Our Team/Nuestro Equipo

Founding Executive Director: Dr. Nelson Soler - PhD, MBA, MS, EDFP, Enrolled Agent, QuickBooks Pro

Dr. Nelson Soler is a renowned Milwaukee-based entrepreneur, educator, and community advocate. Born into a mixed-race family in Puerto Rico and raised in poverty, he has built his life mission around empowering others to pursue their entrepreneurial and professional dreams through culturally relevant strategies and inclusive leadership.

A visionary leader, Dr. Soler has founded five organizations—two for-profit and three nonprofit—dedicated to entrepreneurship, workforce development, and equitable economic growth. His impact spans nationally, having supported the formation of more than 6,200 enterprises across Wisconsin and providing culturally tailored technical assistance to diverse entrepreneurial communities throughout the United States.

In 2017, he founded the Latino Chamber of Commerce of Southeastern Wisconsin, where he currently serves as President & CEO. Under his leadership, the Chamber has emerged as a regional powerhouse in microlending and capacity building, distributing over $2.1 million in loans, grants, and technical assistance to vulnerable businesses. Today, the organization serves over 400 enterprises annually, supports job creation and retention, and delivers more than 960 hours of training to over 500 entrepreneurs.

Dr. Soler’s academic credentials are extensive. He holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Electrical Engineering and Economics from the State University of New York at Buffalo; a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in International Business and Marketing from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee; and a Ph.D. in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service from Cardinal Stritch University. He is also a certified Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP), an Enrolled Agent (EA) licensed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and a certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor.

His exceptional leadership and community impact have earned him numerous accolades, including the U.S. Small Business Administration Wisconsin Award (2007), Region 4 Chamber Executive of the Year from the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (2009), UMOS Hispanic Man of the Year (2011), and the Community Business Development Award from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (2018).

In 2025, Dr. Soler was named a Wisconsin Titan 100, recognizing him as one of the state’s most accomplished CEOs and C-level executives for his visionary leadership, innovation, and influence.

Through his unwavering commitment to equity, entrepreneurship, and empowerment, Dr. Nelson Soler continues to serve as a catalyst for inclusive economic development—uplifting underserved communities and advancing prosperity across the nation.

Empowerment Manager: Marlene Andrade

Marlene immigrated to the United States at the age of 16, overcoming the challenges of adapting to a new culture and learning a second language. Her journey inspired a lifelong commitment to serving the Spanish-speaking community, using her bilingual skills to help others navigate the barriers she once faced.

With extensive experience in the nonprofit sector, Marlene has led and supported programs focused on housing stability, rental assistance, food access, and homelessness prevention. She is passionate about connecting underserved individuals and families with the resources they need to thrive.

Marlene has completed numerous professional trainings, including DCF Civil Rights Compliance, Basic Life Support (CPR and AED), ServSafe Food Handler, HIPAA Basics, Harm Reduction, SAMHSA HHRC (Serious Mental Illness and Homelessness), and the Wisconsin Child Welfare Professional Development System. These certifications demonstrate her dedication to providing service with empathy, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity.

Outside of work, Marlene is dedicated to animal welfare and often rescues and cares for stray animals. She also co-founded a family baking business, "Postres y Comida Mary," with her mother and husband. Her work and life are guided by the values passed down from her grandmother: lead with kindness, listen with empathy, and treat others as you wish to be treated.

Marlene continues to be a compassionate advocate and community leader, uplifting voices that too often go unheard.

marlene@latinoentrepreneurialnetwork.org

414-233-0773

Empowerment Manager – Partnerships: Eileen Figueroa

Eileen is a dedicated and results-driven bilingual professional with over 13 years of experience in care coordination, volunteer leadership, community organizing, and outreach. A passionate advocate for underserved communities, she excels in designing innovative programs and optimizing service processes to enhance client satisfaction and community engagement.

A proud Milwaukee native, Eileen brings a dynamic blend of technical proficiency and interpersonal expertise to her work. She is recognized for her ability to cultivate supportive environments, streamline operations, and facilitate resource connections that yield lasting community impact. Her experience encompasses effective scheduling, personnel dispatch, inventory management, and service coordination, all designed to enhance performance and client outcomes.

In December 2024, Eileen was honored with the Bridge Builder Award by Milwaukee County’s Birth to Three program. The award recognized her outstanding ability to forge meaningful partnerships between organizations, families, and community resources in support of early childhood development.

Beyond her professional achievements, Eileen has been a dedicated volunteer with Mexican Fiesta since 2011. She also serves as a founding board member and National Treasurer of Forward Latino, where she contributes her leadership to advancing equity and empowerment on a national level.

Eileen’s philosophy is rooted in empowerment: "As a leader, I enable and empower individuals to believe in their potential. I am driven by a belief in personal and professional success achieved through service, compassion, and continuous growth."

Her commitment to service, advocacy, and community well-being continues to shape a brighter future for the families and neighborhoods she serves.gh passion, hard work, love, care, and collaborative efforts.” - Eileen Figueroa

eileen@latinoentrepreneurialnetwork.org

Internal Accountant and Client Services Coordinator: John Gonzalez

John was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is a proud graduate of Milwaukee School of Languages. In Fall 2024, he will begin his academic journey at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee as a Panther, pursuing a dual focus in Accounting and Spanish. His long-term goal is to earn his CPA credentials after completing a Master's in Accounting, aligning his academic pursuits with a deep commitment to professional excellence.

A driven and goal-oriented student, John has earned multiple college scholarships in recognition of his academic achievements and dedication. During high school, he excelled in Advanced Placement coursework and was awarded the AP Scholar with Honors distinction. He was also an active participant in student life, contributing to school culture through involvement in the chess club, e-sports club, and the National Honor Society.

Beyond academics, John is deeply committed to community service. He has completed over 40 hours of volunteer work in neighborhoods surrounding his school, demonstrating his passion for giving back and strengthening the community.

John’s fascination with accounting goes beyond numbers—he sees it as a tool for empowerment. With a vision of one day opening his own accounting firm, he aspires to serve his community and help others achieve financial stability. His pride in this goal fuels his motivation to continue learning and growing both personally and professionally.

John@latinoentrepreneurialnetwork.org

(414) 888-2270 or (414)-249-4155

Client Services Coordinator: Joell Aguirre Monge

Joell is a dedicated senior at St. Augustine Preparatory Academy, preparing to begin their next chapter as an Electrical Engineering major at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Joell holds a deep connection to their community and takes pride in their local roots. Throughout high school, they have built a well-rounded foundation, balancing academic excellence with athletic achievement and community involvement.

A passionate and disciplined athlete, Joell has participated in soccer, track and field, and mixed martial arts. These experiences have helped develop their teamwork, perseverance, and mental resilience—qualities that will support their success in both college and career.

Beyond athletics, Joell is committed to giving back. For the past two years, they have volunteered at Our Lady of Guadalupe/St. Patrick’s, contributing to various community outreach efforts. This commitment to service reflects their core values of compassion, empathy, and leadership through action.

While Joell is pursuing a degree in electrical engineering, they remain curious and open to exploring a range of future career paths that align with their evolving interests and strengths. Grounded in hard work, service, and personal growth, Joell is well-positioned to thrive as they embark on their journey at UWM and beyond.

Joell@latinoentrepreneurialnetwork.org