As Director of Operations for Red Lobster, he strives to diversify and expand Hispanic leadership.

Review

Today, for many immigrants, the arrival to the land of opportunity ends in disappointing dreams and expectations. Tony Morales however, is living proof that the American Dream is still alive.

Morales arrived in 1995 from Caracas, Venezuela, starting an unstoppable career first as a dishwasher for Red Lobster, a division of Darden Restaurants, which is also the parent company of Olive Garden and other prominent restaurants.

He says his dedication and responsibility have been the basis of his prosperity, but many who know him believe that his charming personality and great charisma have added to a perfect recipe for success.

Diety Madrid Gramajo de Cifuentes left her native Guatemala, towards the latter part of the 90’s and with her husband Freddy Cifuentes settled in Oklahoma City in 1985 in search of a better future. A young girl full of dreams and hopes originally from Puerto Barrios, Izabal, Guatemala, felt welcomed in Oklahoma City, however in her new home awaited many hardships and obstacles.

Her father Ricardo Humberto, member of the Guatemala’s Navy, was always against her coming to America, and did everything possible to discourage her. But as a proud father admired and respected her strong will and eventually accepted her judgment.

In her native Guatemala, Madrid became a teacher, also became certified as a legal secretary and notary at the University of San Carlos in Guatemala. Unfortunately, most of this knowledge will serve of no purpose without the mastering of the English language.

State Chamber Director Dick Rush is strong on Oklahoma commerce.

Richard P. Rush came from a newspaper background with a journalism major from Southern Illinois University, he was destined for good things, and his accomplishments, speak for themselves. To him the success of any business is based on good policies and great business practices with a solid foundation that enables any corporation big or small to create opportunities. Rush believes Oklahoma as a state does not possess a recession proof economy, but its low cost of living and high quality of life, has contributed enormously to make the economy attractive and very competitive with other states, including those with larger markets and denser populations.

According to Rush, the citizens of Oklahoma want and deserve ‘change’, something that goes beyond the recent political campaign key phrase. In his own words, Mr. Rush expresses that Oklahoma’s citizens, and the business community, have grown weary of obstacles to a prosperous future. “We need to focus our resources on developing an educated and skilled workforce that is ready to meet the demands of a global economy, ensure that our infrastructure is strong and work to improve the health of our citizens. We are the state’s business advocates, a lobbying organization that works for businesses ensuring that good laws are passed. Our mission is to make Oklahoma the state of choice for business.  We must hold the line on taxes, squash rampant lawsuit abuse, develop rural Oklahoma, repair the state’s roads and bridges, improve education, provide quality water, protect business incentives and reform workers’ compensation laws.”