Tell me about your role at LEDC.
As Lending Program Director, I must balance the need for access to financing opportunities by Latinos so they may start or to expand their businesses with the responsibility to maintain a healthy loan portfolio to ensure the availability of these resources for future generations of immigrants.
I am responsible for the overall operation of LEDC’s loan program, for management of all loans and for ensuring that all loans comply with the requirements of their funding sources. Also, I am responsible for setting up, maintaining, and updating all loan administrative systems and for collecting, maintaining, and reporting on data collected about borrowers and their loans, and for negotiating loan restructures and workouts.
How long have you been with the organization?
I started to work for LEDC in May of 2014 (8 years ago.)
Why do you choose to work for LEDC?
Working for LEDC is giving me the opportunity to work along talented people with a high commitment to support our Latino and BIPOC community in Minnesota. Also, because for many Latino immigrants, LEDC represents the only chance to have access to economic opportunities to support their families.
What makes LEDC unique?
LEDC started as a grassroot movement after a group of members of the Latino community with entrepreneurial spirit decided to get together to pursue a dream. The dream was to open a mercado offering Latin American products. After the mercado project was concluded, this group of Latinos became mentors of many other community members seeking their support to navigate the system to open their own businesses. 20 years later, for me, it is an honor to be able to contribute with this mission.
Please tell us a little bit about your background and how that helps you connect with LEDC’s clients.
Prior to joining LEDC in 2014, I had the opportunity to work as a public servant for over 13 years in Oaxaca, Mexico, working in the areas of economic growth and small business development. Having that direct interaction with the entrepreneurial community in Mexico for more than 13 years allowed me to have a better understanding of the challenges faced by our community in Minnesota and to have clear idea of my role within LEDC’s team.
Please share something about yourself, maybe about your family or a passion you enjoy outside of work.
As a Minnesota resident, I spend the summertime with my daughter around the lakes and the State Fair. During my first winter in Minnesota, I found that playing with the snowblower after a big snowstorm has covered the streets is a fun activity to do.
