By Gloria Romano-Barrera
“As we celebrate 50 years of opening doors for Hispanic businesses, we are looking ahead to a future where Latinas are not just in the room; they are leading the conversation, shaping the economy, and creating opportunities for generations to come,” shares Nicole Quiroga, president, the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GWHCC).
The 50th anniversary of the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GWHCC) is much more than a celebration of longevity. As the Chamber celebrates this milestone, it honors more than five decades of achievement and looks toward a future in which Latina entrepreneurs and leaders play an even greater role in shaping the economy, influencing decisions, and creating opportunities for generations to come.
At the heart of that vision is a commitment to opening doors, building relationships, and ensuring that Hispanic-owned businesses have the resources and networks they need to grow.
The Chamber’s legacy reflects the growing importance of Hispanic entrepreneurship in the Greater Washington region. Hispanic business owners are not simply participants in the economy; they are employers, innovators, and essential partners in the region’s continued growth and competitiveness.
Entrepreneurs celebrate their achievements at GWHCC's Pitch Your Biz Competition during the Annual Business Expo, where small business owners showcase their ideas, compete for prizes, and gain valuable exposure and support.
GWHCC bridges entrepreneurs with corporations, government agencies, civic leaders, and community organizations. Through these relationships, the Chamber helps business owners access the information, resources, and opportunities that can move their companies forward.
As the Chamber looks toward its next 50 years, expanding opportunities for Latina entrepreneurs and professionals is an important part of its vision. That means creating stronger networks among Latina CEOs, business owners, corporate executives, nonprofit leaders, and emerging professionals, and transforming those connections into meaningful opportunities for growth.
“I believe that when Latinas connect, we create more than relationships,” shares Quiroga. “We create opportunities. When we share knowledge, open doors for one another, and invest in each other's success, we strengthen our businesses, our families, and our entire regional economy. As GWHCC celebrates 50 years of moving business forward, we are committed to ensuring that the next generation of Latina leaders has the connections, resources, and influence to shape the future.”
GWHCC representatives and business leaders participated in a GWHCC Business International Trade Mission to Dubai, strengthening global relationships and exploring opportunities for international business collaboration.
That commitment extends beyond networking events. It includes encouraging members to purchase from and refer one another’s businesses, facilitating introductions to lenders, investors, procurement officers, and corporate buyers, and helping women move from entrepreneurship and professional leadership into corporate boardrooms, civic leadership, and regional decision-making.
The goal is to build a community in which success is shared, and connections lead to tangible results.
“GWHCC is not just bringing Latinas into the same room,” she shares. “It is to help them build relationships that translate into business growth, influence, and shared success.”
The Chamber’s Latinas en Acción program is part of that effort. With 32 entrepreneurs completing the 2026 cohort, the program has helped establish a foundation for business education and entrepreneurship. The next step is to build on that foundation by connecting participants with the people and institutions that can help them advance.
Business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community partners gather at GWHCC's Annual Business Expo, connecting businesses with resources, networking opportunities, and industry leaders to promote economic growth.
That work is becoming increasingly important as technology and innovation reshape the business landscape. Looking ahead, GWHCC is focused on evolving beyond traditional chamber services by embracing new tools, including artificial intelligence, strengthening regional collaboration, and finding new ways to help members compete and grow, while preserving the trust and relationships that have defined the Chamber for generations.
“At the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, we believe that when Latinas have access to opportunity, capital, relationships, and leadership, entire communities thrive,” she shares. “We are here to open doors, build connections, amplify your voices, and help create a future where every Latina has the resources and confidence to turn her aspirations into reality.”
GWHCC brings together business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community partners during Savor the Night, a signature networking event celebrating connections, collaboration, and the region's vibrant business community.