Chicago Native Invigorates Networking for Latinos

Jaime Viteri created the Chicago Latino Network as a way for Latinos to connect in the business community

Chicago native Jaime Viteri saw a problem with advertising and networking in the Latino community and has spent his career coming up with the solution.

Viteri graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1993 and began his professional career as a Computer Engineer. For nine years, he practiced software development and product management for various-sized organizations.

Though email had recently been created, Viteri saw the Internet age as an ideal business opportunity and a way to target niche markets. As he saw the Latino market shifting to English-language marketing, Viteri then ventured into entrepreneurship and was eager to connect with other Latinos in the industry through networking.

The Chicago Latino Network was created by Viteri as a way for him to connect with others in his industry. This online network currently reaches more than 48,000 new-generation Latinos and represents a diverse group of people from professional and entrepreneurial backgrounds, according to International Chicago High Achievers.

Viteri led the creation of the Illinois Entrepreneurship Network on behalf of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The IEN provides a formalized structure for small businesses and entrepreneurs throughout the state, and during Viteri's tenure, the IEN created over 70,000 jobs.

In 2006, the NetWorlding organization awarded Viteri "Best Networker." That same year, Illinois Secretary of State presented him with the Hispanic Media Award, "for his continued contributions and dedication to the Hispanic community."

In August of 2009, Viteri was featured in TimeOut Chicago's list of "Chicago's Top Connection Powerhouses."

Viteri continues to serve the Chicago community. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Goodman Theatre, the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago, the Hispanic Lawyers Scholarship Fund of Illinois and Junior Achievement of Chicago Central Division. He is also the Immediate Past President of the Lyric Opera of Chicago's Young Professional Chapter.

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