Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15th to October 15th every year to honor Hispanic and Latinx culture and recognize Hispanic Americans' significant contributions. The Hispanic American community constitutes 18.7% of the U.S. population and oversees over 5 million Hispanic-owned businesses, contributing more than $800 billion to the economy annually (Joint Economic Committee). These statistics only scratch the surface of Hispanic Americans' profound influence on our culture and country's growth.
Mill Cities Community Investments (MCCI) and Foundation for Business Equity (FBE) are proud to support and uplift Latinx small business owners and entrepreneurs. During this month, we spotlight a few of our many remarkable Hispanic business owners and encourage you to celebrate and support their companies. Together, let us celebrate Hispanic and Latinx cultures and honor the entrepreneurial spirit that enriches our nation.
Click on the business names below to learn more about their stories.
Arka HR Solutions
Arka HR Solutions, a BEI graduate, is a bilingual, multi-cultural, and women-owned HR company that offers dedicated and cost-effective solutions to the operational challenges faced by organizations. Co-founded by Marcela Aldaz-Matos and Andreiná Viera Silva, Arka helps organizations optimize HR practices by connecting business objectives to talent strategy.
Co-founder and CEO Marcela Aldaz-Mato is a business executive who manages numerous U.S. and international teams in the financial services and healthcare industries. Marcela specializes in implementing transformative human capital initiatives designed to advance core business strategies. In 2021, Marcela was named one of the Top 50 Most Powerful Latinas in the US, and she was recently included on Amplify Latinx’s 100 List.
Co-founder and President Andreiná Viera Silva is a serial entrepreneur committed to creating solutions for companies and enabling growth in professional environments. With two decades of leadership experience, Andreiná has managed infrastructure operations for Fortune 500 corporations and higher education institutions. Andreiná is also the founder of a non-profit, Boss Lady, which empowers growth in disadvantaged communities and creates opportunities for women of color.
"Allow me to share what ignited the inception of Arka HR," Andreiná told MCCI. "My unwavering focus on people. My inspiration roots itself in the businesses we support and, most importantly, the individuals within them. When I reflect upon the diverse array of businesses that we collaborate with, my perspective extends beyond the mere workforce. It encompasses the employees, their families, and the ripple effect of economic growth that resonates through Arka's contributions."
Joy Empanadas
RJ Installations
Synergy Contracting
Waku