The United Way's Maria Chavez Wilcox with Option One's Fabiola Camperi (right).

“Influential people are those with the ability to cause change,” said Maria Chavez Wilcox, Orange County United Way CEO and president at the Hispanic Influentials dinner held February 3 in Newport Beach, Calif. Apparently, Option One and its associates have done just that, as our company was honored for its commitment to the Hispanic community in Orange County.

Wilbur McKesson, our VP for affordable housing accepted the award on the company’s behalf. Option One was not only recognized for the more than $3 million it has given to various charities, but for encouraging volunteerism and community outreach through programs such as Habitat for Humanity and Junior Achievement.

With our nation’s growing Hispanic population, Option One sees the value of understanding and appreciating Latino culture. Participating in events like this helps put us in contact with that community's most influential leaders.

To increase Hispanic homeownership, Option One recently formed a relationship with Prado Mortgage, which specializes in the Hispanic market. This relationship will allow Option One to expand the services it offers to the Hispanic community.

Proceeds from the dinner benefit United Way’s Somos Familia initiative, which promotes economic empowerment and self-sufficiency for Latinos. “Somos Familia” is Spanish for “we are family.”