Pioneering Globally, Leading Authentically

Founder & CEO, Nina Vaca

By Gloria Romano-Barrera

In the rapidly evolving world of global business, one company is rewriting the rules—not just with innovation and expansion, but with authenticity and heart. Pinnacle Group, the largest Hispanic-owned workforce solutions firm in the U.S., is no longer just an American success story. Under the leadership of founder and CEO Nina Vaca, it has become a global force for good—with global reach extending to 25 countries and a newly launched APAC Regional Headquarters in Chennai, India. In 2024, Pinnacle Group introduced its PTR Global brand which houses all talent acquisition services, including IT/professional staffing, along with professional services, recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), direct hire, and direct sourcing offerings. PTR Global was recognized by Staffing Industry Analysts as one of the top 30 largest IT staffing providers.

For Vaca, this expansion isn’t just about footprint—it’s about foresight. “It’s a milestone—both strategically and symbolically,” says Vaca. “Our APAC Regional HQ in India represents the next chapter in Pinnacle Group’s journey. We’ve long supported global clients, but now we’re scaling with greater intention and local presence. India offers extraordinary talent and innovation, and our investment there reflects our belief in building—not just outsourcing—capabilities. We're not just operating globally; we're leading globally.”

And lead they do—not only with cutting-edge solutions and robust technology platforms, but with a people-first mindset that has become Pinnacle’s trademark.

Vaca, an entrepreneur, CEO, board member, and philanthropist who has received several awards for her work, is dedicated to connecting people with opportunity. She established Pinnacle Group in 1996, and it has since developed into a global powerhouse, catering to more than 20 percent of the Fortune 100. Pinnacle Group's core services include managed services (MSP), SOW/services procurement, payrolling services (employer/agent of record), and VMS advisory, implementation and configuration via triple certification in the three industry leading platforms (Beeline, SAP Fieldglass, and Workday VNDLY). In 2024, Pinnacle Group was named one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Women, Mental Well-Being, Diversity, and Overall by Newsweek.

What Vaca has created is a legacy built on listening and innovation. What distinguishes Pinnacle Group on the global stage isn’t just the scale of its operations—it’s the soul of its mission. As workforce needs shift rapidly with technological advancement, Pinnacle is answering the call with a forward-thinking strategy rooted in innovation, diversity, and resilience.

“We’re not only the largest Hispanic-owned workforce solutions provider in the U.S.—we’re one of the most agile and technology-driven,” Vaca explains. “Today, that means advancing our tech stack, integrating AI, and designing future-forward solutions. But just as important as innovation is our culture—one that promotes excellence, long-term partnerships, and extended tenure. We’re building the workforce of tomorrow, with diversity and innovation at the core.” 

That culture is now crossing borders, bringing with it a leadership model that centers empathy, inclusion, and transformation at scale. 

Vaca believes her heritage is not just part of her journey—it’s a competitive advantage.  “Being Hispanic, being a woman, being the daughter of immigrants—all of that has shaped how I lead,” she shares. “It has made me resilient, empathetic, and fiercely committed to creating opportunity. In every country we operate, we lead with authenticity and cultural intelligence. My Hispanic identity brings with it deep-rooted values of family, hard work, and community—principles that shape how I build teams, cultivate trust, and drive impact. Representation at the highest levels matters—and when global leadership looks like us, it redefines what’s possible for the next generation.” 

At the core of PTRG, growth is a deep commitment to using technology not just to streamline work—but to elevate it.

“Technology is no longer a support function—it is the business,” Vaca states. “We’ve invested significantly in tools to make hiring smarter, faster, and more equitable. Through our deep capabilities in business intelligence and analytics, we deliver proprietary platforms and RPA solutions that help clients make data-driven talent decisions at scale. The future of workforce solutions will be powered by tech, and we fully embrace the future.” 

Still, she cautions against losing sight of the human side of innovation. “The most effective leaders will be those who can harness technology to elevate people, not replace them,” she shares. Global expansion, for Vaca, is about more than market penetration—it’s about impact. “Latinos have an important role to play in the global business landscape,” she shares. “We belong in every boardroom, in every market, on every continent. We’re not just participating in the global economy—we’re contributing at the highest levels to its future with vision, capability, and talent.” 

Her message to aspiring Latina entrepreneurs is powerful. “Start where you are—but don’t stay there,” she says. “Dream boldly, execute relentlessly, and never underestimate the value of your lived experience. Your culture, your perspective, your voice—they’re assets. Use them. Lead with them. And remember growth doesn’t mean losing who you are. It means becoming more of who you’re meant to be.” 

Vaca is dedicated to philanthropy and civic leadership. In 2014, she was selected by the White House to be one of the inaugural Presidential Ambassadors for Global Entrepreneurship (PAGE), traveling across five continents to uplift individuals, families, and communities. Currently, she holds the position of Entrepreneur in Residence for the City of Dallas, a role to which she was appointed by Mayor Eric Johnson. 

Vaca is a distinguished alumna of Texas State University and has recently established the Nina Vaca Innovation & Entrepreneurship Endowment. As someone committed to lifelong learning, she finished Harvard University's Corporate Governance Executive Program and was awarded honorary doctorates by Northwood University, Mount Mary University, and Berkeley College. As Pinnacle Group continues to expand its global reach, the company remains grounded in its original mission: connecting people with opportunity. 

“I hope Pinnacle Group’s global footprint stands as a testament to what’s possible when vision meets purpose,” Vaca says. “We are a company that created opportunity at scale—not by abandoning our roots, but by serving others with passion and commitment. At every step, it’s been about empowering others. And most importantly, my dearest wish is that we don’t just walk through doors ourselves—we hold them open for others to follow, lead, and soar.” 

In an era when globalization is too often associated with homogenization, Pinnacle Group is doing something different. It’s leading authentically—proving that true leadership starts not with imitation, but with intention. 

And in Vaca’s world, intention has no borders. “Global leadership in 2025 and beyond is purpose-driven, tech-savvy, and inclusive,” she shares. “It’s no longer about top-down direction—it’s about listening deeply, responding locally, and leading with empathy at scale. The most effective leaders will be those who can harness technology to elevate people, not replace them. At Pinnacle Group, we’re scaling with intention—ensuring that as we grow, our people, our partners, and our communities rise with us.”