Economic Mobility: Lessons from the Hispanic Youth Chamber of Commerce
When we talk about the future of Riverside, we aren't just talking about roads and buildings; we are talking about the people who will run our local economy. As a member of the Leadership Team for The Orange County Hispanic Youth Chamber of Commerce (OCHYCC), I spent years working at the intersection of entrepreneurship, education, and community advocacy.
I’ve seen firsthand how a structured, professional environment can transform a young person’s idea of community into a thriving, high-wage career. Now, I want to take what was used in the OCHYCC and build a similar engine for prosperity right here in Riverside.
Building a "Professional Lab" for our Youth
The OCHYCC is more than just a networking group—it is a training ground for the next generation of Latino executives and business owners. Being on the leadership team allowed me to apply my CFO mindset to ensure our programs were fiscally sustainable and my Engineer’s discipline to ensure our strategy was results-oriented.
Key Benefits of the Program:
Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship: Teaching young professionals how to build a business plan, manage a budget, and understand the "pro-forma" of a startup.
Capital Networking: Connecting high-potential youth with established business owners, investors, and civic leaders.
Civic Engagement: Training our members to be Representatives in their own right—advocating for policies that support small businesses and local growth.
How the Community Wins
When we invest in a Youth Chamber, the entire community sees a Return on Investment (ROI).
Homegrown Jobs: By supporting young entrepreneurs, we ensure that the next great Riverside company starts right here in Riverside.
Economic Resilience: A community with a high rate of local business ownership is better equipped to handle economic shifts.
The "Stroller Test" Success: Thriving local businesses mean safer streets, better-lit storefronts, and a stronger tax base.
My Vision: The Riverside Youth Business Initiative
The challenges in neighborhoods like Arlanza and La Sierra Hills require modern solutions. We have the talent, but we often lack the "professional infrastructure" to connect that talent to the economy.
In my first term, I want to bring the OCHYCC model to Riverside by:
Launching the Riverside Youth Business Council: A formal partnership between City Hall and local high schools/colleges to provide mentorship from Riverside’s leading engineers, CFOs, and business owners.
Creating "Micro-Grant" Pathways: Using my background in philanthropy to create small-scale capital opportunities for young Riverside entrepreneurs to launch their first ventures.
Bridging the Education Gap: Working with the National Latina Business Women’s Association and other groups I’ve partnered with to ensure our youth have a "seat at the table" in city development decisions.
Accountability Leads to Opportunity
Whether I’m auditing a medical device or leading a Youth Chamber, my goal is always the same: Systemic Success. I’m not interested in "one-off" programs; I’m interested in building a sustainable system where our youth don't just find jobs—they create them.
I learned how to build that system with the OCHYCC, and I’m ready to support a more prosperous future for every family in Riverside.
