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MBN USA

May 16, 2022

USHCC: Board appointees represent America’s growing economic power

The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) recently announced the appointment of Rosa Navejar, president of The Rios Group Inc; Robert Martinez, founder and CEO of the Braven Agency; and Silvestre "Sil" Gonzales, CEO of Ford of Ventura, California; to the USHCC national board of directors. These three outstanding entrepreneurs bring years of experience serving the Hispanic community and look to strengthen their advocacy for America’s Latino-owned businesses.

“The USHCC board of directors is extremely proud to welcome Rosa, Robert and Sil to the Chamber’s expanding presence and impact nationally. Through these three business leaders, we are enriching our expertise and industry diversity to better serve America’s expanding economic future which is fueled by small business owners,” said Alice Rodriguez, USHCC chairwoman of the board of directors. “These three great entrepreneurs carry with them a dynamic entrepreneurial spirit and unique experience developed through years of economic success creating jobs and supporting their local communities. They will support our nation’s 5 million Hispanic-owned businesses and their needs.”

In 2012, Navejar founded The Rios Group after 25 years in banking and 11 years as president of the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Her company provides its HereHER clients strategic development and operational professional services. In keeping with the mission of TRG, Navejar emphasizes the importance of continuous training and professional development for its employees, an outlook she will bring to the Board.

Martinez is the founder and CEO of Braven Agency, a digital marketing agency focused on scaling small and minority-owned businesses. He uses his keen understanding of small businesses to train diverse organizations on how to use digital tech tools to grow their business. In 2020, he was appointed by the mayor of Los Angeles as the city’s entrepreneur in residence, and he continues to partner with governments, city officials, chambers, nonprofits and accelerators to bridge the digital divide.

Gonzales is the founder and principal of Ford of Ventura, California. Bringing more than 40 years of experience across public and private sectors, He is known as an innovative leader and strong advocate for the Hispanic automotive industry community. He has served on the board of directors for the Daimler Chrysler Minority Association and the Ford Minority Dealers Association, always ensuring Hispanic voices are at the decision-making table.

USHCC board of directors is comprised of leaders from USHCC Chambers of Commerce, Hispanic business enterprises and corporate partner members. Navejar, Martinez and Gonzales will each serve a three-year term, with the potential to serve an additional term.

“We are very excited to welcome three more brilliant leaders to the USHCC board of directors. Their commitment to bettering the Hispanic business community makes them ideal partners to ensure Hispanic voices are heard throughout America’s diverse business community,” said Ramiro A. Cavazos, USHCC president and CEO.

For a full list of the USHCC board of directors, visit the USHCC website. For a full list of the USHCC Educational Fund board of directors, visit the USHCC Educational Fund website.