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 other minority 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 Business Development in the 8 County Region (Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington, Walworth, & Sheboygan)
Model: Collaborative leveraging existing organizations and systems
Core Values: Diversity and Inclusion Ethics and Integrity Transparency Collaborative Approach Invest in our Communities
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 with the goal of building the First Certifed Development Financial Institution for Southeastern Wisconsin with a focus on Latino and Emerging enterprises.
Programming & Services
- Mas Fuertes Bilingual Business Relief and Recovery Program
- Cash Flow Technical Assistance Program
- Computer Literacy Empowerment Program - Google
- Strategic Networking and Marketing with focus on Supplier Diversity Programs
- Advocacy
- Latino Economic Unsummit
- Microlending
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
Fred Johnson | Erie Insurance
Director
Director
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
Loan Committee
Loan Committee
Loan Committee
Margaret Capper | North Shore Bank
About our President/CEO
Dr. Nelson Soler
Dr. Nelson Soler, Ph.D., MBA, MS, EA, EDFP, is a distinguished entrepreneur and community leader based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Born into poverty in Puerto Rico to a mixed-race family, Dr. Soler has dedicated his career to inspiring and empowering professionals and entrepreneurs to pursue their aspirations.
Throughout his career, Dr. Soler has founded multiple organizations, including two for-profit and three non-profit entities, all aimed at fostering economic empowerment and entrepreneurial success. He has played a pivotal role in facilitating the formation of over 6,200 enterprises in Wisconsin and has extended his support to entrepreneurs in Latin America, Ethiopia, Turkey, and Burma through culturally relevant approaches.
In 2017, Dr. Soler established the Latino Chamber of Commerce of Southeastern Wisconsin, where he serves as President and CEO. Under his leadership, the chamber has become a regional leader in microlending, distributing over $2.1 million in loans, grants, and technical assistance services to hundreds of at-risk enterprises. The organization now serves over 400 enterprises annually and sustains five jobs, delivering 960 hours of technical assistance and training to more than 500 businesses, thereby empowering entrepreneurs with the skills they need to succeed.
Dr. Soler’s educational background is extensive, including a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He also holds a Master of Business Administration and a Master of International Business and Marketing from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, as well as a Ph.D. in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service from Cardinal Stritch University. Additionally, he possesses certifications as an Economic Development Financial Professional, Enrolled Agent by the US Department of Treasury, and QuickBooks ProAdvisor.
Dr. Soler’s contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including the United States Small Business Administration Award for Wisconsin in 2007, Chamber Executive of the Year for Region 4 by the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in 2009, UMOS Hispanic Man of the Year in 2011, and the Community Business Development Award by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation in 2018. In 2025, he was honored as a Titan 100, recognizing his status as a top CEO and C-level executive.
Through his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to economic empowerment, Dr. Nelson Soler continues to be a catalyst for positive change, fostering growth and development within the Latino community and beyond.
Our Team
President/CEO
Director of Engagement
Director of Engagement
Nelson Soler
Director of Engagement
Director of Engagement
Director of Engagement
Ben Morales
Empowerment Manager
Director of Engagement
Empowerment Manager
Eileen Figueroa
Program Coordinator
Engagement Coordinator - Loans
Empowerment Manager
Yusuf A. Buckley Sr.
Marketing and Client Services
Engagement Coordinator - Loans
Engagement Coordinator - Loans
Engagement Coordinator - Loans
Engagement Coordinator - Loans
Engagement Coordinator - Loans