Hector Martinez has over 15 years of experience in consulting small businesses from financing and start-up to operations and expansion. He recently earned a position within U.S. Bank where he provides diverse business owners with critical access to corporate purchasing through procurement and contract opportunities as the Supplier Diversity Manager for the enterprise.
Xavier Gomez is the founder of Modern Connective, a digital marketing agency focused on helping Latino-owned businesses and nonprofits grow through social media, websites, design, and video production. With a deep understanding of the culture and community, Xavier and his team provide creative, culturally relevant strategies that make sure Latino entrepreneurs and organizations are visible, competitive, and connected in today’s digital world.
A Mexican-American diversity advocate, Milissa’s vision is to unite teams through culture, food, and music all while infusing business savvy. She is the eldest daughter of entrepreneur parents. Milissa is most known for her innovative leadership at El Burrito Mercado, the multimillion dollar Mexican and Latino unique marketplace and restaurant which employs over 80 staff members.
Business owner, author, performing artist, scholar, community leader and Concert Producer, Maya Santamaria has built a burgeoning media/event empire focused on the Twin Cities Latino community. The owner of seven businesses, Santamaria is a local Latina media Mogul, as the only Latino to own their own Broadcasting signals; La Raza Radio and Telemundo Minnesota, which has brought original programming and the only Local News in Spanish to both radio and Television audiences in Minnesota.
Jose Santos Jr. has over 30 years experience working in the nonprofit sector. Currently Mr. Santos is the Employment and Training Developer for the American Indian OIC in Minneapolis, MN. As Founder and Executive Director Of La Familia Guidance Center Inc., he provided leadership in planning and carrying out the organization’s strategic plan. As President & Founder of The Larry Lucio Scholarship for the past 19 years he has been active in promoting and advocating programming services for Latino youth in the areas of education, employment and mental health services.
Fabio is a Latino entrepreneur and investor at the small business level with over 20 years of experience in Marketing management, Marketing analytics, and Customer Experience management. He holds a graduate degree from Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. His working experience at corporate executive level includes management roles with SuperValu and Lifetouch, Inc. In addition, Fabio has been a board member for several years at the Prior Lake Soccer Club Board of Directors, where he acts as the Tournament Director and fulfills diverse board roles.
John is a corporate foundation executive with exceptional strategic skills and a proven ability to synchronize corporate goals with community needs, benchmark results, and streamline operations with new technology. He keeps strong community ties and has a long history of public service. He is experienced in building and empowering diverse teams, as well as offering a strategic and innovative approach to new challenges. He is a high energy individual with a genuine commitment to diversity, inclusion, and empowerment. He has experience leading non-profit, public, and for profit public affairs efforts.
Anita has over 25 years of experience as a top US Hispanic Marketing Specialist. She develops integrated, strategic marketing solutions to help clients build relationships with Hispanic communities through custom content, print, digital, social media and community events. Her knowledge and valuable reputation within Hispanic Publishing allow her to develop strategies from the inside of the media industry.
Cadence Tobias is a Social Media Intern for the Latino Chamber of Commerce of Minnesota. Originally from Minnesota, she brings a strong interest in digital communication and creative content. Cadence was recently awarded a Certificate of Achievement in Audio Storytelling for her work in multimedia production. She is passionate about using social platforms to connect with diverse audiences and support community engagement. Cadence looks forward to growing her skills and pursuing a career in the evolving digital media industry.
Mr. Martinez is the Vice President of Supplier Development at U.S. Bank. He and his team support the bank’s efforts in building a sustainable small and diverse business procurement program.
His role in Supply Chain and Procurement in Supplier Diversity led to significant gains in dollar spend and contracts awarded to small and diverse business nationwide throughout his career at Xcel Energy and now at U.S. Bank.
Hector serves as chairman of the board member at the Minnesota Latino Chamber, at large board member for Thrivent Financial and is on the Senior Consulting Advisory Committee with the United States Hispanic Chamber.
Hector has Marketing and Business Administration undergraduate degrees from Winona State University and his MBA from Hamline University.
Hector resides in the City of Savage, Minnesota his hobbies include golfing, weightlifting and traveling with his wife and best friend Christine.
