CHICAGO WELCOMES

En Español

SATURDAY MARCH 22ND 2025

SECURE YOUR SEAT

LatinTalks, founded by Peter O. Estévez, is often referred to as the “Ted Talks for the Latin community.” LatinTalks is a series of talks and conversations featuring local Latin leaders who share their answers and solutions to the challenges and adversities they have once faced. Our mission is to inspire, educate, transform, and empower the Latino community while helping to break cycles of dysfunction, poverty, and illiteracy.

Since 2019, our multi-city tour has visited over 150 cities, including Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, El Paso, New York, Miami, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

With over 1,500 speakers and 65,000 attendees, we have positively impacted over 100,000 families.

After a successful five-year run, and due to popular demand, this year we are proudly introducing LatinTalks en Español in select cities across the United States. We are thrilled to announce that Telemundo, a national collaborative partner of LatinTalks, has joined us in this new chapter to help expand our mission on a nationwide scale. Telemundo’s involvement represents a major step forward in amplifying the voices of Latino leaders across the country.

MEET OUR SPEAKERS

ALFONSO GUTIÉRREZ – NEWS ANCHOR & CONSUMER INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER | OFFICIAL EMCEE

Alfonso Gutiérrez is a news anchor for Telemundo Chicago’s weekday newscast at 10 p.m. and a Consumer Investigative Reporter for Telemundo Chicago Responde. As part of the Telemundo Chicago news team, Gutiérrez covers breaking news and stories of utmost importance for Spanish-speaking viewers in the Chicago area. Before joining Telemundo Chicago, Gutiérrez worked as a news reporter and anchor for morning news breaks at Telemundo 25 Denver/KDEN in 2006. He also served as a producer and host of a radio show on 89.3 FM-WHFR in Detroit, Michigan, the only Spanish-language radio program in the local area. Gutiérrez has received multiple Emmy Awards for his journalistic work, including a series of special investigations for Telemundo Chicago. Additionally, he has been honored with more than 20 Emmy nominations for his contributions both on and off camera. Gutiérrez began his college career at Henry Ford College in Michigan and earned his bachelor’s degree in film and video production from Columbia College Chicago. Born in San Ignacio Cerro Gordo, Jalisco, Mexico, Gutiérrez is a strong advocate for youth success, inspiring young students to become future leaders. For many years, he has actively supported The Necahual Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children and adolescents in vulnerable situations by providing education and cultural resources.

SALLY RAMIREZ , SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, NEWS – NBC 5 CHICAGO / TELEMUNDO CHICAGO

With over 30 years in broadcast journalism, Sally Ramirez returned to Chicago in 2023 to lead and restructure the newsrooms at NBC 5 Chicago (WMAQ-TV) and Telemundo Chicago (WSNS-TV). Previously, she served as Executive Producer for CNBC’s The News with Shepard Smith, where she expanded viewership and integrated content from all NBCUniversal platforms. As Executive News Director at KHOU-TV in Houston (2016-2020), she transformed newsroom culture and led the station’s relocation after Hurricane Harvey. Ramirez also held leadership roles at KGW-TV in Portland and WGN-TV in Chicago. A first-generation Mexican-American from Bridgeport, she holds a communications degree from DePaul University and has earned multiple industry accolades, including five Edward R. Murrow Awards, four Emmy Awards, and the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award.

JAMES RAMOS – DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVANT

James Ramos is the Deputy City Treasurer of Chicago, overseeing the city’s $11 billion investment portfolio, financial empowerment initiatives, communications, and daily operations. With over 20 years in government, he has led transformative initiatives impacting hundreds of thousands across Chicago and the U.S. His past roles include Chief of Staff for Chicago’s 21st Ward, Associate Director of Community & Government Relations at City Colleges of Chicago, Deputy Director of Communications for Cook County, and Training Officer for the Chicago Police Department, where he helped develop nationally recognized crime reduction programs.

MARIA CASTRO – COMMUNITY INVESTMENT LEADER & PHILANTHROPIST

In 2005, Maria joined the community investment team at Comcast, where she helps identify, implement, and manage programs that deliver social and business value to nonprofit organizations and communities. Comcast is known for achieving social impact through innovative employee engagement, strong community partnerships, and CSR/DE&I initiatives, including foundation grant giving, volunteer opportunities, and sponsorships of local community events. She is also the Founder & CEO of Inspiration of #LovePurse, a nonprofit dedicated to “putting love on the shoulders of women in need, one #LovePurse at a time.” Since March 2021, the organization has collected and gifted over 17,000 purses globally. Maria believes that sharing your Tx3—#TimeTalentsTreasures is not optional; it’s a responsibility in life.

JAIME DI PAULO – PRESIDENT & CEO, ILLINOIS HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Jaime di Paulo, President & CEO of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (IHCC), has led initiatives driving Latino business growth since 2019. Under his leadership, IHCC has created over 18,000 jobs, secured $88.1 million in small business funding, and formed key partnerships, including with UNAM and the Black Chamber of Commerce. He has championed programs like the LATINX Incubator and testified before Congress on small business advocacy. Recognized as a top Latino leader, he previously led the Little Village Chamber of Commerce and held leadership roles in Hispanic chambers in Oklahoma and Mexico.

JENNIFER AGUILAR – EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LITTLE VILLAGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Jennifer Aguilar is the Executive Director of the Little Village Chamber of Commerce, where she leads initiatives to support small businesses, drive economic growth, and celebrate the community’s cultural heritage. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and history, a master’s in public policy, and a certification in nonprofit strategic writing from DePaul University. With over a decade of experience in nonprofit management, marketing, and strategic planning, Jennifer is dedicated to fostering opportunities for entrepreneurs and advocating for Little Village. She also serves on the Illinois Transplant Fund board, furthering her commitment to community impact.

REY B. GONZALEZ – PRESIDENT, EL VALOR

Rey B. Gonzalez has served as President of El Valor since 2013 after 32 years as board chairman. Previously, he was Vice President of Legislative and Community Affairs at ComEd, managing relationships with legislators and community organizations, and Vice President of Diversity at McDonald’s, overseeing external diversity partnerships. He is the co-founder of the U.S. Hispanic Leadership Institute and an active member of the Little Village Rotary Club and the Chicago Human Rights Commission. Dedicated to community service and advocacy, Rey and his wife, Hilda, are proud parents of four children.

MARIE DELEANOS – FOUNDER & PRESIDENT, DELEANOS FINANCIAL

Marie DeLeanos is the Founder and President of DeLeanos Financial and has been working in the finance and life insurance industry for over fourteen years. She is dedicated to serving communities both nationally and internationally. Throughout her journey as an entrepreneur, she has brought financial literacy to the public through a previous TV segment on Telemundo, hosting her own radio show, and becoming an author, where she shared her story alongside other successful women entrepreneurs. Most importantly, Marie is a divorced mother of three—Sean, Kenia, and Tania—who have been her biggest inspiration to continue bringing financial knowledge into the homes of her community.

MILENA TOUS – MULTICULTURAL MARKETING LEADER & COMMUNITY ADVOCATE

With over 25 years in marketing and community relations, Milena is a leader in multicultural marketing, driving impactful campaigns for Fortune 500 companies. As a Senior Account Manager for Coca-Cola’s Hispanic Market, she led a program that boosted sales by 12% annually for five years. She also directed public relations and fundraising at Casa Central, managing a $20 million budget and securing corporate sponsorships. As the founder of Multi Latino Marketing, she has driven consistent growth, leading innovative campaigns for brands like Verizon, Sinai Chicago, and Humboldt Park Health. A champion for diversity, she has spearheaded major Hispanic heritage initiatives and serves on the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce board, actively supporting Latino business and community development.

NISAAC ROSARIO – LEAD PASTOR & MINISTRY LEADER

With over 30 years in ministry, Pastor Nisaac Rosario leads Maranatha The House of God in Chicago. His global impact spans youth movements, international media, and music outreach. He has empowered over 250,000 young people through hands-on leadership, mentorship, and faith-based initiatives, continuing his legacy of transformation and community impact.

BERENICE TENORIO – ENTREPRENEUR & FOOD INDUSTRY LEADER

Berenice Tenorio is the Founder & President of Nuestra Cocina, a nationally recognized Hispanic food brand in over 3,000 U.S. stores. She blends her passion for Mexican gastronomy with sustainable business practices, earning industry awards and global recognition while empowering women through entrepreneurship and community-based impact.

DANIEL CRUZ – PASTOR, ENTREPRENEUR & COMMUNITY LEADER

Daniel Cruz has over 34 years of ministry and business leadership. As a pastor, speaker, and CEO of multiple companies, he champions faith, entrepreneurship, and Latino empowerment across Chicagoland. His work bridges church and marketplace to create lasting community and generational impact.

JENNIFER CRUZ – SPEAKER, AUTHOR & PHILANTHROPIST

Jennifer Cruz is a dynamic speaker, author, and founder of The Warriors Academy, mentoring women and girls affected by gender-based violence. A former Mrs. Illinois United States, she co-pastors in Chicago and leads businesses that support missions, using her voice to inspire purpose, healing, and resilience.

MAURICIO GARCIA – ENTREPRENEUR & FINANCIAL STRATEGIST

Mauricio Garcia is an entrepreneur and financial strategist with over 24 years of experience in finance. He is dedicated to helping individuals and businesses achieve financial freedom by combining traditional financial principles with innovative, tech-driven strategies. His expertise includes wealth management, investment planning, and leveraging communication skills to maximize income opportunities. Passionate about financial education, Mauricio empowers others to take control of their financial future through strategic planning and smart decision-making.

PETER O. ESTÉVEZ – ENTREPRENEUR, PHILANTHROPIST & SPEAKER

Peter O. Estévez is a Mexican-American entrepreneur, philanthropist, author, and motivational speaker. Born in Mexico City and migrating to the United States at age 10, he has built a successful career in the energy, gas, and oil sectors in Mexico. He is the founder of LatinTalks, a traveling series of talks and conversations known as the “TED Talks for the Latin community,” designed to inspire, educate, transform, and empower Latinos. He is also the host of The Peter O. Estévez Show, a top-rated podcast featuring thought leaders and influencers discussing personal development, recovery, mental health, and empowerment. Additionally, he is the author of the upcoming book From Lies To Riches, where he shares insights on breaking dysfunctional cycles and achieving success.