Welcome to HOLA EMPRENDE DUVAL: Inspire Ideas, Create Connections and Build Success
Welcome to HOLA EMPRENDE DUVAL, the ultimate event for entrepreneurs in the region! Whether you’re looking to launch your business, scale it to new heights, or gain the insights needed to stay ahead of the curve, this event has something for you. Join us for a day of inspiration, learning, and networking designed to support your entrepreneurial journey.
Event Language: English and Spanish
Sponsorship Opportunities are Available! Download our packet here
Event Details:
Date: April 29, 2025 Time: 8 AM – 5 PM Cost: FREE EVENT!
Inspiring Speakers: Hear from seasoned entrepreneurs and experts who will share their valuable insights on growing a business, managing finances, and leading effectively.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry professionals, potential partners, and other entrepreneurs in the community.
Interactive Workshops: Gain practical skills and receive personalized feedback that you can apply directly to your business.
Resources & Tools: Discover the resources available to help fund, grow, and protect your business.
Ready to take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level? Register now to secure your spot at HOLA EMPRENDE DUVAL and unlock the tools, strategies, and connections that will help your business thrive!
Lunch will be provided.
AGENDA
Event Schedule
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Registration & Welcome
Sponsor Acknowledgment: Monica Hernandez, FCHCC President & CEO
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Panel Discussion: Strategy & Business Growth
From Idea to Business: How to Validate and Launch Your Venture
Scaling Your Business: Growth Strategies Without Losing Control
Innovative Business Models: Designing a Unique Value Proposition
Speakers: Gregory Grant, Helga Langton, Maria Teresa Mackelburg (Bilingual)
Vice President, Assets Services Global Markets Bank of America / FCHCC President & CEO
Monica Hernández was born in Cali, Colombia and moved to the United States at the age of 11. She grew up in Ocala, Florida and moved to Jacksonville in 2005.
Monica is a graduate of Nova Southeastern University with a Master’s Degree in Finance and Marketing and a graduate of the University of North Florida with a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business. Monica also holds a certification in Strategic Management from Harvard University.
Monica was appointed as President of the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in 2019. Monica was also recognized in 2019 by the Jacksonville Business Journal in the Top 40 under 40, Northeast Florida’s brightest, most promising professionals under the age of 40. She was selected to be part of the Hightower Emerging Leaders Program by the Jax Chamber. In 2020, Monica was selected to be part of Leadership Jacksonville, Class of 2021. She is fluent in both Spanish and English.
She also serves on the board of the University of North Florida Student Affairs Community Council and University of North Florida International Business Flagship Program Business Advisory Council (BAC).
Alex Avellanet, Keynote Speaker
FIFA Soccer Licensed Agent
Alex Avellanet is a soccer business strategist, proudly recognized as the first Uruguayan woman to earn a FIFA Soccer Agent License. Based in Miami, she founded Upright City, a leading agency focused on player representation, commercial strategy, sponsorship development, and media rights management. Throughout her career, Alex has collaborated with some of the industry’s most influential figures, building an extensive global network and gaining unmatched insights into soccer’s dynamic marketplace. Leveraging her strategic vision and deep industry expertise, she consistently positions her clients to achieve optimal success both on and off the field.
A passionate advocate for women’s soccer, Alex actively works to enhance visibility, investment, and commercial opportunities for the sport around the globe. Her innovative approach has helped her secure impactful endorsements, forge strategic partnerships, and cultivate powerful personal brands.
Beyond her commercial ventures, Alex founded Upright City FC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to using soccer as a transformative tool for social change, community building, and improving quality of life, for the elderly population. Additionally, she serves as a Board Member of Miami Scores powered by Concacaf, further demonstrating her commitment to soccer as a catalyst for community and youth development.
Driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, innovation, and empowerment, Alex Avellanet combines visionary leadership with strategic insight, earning her recognition and respect in the global soccer community. By continuously challenging norms and advocating for greater inclusion and equity, Alex inspires future generations and actively helps reshapes the landscape of soccer worldwide.
Gregory Grant
Equal Business Opportunity Administrative Director City of Jacksonville
Gregory Grant was appointed by Mayor Donna Deagan in 2023, a leader dedicated to empowering businesses and veterans. With over 25 years of experience, he has managed corporate operations and owned several businesses.
Gregory is a Business Development expert with roles at the Florida SBDC and as an Adjunct Professor. A U.S. Army veteran and Doctoral Candidate at UNF, he is passionate about supporting small businesses and fostering entrepreneurship in Jacksonville.
Featured in Huffington Post, Forbes, and MSNBC, Gregory inspires with his commitment to continuous learning and community growth.
Nick Correa
Business Community Officer/Vice President Bank of America
With over 20 years of experience in financial services, Nick Correa is a dedicated Business Community Officer at Bank of America, empowering entrepreneurs with resources, financial education, and access to capital—especially in underserved communities.
He is a leader in the Charleston, Savannah, and Jacksonville markets and serves as a financial advisor for the Lowcountry Minority Business Accelerator. A former outside linebacker at the University of Mary, Nick enjoys the beach, traveling, and serving his church community with his wife.
Jonel Hein
District Director SBA North Florida District Office
Jonel is an experienced District Director with a demonstrated history of working in the government administration industry. With 32 years at the SBA, Jonel leads programs supporting over 1.6 million small businesses in North Florida, overseeing $830M in loans and creating 12,000+ jobs in 2022.
Her focus on partnerships and SBA brand recognition drives growth and opportunities for entrepreneurs. Don’t miss Jonel’s insights at the largest Hispanic business conference in Northeast Florida!
Helga Langthon
Vice President SOHO Network Solutions, Inc.
Helga P. Langthon is the Vice President and Owner of SOHO Network Solutions, Inc., a Florida-based import/export company specializing in the forensics and identification industry. The company was the recipient of the 2010 SBA Southeast Region Exporter of the Year award.
In her role, Langthon focuses on developing new markets through a wide distribution network while establishing strong relationships with SOHO’s suppliers. Her responsibilities include overseeing day-to-day operations, as well as hiring and training new personnel. She has more than 20 years of experience in forensics, law enforcement, and international trade.
AdditionalSpeakers information to be announced soon.
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