The Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE) announced today that Olga Camargo, managing partner at TOROSO Investments, has been elected as Chair for HACE’s board of directors. Current chair, Juan Carlos Avila, is stepping down from board chair responsibilities in September after serving close to 8 years as board chair.
“After a thorough search process I am pleased that we have secured a strong business leader with deep ties to HACE, exceptional business acumen, a passion for the mission of the organization, experience with board governance, the ability to build consensus, and an excellent network, as the next chair for HACE’s board of directors,” said Avila.
“I am honored and excited to lead HACE’s board, an organization with a strong history and with incredible opportunity to expand its impact ahead,” said Camargo. “HACE has a solid board and management team with a cohesive belief in its mission, a strong financial position, committed corporate partners, and dedicated employees. I look forward to supporting the organization in building and strengthening HACE’s hallmark programs, which have accelerated Latino professionals’ careers, adding new programs that will complement these, and expanding HACE’s national presence into key markets.”
Camargo’s relationship with HACE stems back to her days as a freshman at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she received a scholarship from HACE to continue her studies. Camargo has previously served on the board, stepping off in October 2008. Since then, she has remained actively involved with HACE as an individual contributor, annual gala committee member, and by leading workshops for HACE professional development programs like Mujeres de HACE.
“Olga Camargo represents HACE’s mission incredibly well and has the well-rounded background, including the business acumen, board leadership experience, and genuine passion that will greatly contribute to strengthen HACE’s mission and impact,” said HACE President, Patricia Mota. “For this and much more, the team and I are excited to have Olga leading our board of directors.”
Camargo has 18 years of financial services experience. Prior to joining TOROSO Investments, she was a Senior Vice President at Mesirow Financial co-leading an investment advisory practice where she provided culturally-relevant financial services. Camargo has received national recognition for her professional work as a retirement plan advisor as related to helping the Latino community/workforce become retirement ready. She advocates on the community’s behalf and guides plan vendors to better serve it. Camargo is frequently called upon by some of the fastest growing businesses and policymakers to provide her unique perspective.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel appointed Camargo to The Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority Board. She serves on the IL State Treasurer’s Advisory Council; The Metropolitan Planning Council Board of Governors and its investment committee; the finance committee for Frances Xavier Warde School; a member of The Rotary Club of Chicago; and, a member of New America Alliance’s American Latina Leadership Caucus—an aggregation of 100 influential Latinas across sectors in the U.S. Camargo previously served on The Chicago Plan Commission, and as treasurer for the Chicago Cook Partnership Workforce Investment Board.
