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Our team
Our team in Conexión de Negocios Latinos are hard-working people who inspire others like them to reach their dreams and aspire for success. Each one of them has a unique story in which they have managed to overcome adversity and seek personal and professional growth.
My Story - Irma Chavez
Irma Chávez was born in El Salvador. She moved to Los Angeles, California, at 18, where she worked as a babysitter, housekeeper, and waitress.
Irma moved to Northwest Arkansas 13 years ago and began working with the Arkansas United @ARimmigrants as the Director of Operations, helping the community through advocacy.
Irma has lived in the United States for nearly 28 years and has achieved many successes, including her crowning achievement, Conexion de Negocios Latinos @CNLatinos, which was founded in 2016 as a networking group supporting Latino entrepreneurs!
Today she is our founder and CEO!
My Story - Mafe Nava
Mafe is originally from Mexico and finished her high school studies there. After high school, Mafe moved to Chicago and spent 12 years working there.
In 2010, she moved to Northwest Arkansas. Mafe has worked in restaurants as a waitress, grocery store cashier, and caring for the elderly. Each of these jobs has been 100% professional and always the best!
Before Conexion de Negocios Latinos became public, Mafe spent three years volunteering and helping our founder. In October of last year, thanks to her dedication and effort, she officially became part of the team as CNL Program Coordinator. Mafe is a person who is always willing to listen to the needs of others and help those in need.
My Story - Itzel Velazquez
Itzel is originally from Mexico and currently holds a master's degree in Higher Education from Loyola University Chicago and a bachelor's degree in International Studies and Political Science from the University of Central Arkansas.
Itzel is the Little Rock Business Consultant for Conexion de Negoicos Latinos, where she supports Latino entrepreneurs. She has worked for various non-profit organizations in Arkansas, focusing on educational equity and advocacy for immigrant rights. She previously served as the director of Replicate, an initiative of the City of Hope Outreach (CoHO), where she was responsible for the implementation, coordination, and logistical support of nonprofit organizations established and supported by CoHO.Itzel serves as a board member for the Women's Leadership Network and is a member of Create Little Rock.
My Story - Ariana Palmer
Ariana Palmer was born and raised in Peru. At the age of 18, she moved to Spain where she completed her higher studies and graduated as a graphic designer. In 2011 she came to Northwest Arkansas.In addition to working as a graphic designer, she has extensive experience in sales and social media management, as she has worked as a medical interpreter, translator and professional interpreter.
Ariana is happily married with three beautiful children who she adores. She likes spending time with her family, playing sports, traveling the world and learning new things.
Ariana joins Conexion de Negocios Latinos team as our Outreach Coordinator and is also the designer and editor of CNL La Revista.
My Story - Selina Felton
Irma Chávez was born in El Salvador. She moved to Los Angeles, California, at 18, where she worked as a babysitter, housekeeper, and waitress.
Irma moved to Northwest Arkansas 13 years ago and began working with the Arkansas United @ARimmigrants as the Director of Operations, helping the community through advocacy.
Irma has lived in the United States for nearly 28 years and has achieved many successes, including her crowning achievement, Conexion de Negocios Latinos @CNLatinos, which was founded in 2016 as a networking group supporting Latino entrepreneurs!
Today she is our founder and CEO!
We are always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.