The Latino Chamber of Commerce of SEW empowering Latino Entrepreneurs
Changing Wisconsin's Economic Landscape
About Us
Our Mission:
Become a Member and Agent of Change:
Our Vision and Values:
The organization's mission is to foster Wisconsin's economic development by advocating, strengthening, and promoting the growth and development of Latino and emerging enterprises to increase access to capital, business opportunities, job creation, and capacity-building programs.
Our Vision and Values:
Become a Member and Agent of Change:
Our Vision and Values:
Vision: To become a CDFI serving SE Wisconsin with a focus on Latino and underbanked Business Development in the 9 County Region (Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington, Fond du Lac, Walworth, & Sheboygan) while fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem where ventures can thrive.
Core Values
Equitable Access and Representat
Vision: To become a CDFI serving SE Wisconsin with a focus on Latino and underbanked Business Development in the 9 County Region (Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington, Fond du Lac, Walworth, & Sheboygan) while fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem where ventures can thrive.
Core Values
Equitable Access and Representation
We champion inclusive economic participation by fostering opportunity for all, especially historically underrepresented entrepreneurs.
Ethics and Integrity
We uphold the highest standards of honesty, responsibility, and accountability in everything we do.
Transparency
We maintain open and clear communication with our stakeholders to build trust and drive results.
Collaborative Approach
We believe in the power of partnerships to co-create solutions and maximize impact.
Community Investment
We are committed to reinvesting in the communities we serve to catalyze long-term prosperity and resilience.
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Become a Member and Agent of Change:
Become a Member and Agent of Change:
Become a Member and Agent of Change:
Join this new group to build the First Certified Development Financial Institution for Southeastern Wisconsin with a focus on Latino and Emerging enterprises.
Programming & Services
- Cash Flow Mastery & Technical Assistance Program
- Empowers entrepreneurs with bilingual financial literacy and hands-on technical assistance to strengthen cash flow management, forecasting, and fiscal resilience—ensuring long-term sustainability and growth.
- Technology Literacy & Empowerment Program – in Partnership with Google
- Bridges the digital divide through culturally relevant, bilingual training in digital tools, online presence, cybersecurity, and productivity platforms—equipping entrepreneurs to thrive in a tech-driven economy.
- Strategic Networking & Inclusive Market Access
- Connects diverse business owners with strategic partnerships and supplier engagement opportunities. Special emphasis is placed on access to public and private supplier inclusion programs, helping entrepreneurs scale through contract readiness and visibility.
- Advocacy for Equitable Economic Development
- Promotes policies and systems change that remove barriers and expand equitable access to capital, markets, and entrepreneurial resources for Latino and emerging business communities.
- Wisconsin Latino Economic Unsummit
- An annual convening that brings together stakeholders from across sectors to co-create solutions, showcase impact, and advance inclusive economic strategies. The Unsummit fosters dialogue, partnership building, and policy innovation.
- Microlending for Emerging Entrepreneurs
- Provides access to flexible, culturally aware microloans to support startup costs, working capital, and business expansion, filling critical gaps left by traditional financial institutions.
- Supplier Engagement & Readiness Programs
- Prepares Latino and emerging entrepreneurs to engage in procurement and vendor ecosystems successfully. This includes capability statement development, certification support, and matchmaking with corporate and government buyers. We also support private and public organizations in developing supplier engagement programs.
- Alternative Workforce Solutions
- Addresses workforce shortages by developing bilingual, community-based training pipelines in key industries, including construction, early childhood education, and cleaning services. Includes entrepreneurship training as a career pathway, reentry programs, and gig economy alternatives.
Board Members
President & CEO, Nonvoting
President & CEO, Nonvoting
President & CEO, Nonvoting
Nelson Soler, Ph.D. | LCCSEW
Chairwoman
President & CEO, Nonvoting
President & CEO, Nonvoting
Eliana Williams | LCCSEW
2nd Vice-Chair
President & CEO, Nonvoting
2nd Vice-Chair
Ivan Cicla | CIBC
Treasurer
Treasurer
2nd Vice-Chair
Miguel Maldonado | Town Bank
Director
Treasurer
Director
Bobby Warren | Meijer
Director
Treasurer
Director
Jeff Musa | People State Bank
Director
Director
Director
Vincent Rice | Summit Credit Union
Director
Director
Director
Ric Ybarra | Maximus
Loan Committee
Loan Committee
Loan Committee
Loan Committee
Sue Eick | MEDC
Loan Committee
Loan Committee
Loan Committee
Kermiath McClendon | Greater Milwaukee Foundation
Loan Committee
Loan Committee
Loan Committee
Seyoum Mengesha | WEDC
About our President/CEO
Dr. Nelson Soler
Dr. Nelson Soler is a renowned Milwaukee-based entrepreneur, educator, and community advocate. Born into a mixed-race family in Puerto Rico and raised in poverty, he has built his life mission around empowering others to pursue their entrepreneurial and professional dreams through culturally relevant strategies and inclusive leadership.
A visionary leader, Dr. Soler has founded five organizations—two for-profit and three nonprofit—dedicated to entrepreneurship, workforce development, and equitable economic growth. His impact spans nationally, having supported the formation of more than 6,200 enterprises across Wisconsin and providing culturally tailored technical assistance to diverse entrepreneurial communities throughout the United States.
In 2017, he founded the Latino Chamber of Commerce of Southeastern Wisconsin, where he currently serves as President & CEO. Under his leadership, the Chamber has emerged as a regional powerhouse in microlending and capacity building, distributing over $2.1 million in loans, grants, and technical assistance to vulnerable businesses. Today, the organization serves over 400 enterprises annually, supports job creation and retention, and delivers more than 960 hours of training to over 500 entrepreneurs.
Dr. Soler’s academic credentials are extensive. He holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Electrical Engineering and Economics from the State University of New York at Buffalo; a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in International Business and Marketing from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee; and a Ph.D. in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service from Cardinal Stritch University. He is also a certified Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP), an Enrolled Agent (EA) licensed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and a certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor.
His exceptional leadership and community impact have earned him numerous accolades, including the U.S. Small Business Administration Wisconsin Award (2007), Region 4 Chamber Executive of the Year from the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (2009), UMOS Hispanic Man of the Year (2011), and the Community Business Development Award from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (2018).
In 2025, Dr. Soler was named a Wisconsin Titan 100, recognizing him as one of the state’s most accomplished CEOs and C-level executives for his visionary leadership, innovation, and influence.
Through his unwavering commitment to equity, entrepreneurship, and empowerment, Dr. Nelson Soler continues to serve as a catalyst for inclusive economic development, uplifting underserved communities and advancing prosperity across the nation.
Our Team
President/CEO
Engagement Coordinator - Marketing and Client Services
Program Coordinator - Alternative Workforce Solutions
Nelson Soler
Program Coordinator - Alternative Workforce Solutions
Engagement Coordinator - Marketing and Client Services
Program Coordinator - Alternative Workforce Solutions
Yusuf A. Buckley Sr.
Engagement Coordinator - Marketing and Client Services
Engagement Coordinator - Marketing and Client Services
Engagement Coordinator - Marketing and Client Services
Engagement Coordinator - Loans
Engagement Coordinator - Loans
Engagement Coordinator - Marketing and Client Services
Engagement Coordinator
Engagement Coordinator - Loans
Engagement Coordinator
Axsel Ortega
Email: axsel@latinochambersew.org