, creating solutions that are more innovative and sustainable. Leaders like Efraín reminded everyone that no single entity can drive change alone. When companies partner with each other and with public entities, they create an ecosystem where challenges are tackled collectively and success is shared. This collaborative spirit can elevate Puerto Rico’s entire business environment.
Each of these insights reinforced a unifying theme: investing in talent and fostering collaboration are at the heart of Puerto Rico’s path forward. From the factory floor to the C-suite, and from government offices to community clinics, it’s the people who will carry Puerto Rico into its next era of prosperity. The convention’s panel proved to be a powerful conversation among leaders who are already driving that transformation.
Key Takeaways: Developing People, Developing the Future
Leaving the SHRM-PR convention, attendees carried home a sense of optimism and urgency. The big takeaway? Betting on the well-being and growth of our people is the smartest investment we can make. It’s not just about competitive compensation packages – it’s about creating supportive environments, strong company cultures, and a shared vision for progress. When employees thrive, whole industries thrive, and ultimately, Puerto Rico thrives.
At BMA Group, we are proud to have contributed to this important gathering of minds and to have facilitated discussions that spark action. Our philosophy has always been that developing people is developing the future. This conference validated that belief on a grand scale. We saw clearly that the development of Puerto Rico is not the job of any single sector; it is a collective mission that involves all of us – employers, HR professionals, educators, and policymakers – working together.
The 52nd SHRM Puerto Rico Annual Convention may have come to a close, but the strategic conversations that build the future are only just beginning. And together, by placing people at the center of our strategies, we will build a brighter future for Puerto Rico – one talent at a time.
BMA Group: Your Strategic Partner in Transformation
At BMA Group, we specialize in identifying professionals who don’t just possess technical competencies—they resonate with high-performance cultures oriented toward purpose and results. Our comprehensive evaluation process ensures alignment between personal values, professional aspirations, and organizational culture.
Ready to transform your talent strategy into competitive advantage?
Schedule a strategic consultation to discover how BMA Group can help you leverage Puerto Rico’s unique talent advantages while building organizational capabilities that drive sustainable growth.
Because when exceptional talent meets strategic opportunity, both professionals and organizations prosper.