Q: What most notably stands out about your leadership style or what is an example of leadership success you can share with our readers?
I have been described as a servant leader and I consider my team to be my internal customers. I am charged with empowering them and enabling them to do their best work. It is a small but mighty team stretching a $3-million budget to make a $200-million impact in Arizona’s economy. I could not be prouder than to serve with these remarkable colleagues.
What impact has COVID-19 or the disruptions of the past 18 months had on you as a leader?
During the pandemic, we all had to level up! It was a time to bear down and hold the line. We delivered $200,000 in micro-grants to our members and retained our entire staff without layoffs, furloughs or salary reductions. The pandemic stretched our capacity but I knew that if we could not deliver for our members when they needed us most, then we might as well close our doors. We found the resources that minority-owned businesses needed desperately to stay open and pivot their strategy, if necessary.
What do you feel we can be doing as a business community to empower economic growth here?
Small businesses need us now more than ever to help start, grow and scale. They are the backbone of Arizona’s economy, and our organization works to provide access to contracts, access to financing and job creation. Currently, Arizona is a race- and gender-neutral state with regard to small business certifications. Diversity nurtures innovation, and providing opportunities for minority-owned businesses to compete will contribute to our state’s economy.
What is new and notable for your company’s near future that will impact our economy?
For nearly three quarters of a century, the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has served the state’s small businesses. What’s next? Another 75 years of economic development, market intelligence, capacity building, advocacy and education for our future leaders. We can be the blueprint for other state economies through support of small businesses … that become successful BIG businesses!
Name of Leader: Mónica Villalobos
Position of Leader: President & CEO
Organization Name: Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
No. of Years with Organization: 10
Main Local Office Address: 1020 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85014
Phone: (602) 279-1800
Website: azhcc.com
Number of offices in Greater Phoenix: 2
Year Established Locally: 1948
City Nationally Headquartered: Phoenix
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