FWHCC News

Nov 26

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Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Launches Audaz Leadership Program to Strengthen Regional Leadership Pipeline

Fort Worth, TX — 11/26/2025 — The Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has officially launched the Audaz Leadership Program, a cross-sector leadership initiative designed to equip emerging and established professionals with the skills, credentials, and mentorship necessary to excel in today’s rapidly evolving workforce.

The program builds upon the success of the Chamber’s mentorship initiative—the first phase in establishing a comprehensive leadership development ecosystem for North Texas. As the cost of higher education continues to rise, the Chamber recognizes that micro-credentials and targeted professional development will play a crucial role in advancing careers and expanding economic opportunity.

National data underscores the urgency of rethinking leadership development. Only 10% of executives believe their leadership training is effective, 68% of nonprofits struggle to find qualified leaders, and 72% of elected officials report feeling unprepared when first taking office. Meanwhile, career mobility is accelerating—Gen Z professionals now average employment across two industries within three years, and 21% of millennials change jobs annually.

“The workforce is changing faster than traditional leadership pathways can keep up,” said Gilberto Atayde, VP of Operations for FWHCC. “Audaz prepares professionals to lead across business, government, and nonprofit sectors—because tomorrow’s impact will require collaboration across all three.”

Developed in partnership with academic leaders and industry experts, the program focuses on skills identified by the Institute of Leadership Research at Texas Tech University’s Rawls College of Business, including strategic thinking, leading people, leveraging networks, negotiation, conflict management, coaching, goal setting, and change management.

For a program investment of $2,000, participants receive exceptional value, including:

Micro-credentials from Texas Tech University
Instruction from professors at Texas Tech, TCU, UT Arlington, and Texas A&M Law
Exclusive access to Harvard Online learning resources and certifications
A one-on-one mentor pairing for personalized guidance and career development
A cross-industry cohort learning experience built for long-term regional impact

The Audaz Leadership Program is designed for professionals seeking advancement, entrepreneurs striving to scale, and community leaders committed to strengthening Fort Worth’s economic future.

More information and program registration are available at:
https://fwhcc.org/programs/audaz-leadership/

Oct 07

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Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Launches Altruista Mentorship Program with Strong Momentum During Hispanic Heritage Month

By FWHCC | FWHCC News | No Comments

Fort Worth, Texas – September 25th 2025 — The Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FWHCC) is proud to announce the official launch of its Altruista Mentorship Program, a new initiative designed to nurture, support, and elevate emerging professionals and entrepreneurs in the Hispanic community. The launch comes at a moment of exceptional momentum:

39 mentors have already committed to guide the next generation
19 mentors have pledged to sponsor a professional membership for their mentee
6 new mentors are joining the Chamber as members directly because of the program
Over 75 people attended the official launch event at the BNSF Leadership Training Center

The Altruista Mentorship Program is purpose-built to address the gaps in professional development, networking, and leadership support that many Hispanic young professionals and business owners face. This is a program that not only connects talent with experience, but also builds long-term relationships and accountability.

“This is more than mentorship—it’s legacy-building,” said Gilberto Atayde, Vice President of Operations. “We are launching during Hispanic Heritage Month to underscore our commitment to empowering voices, bridging access, and investing in leaders who will carry our community forward.”

Program Highlights & Benefits

Diverse, bilingual mentoring support. The program includes mentors proficient in both English and Spanish—making sure language is never a barrier to guidance and growth.
Mentor sponsorships. Nearly half of the mentors (19) have committed to covering Chamber membership costs for their mentees, ensuring accessibility.
Organizational growth through leadership. Six mentors decided to deepen their engagement by becoming Chamber members themselves, illustrating the program’s intrinsic value.
Strong community engagement. The launch event drew enthusiastic attendance, validating the community’s desire for structured mentorship and professional connection.

Who Can Join & How to Apply

Young professionals may qualify for sponsorships to participate in the program at no cost.
Active Chamber business owners can also apply to be mentored by one of our distinguished mentors, fostering leadership development from both sides.
To explore the list of mentors, visit: FWHCC Altruista Mentorship Program
To apply as a mentee, complete our application form here: Mentee Application Form

About Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FWHCC)

The FWHCC is committed to advancing the interests of businesses and professionals in Tarrant County and beyond. Through advocacy, education, empowerment, and networking, the Chamber drives economic power and sustainable growth in our region.

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For media inquiries, interviews, or more information, contact Gilberto Atayde, Vice President of Operations, gilberto.atayde@fwhcc.org

Aug 25

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Empowering Hispanic Entrepreneurs: 1 Million Cups Launches First Spanish- Language Community in Fort Worth

By FWHCC | FWHCC News | No Comments

The new weekly event connects innovators, mentors, and startups in their native language.

Fort Worth, TX – The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation’s national entrepreneurship program, 1 Million Cups, will launch its first all-Spanish-speaking community on Wednesday, September 3 at 9:00 a.m., hosted at Accelerate Fort Worth, 1150 S. Freeway Bldg. 600, Fort Worth, TX 76104. This groundbreaking initiative aims to foster innovation and community among Hispanic entrepreneurs in Fort Worth.

1 Million Cups is based on the notion that entrepreneurs network and discover solutions over a million cups of coffee. The free, weekly gathering helps build startup communities on a grassroots level.

Since 2014, 1 Million Cups has been active in the Fort Worth community in English only. Beginning in September, entrepreneurs, innovators, funders, and other interested community members are invited to attend in English or Spanish each Wednesday at Accelerate.

The program’s model is consistent in each city: Every Wednesday morning, two early-stage startups present their companies to an audience of mentors, advisers, and other entrepreneurs. Each presents for six minutes, followed by a 20-minute question-and-answer session with the audience.

“The opportunity to start a Spanish-speaking 1 Million Cups community in Fort Worth is exciting and will provide more resources to serve Hispanic entrepreneurs, and the Hispanic community in such a unique way,” says Brian Harris, Executive Director for Accelerate Fort Worth.

“Launching 1 Million Cups in Spanish is more than an event, it’s a statement about inclusion, access, and opportunity,” says Ericka Garza, President & CEO of the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “Our Hispanic entrepreneurs bring incredible innovation and resilience to Fort Worth, and now they will have a space that reflects their culture and language while connecting them to resources, mentorship, and capital. This is how we strengthen our entire business ecosystem.”

The inaugural Spanish-speaking 1 Million Cups in Fort Worth will feature presentations by TND Geomatics, a full-service professional land surveying firm, and Saltus Training Group, a bilingual training firm focusing on business formation, business plan development, financial planning, curriculum creation, and professional skill development. Both are locally minority- and women-owned businesses.

Visit the national website at www.1millioncups.com and access the 1 Million Cups Fort Worth en Español microsite
here.

About Accelerate Fort Worth

Accelerate Fort Worth Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs with the strategic tools, resources, and networks they need to build scalable, sustainable businesses. Through a focus on accountability, confidence-building, and growth, Accelerate supports entrepreneurs in expanding their capacity, accessing capital, and connecting with a robust ecosystem of mentors, coaches, service providers, and peers. Special emphasis is placed on supporting minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses, as well as those from traditionally underserved or economically disadvantaged communities.

For over 25 years, Accelerate has been a driving force in cultivating a vibrant startup culture in Fort Worth. The organization operates from the historic James E. Guinn Entrepreneurial Campus, located at I-35 and Rosedale. To learn more, visit www.acceleratefortworth.org.

About the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

The Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FWHCC) has proudly served the business community since 1973, working to foster economic growth, provide access to opportunity, and champion the success of Hispanic and minority-owned businesses. Through strategic partnerships, programs and advocacy, FWHCC empowers entrepreneurs and strengthens the region’s diverse business ecosystem.

For more information, visit www.fwhcc.org.

About the Kauffman Foundation

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a private, nonpartisan foundation that works together with communities in education and entrepreneurship to create uncommon solutions and empower people to shape their futures and be successful. The Kauffman Foundation is based in Kansas City, Missouri, and uses its $2 billion in assets to collaboratively help people be self-sufficient, productive citizens.

For more information, visit www.kauffman.org.

Media Contacts

Brian Harris
Executive Director
Accelerate Fort Worth Foundation
(817) 201-7019
brian@acceleratefortworth.org

Christian Argueta Soto
Minority Business Enterprise Specialist
Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
(817) 625-5411
Cristian.ArguetaSoto@fwhcc.org

Join us for coffee, conversation, and community every Wednesday at Accelerate Fort Worth.

Aug 04

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Building with Purpose: How FWHCC Is Strategically Shaping the Future for Businesses

By FWHCC | blog, FWHCC News | No Comments

As the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FWHCC) wraps up the second quarter of 2025, we’re proud to share a powerful update on our work: the Q2 Impact Report—a snapshot of where we’re going and how we’re getting there.

This quarter wasn’t just about programs and events. It was about intentional planning, bold strategy, and laying the foundation for the next phase of Hispanic business empowerment in North Texas.

What’s Inside the Q2 Impact Report

Our focus this quarter was clear: ensure that every initiative we take on is aligned, data-driven, and built for long-term impact. In this report, you’ll discover:

✅ A Strategic Framework That Guides Our Mission

We’ve identified five core pillars that will shape our programming and advocacy efforts moving forward:

Workforce & Talent Development
Infrastructure & Place-Based Investment
Business Growth & Retention
Advocacy
Business Attraction & Marketing

These pillars reflect the needs of our members and position FWHCC as a statewide leader in economic equity and innovation.

✅ Becoming the Leanest Chamber in Texas

We’re launching Six Sigma initiatives to reduce operational costs and improve the quality of our services. This means greater efficiency, smarter use of resources, and more value for our members.

✅ Investing in Organizational Capacity & Insights

We’re deepening our use of the Net Promoter System (NPS) to capture real-time member feedback and improve service delivery. Plus, we’re building internal market reports to equip stakeholders with data they can use to guide smart investment and business decisions.

Why This Matters to Fort Worth’s Hispanic Business Community

By focusing on strategy this quarter, we’re setting the stage for stronger, more resilient Hispanic-owned businesses. Our programs—including Seminarios, Bankability Blueprint, and Lanzar Fort Worth—were all designed with your feedback and success in mind.

And we’re not done. We’re doubling down on:

Data-driven programming
Member-first decision making
Cross-sector collaboration

Read the Full Report & Join the Movement

Visit the link below to explore the full Q2 2025 Impact Report and see how your chamber is turning strategy into action.

https://simplebooklet.com/fwhccquarterlyimpactreportq2

Jun 11

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FWHCC Named Finalist for D CEO’s 2025 Nonprofit of the Year Award

By FWHCC | blog, FWHCC News | No Comments

We’re proud to share that the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FWHCC) has been named a finalist for D CEO’s 2025 Nonprofit & Corporate Citizenship Awards in the Nonprofit of the Year category!

This recognition is more than just a title—it’s a reflection of the tireless work, deep-rooted partnerships, and powerful momentum we’ve built alongside our members, community stakeholders, and corporate allies.

Leading with Impact and Intention

In our application for this year’s award, we shared how FWHCC has evolved into more than a traditional chamber of commerce—we’ve become an economic driver, a connector, and a voice for Hispanic entrepreneurs. Over the past years, we’ve launched new programming aimed at closing the revenue gap for minority-owned businesses, created more accessible pathways to capital, and built bridges between business owners and public institutions. We are also incubating a unique project with help from the City of Fort Worth called the Historic Northside which led to our nomination this year.

About the Historic Northside Project

The Historic Northside Project is a community-centered revitalization effort focused on preserving, reinvesting in, and uplifting one of Fort Worth’s oldest and most culturally rich neighborhoods. Located just north of downtown and adjacent to the iconic Stockyards, the Historic Northside has long been a vibrant hub for Hispanic and immigrant communities.

This project aims to:

Engage residents in planning and decision-making, ensuring redevelopment reflects community values and needs.
Support small business development and workforce opportunities tied to construction and neighborhood services.

Spearheaded by a coalition of community organizations, city leaders, and local chambers like FWHCC, the project is a model for equitable growth—where heritage is preserved and families are empowered.

From our mentorship initiatives and financial literacy workshops to our advocacy at the state capitol and our soon-to-launch leadership program, we continue to challenge what chambers can and should do. Our impact model is rooted in equity, community-led design, and cross-sector collaboration.

Thank You to Our Community

We are honored to be recognized among so many inspiring organizations doing critical work across North Texas. This recognition belongs to all of you—our members, board, partners, staff, and supporters—who continue to believe in the power of community-driven leadership.

Stay tuned as the winners are announced later this year—and thank you for helping us make history, together.

#SomosFWHCC #NonprofitOfTheYear #CorporateCitizenship #HispanicBusinessExcellence