2025 State of Latino Entrepreneurship Summit
Thursday, March 27th Programming
8:00 - 9:30 am
Registration & Open Networking
Check in, grab your badge, and start connecting with fellow entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders before the event kicks off!
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Lunch, Open Networking & Business Expo
Grab lunch on campus (not included) while connecting with fellow attendees and exploring innovative businesses showcasing their products and services at the Business Expo Booth.
2:00 - 3:00 pm
Open Networking
Use this time to network with over 1,000 attendees and explore the Business Expo booths
3:30 - 5:00 pm
Business Expo & Networking Reception
Network with over 1,200 attendees at the SOLE Summit Networking Reception and explore innovative businesses showcasing their products and services at the Business Expo. Beverages available at the reception.
6:30 - 11:00 pm
SOLE Celebration & Fundraising Gala
Network in a relaxed and welcoming environment. A paid ticket is required.
Includes entrance to the Gala with hosted beer & wine during the reception and a full-course dinner with open seating.
MAINSTAGE PANEL DISCUSSION
The Impact of Immigration Policies on the Growth of Businesses
This discussion brings together philanthropy, academia, business owners, and NPO leaders to explore the economic vitality derived from immigrants. Our panel will delve into how immigrant communities fuel innovation, drive entrepreneurial success, and create new opportunities for businesses. We'll examine the ripple effects that extend beyond the private sector—strengthening communities, enriching cultural diversity, and boosting overall economic growth.
CEMEX Auditorium
Panel Speakers:
Julián Castro
CEO,
Latino Community Foundation
Inara Tareque
PhD Candidate,
Columbia Business School
Joe Garcia
President & Founder, California Farmworker Foundation
Liz Rebecca Alarcón
Founder & CEO,
Pulso
PANEL DISCUSSIONS ROUND 1
Re-engineering Access to Equity Capital
The panel of industry leaders, investors, and innovators reveal how tapping into mainstream venture capital can ignite unprecedented economic growth and drive cutting-edge innovation. Discover how broadening traditional VC funding not only bridges the gap between investors and founders but also serves as a catalyst for transformative breakthroughs, fueling a dynamic, inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
CEMEX Auditorium
Panel Speakers:
John China
Co-Head of Innovation Economy, J.P. Morgan Commercial Banking
Ronald Weissman
Chairman,
Angel Capital Association
Sharon Vosmek
CEO & Managing Partner,
Astia
Savina Perez
Co-Founder,
Hone
Planning Your Successful Exit
Navigating a business exit is a multifaceted process that requires careful strategy on both the organizational and personal financial fronts. Our panelists come together to provide a comprehensive roadmap for planning your exit that include business considerations, financial preparation for owners, and the financial and legal support required. A well-planned exit is one of the most powerful wealth-building moves an entrepreneur can make.
Obendorf Event Center
Panel Speakers:
Raquel Gonzalez
Silicon Valley Market President,
Bank of America
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Paul Navarro
Partner,
Perkins Coie LLP
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Noreen Gillen
Vice President,
Bank of America / Merrill
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Alejandra Chavez
President,
Thyme Matters, Inc
Bridging Access to Credit Capital
Securing the right financial support is key to scaling a business. This session explores the various lending institutions available to Latino entrepreneurs and how they can provide the capital needed for growth. Learn about different funding options, key strategies for accessing credit, and how to position your business for financial success.
M104
Panel Speakers:
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Kimelyn Harris
Head of Small Business Growth Philanthropy,
Wells Fargo Foundation
Marla Bilonick
President and CEO,
NALCAB
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Annie Donovan
President & CEO,
Raza Development Fund
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Daniel Fernandez
CEO,
TMC Community Capital
Corporate Contracts and the Impact of Diverse Supply Chains
Speakersdit Capital
In today's competitive market, access to these contracts is not just a pathway to revenue—it’s a critical lever for growth and scalability that can reshape entire industries. At the heart of this conversation is the undeniable business case for supplier diversity. Our panelists will share success stories that highlight how inclusive procurement practices drive innovation, enhance supply chain resilience, and lead to better business outcomes.
C105
Panel Speakers:
Gabriela Neves
President,
Factory360
Madison Gunter
Vice President Procurement,
Salesforce
Harry M Glazer
Founder & CEO,
SPROCKIT
Donna Ruff
President & CEO,
WRMSDC
PANEL DISCUSSIONS ROUND 2
Power of Allocation: Driving Inclusive Investment from LPs to Founders
Speakersdit Capital
Asset allocators are the cornerstone of a transformative, diverse, and inclusive investment ecosystem. In this session, we delve into the dynamic flow of capital—from LPs to VCs to founders—and spotlight how diverse fund managers are revolutionizing equitable funding opportunities. The panel will also explore the influence of public markets, IPOs and exits, on downstream venture funding. Join industry leaders as they champion inclusion in venture funding, and reshape the financial landscape for underrepresented founders.
CEMEX Auditorium
Panel Speakers:
Carmen
Ortiz-McGhee
Chief Operating Officer,
NAIC
Jose Luis
Pacheco
Board Member,
CalPERS
Allen
Ruiz
Managing Director, Alternative Investments, Barings
Daryn
Dodson
Managing Partner,
Illumen Capital
Future of (e)Commerce
Step into the future of digital commerce with our expert panel as we explore the evolving landscape of e-commerce. In this session, we’ll dive deep into emerging buyer trends and the increasingly segmented nature of today’s online consumers. Our panelists—comprising industry leaders and diverse marketing specialists —we will unpack how shifts in consumer behavior, technology, and data analytics are redefining the way businesses engage with their audiences.
Obendorf Event Center
Panel Speakers:
Elian
Savodivker
Senior Director of Programs, Latino Business Action Network (LBAN)
Ronny
Mendieta
Head of U.S. Hispanic Retail Business, Amazon.com
Roy Eduardo Kokoyachuk
Co-Founder & Principal,
ThinkNow
Rebecca Alvarez Story
Founder & CEO,
Bloomi
Scaling through SBA Lending
and Procurement
Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and accessing affordable, government-backed financing is crucial for fueling growth, innovation, and job creation. In this session, our panelists will share their insights on how SBA lending programs, such as 7(a) and other loans, can be leveraged to overcome funding challenges and accelerate business expansion.
M104
Panel Speakers:
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Adriana Alaix
Head of Retail Hispanic Segment,
PNC Bank
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Bill Oakes
Chapter Chair,
SCORE Silicon Valley
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Tara Gray
Director, CalOSBA,
GO-Biz
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Stephanie Givans
Vice President, SBA Business Development, PNC