Celebrating Latina Leaders Beyond Hispanic Heritage Month
As we say goodbye to 2023’s Hispanic Heritage Month, let us continue celebrating the resilience, creativity, and determination of Hispanic entrepreneurs and leaderswho have not only achieved success in the business world but have also helped weave a richer tapestry of culture and diversity across the United States.
Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15th through October 15th in the US. Selected in respect of El Grito de Delores, or the “Cry of Delores,” an essential piece of the history of Mexican independence.
While many Hispanic people don’t have ethnic or ancestral ties to Mexico, its proximity to the US means that a plurality (~60%) hail from the United Mexican States. It’s also one of the few official attempts to honor the mix of Indigenous and Spanish heritage across the Americas and the tremendous accomplishments and contributions Hispanic people have made to humanity and to the US.
These entrepreneurs have not only driven innovation in their respective fields but have also fostered economic growth created jobs, and empowered their communities. But women and gender-expansive people often face another stack of obstacles, especially in business. Latina entrepreneurs have carved a unique niche in various sectors, from technology and healthcare to fashion and finance.
Their stories are a testament to the indomitable spirit of entrepreneurship that transcends borders. In this article, we will delve into the inspiring journeys of some of these visionary entrepreneurs, exploring the challenges they’ve faced, the triumphs they’ve celebrated, and the impact they’ve had on both the business world and their communities. That entrepreneurial spirit shines brightly, illuminating the path for future generations seeking to follow in their footsteps.
Sandra Velasquez At Nopalera
Nopalera was founded to be a culture-forward body-care brand powered by Mexico’s Nopal cactus. Solid in Nordstrom, Credo Beauty, and over 400 other independent retailers nationwide.
“I noticed a lack of high-end brands in the beauty and bath & body space that spoke directly to Latinas,” Sandra told us. “Since we are the largest single minority group in the country and the largest consumer of beauty products, it didn’t make sense to me why we weren’t reflected on the shelves. Our mission is to celebrate and elevate Latino culture. I love to share culture with our community and highlight other amazing Latino entrepreneurs. Building community is really important to me. I hope to inspire others to take bold action and be themselves fully.”
Ana Núñez at Vida Bars
Vida Bars is a haircare start-up focused on textured hair and sustainability. Founder Ana Núñez said, “I founded [this company] to celebrate the unique beauty of textured hair. I believe we can reshape the industry while also making a positive impact. So far, we’ve saved over 200K plastic bottles from landfills. In the process, we’ve stayed true to our roots by helping thousands of women care for their curls and providing economic opportunity to indigenous artisans from my homeland of Chihuahua, Mexico. We offer customers a community and an opportunity to create impact and to practice self-love.”
Samara Hernandez at Chingona Ventures
Chingona Ventures is a pre-/seed stage venture firm based in Chicago that invests in founders uniquely positioned to create businesses in often undercapitalized growth markets. Chingona invests nationally around its financial technology, female technology, education, and food/wellness themes. The firm is run by Samara Mejia Hernandez, who has spent over 15 years selling, advising, and investing in the public and private markets. Her venture experience spans four funds with over 100 investments made.
Chingona made 27 investments in Fund I, including Suma Wealth, Career Karma, and Certiverse, and is currently investing out of its $52.9MM Fund II, with recent investments including Papaya, Boom, and Sigo Seguros.
Pilar Johnson at Debut Capital
Pilar Johnson co-founded Debut Capital to help meet the immense need for her specialized operational expertise and community advocacy in the VC/startup space. Her mission is to invest and work alongside underrepresented founders, creating influential businesses that shape our future into the revolutionary world it’s meant to be.
She is a proud, biracial Black and Mexican American from Houston, TX, and a graduate of the University of Texas. Through Debut, Pilar has guided capital to a litany of impact-focused companies serving the marginalized, like LGBTQIA+ network Revry, public policy tracker and planner, Plural, and Totem, a fintech organization working to make tribal benefits more accessible.
Dora Westerlund at Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation
Established in 2004, the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation (FAHF) is the most experienced and longest-serving small-business technical assistance (TA) provider for Hispanics and other minority groups in California’s San Joaquin Valley (SJV). FAHF serves micro- and small businesses owned by women and low- to moderate-income entrepreneurs as well as BIPOC, rural areas, and other underserved community Members.
As a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) founded and led by Latinas, FAHF has been committed to helping entrepreneurs overcome systemic barriers to achieve economic self-sufficiency through financial and entrepreneurial skill development, education, and access to financing. Dora Westerlund, President and CEO is committed to uplifting small businesses, fostering economic growth and providing opportunities for families to build generational wealth.
We must remember that celebrating Hispanic and especially Latina entrepreneurs should not be confined to a single month but rather be a year-round commitment to recognizing their outstanding contributions.
This material is intended for information purposes only, and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation or an offer or solicitation to purchase or sell any securities to any person in any jurisdiction. The opinions expressed are as of October 2023 and are subject to change without notice. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the reader. Investing involves risks.
Debut Capital. and Chingona Ventures, and Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation are Members of the Candide Group portfolio. You can view our past year of recommendations as a Registered Investment Advisor & accompanying disclosures here: h//buff.ly/3HwxNMO
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