Join us in hearing the unique stories and perspectives of four Latinx entrepreneurs as they talk about their unconventional path to building a company.
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*Doors open at 5:30 pm
Description:
Being an entrepreneur is one of the hardest jobs you can have. When you add in the quotient of being an entrepreneur of color, the level of difficulty can increase dramatically in traditional technology and business spaces. However, with these difficulties can also come distinct opportunities.
Join us in hearing the unique stories and perspectives of four Latinx entrepreneurs as they talk about their unconventional path to building a company.
Victor Abundis, Panelist
Victor is the Cofounder and COO of Interpreter Tap. Interpreter Tap is a two-sided platform via mobile application that breaks down language barriers, allowing efficient and effective communication, regardless of the language spoken. Victor is a first generation Mexican-American born and raised in Chicago and currently resides in Little Village. He has 12 years of experience as a trained interpreter and has successfully completed hundreds of interpretations for immigration, workers' compensation, medical and legal issues, and has over 15 years of experience in the Hospitality Industry.
Diana Davila, Panelist
Chef Diana Dávila is the Chef and Owner of Mi Tocaya Antojería in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood. A native of the Chicago suburbs, Dávila grew up in kitchens and began working in her parent’s taqueria at the age of 10. She began her professional career at her family’s upscale dining concept, Hacienda Jalapeños, where she received high praise in the form of a 2-star review from Phil Vettel at the Chicago Tribune and was called a “Mexican marvel” by the Chicago Sun-Times. In 2015 Dávila was featured as one of 21 Chicagoans in the Chicago Reader 2015 People Issue. Since opening Mi Tocaya in March of 2017, Davila and her restaurant have received numerous accolades and awards from Bon Appetit Magazine, Chicago Michelin Guide, James Beard, Food & Wine Magazine, Jean Banchet, Eater Chicago, and Plate Magazine.
Laritza Lopez, Panelist
Laritza’s corporate career spanned fifteen years starting as a young marketing officer that evolved into the Chief Operating Officer of a start-up division at Aon Corporation. From the corporate boardrooms to entrepreneurship, Laritza now leads Purple Group, an award-winning marketing communications and advertising firm that creates, communicates and delivers strategies for brands that make a difference in our lives. Under her leadership, the organization strives to serve brands that recognize the value of diversity, inclusion and a different point of view. It is her belief that brands need to move from multicultural marketing to marketing in a multicultural world and embracing all the nuances. She calls it the "purplelizing" of America and hence Purple Group.
Rey Rivera, Panelist
Rey Rivera, President of CSI 3000, has 20+ years of direct construction experience in field operations, and operational management. Today Rey has built a heavy civil construction company with 50+ employees and over $18 million in annual revenue. Rey and his team have been recognized for their dedication, positive economic impacts, and volunteer efforts in the community. Most recently Rey was recognized as a finalist by Ernst and Young as the Entrepreneur of the year. Rey currently sits on the Board for the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, is part of the Business Leadership Council for the National Latino Education Institute, and was previously Board President of the 18th Street Development Corporation.
Manny Ozaeta, Moderator
Manny Ozaeta, previously the Director of Membership at 1871 in Chicago, most recently was the Director of the Hispanic Technology Incubator out of 1871 in partnership with the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Inspired by the innovation created by 1871 entrepreneurs, he is currently pursuing his own small business endeavor in the consumer packaged goods space. He received his undergraduate degree from DePaul University and a Master’s in Public Policy from Northwestern University. Manny is a native Spanish speaker and hails from Texas but now resides in the South Loop neighborhood of Chicago.
