For the Bolivian community, which is largely based in Northern Virginia, Chevy Chase is not the primary bank, Cuevas Gaete said. But he appreciates the inroads the bank has tried to make in the community, particularly since Carrillo was hired.
Those include 26 branches where staff speaks Spanish, and Spanish literature on opening accounts is available, too.
"Enrique really is incredible at reaching out to people in the community," Cole said. "In a very short time, he's made some connections in Greater Washington."
Carrillo has an impressive group of personal friends. Among them are the head of the Greater Washington Board of Trade and the special agent in charge of the FBI in Washington. They were among the 150 or so people who dropped in to the event yesterday for traditional Cuban food, including fried plantain, slow-roasted pork, beans and rice, and shredded beef with green and red peppers.
Carrillo, who describes himself as "made in America with Cuban parts," said he works on the guest list long before the event, focusing on bringing together a mix of people and cultures. He was born in the United States to Cuban parents; his wife, Maria, grew up in Cuba.
A networking event like this one would typically be held in a conference room or hotel, but Carrillo wouldn't hear of that for his pachanga. It belongs here, with bartenders mixing mojitos poolside and everyone relaxing.
"I'm a Cuban-American, so it's important for me to invite people to my home," Carrillo said. "You want people to be comfortable. And what better setting than this?"
rona.kobell@baltsun.com
