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
Fundraising expertise
Relationship and team building
Innovative and visionary
Corporate governance
Staff development
Board governance
Strategic planning and execution
Leadership and people development
Management team leadership
Collaborative approach
Influencing skills
Ethics and integrity
Government relations
Global expansion
Stakeholder Engagement & Coalition Building
Strategic visioning
Scalable Organizational Turnaround & Growth Strategies
Executive Leadership & Team Development
Small Business Development & Supplier Diversity
Entrepreneurial and innovative in Global Markets
Financial management, Annual Budgets and Forecasts Management
Strategic Business Planning Solutions
Economic Development Strategies Initiatives
Government Relations & Advocacy
Fundraising & Capital Campaign Execution
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