About Us: our stellar advisory board, Chambers Board & Comm.
Heriberto Torres CFO, JD, MBA
Jose Luis Rivera-Villamañán- Chairman, Strategic Planning, International Relations, Trade Missions, Chambers Network
Jose Luis Rivera-Villamañán- Chairman, Strategic Planning, International Relations, Trade Missions, Chambers Network
Senior Executive focused on driving and delivering fianancial and business growth; increasing organizational efficiency, maximize ROI, and creating significant shareholder value.
Areas of Expertise:
-Strategic Business & Financial Planning
-P&L Enhancement
-Business Expansion & Startups
-Mergers & Acquisitions
-Operations Management
-Cris
Senior Executive focused on driving and delivering fianancial and business growth; increasing organizational efficiency, maximize ROI, and creating significant shareholder value.
Areas of Expertise:
-Strategic Business & Financial Planning
-P&L Enhancement
-Business Expansion & Startups
-Mergers & Acquisitions
-Operations Management
-Crisis Management
-Organizaqtion Building
-Cash Management / Budgeting
-Re-engineering strategies
-Corporate & Labor Law
-Human Capital Management
-Cost Benefit Analysis
-Revenue Gain / Margin Improvement
Jose Luis Rivera-Villamañán- Chairman, Strategic Planning, International Relations, Trade Missions, Chambers Network
Jose Luis Rivera-Villamañán- Chairman, Strategic Planning, International Relations, Trade Missions, Chambers Network
Jose Luis Rivera-Villamañán- Chairman, Strategic Planning, International Relations, Trade Missions, Chambers Network
Current Founder & Chairman of the PR-USA Chamber of Commerce, President/Liason of the Florida Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce for Orange & Osceola Counties, US Mainland & PR Economic Development Director
Former President of:
Brevard Chamber of Commerce, Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce of PR, VP of the Assn. of InterAmerican Busin
Current Founder & Chairman of the PR-USA Chamber of Commerce, President/Liason of the Florida Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce for Orange & Osceola Counties, US Mainland & PR Economic Development Director
Former President of:
Brevard Chamber of Commerce, Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce of PR, VP of the Assn. of InterAmerican Businesspersons, Chairman of the Brevard PR Awards & Parade.
Experienced and International Senior Executive in:
- Management
- International Management
- Marketing
- Marketing Research
- Digital Advertising, Productions, Media & Marketing
- Corporate PR
- New Business Creation & Development
- Chambers of Commerce, NGO's, NPO's Presidencies & BOD's
- Most recently launched PRUSA Channel (Puerto Ricans in USA) & Grand Productions (Digital Media/Advertising/Marketing & Events Productions- Best Restaurants Programs, Calle Mejor TM & Sister City Programs)
Santos Arroyo- FL Chambers Network & Cultural Committee President
Jose Luis Rivera-Villamañán- Chairman, Strategic Planning, International Relations, Trade Missions, Chambers Network
Santos Arroyo- FL Chambers Network & Cultural Committee President
Santos Arroyo is an advocate for small business and a leader in community development. Santos has one of the best reputations for creating connections, influencing, community engagement and networking, by finding and creatively connecting small business owners and corporate partners to opportunities.
Santos is a founding member of the His
Santos Arroyo is an advocate for small business and a leader in community development. Santos has one of the best reputations for creating connections, influencing, community engagement and networking, by finding and creatively connecting small business owners and corporate partners to opportunities.
Santos is a founding member of the Hispanic Political Action Committee of Florida (HISPAC) and founder of the Florida Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. business coalition.
Originally from Yauco, Puerto Rico. He graduated from Utah State University in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and has held licenses as a life and health insurance agent, mortgage broker and as a registered representative with the National Association of Securities Dealers. In 1997, Santos and his wife Angelee left Utah and relocated to Broward County, Florida. In 2001 he became involved with the Puerto Rican/ Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Broward County and became the Membership Director where he was instrumental in establishing the Chamber as a vital force in the business community. Santos has a deep understanding of community, culture and the economic development that drives our economy. He has more than 15 years’ experience in event management, small business and non-profit marketing, fundraising & sponsorship. In August 2006, becomes the host of his own radio show Fiesta de Pueblo with Santos Arroyo on 1190 AM and founded Fiesta De Pueblo and Business Expo the most awaited Hispanic Musical, Cultural and Business Expo in Palm Beach County, Florida. Among other accomplishments Santos served as Vice President for his Senior High School Class, Vice President for the Latin American Students Association at Utah State University, Spanish Teacher Assistant, Owner and Founder of the first Latin nightclub in Logan, Utah. Santos has done accounting work for companies such as Unisys Corporation, Hilton Hotels, American Express, Robert Half International, Office Depot Finance Department and most recently H&R Block. He has served as a member of the WPTV News Channel 5 Hispanic Community Committee, and member of Healthy Mothers/Healthy Babies Coalition of Palm Beach County Advisory Board. Santos is a founding member of the Hispanic Political Action Committee of Florida (HISPAC) and founder of the Florida Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. business coalition. He also has served in his church as a Sunday School Teacher, Cubs Scouts Leader and Junior Basketball Coach. Santos has three children Anthony, Tyler and Syrianna Marie.
Ramon Barquín III- PR United Retailers Assn.
Jose Luis Rivera-Villamañán- Chairman, Strategic Planning, International Relations, Trade Missions, Chambers Network
Santos Arroyo- FL Chambers Network & Cultural Committee President
President of the Centro Unido de Detallistas (United Retailers Assn.),
President at Barquin International and Owner, Barquin International,
Chairman- Atlantic University College.
C-type level executive with domestic and international engagements. Solid experience in management, entrepreneurship, government, and international business transac
President of the Centro Unido de Detallistas (United Retailers Assn.),
President at Barquin International and Owner, Barquin International,
Chairman- Atlantic University College.
C-type level executive with domestic and international engagements. Solid experience in management, entrepreneurship, government, and international business transactions with global management skills. Direct experience in all business cycles, founding, growing, capitalizing, and managing multimillion dollar enterprises. Founder/manager of over a dozen companies. Advisor to chief executives in the public and private sectors. Interested in sound business opportunities in the information and communications technology sector, as well as early-stage startups.
Specialties: Core Competencies: Globalization, Foreign Markets, Communications, C&IT, P&L, Budget, Strategic Planning, Forecasting, Turnaround, Mergers/Acquisitions, Leadership, Public Affairs, Marketing, Sales, Service Quality, Advertising, Supply Chain, Finance, Accounting, Management, Information Systems & Technology
About Us
Migdalia Figueroa
Migdalia Figueroa
Migdalia Figueroa
President & GM Telemundo Puerto Rico
Migdalia Figueroa: Leading Telemundo Puerto Rico with Passion, Heritage, and a Commitment to Community
Migdalia Figueroa serves as President and General Manager of NBCUniversal Telemundo Puerto Rico / WKAQ. In this role, she oversees all aspects of the Telemundo-owned station, including news, digital, sa
President & GM Telemundo Puerto Rico
Migdalia Figueroa: Leading Telemundo Puerto Rico with Passion, Heritage, and a Commitment to Community
Migdalia Figueroa serves as President and General Manager of NBCUniversal Telemundo Puerto Rico / WKAQ. In this role, she oversees all aspects of the Telemundo-owned station, including news, digital, sales, marketing/promotions, human resources, community affairs, and technology/operations.
A Puerto Rico native who was named to her current position in January 2024, Figueroa has nearly 35 years of experience in media. For nearly two decades, she has held news and leadership roles for Telemundo and NBC stations and previously spent nearly 15 years with Univision.
Can you tell us why your Hispanic heritage is important to you personally and within your role at NBCUniversal?
It is interesting to reflect on this topic at this moment, as I have just returned to my native Puerto Rico after spending 34 years in the United States. During my time in media, primarily in Florida, embracing my Hispanic identity meant being more aware and intentional in working for the well-being of the millions of people who come to the U.S. – as I did – not only to survive, but also to grow and succeed. As media professionals, understanding the needs of our community is very important, and every group and demographic is unique. It has been critical for me to advocate for and represent our communicates whenever possible, and collaborate with those across the landscape so that they can better understand our cultures, our needs, and the great ability Hispanics have to contribute in so many ways.
Recently became the leader of Telemundo Puerto Rico (WKAQ-TV). Can you tell us about how your experience at NBCUniversal, and how they’ve impacted you as a Hispanic woman?
Returning home to work at WKAQ, the station where Telemundo began, is a great honor that I take on with gratitude and commitment. But in the nearly two decades I've been with NBCU, I’ve had incredible opportunities of working at both Telemundo and NBC owned stations serving very different markets and audiences in the U.S. I became a part of the communities both professionally and personally. The diverse experiences I’ve had with this company have allowed me to observe and experience the richness of being bicultural, and the spectrum of identities and characteristics found within Spanish-speaking and bilingual communities in the U.S. I am a true Puerto Rican, and also a Hispanic woman who now truly understands how to contribute, collaborate and relate to those from different backgrounds and experiences.
What are your passions outside of work?
For many years, when I was asked this question, I wanted to have an interesting and smart answer. But now, at 57 years old, I understand clearly and proudly that what I enjoy most outside of work is the same thing I enjoy the most at the office: people. I love a good conversation, a day full of laughter with loved ones, or a great party where we can enjoy Latin music and food.
What are you looking forward to the remainder of the year and early next year?
This has already been such an exciting year, particularly with the Paris 2024 Olympics – which is hard to top. However, the 2024 elections, both in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, is a massive news event for us at WKAQ, and of course across NBCUniversal Local. Like most of the world, I’m waiting to see how the process unfolds both in terms of our coverage, but also from a personal perspective as a Puerto Rican and American. I have two young-adult sons for whom I dream of a vibrant society where they can develop to their full potential and live happy, safe lives.
What is the best piece of career advice you’ve ever gotten?
Learn to live with, and even enjoy, discomfort. Thanks to this advice, I’ve dared several times to accept positions for which I didn’t feel 100 percent ready. Of course, once in the role, discipline has been vital in meeting the challenge. During those times, something that has worked for me is transparency—being honest about what I know and what I don’t know, allowing myself to ask for and receive help.
Fernando Vazquez
Migdalia Figueroa
Migdalia Figueroa
Frontier Airlines International Regional Manager, Field Marketing & Sales
Leader with over 25 years of successful experience in business development, manufacturing, process and cost improvement.
Manager with extensive experience in leading operational and finance in industries such as airline, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, food and media.
Frontier Airlines International Regional Manager, Field Marketing & Sales
Leader with over 25 years of successful experience in business development, manufacturing, process and cost improvement.
Manager with extensive experience in leading operational and finance in industries such as airline, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, food and media. Proficiency includes contract development, negotiations and implementation, project management, training and general business administration with a strong background in purchasing, inventory control, lean thinking, accounting and leadership.
Strategic, well-connected executive with 25+ years’ experience in strategic transitions, corporate strategy, business development, alliance management, and finance. A results-oriented executive with a strong background in enterprise sales management, having managed over $500 MM in operational budget with P&L responsibility. Recognized for collaborative leadership style, proactive, approach, and keen ability to effectively translate complex operational concepts into tangible action plans. A proven leader with a strong executive presence, capable of blending big-picture viewpoints with tactical considerations to inspire, build trust, and achieve record growth.
Luis Alemañy
Migdalia Figueroa
Yolanda Lasalle
PR Government Development Bank- Past President
A prominent figure in Puerto Rico’s economic and business sectors, recognized as a turnaround leader, value creator, strategist, entrepreneur, game-changer, and philanthropist. Over 25 years of experience spanning operations, manufacturing, general management, finance, accounting, and sal
PR Government Development Bank- Past President
A prominent figure in Puerto Rico’s economic and business sectors, recognized as a turnaround leader, value creator, strategist, entrepreneur, game-changer, and philanthropist. Over 25 years of experience spanning operations, manufacturing, general management, finance, accounting, and sales & marketing, achieving outstanding results in both government agencies and Fortune 500 companies. Progressive experience in Manufacturing products, Government Affairs, Consumer Goods, Healthcare, Retail, Wholesale, Distribution, Medical Devices and Electronic environments with outstanding business results. Strategic thinking with proven ability to lead sustainable growth, cost reduction and develops strategies under the Lean Six Sigma philosophy for processes optimization. Strong leadership skills with exceptional ability to motivate teams in highly stressful environments.
AFFILIATIONS:
-2025 Puerto Rico-Florida Chamber of Commerce (PRUSACC) Advisory Board Member -2017-2020 Vice-President of the Board, Puerto Rico Public-Private Partnerships Authority -2017-2020 Director of the Board, P.R Conventions Center District Authority
-2015 President of Association for Financial Professionals Chapter of Puerto Rico
-2015 Chairman P.R Committee for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
-SJT MANUFACTURING, INC. (Local Owned Company, Manufacturing Site, Global Distribution) FOUNDER & PRESIDENT (2019-Present)
-SJT LOGISTICS, INC (Local Owned Company, Order Processing, Warehousing, Transportation –3PL) FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BANK FOR PUERTO RICO – PRESIDENT & CEO (2021-2024)
- ATI, INC. – Manufacturing Site, Global distribution of fabricated metal products GENERAL MANAGER (2014-2019)
- TOSHIBA, INC.
CHIEF FINANCIAL & CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER (2010-2014)
-BAXTER HEALTHCARE
SENIOR FINANCIAL ANALYSIS (2008-2010)
- 3M CARIBBEAN
FINANCIAL & OPERATIONS BUSINESS LEADER (2005-2008)
- PEPSICO FOODS CARIBBEAN/ COMMERCIAL, DISTRIBUTION & MANUFACTURING SEVERAL FINANCE & OPERATIONS ROLES (1999-2005)
EDUCATION:
-BABSON COLLEGE – ENTREPRENEURSHIP / BUSINESS SCHOOL
-MBA – INDUSTRIAL MANAGEMENT GPA 3.71, Interamerican University of Puerto Rico
-BBA – FINANCE, Cum Laude, University of Puerto Rico
-LEAN SIX SIGMA GREEN BELT Certified by 3M Company in 2005
Yolanda Lasalle
Migdalia Figueroa
Yolanda Lasalle
CEO and Founder LaSalle Group LLC Co-Founder Murmuratto, Cognitio Corporation
Her company offers consulting services for Strategic Planning, Business and Cultural Transformation, Leadership Development, and Lean Six Sigma trainings and projects execution, technical trainings to robust process knowledge and competencies, executive coaching.
CEO and Founder LaSalle Group LLC Co-Founder Murmuratto, Cognitio Corporation
Her company offers consulting services for Strategic Planning, Business and Cultural Transformation, Leadership Development, and Lean Six Sigma trainings and projects execution, technical trainings to robust process knowledge and competencies, executive coaching.
"We partner with our clients to make them successful by improving their culture, reduce the operational costs, develop internal skills and mindset to transform the organization."
About Us
Juan Pagan- FL Chambers
Luis Torres- Llompart- PR Chambers
Luis Torres- Llompart- PR Chambers
Currently Juan is the President of the Florida Hispanic/American Chamber of Commerce in Palm Beach County. In which our mission is to improve and expand the relationship between Large and Small and Minority Businesses, while interacting and learning about our business member’s products and services. Promote business opportunities for our
Currently Juan is the President of the Florida Hispanic/American Chamber of Commerce in Palm Beach County. In which our mission is to improve and expand the relationship between Large and Small and Minority Businesses, while interacting and learning about our business member’s products and services. Promote business opportunities for our members locally, statewide and across the Nation. Create new and better ways to bring together the businesses and the community in Florida.
· Juan J. Pagan is an Executive Search consultant with Global Recruiters of West Palm Beach with over 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and medical devices industry with Eli Lilly and Company. While working within Eli Lilly, Juan worked and lived in Puerto Rico, Philippines, and the US. He had numerous cross-functional experiences within the USA and Latin America/International markets. These ranged from sales management, sales training in the domestic USA and Latin America, managed care leadership roles, marketing management and human resources in both the United States and International markets.
Luis Torres- Llompart- PR Chambers
Luis Torres- Llompart- PR Chambers
Luis Torres- Llompart- PR Chambers
Luis Torres Llompart is a Director at Alvarado Tax and Business Advisors since December 2020. Luis has more than 30 years of experience in private and public accounting and has specialized in providing consulting in business, financial and operational areas, auditing, accounting systems, financial reporting and others. His exposure is var
Luis Torres Llompart is a Director at Alvarado Tax and Business Advisors since December 2020. Luis has more than 30 years of experience in private and public accounting and has specialized in providing consulting in business, financial and operational areas, auditing, accounting systems, financial reporting and others. His exposure is varied, including, among others, manufacturing, hotel (leisure time), retail and wholesale, insurance, pension and welfare funds and construction. He has been in public accounting starting at Laventhol & Horwath International Firm.
Member of
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants , Puerto Rico State Society of Certified Public Accountants, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, Certified Public Accountant (Puerto Rico, Florida, New York and New Jersey) , Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) , Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), Participant in the Executive Education Program of the Hispanic Association of Corporate Responsibility Alumni in Harvard Business School, and Thunderbird Executive Education Entrepreneurial Mentorship Program at Arizona State University.
Professional Activities:
Vice-Chair of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (2005-2006), Chair of the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce (2000-2001), Chair of the Puerto Rico Society of Certified Public Accountants (1996-1997), Member of the Puerto Rico Board of Accountancy (1999-2000), Delegate of the White House Conference on Small Business Administration (SBA) (1998-2001), Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Former part-time professor at the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, San Juan
Recognitions:
International Trade Award – Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce (2010), Top Management Award – Association of Sales and Marketing Executives (SME) (2009), Ambassador of the Puerto Rico Convention Bureau (2008), Figura del Momento (Top Personality Recognition), El Nuevo Día Newspaper, Puerto Rico (1999 and 2005), University of Puerto Rico Distinguished Alumni Award in Business (2001), PR Society of Certified Public Accountants, Distinguished Award in Puerto Rico Economic Development (2001) , among others.
Dr. Gerardo González Núñez
Luis Torres- Llompart- PR Chambers
Dr. Gerardo González Núñez
As a researcher and consultant, he has specialized in economic issues and international relations in Latin America with emphasis on the Caribbean Basin and Cuba.
He holds a PhD in International Business and is Professor and Director of the Graduate Program at the School of Business of the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, Metropoli
As a researcher and consultant, he has specialized in economic issues and international relations in Latin America with emphasis on the Caribbean Basin and Cuba.
He holds a PhD in International Business and is Professor and Director of the Graduate Program at the School of Business of the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, Metropolitan Campus. His articles have been published in specialized journals in Latin America, the Caribbean, the United States and Europe. He is the author of several books including The Caribbean in Cuba's Foreign Policy, published in the Dominican Republic in 1991, Intellectuals vs. Revolution? published in Canada in 2001, Business Opportunities in Cuba. What can Puerto Rico expect?, published in Puerto Rico in 2010 and Tourism in the Caribbean: Past, Present and Future, published in the United States this year. He has given lectures and courses at several universities in the United States and Latin America and the Caribbean.
In turn, Gerardo González was President of the Puerto Rican Association of International Relations.
He presides the Puerto Rico - Cuba Future Committee and is the Board Mentor to the Economic Development Committee.
Elmer Roman
Luis Torres- Llompart- PR Chambers
Dr. Gerardo González Núñez
Director, Mission Integration (SES) at Office of the Secretary of Defense / Former Lt Governor / Secretary of State / Secretary of Public Safety of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, USA / Commanding Officer, NR ONR 214
Progressive executive leader, operational strategist, proven crisis action manager, and trusted advisor with record of soun
Director, Mission Integration (SES) at Office of the Secretary of Defense / Former Lt Governor / Secretary of State / Secretary of Public Safety of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, USA / Commanding Officer, NR ONR 214
Progressive executive leader, operational strategist, proven crisis action manager, and trusted advisor with record of sound leadership in state and federal government. Driver of innovation in government and programs to support military and civilian missions. Exceptional collaborator who quickly dissolves obstacles to gain cooperation with national and international partners to reach national interest goals.
Elmer Roman serves as the Director of Mission Integration (MI) for Mission Capabilities (MC) in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E). In this role, he directs MI in developing mission-based inputs for the requirements process, improves Joint Force capability integration and experimentation, and informs the development and maturation of joint warfighting concepts and operational plans. He is focused on bringing together the technical infrastructure and expertise for mission engineering analysis. This includes the data, modeling and simulation, and training, to evaluate and address end-to-end mission-based capability gaps to guide key enterprise technology investment decisions.
Prior to assuming his current duties, Mr. Roman served as Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, and Secretary of Public Safety of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. He was also the Homeland Security Advisor to the Governor of Puerto Rico. His experience includes serving as Director of the Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (JCTD) Program within OUSD(R&E), for which he directed the planning and transition of new capabilities to the Joint Forces and National Security Agencies. He served as Oversight Executive for International Cooperation and Asymmetric Warfare programs, implementing Department of Defense efforts in security cooperation, humanitarian assistance, disaster management, fighting transnational organized crime, and capacity building for allied countries. From 2005 to 2010, he served in a diplomatic assignment as Regional Director of the Office of Naval Research Global at the United States Embassy in Santiago, Chile.
Mr. Roman holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus and a Master of Science in Systems Engineering from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He graduated from the United States Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, the United States Marine Corps Officer Candidates School, the United States Navy Senior Engineering Duty Officer School, and the Federal Executive Institute of the United States Office of Personnel Management.
Dr. Thomas O'Neal
Dr. Arleen Hernández-Díaz
Dr. Arleen Hernández-Díaz
Nationally recognized as an "entrepreneur in the business of helping entrepreneurs," Dr. Tom O'Neal is dedicated to creating and supporting successful and sustainable innovation ecosystems in Florida, USA and worldwide. Tom's efforts focus on building strong research programs at UCF and the transfer and commercialization of research resul
Nationally recognized as an "entrepreneur in the business of helping entrepreneurs," Dr. Tom O'Neal is dedicated to creating and supporting successful and sustainable innovation ecosystems in Florida, USA and worldwide. Tom's efforts focus on building strong research programs at UCF and the transfer and commercialization of research results into the marketplace. This work helps to build an innovation based economy for Central Florida.
Currently, Tom is the Associate Vice President of Research & Commercialization at the University of Central Florida (UCF). He also serves as the Executive Director of the UCF Business Incubation Program (UCFBIP) and the Florida Economic Gardening Institute (FEGI). Some of his areas of responsibility include the sponsored programs office, technology transfer, compliance, the venture lab, the UCF Business Incubation Program and the Florida's Economic Gardening Institute. Tom has been part of UCF's Office of Research & Commercialization team working to help UCF become a leading metropolitan research university since 2000. He also serves as a core member of the Florida High Tech Corridor Council.
Tom has assisted in the formation of numerous companies and the commercialization of technologies developed at UCF. In 1999, Tom established the UCF Technology Incubator of which he serves as the Founding Director. Under Tom's leadership, The UCF Business Incubation Program (UCFBIP) has expanded to 10 locations. The UCF Business Incubator earned "Incubator of the Year" by the National Business Incubator Association (NBIA) where he currently serves as a board member and has "helped more than 170 emerging companies that create more than $500 million in annual revenue and accounted for more than 1,650 new jobs in the local area in 2009, with an average salary of $59,000." firstMONDAY magazine. (December 3, 2010).
Tom joined the UCF staff as the Associate Director for the Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers (CREOL) in 1991. In this capacity, he was responsible for the business and administrative functions of the Center. The Center has become one of the nation's top centers for education and research in optical sciences and engineering.
Since 1975, he has been an active member of the business community in Florida. He founded his first start-up company at age 18, which he successfully operated until pursuing a full-time college career. Tom then entered the high-tech business arena as a project engineer for a computer manufacturing company. Prior to joining UCF, he served as a Technology Specialist and Financial Director for a $40 million project with the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency for Florida's state university system.
Tom's research interests include the subjects of business incubation, entrepreneurship, and economic development; his dissertation was on effective incubation practices. He has secured funding from the Kauffman Foundation, the NSF, the NCIIA, the DOE, and many state and government agencies and others to support entrepreneurship and innovation initiatives. He is the current president of the Florida Business Incubation Association (FBIA) and serves on the board of the National Business Incubator Association. The latest initiative under his direction is serving as the Director of Florida's Economic Gardening Institute, a program designed to assist second stage growth companies.
Tom earned a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering, a Master of Science in Engineering Management and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Central Florida. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of South Florida.
With support from organizations like GrowFL and the entrepreneurs they serve, Florida will be a stronger and more resilient state. In fact, a recent report by Florida Tax Watch noted that continued investment in GrowFL programs to help scalable growth companies would produce an added 43,000 private sector, non-farm jobs statewide, with an average salary of over $97,000. Also, these efforts would help to produce more than $4.6 billion in added personal income for Floridians. Entrepreneurial support and advancement are indeed good for all of Florida, the USA and the world.
Dr. Arleen Hernández-Díaz
Dr. Arleen Hernández-Díaz
Dr. Arleen Hernández-Díaz
Dr. Arleen Hernández-Díaz is a full professor of Human Resources Management at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. She received her doctoral degree in Industrial Relations with specialization in Collective Bargaining and Human Resources Management at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. In 2011 she earned a post-doctoral
Dr. Arleen Hernández-Díaz is a full professor of Human Resources Management at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. She received her doctoral degree in Industrial Relations with specialization in Collective Bargaining and Human Resources Management at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. In 2011 she earned a post-doctoral degree in Management and Marketing at Tulane University in New Orleans. During her thirty years career as a full professor at the University of Puerto Rico, she has served in several academic management positions, such as Director of the Department of Management, Assistant Dean of Students Affairs, Assistant Dean of Graduate Students, Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs, and Coordinator of Enlace Program at the College of Business. Dr. Hernandez-Díaz is the Coordinator of the Bank of America Jobs Initiative at UPR from 2021. In August 2022, she became the Director of Academic Strategic Planning at UPR-Central Administration as a member of the Academic Strategies Team of the Office of the President. Her research interest and publications are concentrated in the areas of human resources management, part-time employment, labor management relations, entrepreneurship and mobility.
honorary advisors
Joaquin Torres-Hernandez, CPA- FL Chambers
Joaquin Torres-Hernandez, CPA- FL Chambers
Joaquin Torres-Hernandez, CPA- FL Chambers
Former President PR CPA's in FL, PR Chamber of Commerce of CFL
Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (Major Accounting) from the Univ. of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR, Notary Public in the State of Florida, Certified Public Accountant in Puerto Rico and Florida State and with more than 25 years as a
Former President PR CPA's in FL, PR Chamber of Commerce of CFL
Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (Major Accounting) from the Univ. of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR, Notary Public in the State of Florida, Certified Public Accountant in Puerto Rico and Florida State and with more than 25 years as a Strategic Multidisciplinary Certified Public Accountant (CPA), (CGMA), Federal Funds Consultant, Financial Statements Audits, Single Audits Compilations, Mergers, Acquisitions, Tax Compliance, Bookkeeping Services, Controllership Services and Financial Auditor with an eye for solutions to complex issues within the Industry.
Areas of Expertise:
± External Auditing
± Insurance Claim Litigation Support
± Tax Compliance
± Bookkeeping Services
± Controllership
What to expect:
± Professionalism
± Personalize Service
± Integrity
± Clarity
± Efficiency
Antonio J. "Tito" Colorado, JD, IE
Joaquin Torres-Hernandez, CPA- FL Chambers
Joaquin Torres-Hernandez, CPA- FL Chambers
Attorney at Law and International Business ConsultantAttorney at Law and International Business ConsultantColorado Group. Former President of the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce of PR,
Areas of Expertise:
- Secretary of State
- Congressman / Resident Commisioner of the USHR
- Secretary of Economic Development of PR
- Tax, International & Corpora
Attorney at Law and International Business ConsultantAttorney at Law and International Business ConsultantColorado Group. Former President of the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce of PR,
Areas of Expertise:
- Secretary of State
- Congressman / Resident Commisioner of the USHR
- Secretary of Economic Development of PR
- Tax, International & Corporate Law
- Business Creation & Development
- Latin American Trade & Collaborative Agreements
Luis G. Rivera-Marín
Joaquin Torres-Hernandez, CPA- FL Chambers
Luis G. Rivera-Marín
Luis G. Rivera-Marín is Of Counsel at Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, P.C. Luis brings extensive experience in both the private and public sector, having practiced law in the private sector for more than two decades. Before entering public service, Mr. Rivera-Marín litigated commercial cases and served as counsel for several local and inte
Luis G. Rivera-Marín is Of Counsel at Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, P.C. Luis brings extensive experience in both the private and public sector, having practiced law in the private sector for more than two decades. Before entering public service, Mr. Rivera-Marín litigated commercial cases and served as counsel for several local and international firms in Puerto Rico. Rivera-Marín has advised Puerto Rico’s principal financial institutions in compliance and secured transactions issues, and has served in the Board of Governors of the Mortgage Bankers Association. Rivera Marín also served in various corporate positions leading the expansion of businesses in Puerto Rico.
Rivera-Marín served as the island’s 25th Secretary of State. He was a member of all Executive Branch councils and, in coordination with the US Department of State, the official representative of the US territory of Puerto Rico in all international and consular affairs. Additionally, Rivera-Marín held the position of Chief Economic Development Advisor to the Governor.
Rivera-Marín served as secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Consumer Affairs, which regulated the island’s housing, commerce and energy sectors. He also served as Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, where he promoted the island as an investment and travel destination, and regulated the gaming industry. Concurrently, he chaired several government boards, including the Hotel Development Corporation, the Puerto Rico Convention Bureau, the Tourism Development Fund, the Puerto Rico Ports Authority, and the Administration of Traffic Accident Compensations. Rivera-Marín led the committee that steered the successful San Juan International Airport public, private partnership concession, the first in the nation awarded by the Department of Transportation of the United States.
Jorge Silva-Puras
Francisco "Paco" Rodriguez-Castro
Luis G. Rivera-Marín
Jorge brings vast experience in senior PR & US governmental affairs and international business to our board.
A graduate of Yale, UPR, Copenhagen Business School & Texas McCombs with an MBA, International Marketing & JD degrees.
🎓 Interim Dean of CUNY's School of Professional Studies in NYC, with over 4,000 Bachelor's and Master's student
Jorge brings vast experience in senior PR & US governmental affairs and international business to our board.
A graduate of Yale, UPR, Copenhagen Business School & Texas McCombs with an MBA, International Marketing & JD degrees.
🎓 Interim Dean of CUNY's School of Professional Studies in NYC, with over 4,000 Bachelor's and Master's students and over 32,000 workforce development participants. SPS is ranked #10 nationwide by US News & World Report for online Bachelor programs.
🎓 Previously, Provost at Universidad del Sagrado Corazón in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where I lead its transformation to a remote teaching institution with a full conversion to the Canvas LMS, integrating Zoom, Panopto and various AI/ML edtech tools.
🎓 For the last eight years I have also taught business and entrepreneurship at Hostos Community College (CUNY), Sagrado, & NYU.
🏛️ Before academia, he served as President Obama's appointee as SBA Administrator for Region II in NYC, leading SBA’s programs in NY, NJ, PR & USVI => over 2.7 million small businesses, and portfolio of over $6.1 billion in guaranteed loans.
🏛️ Before SBA, served as Chief of Staff to Puerto Rico's Governor Acevedo Vilá and held senior government positions, including Secretary of Economic Development & Commerce, Executive Director of the PR Industrial Development Company (PRIDCO) and President of the Economic Development Bank for PR (EDB). Served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of PRIDCO, PR Tourism Company, PR Commerce and Trade Company and PR Science and Technology Trust, among others.
Previous to government roles, spent 13 years in the private sector: as brand manager at Procter & Gamble; VP at Citigroup; and attorney at O’Neill & Borges.
Francisco "Paco" Rodriguez-Castro
Francisco "Paco" Rodriguez-Castro
Francisco "Paco" Rodriguez-Castro
Experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the financial services industry.
Skilled in Mergers and Acquisitions, Corporate Advisory, Restructuring, Financial Advice, Corporate Financial Planning, Securities, Debt Structures, Tax Credit Advisory, Consultancy, Asset Management, and Management.
Strong l
Experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the financial services industry.
Skilled in Mergers and Acquisitions, Corporate Advisory, Restructuring, Financial Advice, Corporate Financial Planning, Securities, Debt Structures, Tax Credit Advisory, Consultancy, Asset Management, and Management.
Strong leader with a strong focus in developing business, assisting clients with complex matters. Member of the Association of Insolvency and restructuring Advisors (AIRA), Healthcare Financial Management Association,and Advanced studies in Risk Management and Chief Lending Officers Advanced Program among others.
Author of the weekly financial column Think Strategically published weekly in Caribbean Business. Author of the monthly newsletter The Zenith Investor.
President & Chief Executive Officer
Birling Capital Advisors LLC
Previously:
Managing Director
UBS
President and CEOPresident and CEO
Banco de Desarrollo Económico para Puerto Rico
Vice President, Chief Lending Officer, Corporate & Commercial Banking and Investment Banking.Vice President, Chief Lending Officer, Corporate & Commercial Banking and Investment Banking-
Oriental Bank
Among the awards he has received are:
Presidents Award Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce 2010
Caribbean Business Person of the Year 2009.
Presidents Award for Outstanding Service 2009, Puerto Rico Products Association.
Home Builders Achievement Award 2009
Presidents Award for Outstanding Service 2008- Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce
El Vocero Newspaper Leaders Award 2008.
Top Management Award 2006, SME Banker of the Year.
Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce Zenit Awards Banker of the Year 2006 9. Banker of the year 2004 Puerto Rico Products Association.
Zenit Award Public Service 2004 Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce.
Mercury Award Banker of the Year 2004, Centro Unido de Detallistas.
Chambers board
Nick Lugo
Luis Vazquez
New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
President & CEO
Founder 116th St Festival.
A native New Yorker, Nick Lugo is a graduate of the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico in San German where he majored in Business Administration with a minor in Political Science. He entered the travel and publishing businesses at a young age as an
New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
President & CEO
Founder 116th St Festival.
A native New Yorker, Nick Lugo is a graduate of the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico in San German where he majored in Business Administration with a minor in Political Science. He entered the travel and publishing businesses at a young age as an apprentice to his father, the founder of Cophresi Travel Agencies and Temas Magazine, where Nick served as Associate Publisher.
Experienced President with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organization management industry. Skilled in Budgeting, Public Speaking, English, Strategic Planning, and Research. Strong business development professional graduated from Inter American University of Puerto Rico.
Luis Vazquez
Luis Vazquez
Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce & National Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on Health President
Luis Vazquez is a true product of Long Island, New York. He grew up in Glen Cove, attended Long Island University, CW Post Campus and graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice as well as a certificate in Paralegal Studies. He subsequent
Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce & National Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on Health President
Luis Vazquez is a true product of Long Island, New York. He grew up in Glen Cove, attended Long Island University, CW Post Campus and graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice as well as a certificate in Paralegal Studies. He subsequently received his New York Real Estate Sales Associate License and was employed by Caldwell Banker Real Estate in Locust Valley before joining Nassau County Government. In 1990, Luis Vazquez served the Office of the Nassau County Executive as the Executive Director of the Coordinating Agency for Spanish Americans (C.A.S.A).
On a community level, Luis Vazquez was the Acting Chairman of the Nassau County Heritage Festival and a member of the Glen Cove Knights of Columbus, the Elks club, the Nassau County Public Utility Agency, the Nassau County Hispanic Parade Committee, the WLIW Channel 21 Community Affairs Advisory Committee, the Molloy Multicultural Advisory Committee and Hofstra for Hempstead/Hempstead for Hofstra Committee. He served as the Commissioner of Glen Cove Housing Authority, member of the Glen Cove Board of Appeals, the Council for the Arts on the North Shore, Inc., and past mentor and arbitrator with the Glen Cove Dispute Resolution Center and the Verizon Consumer Advisory Panel.
Volunteer work at: Long Island Blood, Board Member for Canine Companions for Independence Organization. Luis has dedicated numerous volunteer hours to help coordinate relief efforts with victims of natural disasters in Central and South America where he worked with the American Red Cross and the Archdiocese of New York City.
Awards: Leadership awards from National Association of Puerto Rico/Hispanic Social Workers (1995); Distinguished Service Award from the Village of Hempstead (1977); Special Recognition Award from the Student Organization of Latinos (1997); Community Service from Latino Law Students Association at Hofstra University (1999); Leadership award from LI Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (2000); Silver Stork Award from March of Dimes (2000); Humanitarian of the Year from the Hispanic Counseling Center (2001); Business Person of the Year Award, Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce (2010); Business Person of the Year Award, Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce (2015); and the Champion Award, Suffolk County Child Care Council (2016), Long Island Business Hall of Fame Inductee (2021), Latin Impact Award Recipient (2022).
Through the years, Luis has continued to be celebrated for his unselfish service and commitment to the Latino and minority underserved committees. In 2019, Schneps Media recognized Luis as a “King” at their “Kings of New York Awards and Network Event.” Today, Luis serves as member of the Northwell Health System Health Equity Task Force and Northwell Health System Community Health Alliance to expand the work to other health disparities across all service areas.
Currently, Luis Vazquez is the President and CEO of the National Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on Health (NHCCH). Partnering with Greater New York Hospital Association, Northwell Health, state and local government agencies, the mission of the NHCCH is to improve the health of racial and ethnic minority populations through the development of health policies and implementation of programs that eliminate health disparities by creating access to quality health care. Luis is also the President of the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. His recent appointments include to be a Board member for Long Island Association where he serves as Co Vice-Chair of the LIA Small and Midsize Business Committee and Central American Refugee Center (CARECEN). Mr. Luis Vazquez continues to collaborate with local chambers and community- based organizations to uphold his visions and dreams in bringing the highest quality and standards to the Hispanic and minority community.
Evelyn Lugo
Evelyn Lugo
South Carolina Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
President/Founder
As the President and founder of the first Hispanic chamber in South Carolina, Mrs. Lugo came from Puerto Rico after deciding, along with her husband, that Greenville, South Carolina would be the perfect place to continue raising their two sons, college and high school student
South Carolina Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
President/Founder
As the President and founder of the first Hispanic chamber in South Carolina, Mrs. Lugo came from Puerto Rico after deciding, along with her husband, that Greenville, South Carolina would be the perfect place to continue raising their two sons, college and high school students at that time. It was shortly after she started working for a local credit card processing company that she found many Hispanic business owners experiencing problems interacting and doing business with the rest of the business community. Looking for ways to help the business community, Mrs. Lugo found that there was no Hispanic Chamber in South Carolina. Her search put her in contact with the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Washington where she was informed that there was no Hispanic chamber in SC. After explaining the purpose of the call, the USHCC asked her if she wanted to start a chamber in the area. With a background in business administration; experience in working with big corporations such as Eastman Kodak, Abbott Pharmaceutical, and 3M; and the experience of starting a campus bookstore at her Church ministry in Puerto Rico, Lugo knew that the task would not be an easy one. But the need was clear, and the burden was increasing every time she would get in contact with local and statewide business owners. Six months later, in August 2007 the South Carolina Hispanic Chamber of Commerce was incorporated. The Chamber was designated a 501(c) 6 non-profit organization in June 2009 by the IRS. Lugo says the pinnacle of her career has been making an impact on the Hispanic population of South Carolina. “Putting together the SC Hispanic Chamber was a challenge, but it is so rewarding getting to meet and help so many people. I want to be an example to those around me, not by what I say, but by what I do.” She hopes her legacy will be an inspiration for people to see the importance of getting involved in the community and realizing that no matter how small the job, the impact can be tremendous.Board AssignmentsFormer member of: Michelin Development Advisory Board, Ten at the Top Board, South Carolina Cancer Alliance Council, the Greer Chamber of Commerce Board, Children’s Hospital Council, First Choice Community Council, and the Blue Ridge Boys Scout Board. Currently serving, as board president, at Casa Cultura International, a non-profit organization whose vision is to turn strangers into neighbors by connecting, immersing, promoting and empowering newcomers to the Greenville-Upstate (South Carolina) community.
Hispanic/Latino Outreach Coordinator, American Cancer SocietyFor 10 years, Evelyn worked in the community as the Hispanic/Latino Outreach Coordinator for the American Cancer Society. In her primary role she educated the public about the different cancers and was the liaison with different organizations working with the Hispanic population throughout the state of South Carolina. As a two- time cancer survivor this made her job personal and rewarding."The South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs had the privilege of serving on the Board of the SC Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. I have seen this organization flourish over the years and grow in its capacity to meet the needs of the business community across our state. Evelyn Lugo, Founder and Director, has reached out to businesses across the state and has implemented new and innovative programs to help new business owners as well as those already in operation. We are proud of her hard work and dedication to assist the business community." - Lee Serralta McElveen
committees
Roberto Rivera-Cruz CPA Kissimmee Network Committee President
Roberto brings vast administrative, financial advisory and auditing experience in senior PR governmental affairs. He is a graduate of UPR, with his degreee in Accounting and is a Certified Public Accountant practicing in FL & PR.
Ricardo L Sanchez, CISSP Technology Committee President
Security Executive with 22 years experience on security, technology solutions, development, delivery and management, including achieving more than 20 IT/Security certifications during career. Graduated Engineering from UPRM Mayaguez campus with Cum Laude honors. Serving customers in Puerto Rico, Latin America and the US, he founded Fiber
Security Executive with 22 years experience on security, technology solutions, development, delivery and management, including achieving more than 20 IT/Security certifications during career. Graduated Engineering from UPRM Mayaguez campus with Cum Laude honors. Serving customers in Puerto Rico, Latin America and the US, he founded Fiberwolf LLC which has been selected as a Global Top 250 Security Provider. Featured on Forbes, and with previous experience at the National Security Agency with top secret clearance, specializes on architecting high-end business solutions, including security and cloud solutions, to grow revenue and help Enterprise customers reach their IT goals. Designed more than $100M+ in solutions for industries in Telco, Banking, Healthcare, Government and Education.
Taylor Widrig Communications Committee President
Taylor Widrig Communications Committee President
Taylor Widrig is a Canadian-American award winning author and entrepreneur known for her work in sustainable development, communications, and food security. Her highlights in international marketing communications and gastro diplomacy include the 1st International Culinary Festival in Susha, Azerbaijan on behalf of the Heyder Aliyev Foun
Taylor Widrig is a Canadian-American award winning author and entrepreneur known for her work in sustainable development, communications, and food security. Her highlights in international marketing communications and gastro diplomacy include the 1st International Culinary Festival in Susha, Azerbaijan on behalf of the Heyder Aliyev Foundation and State Tourism Agency, representative of Organisation Internationale pour Les Pays Les Moins Avancés of Geneva, Switzerland to the United Nations in New York, and communications volunteering for several European based NGOs focusing on matters related to the United Nations SDG’s, LDC’s, counter terrorism, and displacement. She was nominated to speak in Kenya at the Sustainable Blue Economy Conference on behalf of the United Nations Development Program on poverty reduction, natural resource development, and job creation and employment. International projects include the sustainable development of developing coastal regions through seaweed farming, valorization of seaweeds for the production of bio-gas, cosmetic, and human nutrition products, and coastal resiliency. She recently attended the Blue Planet Alliance Fellowship event in Hawaii featuring island nations around the world transitioning to renewable energy.
Website: https://www.sustainabledevelop.com/about
Email: info@sustainabledevelop.com
committees
Linda Perez Tampa Network Committee Co-President
Linda Perez Tampa Network Committee Co-President
Founder & President
BORICUAS DE CORAZÓN
Our Mission
Boricuas De Corazón Inc. provides first responder assistance to victims of any disaster in the USA and other countries in need. We train and prepare civilians and volunteers to assist in hurricane disasters (CERT TRAINING) and handle humanitarian aids. All the assistance that we provide co
Founder & President
BORICUAS DE CORAZÓN
Our Mission
Boricuas De Corazón Inc. provides first responder assistance to victims of any disaster in the USA and other countries in need. We train and prepare civilians and volunteers to assist in hurricane disasters (CERT TRAINING) and handle humanitarian aids. All the assistance that we provide comes from the community, private donors, and government agencies.
Our Vision
We want to continue training our volunteers and other communities to be ready and prepared for any disaster. Our special attention is with senior citizens, children, low-income families, homeless, immigrant communities and International Countries.
We are a nonprofit organization that assist our communities when a natural disaster happens. We have different team that help victims of all natural disasters to reorganize their lives after the event. We provide resources and training to our community. We also helping our communities in need to connect them with housing agencies, food, shelter, and sustainable services in their native languages.
We provide training in CERT, DRT, FIRST AID & CPR to all our members and volunteers.
Mailing Address
1291 Kingsway Rd,
Brandon, FL 33510
Office: 813-502-5021
Cell: 954-496-1463
Organized as a 501(C)3 Non-Profit, Tax-Exempt FL
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Office Hours
Monday - Friday: 10am-7pm (By Appointment Only)
Saturday & Sundays: Community Events
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Proud Members of:
- Tampa Bay Latin Chamber of Commerce
- Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Tampa Bay
- Pinellas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- LULAC Pinellas Chapter #7069
- LULAC FL EMERGENCY RAPID RESPONSE COORDINATORS (LINDA PEREZ)
- Sponsors by the Emergency Operation Management of Hillsborough County Fire Department
Ángel Guerrero Zayas Tampa Network Committee Co-President
Linda Perez Tampa Network Committee Co-President
Natural born leader with 20+ years guiding, motivating and managing relationships. Passionate about personal and professional development. Versatile and highly experienced demonstrating exemplary performance within various professional avenues such as: marketing, sales, and athletic director. Excellent communicator who stresses accou
Natural born leader with 20+ years guiding, motivating and managing relationships. Passionate about personal and professional development. Versatile and highly experienced demonstrating exemplary performance within various professional avenues such as: marketing, sales, and athletic director. Excellent communicator who stresses accountability, social interaction, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Experienced with multinationals, and roles as sales executive, teacher and athletic director.
Collaborator & volunteer at BORICUAS DE CORAZÓN in Tampa.
Gonzalo Mena Fuenzalida AI Committee President
¡Hola! Soy Gonzalo Mena Fuenzalida, un emprendedor y consultor con más de 15 años de experiencia ayudando a startups, pymes y organizaciones a innovar y crecer. Nací en Chile pero llevo varios años en Puerto Rico, donde he tenido el privilegio de co-crear y manejar programas de incubación de negocios, ser mentor de decenas de fundado
¡Hola! Soy Gonzalo Mena Fuenzalida, un emprendedor y consultor con más de 15 años de experiencia ayudando a startups, pymes y organizaciones a innovar y crecer. Nací en Chile pero llevo varios años en Puerto Rico, donde he tenido el privilegio de co-crear y manejar programas de incubación de negocios, ser mentor de decenas de fundadores y liderar iniciativas de transformación digital.
💼 Experto en IA aplicada a negocios: Te ayudo a aprovechar Inteligencia Artificial, datos y herramientas digitales para escalar tu negocio. Desde generar estrategias con ChatGPT hasta implementar automatizaciones, traduzco la tecnología en resultados concretos.
🚀 Mentalidad Startup, Ejecución Corporativa: Combino la agilidad y flexibilidad de las startups con la disciplina de las empresas establecidas. Si buscas crecer rápido pero con estructura, puedo ayudarte.
🤝 Mentor y conector: Creo firmemente en la filosofía #GiveFirst. He organizado Startup Weekends y talleres de emprendimiento en 4 continentes, conectando emprendedores con recursos clave y ayudándoles a alcanzar sus metas. Me apasiona empoderar equipos y verlos triunfar.
🌍 Visión global, enfoque local: Candidato a MBA con enfoque internacional, siempre actualizándome en metodologías y tecnologías de alto impacto para las empresas. Entiendo las tendencias globales, pero adapto soluciones al contexto local de tu mercado. Hablamos español e inglés, ¡como prefieras!
¿Cómo puedo ayudarte?
Si eres CEO de startup, dueño de pyme o freelancer con un proyecto ambicioso, puedo apoyarte a: desarrollar tu modelo de negocio, incorporar IA para optimizar operaciones, preparar pitches e conectar con oportunidades de aceleración e inversión.
Dr. Thomas Agrait South Florida Network Committee President
Dr. Thomas Agrait South Florida Network Committee President
Dr. Thomas Agrait is an accomplished entrepreneur and business leader with over three decades of experience in the Life Sciences industry. Born from a Spanish descendant and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Dr. Agrait discovered his passion for leadership and innovation at an early age. Equipped with a Doctoral degree from LSU an
Dr. Thomas Agrait is an accomplished entrepreneur and business leader with over three decades of experience in the Life Sciences industry. Born from a Spanish descendant and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Dr. Agrait discovered his passion for leadership and innovation at an early age. Equipped with a Doctoral degree from LSU and conducting post graduate studies in Neuroscience at MIT-Boston, he went on to co-found his third startup, Lean Enterprise Consulting- NeuroEngineering, a pioneering business transformation consulting firm that revolutionized the way businesses manage their daily operations. Under his leadership as CEO, the company grew rapidly, securing several recurrent projects and expanding its global footprint. Throughout his career, Dr. Agrait has been recognized for his visionary leadership and strategic acumen, earning accolades such as the "Entrepreneur of the Year" award from Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association and the integration on the Hall of Fame of Management granted by the City of Tamarac, Florida.
Throughout his professional journey, he has honed his expertise in integrating startups, innovation, and strategic planning with cutting-edge neuroscience science-based tools. By leveraging insights from neuroscience, he has been able to delve deeper into understanding human behavior, decision-making processes, and cognitive functions, thus enhancing the effectiveness of my strategic planning initiatives. Through the application of neuroscience principles, Dr. Agrait have facilitated innovative approaches to problem-solving, fostered creativity within startup environments, and optimized strategic decision-making processes to companies around the world like Werner, BD, J&J, Laboratorios Grin, Ethicon, Cutler Hammer, Clorox, and many others. His experience in integrating these domains has not only driven organizational success but has also contributed to cultivating a culture of continuous learning and growth.
Today, he continues to inspire and mentor aspiring entrepreneurs while actively leading his latest venture, a Human Behavior and engineering team focused on NeuroEngineering, a multidisciplinary field at the intersection of neuroscience, engineering, and computer science, holds immense potential for driving process improvement across various industries. The foundation of this highly specialized team is constructed on the premise that understanding of the brain's structure and function, neuroengineering offers innovative solutions to optimize processes and enhance efficiency. Through techniques such as neurofeedback, brain-computer interfaces, and cognitive modeling, organizations can gain insights into human cognition and behavior, allowing for the design of more intuitive user
interfaces, streamlined workflows, and personalized training programs. Additionally, neuroengineering enables the development of advanced monitoring systems that can detect cognitive fatigue, stress, and other factors impacting performance in real-time, facilitating timely interventions to improve productivity and well-being. Overall, the integration of neuroengineering in process improvement initiatives promises to revolutionize how we work and interact with technology, unlocking new levels of performance and innovation.
Thomas’s commitment to innovation and excellence serves as a driving force behind his continued success in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
Gustavo Torres-Decos CPA, Central Florida Network Committee President
Dr. Thomas Agrait South Florida Network Committee President
Gustavo Torres-Decos CPA, Central Florida Network Committee President
The education of Gustavo Torres Decos, CPA, consists of a bachelor’s degree
from UPR Rio Piedras, PR, a master’s in accounting from Interamerican University in
Cupey, PR, a master’s in taxes, and a master’s in forensic accounting from Florida
Atlantic University. He has been a licensed CPA in Puerto Rico since 2004 and in
Florida sin
The education of Gustavo Torres Decos, CPA, consists of a bachelor’s degree
from UPR Rio Piedras, PR, a master’s in accounting from Interamerican University in
Cupey, PR, a master’s in taxes, and a master’s in forensic accounting from Florida
Atlantic University. He has been a licensed CPA in Puerto Rico since 2004 and in
Florida since 2013. Furthermore, Gustavo has a Florida Real Estate license to act as a
Business Broker as part of his practice. He is a certified fraud examiner (CFE) and a
certified health plan auditor.
Alongside his wife, he is the co-owner of Accounting & Compliance, Inc., an
accounting firm that offers payroll services, accounting, and other compliance services.
Located in Downtown Kissimmee since 2010, his professional practice services clients
locally and worldwide, comprising a partnership with a local CPA firm in Mexico. As a
CPA, Gustavo provides services such as Audits, Consulting, Tax Resolution, Business
Valuation, Business Plans, and Forensic Accounting, among others.
Gustavo is also part of the social media program “Haciendo Negocios,” led by his
wife, Deisamar De Soto-Torres, and known as an excellent source of business-related
information. As the founder of the Kissimmee Domino Club, Gustavo established a
space where business owners, professional players, and retirees meet to have a
relaxing time and build new business connections.
Gustavo has extensive participation in local chambers. As a past board member
of the Hispanic Business Council, he once directed and founded several lead groups in
South Orlando and Osceola County and at the HCCMO too. He was a board member
for Park Place Behavioral Hospital and the Orange County permit appeal commission.
Formerly, Gustavo was a business instructor at the Interamerican University of
Orlando, Florida. Also, he was a director for the Kissimmee Downtown Business
Association. He was the President of the Florida Chapter of the Puerto Rico CPA
Society and the Downtown Kissimmee Lead Group.
Presently, he is the secretary of the FICPA or the Florida Institute of Certified
Public Accountants. He is a member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro
Orlando and the founder of HCCMO in the Hunter’s Creek Lead Group and One
Business Connection.
With 20 years of experience as a CPA and over 25 as a business owner, he
owns the following firms alongside his wife: the Place for Business, Business Human
Capital, Business Knowledge Institute, and the Forensic Group. Simultaneously, he has
received recognition for his contribution to small businesses and his selfless help in the
community. Lastly, Gustavo is a husband and a father, married to Deisamar De Soto
since 1992, and they are proud parents to two lovely children.
some of our affilliated & collaborating chambers & networks
