Gilbert Aranza’s life is a testament to resilience, determination, and breaking barriers. As a young Mexican-American student in Houston, he was among the first to attend desegregated schools—facing racism, exclusion, and systemic obstacles from teachers and peers. Yet, with the help of key mentors, Gilbert pushed forward, graduated from Harvard Law School, and later built Star Concessions, Ltd. into a $150M food and beverage powerhouse.

In this inspiring conversation, Gilbert shares his extraordinary journey: from enduring discrimination as a child, to excelling as an attorney, to becoming a groundbreaking entrepreneur who champions diversity, equity, and opportunity in business.

Key Takeaways:
✅ What it was like to grow up during the Civil Rights era
✅ How mentorship and allies helped Gilbert navigate systemic challenges
✅ Building Star Concessions and bringing major restaurant brands into airports
✅ Why creating inclusive workplaces has been central to his mission