Negocios Now 2016-Latinos 40 Under 40

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EDITORIAL

Amazing selection of Latinos Under 40!

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ere’s another fabulous selection of Latinos 40 Under 40.

Let me just mention a few examples of those who are part of this exclusive digital edition that Negocios Now has produced for the second consecutive year to recognize a generation of Latinos who make a difference with their extraordinary performance.

An ex-marine who struggles successfully to grow a family company, a software developer, a Spanish dancer, two female city clerks, an investor, and a young journalist who started a Facebook page in Little Village without suspecting that its more than 100,000 followers would help build viral enthusiasm to raise $360,000 for the octogenarian popsicle seller Don Fidencio.

You’ll find the entrepreneur who built a mini-chain of eight ice cream parlors in just four

years, a passionate architect, a DACA recipient lawyer, visionary entrepreneurs, a young senator, a brilliant star of the Chicago Cubs, and pure talent in government, the corporate sector, finance and technology, among others.

And then there’s the last on the list by her alphabetical last name, but the first in international super marathon competitions.

Negocios Now could not be more proud to have on its pages such a legion of “Latinos Under 40” in an edition made possible by the great effort of our team, the support of our sponsors and the cooperation of a community that nominated more than 100 candidates. And thanks to this continued support, we are celebrating in 2017 a decade of existence as the most awarded Latino business publication in the country.

NegociosNow Clemente Nicado Publisher/Editor Jefe Kelly Yelmene Directora General kyelmene@negociosnow.com Ventas 773-942-7410 ventas@negociosnow.com Negocios Now en español

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Clemente Nicado Publisher/ Editor Jefe cnicado@ negociosnow .com

Diseño Ron Reason. Diseñador y consultor

e aquí otra fabulosa selección de Latinos 40 Under 40.

Permítanme mencionarles solo algunos ejemplos de quienes forman parte de esta exclusiva edición digital que Negocios Now produce, por segundo año consecutivo, para reconocer a una generación de latinos que hacen la diferencia con su extraordinario desempeño.

Un ex-marine que hoy lucha con éxito por crecer una compañía familiar, un desarrollador de software, una City Clerk de solo 32 años, una joven periodista que un dia abrio una pagina en La Villita de facebook sin sospechar que sus más de 100,000 seguidores ayudarian con entusiasmo viral a la recaudación de $360,000 para el octogenario paletero Don Fidencio.

Encontrarás al empresario que en solo 4 años levantó una mini cadena de ocho heladerías, un apasionado arquitecto,

una abogada recipiente de DACA, un inversionista del Estado, emprendedoras con visión, un joven senador, una estrella brillante de los Chicago Cubs, puros talentos a nivel de gobierno, corporaciones, finanzas y tecnología, entre otros; y qué decir de la última en la lista por su apellido alfabético, pero la primera en competencias de super maratones internacionales.

Negocios Now no puede ser más privilegiado de contar en sus páginas con semejante legión de “Latinos Under 40” en una edición concluida con un gran esfuerzo de nuestro equipo, el apoyo de nuestros sponsors y la cooperación de una comunidad que propuso a más de 100 candidatos y que gracias a su continuo apoyo estamos celebrando en 2017 una década de existencia como una publicación de negocios latinos más premiada en Estados Unidos en los últimos 6 años.

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de diseño y de estrategia editorial www.ronreason.com Enpunto Diseño. Diseño y Producción Editor en Inglés: Tara García Mathewson Editor en Español: Víctor Flores García Fotos: Brian Morowczynski, Negocios Now, Getty Images and Cortesías

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4 Enero 2017

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Rosa Ivette Aguilar, 32

Youth leadership guru Site Director of Youth Opportunities Unlimited, Casa Central

Rosy Aguilar has directed Casa Central’s Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.) afterschool program since 2011, and thanks to her passion and leadership, the program has thrived during a challenging time.

Over the last several years, many local after-school programs in the already underserved neighborhood of Humboldt Park have closed or reduced services due to lack of funding and difficulties in maintaining enrollment. Anticipating similar challenges at Y.O.U., Aguilar

began redesigning the program using evidence-based models and her first-hand understanding of the needs of local high school youth.

In early 2014 the new program model launched with a strong emphasis on academic improvement and post-secondary college and career preparation through a variety of structured activities. Despite beginning recruitment in the middle of one of Chicago’s worst winters, the program quickly reached full enrollment and has maintained it ever since.

Since 2014 the program has grown from serving 60 young

people per year to more than 300, offering tutoring, paid apprenticeships, and a service learningbased leadership curriculum.

During this same time, the average GPA of participants who attended at least 50 percent of tutoring sessions has increased from 2.8 to 3.07, and Y.O.U. has begun partnering with several respected national organizations.

By working with youth to improve their leadership, academics, and soft skills, Y.O.U. and Aguilar are able to better prepare students for post-secondary education, creating a brighter future for Chicago’s underserved youth.

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elieve in your inner strength and share it with the world to make positive contributions!”

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Gigi Alfonso, 36

A master of talent acquisition

Talent acquisition business partner, ADP

Gigi Alfonso is a leading talent acquisition expert and diversity and inclusion champion for Fortune 500 companies. She currently works as a campus talent acquisition business partner for Automatic Data Processing (ADP) in Chicago, where she is responsible for recruiting top entry-level talent and leading the diversity campus recruiting and strategy efforts across the U.S. market.

As a proud United States Navy veteran, Gigi considers this an honor. Embodying values such as resilience, motivation and empowerment which she learned through her own

military experience, Gigi also currently leads ADP’s Talent Acquisition Tiger Team; which is made up of dynamic team of Talent Acquisition Business Partner’s whose purpose is to assist transitioning military personnel, veterans and their families into roles at ADP. She graduated from ADP’s Global Emerging Leader Program in 2017.

Gigi is truly an advocate for professional development and is an active member within Military Strong Business Resource Group and Adelante Business Resource Group.

Gigi is passionate about her work and finds it rewarding to connect individuals to opportunities that they might not

otherwise be afforded. She is known for finding the “diamond in the rough”, disrupting the status quo and scouting out top talent as to match the best candidates to world-class organizations.

Recently, she was elected to National Chair for Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE) Board after graduating from the Mujeres de HACE program. Gigi received her Bachelors of Science in Human Resource Management from Southern New Hampshire University. Gigi is most proud of being a mother to her two daughters, in her free time she loves to explore different cities and learning new cultures and sharing these experiences with her family.

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lways aim high, work hard, and care deeply about what you believe in. You can do anything as long as you have the passion, the drive, the focus, and the support.”

6 Enero 2017

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Ana Laura Alvarado, 34

A hope named Ana A DACA Recipient Lawyer

Ana Alvarado’s family immigrated to the United States when she was 8 years old. After graduating from high school, she enrolled at Northeastern Illinois University, where she worked two jobs to pay for college before graduating with honors in 2006.

Alvarado had always wanted to be a lawyer but her dream was frustrated by her status as an undocumented immigrant.

In 2012, Alvarado applied and was granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status, and in 2013 she enrolled in the Southern Illinois School of Law. There, she won first place in SIU’s intramural moot court competition and third in the prestigious Saul Lefkowitz Moot Court Competition run by the international Trademark Association. She was the Moot Court Board Associate Chief Justice during the 2015-

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16 academic year, received the Women’s Bar Foundation Scholarship in 2015 and was inducted into the Order of Barristers in 2016.

During law school, Alvarado reactivated SIU’s Hispanic Law Student Association, serving as its vice president and then president. She partnered with the Migrant and Immigrant Action Project to organize a workshop helping low-income individuals apply for DACA. She also volunteered with SIU’s Self Help Clinic directing pro se litigants to legal resources and conducted intake interviews with individuals at the Tri-County Detention Center with the Immigration Detention Project.

Alvarado became licensed to practice law in Illinois in 2016, making her one of the first DACA recipients to achieve this. She plans to pursue a career in public service with an emphasis on immigration.

he word impossible does not exist when you are willing to work hard to achieve your dreams.”

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Senator Omar Aquino, 29

Inspired to serve State Senator, Second District

Omar Aquino was born and raised on the northwest side of Chicago. Of Puerto Rican descent, he grew up in a home of public workers.

Aquino is a Chicago Public Schools graduate who went on to earn degrees in criminal justice and sociology from Loyola University Chicago. In addition to working multiple part-time jobs while he was in college, Aquino was President of the Latin American Student Organization, a member of the Diversity Council and co-founder of the Empowerment Pipeline, an after school mentorship program designed to combat the school to prison pipeline.

After graduating from Loyola, Aquino worked as a bilingual case manager in the Central West Case Management Unit at the Jane Addams School of Social Work. He went to the homes

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of elderly clients and assessed their needs for services under the Community Care Program, which helps low income elderly residents with homemaker services, meals on wheels and adult day service.

Seeing the needs of the elderly population inspired Omar to get into policy work. He became frustrated with weekly memos from the Illinois Department of Aging leadership that reflected their lack of understanding about the impact of their proposed policy changes.

He decided to work in government to add a perspective from those on the ground.

After working as a legislative assistant in the Illinois House of Representatives and as Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth’s outreach coordinator, he ran for retiring State Sen. William Delgado’s seat in Illinois’ second district, which he won in 2016.

uck can be defined as timing meeting preparation. As you may not always be able to control the timing of events in life, you can always be prepared. Create your own luck.”

8 Enero 2017

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Javier Baez, 24

A home run hitter and MVP Infielder, Chicago Cubs

Javier Baez was one of the key players helping the Chicago Cubs win the World Series in 2016. He was named a National League Championship Series co-MVP, after hitting .318 with five RBIs, four doubles, and two stolen bases in the series, including three hits and three RBIs in Game 5. He shares the title with starter Jon Lester.

Baez also left his mark in past series: he hit a solo home run

May 8 in the bottom of the 13th inning to lead the Cubs to a 4-3 victory and a four-game sweep of the Washington Nationals. A month later, he hit a grand slam in the 15th inning to lead the Cubs in a win over the Cincinnati Reds.

In Game 1 of the 2016 National League Division Series against the San Francisco Giants, Báez hit a solo home run for a 1-0 Cubs victory. It was the first 1-0 win in a playoff game for the Cubs since the 1906 World Se-

ries against the Chicago White Sox. In Game 4, Báez drove in Jason Heyward to cap off a fourrun rally in the top of the ninth, sending the Cubs to the 2016 National League Championship Series with a 6-5 victory.

On October 15, 2016, during the first game of the 2016 National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Baez stole home in the second inning. He is one of only 19 players in baseball history to steal home in a playoff game.

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verything I did in my life, it was because of her.”

Baez said a her sister and Noely, who died in 2015 due to a birth defect spina bifida. She was 21 years old.

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Mariela Camacho-Kimble, 31

Mexican cornhusks and art importer Co-Founder & Vice-president, El Chicano Corn Husk, Inc. & Pachamama Imports, Inc.

Mariela Camacho-Kimble is a Latina leader who has worked in the importation of products from Mexico for more than 6 years.

She is one of the founders of El Chicano Corn Husks, which provides top-quality cornhusks for many companies in the U.S. Camacho-Kimble’s father has owned a cornhusk company in Mexico for more than 30 years.

His company employs more than 50 single mothers in his community. Since CamachoKimble and her brother started importing cornhusks in their own business, they have been able to help these single mothers even more than before. At the same time, CamachoKimble makes sure the Latino community in the United States

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receives the best quality cornhusks possible.

Camacho-Kimble, inspired by volunteer work in Hispanic communities, pursued a bachelor’s degree in Health Service Management from DeVry University, graduating in June 2016. She now hopes to use her new expertise to better serve the Latino community on matters of health.

She is also in the process of launching a new importation business. Pachamama Imports, Inc. will allow them to share the beautiful art of Mexico in the United States. Camacho-Kimble plans to buy art from low-income families in Mexico and sell it here. She believes that it is very important to help our communities as much as possible not only in the United States but also in Mexico. She is a co-authored the book Today’s Inspired Latina Volume III launching May of 2017.

tarting something new or making a big change requires effort, persistence, and motivation…doubt, fear, and worry will only slow you down. Focus on doing your best now, and create every step of the way.”

Doe Zantamata

10 Enero 2017

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Beatriz Cantu, 39

An entrepreneuer for quinceañeras Founder of Fantasty Party

Beatriz Cantu is a Latina entrepreneur with an empire of businesses in the quinceñera marketplace. Cantu established her first business, Fantastic Party, in 2009, providing full-service party planning. She is also the founder and director of Sweet 15 Magazine, which launched in 2011. Her program Family, Ownership, Respect, Culture and Education (FORCE) aims to further inspire and motivate the young Latinas who participate in the Sweet 15 pageant/modeling program. And ReCouture is a community service project that recycles gently used quinceañera gowns for other Latinas in need.

Building on the success of her quinceañera business, Cantu took over as international director of the Plexon Group’s Expo 15 & Sweet 16. In 2015, she began offering life,

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group and career motivational presentations to young girls and their mothers. She is a certified motivational speaker by Asociación de Conferencistas Hispanos and a contributing author to Today’s Inspired Latina. She is also the director of Latinas en Chicago by LENY, a private Chicago social media group.

Cantu has served on the committee for the Belvidere chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens. She is also founder and president of the fledgling nonprofit Latino Youth Empowerment. Cantu is a regular guest on radio, television, and webcasts and served in 2016 as co-host of the weekly radio program Ladies Night on Radio Vive.

She holds a certificate from Preston Bailey’s Event Design School and lives in Boone County with her husband and blended family of six.

ust as the lotus flower blooms in adversity you too can bloom. No matter how cloudy the water is, the important thing is to believe in yourself and have faith that something better will come.”

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12 Enero 2017

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Eira Corral Sepulveda, 31

Illinois’ youngest elected official Village Clerk, Hanover Park

Eira Corral Sepulveda is the Village Clerk for Hanover Park.

Elected at the age of twentythree in 2009, she was the youngest elected official in the state of Illinois. She was reelected in April 2013 and is running for her third term.

Corral’s leadership has focused on government transparency by using technology to make records accessible to village residents. The Clerk’s Office also issues business licenses, liquor licenses, taxi licenses and other permits as well as coordinates special events for the Village of

Hanover Park that highlight hometown pride and diversity.

Corral is the board liaison and a member of the Hanover Park Cultural Inclusion and Diversity Committee and she has spearheaded regionally recognized events on diversity and community leadership. She has also served as the board liaison to the Sister Cities Committee, which has a 20-year Sister City relationship with Cape Coast, Ghana and recently established a Sister City relationship with Valparaiso, Zacatecas in Mexico.

Corral represents the Village of Hanover Park on the Metro-

politan Mayor’s Caucus Diversity Task Force and serves as the chairwoman for the Immigrant Integration Committee for the Northwest Municipal Conference.

Prior to her election as Village Clerk, Corral was the media relations and field coordinator at the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from DePaul University with a double major in Political Science and Latino & Latin American Studies and a double minor in Community Service Studies and Commercial Spanish. She is also a 2003 LULAC scholarship recipient.

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ur generation of Latinos’ perspective is important in the public arena. Engage locally and run for office with a vision of community that you can be proud to represent.”

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Louis DeAlba, 31

An unlikely face in the engineering world Electrical Designer and Revit Administrator, Primera Engineers

Growing up in Little Village, Louis DeAlba never dreamed he’d become an electrical designer and work at well-known engineering firms. As a child, DeAlba didn’t even know what engineering was. He didn’t know any engineers, but he was able to grow and succeed in the industry through his hard work.

DeAlba’s diligence to his craft has paid off through his progression at Primera Engineers and his participation in various professional organizations. Most

recently, he was selected as a 2016 recipient of the ConsultingSpecifying Engineers’ (CSE) “40 Under 40” Program. CSE is dedicated to recognizing the most talented individuals in the engineering community on a national level.

DeAlba is also very active in the Illuminating Engineering Society and was awarded second place in 2015 and a finalist award in 2013 in the IES Luminaire Design Competition, which promotes excellence in the design of energy-efficient LED luminaires.

Importantly, DeAlba truly

is a person for others. In 2014 he was selected as the Volunteer Service Employee of the Year at Primera Engineers because of his leadership role in nearly all of the company’s social responsibility efforts, including serving as house captain for Rebuilding Together, leading the company’s efforts with Canstruction, and participating in the ACE Mentor Program. He is most proud of leading the Francisco Madero School mentoring program at Primera because he hopes that he can encourage more Latinos to pursue STEM careers.

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roper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.”

14 Enero 2017

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Edgar Delgado, 36

A real estate broker for federal land Zonal Contracting Officer, General Services Administration

Edgar Delgado works for the Center for Real Estate Brokerage Services at the General Services Administration (GSA). The Center administers the largest federal brokerage contract in the country, which is on track to generate as many as 40 million square feet in task orders and $100 million in expense reductions for the government. Delgado oversees a vast territory for the GSA, an equivalent to a quarter of the United States. He is also spearheading efforts to streamline the lease acquisition process, which will significantly increase efficiency for federal agencies nationwide.

Delgado is a Chicago native and United States Air Force veteran. He was deployed numerous times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. After returning from

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the Air Force, he was appointed to the State of Illinois Veterans Cash committee, tasked with distributing millions of dollars in grants to veteran organizations and he served on the Illinois Veteran Advisory Council.

Delgado is a board member of the National Society of Hispanic MBAs (Chicago), the American Liver Foundation (Great Lakes Division), the Kellogg Alumni Club of Chicago, and Teatro Vista Theatre Company. His awards include Club Leaders of the Future by Latino Leaders Magazine, the Illinois Veteran of the Month award, the MillerCoors Lideres award, and the Diversity MBA Magazine Top 100 under 50 Emerging Leaders award.

Delgado holds a B.A. in Finance from the University of Washington and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

o matter what you do, do not compromise your core values.�

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Daissy Dominguez, 29

A social justice oriented lawyer Founder, Dominguez Legal Justice Center

Daissy Dominguez founded Dominguez Legal Justice Center, LLC (DLJC) with a focus on immigration and landlord/tenant disputes when she was 25 years old. DLJC’s mission is to build a socially-conscious law practice that provides affordable legal services to low and moderateincome people. It provides holistic representation by connecting clients with free resources to assist them with non-legal issues that are affecting their lives and families. DLJC also provides educational workshops in communities to educate resi-

dents about their legal rights and collaborates with community organizations to host free legal consultations and staff trainings at their local centers.

The DLJC Ibañez Scholarship promotes higher education for undocumented college students who aspire to make a positive difference. It offers internships and a mentoring program for students interested in pursuing a legal career.

Dominguez majored in political science during her undergraduate program at the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign and in 2013 she received her Juris Doctor from the John Marshall Law School.

Dominguez is currently on the Board of Directors for The University of Illinois Latina/ Latino Alumni Association, the Korean American Community Services and she serves as an appointed committee member for The John Marshall Law School Board of Trustees Alumni Committee. She is the founder of the John Marshall Law School Academic Enhancement Program, a program geared towards increasing the academic retention rates of first year minority law students. She has also participated as a leadership coach for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Leadership Center Imprint Program.

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ever allow anyone or anything to dictate what you can achieve and who you can become. Always remember that there is no right way to be successful, success is what you define it to be.”

16 Enero 2017

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Gabriel Ignacio Dziekiewicz, 36

A multi-talented architect President and Managing Principal, DesignBridge, Ltd.

Gabriel Ignacio Dziekiewicz joined DesignBridge, Ltd., in early 2007. The company is a professional service design firm, established to bring together a diverse group of professionals to work interdependently to seek creative, distinguished and sustainable solutions within the fields of architecture, urbanism, interior design and graphic media.

At DesignBridge, Dziekiewicz has led the design direction and collaborated on numerous architectural and interior design projects, including mixed-use and residential developments, affordable housing, commercial

and corporate environments, academic buildings, hotel and hospitality design, high-end residential interiors, and restaurant and entertainment concepts.

Dziekiewicz is a licensed architect in both Illinois and Florida and a LEED-accredited professional. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects and the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association, where he serves as the Chair of the Sustainability Committee. In 2015, Gabriel was appointed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel to serve on the Commission on Chicago Landmarks, and he also sits on the commission’s Permit Review Committee.

Prior to joining DesignBrid-

ge, Gabriel held positions at two prominent Chicago architectural firms where he collaborated on several large scale hi-rise projects and multi-story residential/ mixed-use developments, along with various office building and retail spaces. Additionally, his professional work has included urban planning, branding, marketing campaigns, and website development.

Gabriel received his Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and his Master of Architecture at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he was the recipient of several awards and distinctions for design and academic excellence.

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our work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.�

Steve Jobs

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Tanya Flores, 32

A sales, training and leadership pro Director of Training and Development, Academia Triunfadores

Tanya Flores was born in Chicago. She is a CEO, serial digital entrepreneur, sales trainer, speaker, investor, YouTuber and a socially-conscious leader.

Flores is the director of training and sales for online school Academia Triunfadores, where she currently serves over 80,000 subscribers looking for training in sales and entrepreneurship.

Through Academia Triunfadores’ signature program, Maestría de las Ventas™, Flores coaches sales professionals and entrepreneurs in more than 21 countries.

She is also the Founder of Po-

sitive Impact Academy and creator of the Sell to Impact™ training program, where she helps entrepreneurs and sales professionals achieve greater business and life results.

It was in 2013 that Flores became the CEO of Irresistible Marketing Solutions and the following year she founded Irresistible Publishing House.

Flores was the curator and co-organizer for TEDxPilsenWomen, which she held in May of 2015. She has also contributed to organizations such as Latinas on The Plaza and Mujeres de HACE. She is married to Carlos Flores, a stroke survivor with aphasia. While her husband recovers, Flores has been a resilient bu-

sinesswoman, continuing her husband’s legacy as a sales trainer, author, and speaker, and she has been a devoted mother, caring for their two small children.

Flores’ success is due, in part, to her university preparation and training in the world of finance. She graduated from DePaul University with a degree in psychology and a focus on human development and Spanish as well as a concentration in business. After college, she spent five years with Chase Bank.

Words of wisdom: Keep moving forward with optimism in difficulty, because it is with positivity and action that you will create your most beautiful masterpiece.

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eep moving forward with optimism in difficulty, because it is with positivity and action that you will create your most beautiful masterpiece.”

18 Enero 2017

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Mario Garcia, 39

A master in the kitchen Executive Chef, Hilton Chicago

Chef Mario Garcia first joined Hilton Worldwide in 1996, as a food runner and pot washer, moving up the ranks due to his passion, determination and drive for success. He was quickly promoted to a cook and then in 2001 became a junior sous chef and, later, a senior restaurant chef. In 2005 he was promoted to executive sous chef, and in 2010 was promoted to his current position, executive chef. Over his career, he has worked at several different properties, including the Hilton San Francisco, the Hilton Americas-Houston, the Hilton Cancun Golf & Spa Resort and the Conrad Indianapolis.

Garcia is from Fresnillo, Zacatecas, Mexico where he grew up on a farm and first developed his love for food. He has a culinary

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arts degree from the Illinois Institute of Art, and in his spare time he likes to try new restaurants and garden.

Garcia’s passion for the industry, his clients, and the hotel staff sets him apart. He oversees a team of around 70 professionals and embraces the opportunity to develop his team members and partner with other departments across the hotel.

Each week during pre-shifts, Garcia reviews culinary skills with his team and demonstrates a new recipe.

In August 2014 Hilton Chicago announced a new partnership with Windy City Harvest that was spearheaded by Garcia. This unique partnership speaks both to Hilton’s social responsibility in the community as well as its continued commitment to supporting locally grown and sustainable agriculture.

ream Big, Envision the Change that you want for you, your love ones, and your community. Once you create your vision, set goals and act upon them often, turning those goals into reality!”

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Rodrigo Garcia, 34

The state’s investor Chief Investment Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Illinois State Treasury

Rodrigo Garcia serves as the Chief Investment Officer and Chief Financial Officer for the Illinois State Treasury under State Treasurer Michael Frerichs.

In this pivotal executive post, Garcia directs the treasury’s combined $25 billion fixed income, equity, and venture capital portfolios, all investment and financial professionals, multiple asset classes and $300 billion in related banking and financial services in order to maximize portfolio returns and bolster the

Illinois macro and micro economy.

He holds two post-graduate degrees, one in finance from the University of Illinois and one in public policy from Northwestern University, and he recently completed a senior executives program at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. Garcia was previously the Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs and a member of the Illinois Cabinet, and he has also worked for Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

Garcia serves as the Chairman Emeritus of Student Vete-

rans of America, as Chairman of the National Hispanic Life Sciences Society, as Board Vice President for Teatro Vista Theatre Company, and as a trustee for the Northeastern Illinois University Foundation Board. He is also a Marshall Memorial Fellow, an ACPYL Fellow, a Truman Partner and an Aspen Institute Scholar.

Garcia has also been named one of the “Top 100 under 50” Executive Leaders by Diversity MBA Magazine and was recognized as a “Rising Star” by the National Society of Hispanic MBAs. He is an avid entrepreneur, a successful financier and an angel investor.

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nything worth fighting for never comes easy. Life is a toll road not a freeway.”

20 Enero 2017

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We will be celebrating in big starting for upcoming

“Latinos 40 Under 40� event at Mago Grill & Cantina at Roosevelt Collection on March 2

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Enero 2017 21

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Steven Gaytan, 37

Former marine and security professional

Executive Vice President of operations, Monterrey Security

Steven Gaytan works closely with all department leaders at Monterrey Security, trouble shooting issues, evaluating overall performance and communicating to ensure the organization is providing the best service possible to the variety of clients it serves, including the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

Gaytan brings an added value to the training team at Monterrey Security as a result of his 10 years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps. Steven joined

the Corps shortly after Sept. 11 and was deployed to Iraq three times. After his final three years training recruits while serving as a drill instructor at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, he was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant and returned home to Chicago to join Monterrey Security, which was founded by his brother, Juan Gaytan.

Monterrey Security has been working very closely in a special partnership with America Works of Illinois and other veterans’ organizations in an effort to actively reach and recruit qualified candidates to apply

for training programs with the firm.

Gaytan’s military education is extensive and includes basic reconnaissance, anti-terrorism awareness, black belt martial arts instructor school, drill instructor school and aviation mechanic school, among others.

He is a highly decorated marine and has been awarded numerous honors including a Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Presidential Unit Citation and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

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hen things go well keep fighting. Stay the course.

When things don’t go so well Fight! Fight for what you believe in. Fight for what’s important to you. Stay in the fight!”

22 Enero 2017

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Jaime Gonzalez Jr. 38

Tech leader and committed alumnus Area IT Director, Two Roads Hospitality

Jaime Gonzalez Jr., in his capacity with Two Roads Hospitality, oversees the IT projects and structure for four major boutique hotels in the Chicago market. Not only does he provide direct support to more than 100 end users of the company’s systems, but he also volunteers for events that help promote growth and awareness for undergraduates in the hospitality field.

Gonzalez is an active alumni member of Alpha Psi Lambda National, Inc. He devotes a great deal of his time to various projects that help promote awareness of issues that affect the Latino community, and he organizes events to help other active

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alumni contribute to the undergraduate membership, allowing them all to work together to help other students excel within the organization as well as in their academic careers. Gonzalez has earned the Alumni Achievement award within his organization for his contributions.

He completed his bachelor’s degree at Northern Illinois University in 2000, working in management at a number of hospitality corporations since then.

Gonzalez is a vital part of his community, a standard bearer of civility and integrity, and is as highly respected as anyone in his field. His colleagues find him to be dependable, knowledgeable, and efficient. He is an outstanding professional, mentor and leader.

o matter how educated, talented, rich or cool you believe you are, how you treat people ultimately tells all. Integrity is everything.”

Unknown

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Yahaira Guzman, 32

An HR professional and natural leader Human Resources Generalist, Ventas Inc.

Yahaira Guzman currently chairs the HACE Young Professionals Board. The HACE Young Professionals Network (HYPN) was established to support the work of HACE through ambassadorship and fundraising. The board participates in leadership and professional development, plans networking and fundraising events and helps promote the HACE mission to young professionals.

Through her leadership, HYPN has exceeded fundraising goals and collected $14,000 between 2015 and 2016. Prior to

being chair, Guzman participated as a volunteer at University Leadership Network activities, served as Secretary for HYPN, and is a recent alumna of the Mujeres de HACE Leadership program.

Guzman currently works as a human resources generalist for Ventas Inc., a leading real estate investment trust, and she serves as the company’s HR liaison for its Diversity Network. Formerly, she worked as a senior employee relations specialist at JLL and has a diverse background supporting HR initiatives. Her employee resource group involvement at JLL led her to serve as the Na-

tional Membership Chair for the Latino Employee Resource Network’s Advisory Board, increasing membership for the ERG by 25% in six months.

She also previously served as a community ambassador for crime victims throughout Kane and Cook County.

Guzman earned both her Master of Public Administration and Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy from DePaul University.

She is also an active member of Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc., where she served as the undergraduate chapter president and helped to establish the first alumnae chapter in Chicago.

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veryone has a unique role to fill in the world. Everyone, including and perhaps especially you is indispensable.”

Nathaniel Hawthorne

24 Enero 2017

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Julia Hinojosa, 36

The Spanish dancer Principal Dancer, Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater

Julia Hinojosa, of MexicanPuerto Rican descent, is a Chicago native dedicated to arts, education and cultural programs in the city. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Northeastern Illinois University in English with a minor in dance and went on to get a master’s degree in arts management from Columbia College.

Hinojosa has been heading the Ensemble Español’s 36,000-student outreach program since 2004 while also performing as a member of the ensemble in the United States and around the world, including Poland, China and Spain. Her training in Spanish dance began at NEIU with Ensemble Español founder Libby Komaiko, and she has also studied in Madrid.

Hinojosa’s dedication to inspiring and empowering young artists can be seen in

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the growth of the Ensemble Español’s programs, including the EE Spanish Dance Youth Company (where she also serves as associate artistic director), After School Matters Spanish dance program and Artist Residency programs via the Illinois Arts Council Caerus Foundation. Her fundraising galas helped secure more than $90,000 for the company’s first youth international exchange program with Spain in 2012.

Now she is heading the 2018 Spain campaign.

Hinojosa also helps bring in more than $50,000 per year in grants to support these programs, she developed a Spanish dance curriculum for students ages 4-12 and she assists in the training of the youth company dancers, senior division ages 14-23. Hinojosa also founded and heads up the Our Chance to Dance Youth Festival, which serves five youth organizations throughout the city.

n an ever-changing world it’s easy to get lost in the madness; remember to live a life you love filled with purpose and don’t be afraid to take risks.”

Enero 2017 25

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Paco Lebron, 30

A Humboldt Park-raised IT consultant Founder, ProdigyTeks Inc.

Paco Lebron is the founder of ProdigyTeks Inc., an IT consulting firm specializing in both residential and small business.

ProdigyTeks was founded July of 2011, specializing in a wide range of services, including tailored computer services and solutions for residential customers and small- to mediumsized businesses. The company is committed to providing each and every one of its clients with high quality service and support. The firm is located in downtown Chicago.

Over the past nine years,

Lebron has excelled at leadership, analysis and operations.

He builds infrastructure support, handles SQL database management, and serves others with their computer needs. His bachelor’s in computer engineering technology from DeVry University has helped pave his path of the success in the industry.

Lebron is currently a co-host of the Computer Business Podcast and Computer Repair Live Show on YouTube, spreading the word on how to take an IT business to the next level. On the podcast, Lebron has shared tips and ideas on how he became successful with ProdigyTeks.

While business success is important to Lebron, he is passionate about giving back. A product of Humboldt Park, he has spent years assisting the youth of the area with various enrichment programs, community service events and community resources.

Lebron serves on HACE’s Young Professionals Board, providing a technical perspective on the goal of creating a pipeline of Latinos for the workplace. Lebron and HACE share the same vision of a world where Latinos reach their full potential for themselves and their communities.

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great leader helps guide by example and when you realize life happens for you not to you the number of opportunities available to you are endless.”

26 Enero 2017

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David Martinez, 39

A software developer with a penchant for giving back Java Developer, STA Group

Working in Chicago communities to empower Latinos through technology education is a difficult endeavor, but the effort is facilitated when people like David Martinez participate.

He is a software developer who donates his time teaching and building programs in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM. Chicago entrepreneurship and technology innovation center Blue1647 has benefitted from David’s contributions recruiting students from the community, hosting events for parents and building on existing programs

at the center. He is passionate about diversifying the technology industry by offering his time and knowledge to empower Latino youth for the next generation.

David’s passion for empowerment and education stems from his own background as an undocumented immigrant who grew up in Los Angeles. He arrived to the U.S. from El Salvador in 1988. Despite the standard struggles most undocumented immigrants have to endure, he succeeded academically, going on to attend the University of California-Berkeley, and later the California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.

Even while working toward graduation, David remained committed to contributing to his community. He became an instructor for Upward Bound, AVID, and other science and technology-focused programs during his college years.

Since arriving in Chicago in 2013, David has quickly risen to leadership positions in the city.

In addition to volunteering with Blue 1647, he is the president of the Cal Alumni Club of Chicago. He is also an active member with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Overture Council, Chicago Progress, and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers.

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hat it takes to thrive goes beyond what it takes to survive. Surviving requires immediate tactics, done out of necessity. Thriving requires dedicated strategies. Don’t just survive, aim to thrive.”

Enero 2017 27

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Marisol Martinez, 31

An auditor extraordinaire Lead Senior Auditor, Allstate

Marisol Martinez is a certified public accountant who holds a lead senior auditor position at Allstate in the company’s Northbrook headquarters. She has previously worked as a senior auditor at RSM US LLP and a supervisor accountant at Kessler, Orlean, Silver & Co. PC. Marisol has seven years of experience working with clients in the public and private sectors.

Her current focus is operational internal auditing.

Marisol has diverse experience in auditing and accounting for nonprofit organizations, employee benefit plans, investment partnerships, private sector educational institutionalized clients and operational internal audits.

She drives the execution of audit engagements in an effective and efficient manner with a positive attitude that is evident in her client/team interactions.

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Marisol earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is an active member of the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE), which she considers her way to “pay it forward.” She volunteered in HACE’s El Futuro program, where she shared her life experiences, both positive and negative, with inner city youth and told them how she was able to continue to pursue her dreams.

It was HACE and her mentors that helped her navigate “Corporate America” and how to pursue her professional goals. Marisol has been a member of HACE since 2005, when she utilized HACE’s resources to develop as a student and professional.

In September of 2015, Marisol transitioned onto the National Board of Directors for HACE as their treasurer.

ife is a struggle but there is beauty in that struggle. In losses there are lessons and wins reap wisdom. Nothing is achieved without both.”

28 Enero 2017

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Eladio Montoya, 36

Creator of the Gordillas Entrepreneur

Eladio Montoya is an immigrant entrepreneur who has triumphed in the culinary field serving the Latino community.

In 2013, he founded “Los Mangos Neveria y Fruteria,” and today he counts eight establishments in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs as part of his empire.

Montoya has also demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit in the restaurant world. He launched a new restaurant concept in 2016 called Gordillas. The restaurant offers a wide variety of gorditas, burritos and

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quesadillas with a style that is unique in the City of Chicago.

Originally from Durango, Mexico, Montoya arrived in the United States when he was 6 years old. While he did not continue his studies beyond high school, that has not stopped him from achieving his goal of leaving a mark on the renowned 26th Street in Little Village.

Montoya has plans to continue growing his business with the support of the Latino community, never forgetting his roots. He is committed to returning some of his success to the community in an effort to help it, too, triumph.

ailure can be the key to success! If you fall, get up and try again, the result can be delicious!”

Enero 2017 29

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Michael Negron, 36

Chicago’s policy man Chief of policy, City of Chicago Mayor’s Office

As the chief of policy in the mayor’s office, Michael Negron focuses on a broad range of issues including education, social services, immigration, public health, and housing. Since 2011 he has played a key role in increasing the Chicago minimum wage, reforming the city’s affordable housing laws, establishing paid sick leave, expanding full-day preschool, eliminating unnecessary licensing regulations on small businesses, working with partners to establish the city’s legal protection fund to defend undocumented Chicagoans, and developing the Mayor’s plan to significantly expand mentoring programs for young men in high crime neighborhoods.

Prior to joining the Chicago Mayor’s Office, Negron spent two-and-a-half years in the Obama administration, most

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recently serving as a special counsel working on treaty law, cybersecurity and information operations. Negron also served as a special assistant to the general counsel of the White House Office of Management and Budget. After working on President Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign, Negron served as a counselor to Elizabeth Warren during her time as chair of the Congressional Oversight Panel on the Troubled Asset Relief Program.

Negron is Puerto Rican and Guatemalan and was born and raised in Chicago in a proud union home. He lives in North Center with his wife and two children and serves as a member of the Local School Council for John C. Coonley Elementary.

Negron received his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School, received a bachelor’s in Foreign Service from Georgetown University and served in the United States Navy as a commissioned officer.

here are no shortcuts or substitutes for hard work, discipline, and the fact that we often learn best through trial, error, and (sometimes epic) failure.”

30 Enero 2017

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Family Business Strategies Space Deadline: April 14 Issue Date: April 27 Subscribe to Negocios Now! Go to NegociosNow.com and click on “Subscribe”.

Enero 2017 31

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Edith Pacheco, 38

Hospitality Professional Senior Analyst, Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Edith Pacheco has almost 20 years of human resources and hospitality experience working for Hyatt Hotels Corporation, and she currently works with the Global Total Rewards team.

She oversees the day-to-day operation and administration of the retirement plan for more than 100 hotels in the United States and Puerto Rico.

Pacheco began her career with Hyatt as a human resources administrative assistant at Hyatt Regency O’Hare, was then promoted to a benefits coordinator and later to employment manager. From there, she pursued an opportunity for continued development in an employment/benefits manager role at The Hyatt Lodge and later earned a spot in Hyatt’s Global Corporate Office as a human resources information systems coordinator. Pache-

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co completed the Mujeres de HACE Leadership program in August 2016 and was promoted to her current role of senior analyst shortly after.

In 2015 she became the events co-chair for the newly formed Latino Diversity Business Resource Group. With the collaboration of the Latinos@ Hyatt DBRG, Hyatt became the first hotel company to participate in the annual Mexican Independence Day Parade in Little Village.

Pacheco is from Chicago and is the daughter of immigrants.

She obtained her bachelor’s in elementary education from Northern Illinois University.

She is a mentor to a participant of the ASPIRE Foundation, a nonprofit committed to making a difference in the lives of women around the world. She is passionate about helping and guiding those around her, and in her spare time, she enjoys being with her family and friends.

hen you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

32 Enero 2017

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Peter Ortiz, 36

From a welder to a construction company VP Vice President, Ortiz Contracting Group

Peter Ortiz, focuses his expertise in the mechanical construction industry. Beginning in 1998, while home on summer break from Michigan State University, Ortiz began his professional journey working on construction sites as a welder. Since graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Building Construction Management, he has gone on to manage some of the largest projects across the Midwest, and over the last few years he has directed his talents on growing communities right here in Chicago.

Ortiz joined his father in 2015 at Ortiz Contracting Group, where he serves as vice president. In his first year, Or-

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tiz helped to triple company revenue. Ortiz Contracting is Chicago’s premier minorityowned mechanical contractor. Exciting projects include a $2 million piping retrofit of the world’s largest commercial bakery, Mondelez Chicago Bakery, and construction of a new luxury hotel on Chicago’s South Side. Ortiz Contracting also has current projects at McCormick Place HQ Marriott Hotel and Event Center and the University of Chicago.

As an employer, Ortiz looks to hire local minority talent who embody the company’s mission of performance, honesty, and integrity. He loves to see the joy completed projects bring to various communities and neighborhoods across the city.

ry, so that you can make the rest of your life, the best of your life. On the other side of that doubt is your breakthrough.”

Eric Thomas

Enero 2017 33

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Melanie Perez, 31

Inspiring millions to visit Chicago Director of Media Relations, Choose Chicago

Melanie Perez heads up media relations for Choose Chicago, the official destination marketing organization for the city of Chicago. In her role, Perez is focused on promoting Chicago as a leisure destination in the Americas region, with special attention to markets in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Brazil. She interacts with journalists, reporters and freelance writers from across the region and world to share the Chicago story, positioning the city, along with its cultural institutions, major attractions, stellar restaurant scene and expanding hotel market, as a leading U.S. destination nationally and internationally.

In 2016, visitation to Chicago set a new record of 54.1 million visitors to the city, an increase of 1.5 million visitors over 2015, or 2.9 percent.

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After discovering her love of words while studying at DePaul University, Perez decided to pursue a degree in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations. She finished her college years at Boston University, where she was able to study abroad in Padova, Italy.

Her time abroad further fed into her yearning for travel and discovering new places.

Prior to joining Choose Chicago, Perez served as corporate communications manager for global ad agency FCB, formerly DraftFCB, headquartered in Chicago. She’s long held roles in communications, always with an international perspective.

She started her career as the international public relations executive for global market research firm, Euromonitor International.

Perez was born and raised in Logan Square, where she currently resides.

trive daily for discernment in what you do, say and think.

You’re bound to learn, grow and find more fulfillment that way.”

34 Enero 2017

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Jose Prado, 33

A ladder-climbing banker Vice President, Relationship Manager in Commercial Banking, Associated Bank

Jose Prado is a Mexican-American Banker currently working in relationship management in commercial banking at Associated Bank. He is responsible for the growth and development of the commercial banking portfolio and market share to ensure retention of total client assets and growth in relationships.

Raised in a rough neighborhood in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, Prado quickly

learned that the only way to be successful in life was by working hard and getting rewarded for it so he started working a full-time job as a bag-boy at the local Soriana grocery store when he was just 8 years old. Prado worked at Soriana for six years, until his family decided to take a vacation to Chicago, where they later decided to start a new life in search of the American Dream.

Prado’s early work in the United States was in the restaurant business, washing dishes and, later, waiting tables. It was one of Prado’s restaurant customers

who offered him a job as a teller at Washington Mutual Bank.

After a few years of hard work, Prado quickly moved up in the corporate ladder, working as a teller, personal banker, business banker, assistant vice president, and now as a vice president. Prado attributes his success to the support of his wife, family and a couple of good bosses who believed in him and supported him in every way possible.

Prado currently serves on the board of directors for the Little Village Chamber of Commerce and Centro Romero.

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f you can’t fly, then run, If you can’t run, then walk, If you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”

Martin Luther King Jr.

Enero 2017 35

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Marco V. Quintana, 36

A finance and lending expert Vice president and market manager, BMO Harris Bank

Marco V. Quintana works in BMO Harris Bank’s Commercial Business Banking Division. In his current role, he leads a team of commercial lenders who are responsible for business development with prospective clients and management of a credit portfolio. The Commercial Business Banking team is focused on opportunities within the C&I space, working with companies across different industries.

Quintana has extensive experience in M&A, cashflow, ABL, recapitalizations and New Market Tax Credit financing.

After emigrating from Guatemala at the age of 13, Quintana has focused on giving back to the Latino community. In addition to his responsibilities at BMO Harris Bank, he is spearheading the bank’s New Market Tax Credit program across the Midwest.

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During his years spent on this program, he has helped secure more than $200 million in projects in Chicago, with private and public funding that help drive economic development in distressed, low income geographies that have a community impact. Some of these projects have been education facilities, community health centers and locally owned and operated commercial business expansions.

Marco has a bachelor’s in finance from Lewis University. He also uses his financial knowledge to educate, coach and share his insights through his work with Instituto del Progreso Latino and the National Society of Hispanic MBAs. He is also on the board of the LEARN Charter School Network, an advisory board member of the Black Investment Fund in Florida and he coaches competitive 18U volleyball for Ultimate Volleyball Club.

here is a moving target.

When you think you’re there, keep going, don’t stop, you keep going!”

36 Enero 2017

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Gabriela Rodil, 39

A world traveler Principal, Gabriela Rodil, LLC

Gabriela (Gabby) Rodil was born and raised in Brazil. She has lived or had extended assignments in more than 20 countries including Canada, Mexico, China, Belgium, France, Argentina, Guatemala, Italy and the U.S. All that travel, immersion in other cultures and interaction with people has allowed her to develop an artful way to communicate with a broad range of people. She has a knack for getting the best out of people of all walks of life and is particularly strong in bridging cultural gaps among diverse groups of people using interpersonal intelligence.

Rodil is a multilingual, global executive. As a consultant, she focuses on transforming businesses and individuals to achieve greater success. She has a strong background in finance, strategic planning, IT, opera-

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tions, risk management, human resources, and leadership. Rodil has an extensive track record in repeatedly producing sustained revenue and EBITDA growth in constantly dynamic and changing environments.

She is passionate about everything that she does, from speaking and hosting seminars and retreats to strategic consulting and coaching. She guides, motivates, and inspires individuals and business across the globe.

Rodil serves The Fig Factor Foundation as a board member and treasurer, she co-authored the book Today’s Inspired Latina and has been featured by many media outlets. Prior to launching her own consulting firm early in 2015, Gabby served as the chief financial officer for Flexan. She is currently working on her second book that will be published in 2017.

t doesn’t matter what happens to you. What matters is what you do with it.”

Enero 2017 37

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Eve Rodriguez Montoya, 36 A communications pro with a sweet tooth President, Rodriguez Montoya Communications LLC and creator, Yogolandia Yogurt and Botana Bar

Eve Rodriguez Montoya is the founder and president of Rodriguez Montoya Communications LLC, a firm established to assist clients looking to expand their brand, product, mission or service in the Latino market. One of her key clients is her family’s business, the Dulcelandia Candy Store brand, where she serves as vice president of branding.

One of Rodriguez Montoya’s most recent efforts was to expand the Dulcelandia Candy Store brand, a long-standing family-owned Latino market staple, by creating a new line of frozen yogurt and establishing Yogolandia Yogurt and Botana Bar inside of Dulcelandia in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood. The new brand ini-

tiative, off to an impressive start by any standards, offers unique flavors known as Yogo, frozen yogurt with a Mexican Twist.

Rodriguez Montoya has more than fifteen years of experience in communications and public affairs work for the public and private sectors. She has worked directly for two mayoral administrations in Chicago, most recently as deputy press secretary for Mayor Rahm Emanuel, and she has worked for five City of Chicago Commissioners as well as major corporate and private sector companies in New York City and Chicago.

Rodriguez Montoya earned a Master of Arts in Public Policy and Administration from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Public Relations from Columbia College Chicag

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ead with your heart, inspire with your words and set an example with your actions.”

Alba Sanchez, Wuhu Group

38 Enero 2017

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Andrelina Rodriguez, 39 A decorated swimmer and computer scientist Project Manager, Motorola

Andrelina Rodriguez was born and raised in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, where she was a member of the Venezuelan national swimming team for more than 12 years, breaking multiple records at national and international levels. She immigrated to the United States when she was 17 years old on a swimming scholarship from Southern Illinois University.

Rodriguez continued to excel as a student athlete throughout college, becoming a Missouri Valley All-American athlete, graduating summa cum laude in computer science with a

minor in math and completing her postgraduate work with a master’s degree in computer science.

After working as a technical assistant throughout college, Rodriguez interned at Motorola and was offered a permanent position in Chicago as a software engineer. She has spent more than 18 years with the company, working in multiple countries.

She has since been promoted to project manager in the mobile division global product development organization.

Rodriguez is known by her colleagues for her success in providing guidance and leadership for wide-ranging technology

initiatives focused on streamlining technical operations and mobile services as well as ensuring profitability and steady corporate growth. She holds a master certificate in project management and business analysis along with PMP and CBAP certifications and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in agile methodology.

Rodriguez is fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese and maintains an active sports schedule. She is also actively involved in the Latino and Venezuelan community of Chicago and an advocate of Latino girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

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eing an immigrant I learned you need to work harder to be average and even harder to excel. Educate yourself, believe in yourself and work really hard.

That is the best way to go.”

Enero 2017 39

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Claudia Patricia Rodriguez, 28

An aficionado of policy and politics Acting Executive Director, Illinois Beverage Association

Claudia is responsible for managing the Illinois Beverage Association, as Acting Executive Director she represents the bottlers, distributors and employees of the soft drink industry in Illinois. She promotes the IBA’s mission and values through coordination and implementation of its advocacy agenda within the context of the public interest.

A strategic thinker who understands the power at the intersection of policy and politics, she takes a highly organized approach to her work, carefully managing the process to achieve results.

Claudia’s outreach and policy experience has focused on issues from economic development to public health. Fluent in Spanish, she helps clients reach diverse audiences of stakeholders, news media and the broader public.

Previously Claudia served as

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a legislative aide to Alderman George Cardenas, 12th Ward, City of Chicago, who chairs the Chicago City Council’s Committee on Health and Environmental Protection. She conducted research and assisted Ald. Cardenas, Committee members, and the Office of the Mayor with policy introduction, meeting preparation, management and follow-up.

Claudia has also advocated in the Illinois General Assembly, coordinating activists meetings and testimony, as well as conducting direct engagements with state lawmakers.

Claudia is a commissioner of the Little Village Special Service Area #25 on the southwest side of Chicago. She is a board member of the Mexican Civic Society of Illinois and is a certified Chicago Conversations Corps leader, promoting environmental awareness projects throughout the city. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy & Administration from Northwestern University.

lways walk into a room with confidence and a sense of purpose, speak out for what you believe in and never forget your roots.”

40 Enero 2017

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Leticia & Silvia Romero, 33

Twin entrepreneurs who prize holistic wellness Founders, Azul Holistic Spa and Wellness Center

This is the story of twins who opened a spa in Chicago at age 29 and quickly expanded to Miami Beach, doubling their revenues to more than $400,000 in just a few years. The success of Azul Holistic Spa and Wellness Center is a reflection of Leticia and Silvia Romero’s passion for holistic wellness and dedication to healthy lifestyles.

The Romeros had a wellness goal of creating a sanctuary of tranquility where they can help

others activate the process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a fulfilling life that combines health and happiness. Both have a background in business management and tourism and have dedicated their lives to pursuing the organic and balanced way of living.

In Azul Holistic Spa and Wellness Center, they created a peaceful space that promotes tranquility and deep relaxation through a holistic approach that attends to the needs of body, mind and spirit.

The sisters grew up in a cons-

cious family that believes holistic health is the best way to treat any physical or emotional imbalance. When they were children their mother and grandmother prepared herbal hot teas to alleviate almost every discomfort in the body as well as to prevent illnesses. They grew up with acupuncture, herbal oil massages, cupping therapy and homeopathy, among other holistic therapies. Seeing the positive effects of these therapies and witnessing the positive transformational changes in others is what drives their passion.

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e believe that success is measured by the impact that we make in people’s life. That is measured by the intentions we set forth, that have a rippling effect in everything that we do.”

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Jackie Serrato, Serrato 29

Little Village’s original hyperlocal journalist Founder La Villita Facebook Page.

Jackie Serrato is a local journalist and a media curator for the Little Village neighborhood. She launched the La Villita, Chicago Facebook page before other major news outlets switched to digital platforms or hyperlocal coverage, and her page reached 100,000 followers in August 2016.

The La Villita page is popular for embracing the language of the internet and the voice of the people. With the help of fellow community residents, Serrato started to report on gang shootings and other hyperlocal happenings that normally took

a long time to make it into the mainstream media. She also made sure to report on the positive aspects of the Little Village community, including business successes, community events and good work being done by nonprofits and churches. The GoFundMe fundraiser for Don Fidencio, la Villita’s elderly paletero, went viral in large part due to the support of Serrato’s Facebook page. Don Fidencio’s GoFundMe raised $384.000.

She attended Chicago Public Schools and later graduated from Colgate University in New York, where she majored in Latin American studies and minored in Spanish-language literature

with an emphasis in anthropology.

Jakie won a fellowship to work at WBEZ Chicago Public Radio, has freelanced for DNAinfo and Chicagoist, and is currently helping to produce a TV documentary about the Pilsen community at WTTW Channel 11. The team behind the Little Village Facebook page won the Community Advocate Award from the Little Village Chamber of Commerce in 2014. Jackie Serrato has also led online campaigns to promote the vote on behalf of the Latino Policy Forum and rally for a $15 minimum wage for fast food and retail workers with the Fight For 15.

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n these times of greed and “alternative facts”, telling your truth is a courageous act.”

42 Enero 2017

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Ivan Solis, 38

HACIA champion and board president President, Solis Construction

Ivan Solis, a native of Zacatecas, Mexico, grew up in a small town where he attended school through the 10th grade, worked as a farm hand and learned woodworking from his father, a master carpenter and teacher.

Solis moved to the south side of Chicago in the early 1990s and skipped a year of school to work with his father as a fulltime carpenter, building porches and rebuilding homes. He returned to school and graduated on the honor roll from Holy Trinity High School.

Solis’ journey took him from journeyman carpenter to estimator and construction manager. He became president of Solis Construction in 2001, leading the company through rapid growth that included going from three to 32 carpenters in three years.

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Solis Construction joined HACIA in 2002. After five years of membership Solis felt compelled to serve on the board. A firm believer in the association’s mission of evening out the playing field for minority- and women-owned companies, Solis decided to give back. After an unsuccessful first run, he got elected to a three-year term the following year. Solis has been reelected twice and currently serves as board president.

Solis credits his success to his family and mentors. Equally important are the lessons he has learned from other business owners (many in HACIA), whose unselfishness and generosity in sharing their wisdom, experiences, setbacks and triumphs have made it easier for him and his company to forge a path forward.

Solis lives in Chicago with his wife and 3 children.

lways remember where you come from and enjoy the journey, regardless of the destination.”

Enero 2017 43

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Adrian Soto, 34

Committed to health and economic development

Chief Strategy Officer, Esperanza Health Centers

Adrian Soto serves as chief of Adrian Soto serves as chief of strategy for Esperanza Health Centers, where he is responsible for supporting the organization’s mission by identifying and assisting in the implementation of key strategic initiatives, creating and recommending major policy decisions, and developing innovative systems of care, both within the health center as well as on a community level.

Soto is passionate about social determinants of health, economic development, entre-

preneurship and empowering Chicago communities. He has focused on assisting and supporting the growth of diverse businesses for the past 10 years, having worked in both the private and nonprofit sector for the past 13 years.

Beyond his day-to-day work, Soto has served on nonprofit and advisory boards that deepen his commitment to community development throughout Chicagoland, including serving on the executive board of directors for the Community & Economic Development Association of Cook County, the Hispanic Employment Plan Advisory Council for the State

of Illinois, the board of directors for CEDA Community Development Fund and the board of Esperanza Health Centers, where he served as board chairman.

Soto is a Chicago native whose parents immigrated to the United States from Durango, Mexico. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Management with a concentration in Entrepreneurship from Southern Illinois University, has completed a post-baccalaureate executive education program at University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business in Chamber Leadership and is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Entrepreneurship Program.

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t is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs.”

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Linda Xóchitl Tortolero, 38

A woman with a calling from nonprofits Director of Development, The Association House

Linda Xóchitl Tortolero began her professional career in nonprofits as an administrator and fundraiser and has always found it be fulfilling work.

She has been the Association House’s director of development since December 2013 and works closely with the president. She is responsible for the supervision of the development staff, assists with gift initiatives and manages the daily operation of the department.

Prior to this work, she was a Proteus Fund Diversity Fellow at the Nellie Mae Education Foundation in Quincy, MA. She supported the foundation’s director of policy with various grant-making and policy projects as they related to studentcentered learning initiatives and systemic change throughout New England.

Tortolero has also served as the special projects director at the National Museum of Mexi-

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can Art. In this role, she supervised new projects and activities that augmented the museum’s programming and capacity in addition to overseeing and assisting with various fundraising activities including identifying new funding prospects.

Prior to her work at the museum, Tortolero was the development manager of Mujeres Latinas en Acción and led fundraising initiatives to secure foundation and corporation grants and special events support.

She also established the Pilsen/Little Village Information Center to serve as a Chicago Empowerment Zone liaison for the Pilsen/Little Village cluster and to promote the Empowerment Zone programs and help secure resources for socio-economic development.

Finally, Linda practiced litigation in various areas at Schiff Hardin LLP and was awarded the Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Distinguished Service Award.

tay true to your passions and convictions, be involved in the community and pay it forward, learn about current events and don’t be afraid to take risks in your career.”

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Anna Valencia, 32

A committed public servant City Clerk, City of Chicago

Anna Valencia, a longtime public servant, was appointed to fill the Chicago City Clerk vacancy, replacing Susana Mendoza, who is now Illinois comptroller. Among other functions, the Office of the City Clerk is responsible for many of Chicagoans’ day-to- day interactions with the city, including overseeing the sale of vehicle stickers and residential zone parking permits; collecting, docketing, and securely storing city records; and administering the city’s KIDS ID, Medical ID and Dog Registration programs.

The office will also administer the mayor’s municipal ID program, a significant and concrete demonstration of the city’s commitment to ensure that vulnerable populations, including undocumented immigrants, young people, homeless individuals, the formerly incarcerated and the LGBTQ community

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have access to critical city services.

Valencia began her career with the City of Chicago as an assistant to Mayor Emanuel as a part of the Legislative Counsel and Government Affairs team. Since then, Valencia has built an impressive career as a seasoned Illinois political professional, serving as campaign manager for U.S. Senator Dick Durbin’s re-election campaign, senior advisor for Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s re-election campaign, deputy director of the Illinois Senate Democratic Victory Fund, a communications staffer for State Senate President John Cullerton, and field director for both Mike Quigley for Congress (IL-05) and Gary Peters for Congress (MI-09).

Valencia grew up in Granite City, Illinois and earned her bachelor’s degree in international studies from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

She currently lives in West Town with her husband and dog.

ever give up. Be persistent.

You will be told “no” many times in your life. Use that as an opportunity to be creative and find a new way to “yes”.

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Edna Jackeline Vazquez, 35

A champion ultramarathoner Ultramarathoner

On Nov. 26, 2016, Edna Jackeline Vazquez became the first Mexican-American woman to complete the Four Deserts race series by Racing the Planet. The annual series consists of 155mile routes through the world’s most arid desert (Atacama, Chile) the windiest desert (Gobi, China), the oldest desert (Namibia, Africa) and the coldest desert (Antarctica). Completing all four is one of the most demanding and extreme achievements in ultramarathon running.

For her accomplishment,

the Red de Talentos, UNAM Chicago and Raiza Mendoza granted Vazquez the Outstanding Achievement Award in July 2016. They also recognized her commitment to promoting education in the community and her work spreading the word about the importance of organ and tissue donation within the Latino community for the nonprofit organization Gift of Hope.

Vazquez grew up in Monterrey, Mexico, participating in ballet, gymnastics, swimming and basketball before discovering her love of ultramarathon run-

ning, which she has been doing for 19 years through the varied terrains of Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas and Antarctica.

Her high school education at the University of Monterrey was based in systems of automation and computer language programming. She then went on to get her bachelor’s in higher education and human relations. She continued her studies with specialties in social psychology, human behavior and work/sports psychology from the University of Seville in Spain, before getting her MBA from Robert Morris University in Chicago.

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he preparation, training and desire to overcome have been the keys to reach my dreams.”

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48 Enero 2017

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NEGOCIOS NOW 10TH ANNIVERSARY GALA EVENT SAVE THE DATE

Friday, July 14 Chicago Cultural Center