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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.
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 - Miguel Marin
My Story - Elia Reyes
My Story - Ariana Palmer
Miguel Angel Marin Ponce is a fourth-year student at the University of Arkansas Sam M. Walton College of Business, where he is pursuing a bachelor's degree in International Business with a concentration in Finance.
Miguel is originally from Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico, but his family moved to Springdale, AR when he was 12 years old.
Miguel has always strived to be an involved student, joining multiple organizations such as the Associated Student Government Office of Financial Affairs, Leadership Walton, SOOIE, and Walton Honors Executive Board, among others.
Elia Reyes is originally from Durango, Mexico, but grew up primarily in Chihuahua. Elia moved to Arkansas in 2001, where she began a nutrition program (EFNP) with the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. After working with EFNP for more than 15 years, Elia opened her Aromatherapy and Nutrition business called ‘Bella Massages.’
Our president likes to help her community by volunteering at the local radio station, her parish, and in various support groups.She enjoys reading, walking, and spending time with her grandchildren and five children in her spare time.
For Elia, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion is essential, as she believes everyone should be respected and have a sense of belonging in our community. She firmly believes in the importance of people having the same opportunities in all aspects of their lives.
My Story - Celina Bustamante
Celina is an American of Mexican origin, born in Washington and raised in Guerrero, Mexico. She is the first generation in her family to go to college! She has lived in Springdale, AR, since 2005.
Her first job was at the age of 16 as a cashier at Lokomotion, and at age 22, she decided to start her own business, C-1 Tax Services LLC. Celina has the excellent opportunity to help the Hispanic community daily, where she is fortunate to help, explain, and provide information in the accounting area.
Celina tells us that she enjoys being part of Conexión de Negocios Latinos since they have the opportunity to meet enterprising and hard-working people.
My Story - Eddie Ramos
Eddie moved from Chihuahua, Mexico, to Arkansas with his family when he was only ten years old. Not knowing English, he entered the Springdale school district, where he currently serves as one of its principals.
His good school performance led him to study at the University of Arkansas, where he graduated in 2008 and earned a degree in Business Administration.
He currently works at Armstrong Bank as the Vice President of Banking Relations. Eddie lives in Springdale with his wife and children. He loves the community and looks forward to raising his children in the area.
His background in finance and business administration leads him to understand and help business owners with the challenges they face every day.
We are always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.