Jessica Guadalupe Cavazos
Chief Executive Officer
Hockley,TX
Summary
Purpose-driven executive with 20+ years of experience leading economic transformation through business excellence, government relations, and investor-ready innovation. Known for building scalable, resilient ecosystem, not just programs, that expand opportunity for underrepresented entrepreneurs and communities. Proven success in securing multimillion-dollar investments, shaping inclusive policy, and aligning cross-sector partnerships to deliver sustainable, high-impact growth. I lead with purpose, precision, and a deep commitment to transforming business into a force for lasting change.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Founder and Strategic Consultant
OLA Consulting
06.2024 - Current
- Created strategic roadmaps that improved operational efficiencies by 40% and strengthened stakeholder engagement.
- Developed innovative entrepreneurship workshops that helped minority-owned businesses secure over $20M in funding.
- Developed strong partnerships with other businesses to allow for collaboration and more significant opportunities for growth.
- Established a successful business by identifying market needs and developing innovative solutions.
- Implemented efficient operational processes to optimize productivity and resource allocation.
- Created organization's mission and vision statements for use by employees.
- Achieved long-term sustainability for the organization through responsible decision-making processes grounded in ethics.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with suppliers, reducing costs while maintaining product quality.
- Developed strong partnerships with key industry players, contributing to an increased market presence.
- Built a positive organizational culture that fostered creativity, innovation, and employee engagement.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations while maintaining ethical business practices at all times.
Deputy Under Secretary & Chief Operations Officer
U.S. Department of Commerce
03.2023 - 03.2024
- Managed a $280M budget, overseeing programs that disbursed $110M in funding to underserved communities.
- Established a National Council to advance MBDA’s mission, increasing procurement opportunities for MBEs by 30%.
- Led implementation of the MBDA Act of 2021, driving 25% growth in minority business participation in federal contracting.
- Advocated for economic policies, increasing access to capital for minority entrepreneurs by 20%.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Facilitated regular leadership meetings to discuss progress on strategic goals, identify opportunities for improvement, and address challenges proactively.
- Developed policy that national economic business development findings from research activities, highlighting implications for future action and hired an economist to help address the needs of our nationals business gaps.
- Provided expert guidance on relevant regulations, legislation, guidelines, standards, best practices related to specific policy areas.
- Maintained an extensive network of subject-matter experts who could be called upon when needed for specialized input during policymaking process.
- Fostered an atmosphere of innovation by promoting creative problem-solving methods among team members.
President and CEO
Wisconsin Latino Chamber of Commerce
08.2016 - 04.2023
- Expanded membership from 150 to 800 businesses, achieving a remarkable 80% engagement rate with minority-owned enterprises.
- Secured over $6M in funding, including a $1.5M entrepreneurship hub to support Latino entrepreneurs.
- Spearheaded advocacy efforts that led to a $70M state investment in minority chambers under the Infrastructure Act.
- Increased organizational revenue by 200% while reducing overhead costs by 30% through strategic operational optimizations.
- Pioneered new revenue streams by exploring emerging markets or untapped opportunities within fund development
- Manage a team of 12 and fostered a culture of innovation, encouraging team members to pursue creative solutions to complex problems.
- Developed strong relationships with major donors through personalized communication and stewardship efforts.
- Directed all aspects of major gift campaign, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of prospects resulting in significant gifts.
- Enhanced fundraising efficiency by streamlining processes and utilizing data-driven strategies.
- Launched successful online giving platform, making it easier for supporters to contribute towards the organization''s mission.
- Established effective partnerships with local businesses for mutually beneficial collaborations during fundraising events.
- Fostered a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization by engaging board members in active participation as fundraisers, ambassadors, and strategic partners of development efforts.
- Inspired innovation by creating an environment that encouraged creative thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
- Monitored financial performance and implemented measures to enforce compliance with budgetary standards.
- Navigated complex regulatory environments while maintaining compliance across all aspects of the organization''s operations.
Executive Director
Volusia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
01.2013 - 12.2014
- Spearheaded the establishment of the chamber, implementing advocacy initiatives and strategic goals.
- Developed programs that expanded membership and created networking opportunities for Latino-owned businesses.
- Managed financial oversight, ensuring long-term sustainability, operational growth, and financial efficiency.
- Increased membership retention by implementing targeted outreach strategies and personalized engagement initiatives.
- Collaborated with external consultants to conduct third-party audits of membership processes, ensuring best practices were in place and identifying areas of improvement.
- Collaborated with other department leaders to ensure seamless integration of membership services within overall organizational goals.
- Developed and executed membership growth plans, resulting in an expansion of the organization''s member base.
- Established strategic partnerships with industry stakeholders to increase organizational visibility and attract potential members.
Congressional Liaison
U.S. House of Representatives, 4th District
02.2005 - 01.2013
- Led strategic policy initiatives on immigration, education, and economic equity, securing funding for minority business programs.
- Strengthened relationships with federal agencies to provide resources for underserved communities.
- Developed and implemented targeted outreach strategies that successfully increased constituent engagement by 25%.
- Collaborated with internal departments to develop strategic messaging on policy issues for Congressional audiences.
- Supported efficient decision-making processes by providing timely and accurate legislative analysis to senior leadership.
- Leveraged existing relationships with lawmakers'' offices to advocate effectively for the inclusion of vital provisions in legislation impacting the organization''s mission or operations.
- Maintained comprehensive records of all interactions with Congressional offices, promoting transparency and accountability within the organization.
- Served as a liaison between departments, facilitating clear communication regarding policy-related matters.
- Managed policy documentation, ensuring accurate record-keeping and easy access for relevant stakeholders.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with internal departments and external partners, ensuring effective collaboration on policy-related initiatives.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
American InterContinental University
Miami 06.1995 - 01.1996
Associate of Arts - Radio & Television Broadcasting Technology
Bauder College
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 06.1992 - 01.1994
Certificate in Latino Nonprofit Leadership - undefined
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration And Management
University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI 01.2004 - 05.2004
Skills
Strategic leadership
Leadership And Engagement
- Board Member, United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, 20-23
- Vice Chair, University of Wisconsin- Madison, 17-21
- State Director of Women’s Activities, LULAC, 15-20
- Rotarian, Madison Affiliate, 20-23
Awards
- MANA Latina Pioneer Award, 23
- Community Leader Award, Madison's Herencia Hispana Awards, 17
- Wisconsin Most Influential Leader, Madison365, 16
- Key to the City Award, El Conquistador Magazine, 14
- Hispanic Woman of the Year, UMOS, 12
Affiliations
- Member, National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO)
- Advisory Council, Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
- Member, Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR)
- Volunteer Work
- Mentor, Latinas in Tech Mentorship Program (2021–Present)
- Board Member, Unidos Community Center, Milwaukee (2018–2022)
- Projects
- Capital Readiness Program Infrastructure – Built and deployed national funding structure that channeled $110M to underserved businesses across the U.S.
- Latino Chamber Strategic Turnaround – Led a major rebranding, funding strategy overhaul, and stakeholder engagement plan that doubled active membership.
- Interests
- Emerging technology and AI ethics in workforce development
- Latinx literature and economic policy
- Hosting community roundtables on inclusive innovation
Affliations
Volunteer Work Projects Interests References
- Member, National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO)
- Advisory Council, Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
- Member, Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR)
- Mentor, Latinas in Tech Mentorship Program (2021–Present)
- Board Member, Unidos Community Center, Milwaukee (2018–2022)
- Capital Readiness Program Infrastructure – Built and deployed national funding structure that channeled $110M to underserved businesses across the U.S.
- Latino Chamber Strategic Turnaround – Led a major rebranding, funding strategy overhaul, and stakeholder engagement plan that doubled active membership.
- Emerging technology and AI ethics in workforce development
- Latino literature and economic policy
- Hosting community roundtables on inclusive innovation
Available upon request.
Timeline
Founder and Strategic Consultant
OLA Consulting
06.2024 - Current
Deputy Under Secretary & Chief Operations Officer
U.S. Department of Commerce
03.2023 - 03.2024
President and CEO
Wisconsin Latino Chamber of Commerce
08.2016 - 04.2023
Executive Director
Volusia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
01.2013 - 12.2014
Congressional Liaison
U.S. House of Representatives, 4th District
02.2005 - 01.2013
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration And Management
University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
01.2004 - 05.2004
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
American InterContinental University
06.1995 - 01.1996
Associate of Arts - Radio & Television Broadcasting Technology
Bauder College
06.1992 - 01.1994
Certificate in Latino Nonprofit Leadership - undefined
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
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