SPEAKERS

Arturo & Miriam Rivera

SPEAKERS

George Foster, Rosalia Zarate, Marlene Orozco

SPEAKERS

President Jonathan Levin & Carolina Jannicelli

SPEAKERS

Jennifer Garcia

SPEAKERS
Jose Pinero, Miriam Rivera, Eli Oftedal, Marlene Orozco

The venture capital landscape is undergoing a significant reset, reshaping how capital is deployed, evaluated, and scaled. This panel will explore current venture funding trends, shifts in investor behavior, and what the data reveals about who is getting funded. Panelists will unpack how risk, valuation, and growth expectations have shifted, what investors are prioritizing in early and growth-stage companies, and how founders can adapt their strategies accordingly. The discussion will offer clarity on the structural dynamics shaping venture today and provide actionable insights for entrepreneurs seeking to raise and deploy capital more effectively.

SPEAKERS
Allison Kelley, Martha Hernandez, Luis Gonzalez

For many entrepreneurs, CDFIs play a critical role in providing early access to capital. As businesses grow, however, transitioning to traditional bank financing becomes an important next step for scaling operations, increasing loan capacity, and lowering the cost of capital. This panel will explore how founders can successfully navigate that transition.
Panelists will discuss what banks look for as businesses mature, how to prepare financially and operationally for bank financing, and how to leverage early CDFI relationships to become “bank-ready.” Attendees will gain practical insights into strengthening financials, improving credit profiles, and building the relationships needed to move along the capital continuum with confidence.

SPEAKERS
Andy Tang, Ahmad Thomas, Valentina Ratner, Yusuf Kazi

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how companies are built, funded, and scaled. From venture capital to enterprise adoption, AI is redefining competitive advantage and unlocking new pathways to growth. Panelists will unpack how capital is flowing into AI, what investors are truly looking for, how founders are navigating rapid innovation cycles, and how financial institutions are adapting to support AI-driven growth.

SPEAKERS
Pepe Estrada, Tina Castaneda, Ivan Brenton, Oscar Ledezma

Breaking into large retail requires more than a great product. This panel will demystify what it really takes to become “retail ready,” from understanding how large retailers evaluate suppliers to navigating the application and contracting process. Panelists will cover how to position your company, prepare your operations, navigate procurement requirements, and avoid common pitfalls that can stall or derail promising opportunities. Whether you are just beginning to explore retail partnerships or actively pursuing large contracts, this session will provide practical insights, real-world examples, and clear next steps to help you compete—and win—at scale.

SPEAKERS
Collin Wallace, Jenny Flores, Nykole Prevost, Travis Patton

Venture investing has entered a more selective era—where access to capital depends less on momentum and more on clarity, traction, and strategic positioning. Panelists will discuss how investors are underwriting risk in 2026, how expectations around growth and profitability have evolved, and where real opportunity exists despite a more disciplined market. The session will also unpack how emerging technologies, sector specialization, and market timing influence funding decisions.

SPEAKERS
Shana Peterson-Sheptak, Hector Arroyo, Adrian Sierra, Steve Hall

Cash flow, not just revenue, is what determines whether a business can truly scale. Panelists will offer insights on structuring capital responsibly, tightening collections, managing risk, and creating systems that give owners clearer visibility into their cash position. Whether you are navigating growth, preparing for financing, or simply looking to operate more efficiently, this session will equip you with tools and perspectives to strengthen cash flow and scale with confidence.

SPEAKERS
Don Chen, Julian Castro, Joe Bui, Cheryl Campos

Philanthropy plays a powerful role in shaping who gets to start, grow, and scale a business, by filling gaps that traditional markets and financial systems often leave behind. Panelists will discuss how grants, program-related investments, research funding, and capacity-building initiatives can unlock access to capital, accelerate business growth, and strengthen entire entrepreneurial ecosystems. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how philanthropy can be leveraged as a strategic force to expand opportunity, drive innovation, and build a more inclusive economy.

SPEAKERS
Raquel Morales, Christian Felix, Karem Ospino, Chris Montes

Owning commercial real estate can be a powerful strategy for building long-term wealth and positioning a business for sustainable growth. This panel will explore how SBA loan programs create accessible pathways to commercial property ownership, including opportunities for up to 100% financing for commercial property. Panelists will break down the financial preparedness required to pursue ownership, the lending options available through SBA programs, and how business owners can assess readiness from both an operational and balance-sheet perspective. Attendees will gain practical insights into structuring deals, navigating the application process, and understanding how commercial real estate ownership can support broader growth and succession strategies.

Network in a relaxed and welcoming environment. A paid ticket is required.

Includes entrance to the Gala with hosted beer & wine during the reception and a full-course dinner with open seating.