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As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, it’s a perfect time to highlight amazing Hispanic women entrepreneurs who are making big impacts in their fields. These leaders not only inspire with their success, but also drive job creation, innovation, and financial empowerment in their industries, opening doors for future generations. Here’s a look at 11 remarkable women you should know, each offering fresh ideas and strong contributions to business.
1. Ana Flores – #WeAllGrow
Industry: Media and Community Building
Ana Flores is the founder of #WeAllGrow, a vibrant community dedicated to empowering Latina entrepreneurs and influencers. The network offers resources, events, and networking opportunities to foster collaboration and growth among women across various industries. Ana is a recognized leader in digital media, advocating for representation and visibility for Latinas in the entrepreneurial space.
2. Rea Ann Silva – Beautyblender
Industry: Beauty
Rea Ann Silva created the iconic Beautyblender makeup sponge, which revolutionized makeup application techniques. With her diverse heritage, Rea has built a brand emphasizing inclusivity in beauty, leading to a wider acceptance of diverse skin tones and beauty standards. The Beautyblender brand has become a staple in makeup artistry and has received numerous awards, solidifying Rea’s position as a trailblazer in the beauty industry.
3. Nina Vaca – Pinnacle Group
Industry: Staffing
Nina Vaca is the founder and CEO of Pinnacle Group, a staffing solutions company that has consistently been recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S. Under her leadership, Pinnacle has achieved over $1 billion in revenue. Nina is a strong advocate for diversity in the workforce and actively supports initiatives that uplift women and minority-owned businesses, making her a sought-after speaker and advisor in the business community.
4. Sandra Velasquez – Nopalera
Industry: Consumer Goods
Sandra Velasquez launched Nopalera, a bath and body line inspired by Mexican culture, celebrating heritage and promoting natural beauty. Her appearance on Shark Tank significantly boosted the brand’s visibility, helping Nopalera to gain national recognition. The brand’s commitment to sustainability and cultural representation resonates with consumers seeking authentic, high-quality products.
5. Maria Palacio – Progeny Coffee
Industry: Agriculture
A fifth-generation Colombian coffee farmer, Maria Palacio co-founded Progeny Coffee, which focuses on direct trade practices that empower coffee-growing communities. Maria’s work addresses systemic issues in the coffee industry, such as fair wages and sustainable farming practices, while promoting environmental stewardship. Progeny Coffee not only supports local economies but also prioritizes quality and ethical sourcing.
6. Codie Sanchez – Contrarian Thinking
Industry: Finance and Media
Codie Sanchez is an entrepreneur and investor focused on acquiring small businesses, particularly in service sectors like laundromats and lawn care. Through her platform, Contrarian Thinking, she empowers women and minority entrepreneurs to achieve financial independence. After starting her career in journalism, where she received the Robert F. Kennedy award for her impactful reporting, Codie transitioned to finance, working with firms like Vanguard and Goldman Sachs. In 2020, she launched Contrarian Thinking, building a community of over four million people committed to financial freedom and small business success.
7. Maria Contreras-Sweet – Small Business Administration (SBA) and Former California Secretary of Business and Consumer Services
Industry: Government and Advocacy
Maria Contreras-Sweet made history as the first Latina to lead the SBA, where she championed policies supporting small businesses, particularly those owned by women and minorities. Her tenure included initiatives to improve access to capital and resources for underserved entrepreneurs. As the former California Secretary of Business and Consumer Services, Maria continues to influence economic policy and advocacy for diverse business ownership.
8. Geisha Williams – Former CEO of PG&E
Industry: Utilities
Geisha Williams served as the CEO of Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), making history as the first Latina CEO of a Fortune 500 utility company. Her leadership emphasized innovation, sustainability, and improving customer service. Geisha has been recognized for her efforts in advancing clean energy initiatives and addressing the pressing challenges of climate change within the energy sector.
9. Patty Rodriguez and Ariana Stein – Lil’ Libros
Industry: Publishing
Founders of Lil’ Libros, Patty Rodriguez and Ariana Stein create bilingual children’s books that celebrate Latino culture and promote literacy. Their mission fosters cultural awareness and a love for reading in young audiences, making literature more accessible. Lil’ Libros has received acclaim for its impactful storytelling and commitment to diverse representation in children’s literature.
10. Cristina Junqueira – Nubank
Industry: Fintech
Cristina Junqueira is the co-founder of Nubank, recognized as the largest fintech company in Latin America. She has played a pivotal role in transforming the financial landscape by challenging conventional banking practices. Nubank focuses on delivering innovative, customer-friendly financial solutions, making banking more accessible to millions. As noted by Forbes, Nubank has set a new standard in the digital banking sector, surpassing many U.S. competitors in its growth and customer engagement.
11. Kátia Barros – FARM Rio
Industry: Fashion
Co-founder Kátia Barros leads FARM Rio, a brand that showcases Brazilian culture through vibrant and sustainable fashion. The company is committed to environmental stewardship, planting a tree for every purchase and empowering a female-driven creative team. FARM Rio’s unique designs celebrate the richness of Brazilian heritage while promoting ethical and sustainable practices in the fashion industry.
Andrea Miguelez
Andrea is an M&A advisor with a decade of experience. Throughout her career, she has guided numerous Fortune 500 and private companies globally in the realm of strategic value creation and deal execution.
