Connect With Like Minded People!
The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Pinellas County
We want to create the strongest Hispanic and Latino business community in the State of Florida. Connect with us to learn more.
Vision & Mission
FIVE CORE VALUES
Mentorship
This will be done through personal development and business building coaching and strategizing.
Education
By providing workshops & seminars, marketing & sales training, along with other relevant business tools and methodologies we will help businesses become more knowledgable, efficient, effective and profitable.
Networking
Through relationship building we will expand visibility, improve and increase lead generation, and create valuable strategic partnerships.
Serving the Community
As the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Pinellas County we believe strongly in giving back. We will serve our community through scholarships, grants, programs & books, homeless project projects, building restoration and the Great American Teach-in.
Having Fun
We believe in celebrating successes and accomplishments. That is why The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of pinellas County will celebrate the successes of our members and the community. We believe that relationships and bonds are best created in de-stressing social events that we will have throughout the year.
Board Members
Elí Gonzalez
Founder & President
Professional:
Eli Gonzalez is the Founder and President of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of
Pinellas County. He is also known as The Godfather of Ghostwriting – is one of the
preeminent ghostwriters in the United States today and a highly sought-after
speaker. He’s the CEO of The Ghost Publishing International and the Founder of the International Ghostwriter’s Academy, and he’s a movie producer.
As a ghostwriter, he has written more than 90 books, many of which reached
legitimate Best Seller lists and two of which are in consideration to become major
motion pictures. Eli has also authored 6 books of his own. His latest book, The Fierce Urgency of Now, debuted at #3 on Amazon and is a legitimate bestseller.
As a publisher, he has helped more than 1,000 people achieve their dreams of
authorship.
He formerly headed up the English department for Rhodes Academy of Creative Arts in Tampa and has served as a Board Member for Orange Community College for many years. He is also in the mentorship program at USF for Writers.
Community Work:
In 2019, Mr. Gonzalez was awarded the Hispanic Prestige Award for his leadership
and service to the community by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Tampa Bay.
In 2020 Eli Gonzalez was named one of the Top 20 Influential Hispanics in the state
of Florida by the Latin Times Media Group.
In 2021 Eli founded the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Pinellas County, where
he serves as the Chamber President.
Media:
Eli Gonzalez is a sought-after speaker, event host, and renowned thought leader.
He is a featured speaker on Gig-Salad and other Speaker Associations. He has been
featured on NBC, FOX, CBS, ABC, Univision, Telemundo, Barnes & Noble, That Business Show, The Florida Minority Economic Summit, and many more.
Joe Lugo
Vice President
Upon his entrance into the workforce, Joe Lugo was surprised to realize at what level bias in the workplace was prevalent. He witnessed the discrimination and bias himself, and also observed many others facing great obstacles because of who they are, which in turn prevented these businesses from reaching their highest potential.
Joe Lugo wholeheartedly believes that culture brings about beauty, and will improve a company in every way. Based on that belief, Joe founded J^3 Creations, which helps develop organizations that realize the value in diversity and inclusion.
As a community leader, proud Puerto Rican, and diversity coach, Joe helps people understand life’s many filters through his non-exclusive mentality, and aids them to best reconsider their filters to shape our outlook on the world. Joe has made his life goal to defend those who have been limited in opportunities because of who they are, and puts his life into his work with the goal toward a more beautiful, inclusive future.
Joe Lugo is a published author and he has co-founded and helped launch the first ever Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Pinellas County and serves on the executive board and as its Vice President. He also serve in various leadership and consulting roles with Mi Gente, Mi Pueblo, The Diversity Council and the Hispanic Leadership Council. He also currently serves on the board for The Foundation for Healthy St. Pete.
He is known for his passion for writing, speaking, consulting, and training, as well as, diversity, equity & inclusion awareness and advocating for the Hispanic/Latin/LatinX and Deaf communities. Joe has a passion for learning as he has completed three degrees and is in the process of completing another. He is a published author with over 20 years of leading, sharing and teaching all that he has learned through his experiences. He has also started a non-profit as a way of giving back to the community through educational services. He lives in Florida with His wife, Sandy, of 30 years and has two adult sons, Matthew and Andrew.
Carolina Conner
Director of Education
CIPS, MRP, AHWD, RENE, SFR
Luxury Real Estate Advisor
CIPS – Certified International Property Specialist
MRP – Military Relocation Professional
AHWD – At Home with Diversity
RENE – Real Estate Negotiation ExpertSFR – Short Sales Foreclosure Resource
Carolina is a Real Estate Advisor originally from Bogota Colombia, she is a bilingual professional with over 20 years of experience in Human Resources, Management, and Leadership. She had the opportunity to work with and lead diverse teams and roles nationwide and in South America (Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru also El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras). She is a Military Spouse and community advocate, talent advisor, provided advice to allocate resources for Service members in transition to civilian life for over five years.
She is currently serving as a Director Board of Directors at Pinellas Realtor Organization/Central Pasco Realtor Organization. Director Board of Directors at Florida Realtors and President of Carolina Conner Custom Homes providing relocation services for Military Families, Real Estate Services and Contracting. Carolina is extremely dedicated to her clients and associates’ success, she is committed to excellence in her community and workplace, always connecting key leaders and aware of the best resources in the industry.
As a professional in the industry always looking to acquire more designations and knowledge to better serve her clients, collaborate, and advocate throughout her organization.
Camila Gonzalez
Camila González has worked with Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County since December 2016 where she started as Executive and Project assistant. She quickly rose through the ranks being promoted to office manager. Currently, she serves as the Director of Mortgage Servicing for the affiliate and oversees and complies with all mortgages serviced by the affiliate.
Prior to Habitat, Camila worked at Tech Data where she found Habitat through a home sponsorship. While working there, she had the privilege of joining Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Paso Counties on a global village trip to Malawi, Africa. Following that trip, she was adamant about finding a job within the affiliate, goal she achieved two years later.
A Colombian native, she moved to the United States in 2001 and has called St. Petersburg her home ever since. She is a member of the Mortgage Banking Association, an avid equestrian, and paddle boarding enthusiast.
Andrea Glasser
Vince Pino
Vince Pino has over 35 years of experience in real estate in the State of Florida. Mr. Pino owned and operated a real estate brokerage firm and has been a real estate investor since 1990. Mr. Pino has bought, remodeled, organized, and sold over 400 properties in South Florida and the West Coast of Florida.
Vince enjoys spending time with his wife of 20 years and two children. He is actively involved in the Tampa Bay community. Vince also enjoys traveling and connecting with people from around the globe.