Adela Cepeda, Angeles Investors Chair and BMO Independent Director, Audit & Trust Committee Chair, was honored with the Felisa Rincón de Gautier Leadership Award by the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance during its 7th Annual Ceremony, an inspiring evening honoring five outstanding individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the Puerto Rican community.

Cepeda´s career is defined by expertise in capital markets and a strong commitment to advancing DEI initiatives, community development, and government-industry partnerships. She serves on the Board of the Chicago Foundation for Women. This organization funds health, safety, and economic security projects for women, girls, transgender, and non-binary individuals in the greater Chicago area.

As a member of the Chicago Housing Authority, she oversaw the management and financing of housing developments, contributing to the organization’s mission of fostering vibrant communities within the city. Most recently, she served as chair of President Biden’s Economic Advisory Working Group, where she provided insights on strategies to advance the administration’s goal of developing and implementing a comprehensive plan to combat climate change and reestablish the United States as a global leader in this effort.

Throughout her career, she has built relationships with executives, community and government leaders, regulatory officials, and clients to drive innovation as a foundation for the future. She is eager to share her experience, knowledge, and unique perspectives in a meaningful and impactful way and is actively seeking board-level opportunities.

Anchored in Chicago’s Puerto Rican community, the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance, or PRAA, is a vibrant twenty-one-year-old community resource. PRAA educates low-income CPS students from across the City and grows Puerto Rican and other Latin art, music, and culture. PRAA’s Latin Music Project in Avondale offers diverse students from preschool to high school pre conservancy music lessons, performances from visiting musicians, and regular music concerts.