Veronica Maldonado-Torres | GHCC President & CEO
Veronica Maldonado-Torres serves as the President and CEO of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GHCC), a role she has held since 2021. Under her visionary leadership, the GHCC has undergone transformative growth, significantly impacting Georgia’s economic development. Her tenure has been marked by a strategic focus on extending the chamber’s reach and strengthening its support for businesses, particularly in the state’s rural and coastal regions.
Veronica has played a critical role in securing historic federal funding to support Hispanic businesses statewide and has been a leading advocate for legislative initiatives that address the needs of GHCC’s 5,000+ members and stakeholders. Her commitment to advancing supplier diversity has made her a key driver in fostering small business growth, championing minority leadership, and building meaningful partnerships with major corporations.
Her efforts have earned her numerous prestigious accolades. In 2024, she was named one of Georgia Trend’s “100 Most Influential Georgians” and included in the Georgia 500 Most Influential Leaders list. Veronica also spearheaded GHCC’s first international business delegation in a decade, leading a mission to El Salvador, where she was honored by both the Salvadoran Ambassador and the U.S. Ambassador to El Salvador. Additionally, she was recognized as one of the inaugural Showcase Atlanta Ambassadors for her dedication to community development and impactful leadership in Atlanta’s diverse business landscape.
Her accolades include graduating from Leadership Georgia in 2023 and Leadership DeKalb in 2016. She was named one of the Top 12 Most Influential Women in Business in the Southeast by the Expo Latina Business Awards in 2023 and received the Community Leadership Award from the US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce (USPAACC) in 2022. In 2023, she was honored as a Titan of Industry by the Caribbean American Cultural Arts Foundation.
A passionate advocate for women in the workforce, Veronica has championed purposeful and impactful approaches to leadership throughout her career. Atlanta Magazine also recognized her influence, naming her one of Georgia’s 500 Most Influential and one of the 50 Most Influential leaders in 2024.
Beyond her professional achievements, Veronica is deeply committed to community service. She serves on the boards of several prominent organizations, contributing to initiatives in ethics, education, community development, and business growth across Georgia. At home, she is a devoted wife to her husband Sammy and a loving mother to their two children, Sebastian and Katalina.
Q. How does the Chamber work to ensure inclusion and equity for all Hispanic entrepreneurs, especially women and small business owners?
A. The Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GHCC) is committed to ensuring inclusion and equity for all Hispanic entrepreneurs, with a special focus on women and small business owners. Here’s how we work to make this a reality:
Programs & Initiatives: GHCC offers a variety of programs designed to empower Hispanic entrepreneurs by providing mentorship opportunities, business development workshops, and access to resources that support growth and sustainability. These initiatives are tailored to address the unique needs of women entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Networking & Collaboration: Through events such as the Business Expo, networking mixers, cafecitos, business networking groups (BNG) and forums, GHCC creates opportunities for Hispanic entrepreneurs, including women and small business owners, to connect with industry leaders, potential clients, and investors. These spaces help level the playing field and open doors to new opportunities.
Advocacy: GHCC advocates for policies that ensure equitable access to resources for all Hispanic business owners. We engage with local and national policymakers to ensure fair representation and opportunities for Hispanic-owned businesses, especially those led by women and small business owners.
Access to Capital: We work with key partners to give Hispanic business owners access to critical funding, including grants, loans, and investment opportunities. This is especially important for small businesses that face challenges securing traditional financing.
Training & Resources: GHCC offers educational resources and workshops focused on leadership, digital transformation, and financial literacy, aimed at bridging gaps for women and small business owners in areas that often require additional support and guidance.
Recognition & Awards: GHCC celebrates the accomplishments of exceptional Hispanic entrepreneurs, including women and small business owners, through awards like Small Business of the Year and Women Entrepreneur Leader of the Year. These recognitions not only honor their achievements but also highlight the critical role women play in shaping Georgia’s Hispanic business community.
By providing these resources, opportunities, and support, GHCC ensures that all Hispanic entrepreneurs, particularly women and small business owners, have the tools and networks they need to succeed and contribute to Georgia’s vibrant economy.
