Jenice Contreras is a powerhouse in Latino economic development and a steadfast advocate for inclusive growth across Northeast Ohio. As President and CEO of the Northeast Ohio Hispanic Center for Economic Development, she leads with vision, purpose, and a deep commitment to empowering the Hispanic business community. Under her leadership, the Center has become home to the NEO Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the region’s Small Business Development Center—two essential engines driving local entrepreneurship and economic vitality.
Perhaps most notably, Jenice is the driving force behind the CentroVilla25 project—a $12 million redevelopment initiative designed to transform Cleveland’s historic Clark-Fulton neighborhood into a vibrant hub for Latino entrepreneurship, workforce training, and cultural celebration. This ambitious mixed-use campus represents not only economic revitalization but a bold reimagining of what community-driven development can achieve.
Jenice’s professional background is as diverse as it is impactful. From public health consulting to federal grant administration, she brings a wide range of experience to the table. She is a graduate of Capital University and holds an Executive MBA from The Ohio State University. Her leadership extends beyond economic development: she serves on multiple boards, including Cleveland Clinic–Medina Hospital, where she contributes her expertise to the advancement of healthcare and community wellness.
What makes you proud or excited to lead a Hispanic Chamber of Commerce?
“The overall growth of the Latino population creates a powerful opportunity for economic empowerment. In Ohio and throughout the Midwest, our communities are not only growing—they’re building. Latino entrepreneurs are launching businesses, purchasing property, and taking advantage of economic opportunities that may not be as accessible in regions with already-established Latino populations. Leading a Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in this environment means being part of a movement—helping to shape a future where our community’s growth is sustainable, supported, and recognized”.
What should more people know about your local community of Hispanic business owners and entrepreneurs?
“Northeast Ohio’s Latino community is vibrant, diverse, and rapidly expanding. While many tend to focus on traditional Latino hubs, we must broaden our geographic lens to see the emerging communities across the Midwest that are in need of resources, mentorship, and visibility. These businesses have tremendous potential, and it’s crucial that we provide the support and infrastructure necessary to help them thrive—not just now, but for generations to come”.
How can we better support Hispanic business owners and entrepreneurs?
“There needs to be a stronger, more intentional emphasis—perhaps even a national campaign—focused on encouraging Latino wealth to be reinvested in Latino businesses and neighborhoods. We need to build greater awareness around the power of our collective economic impact, particularly in terms of GDP contribution and generational wealth creation. Financial literacy, equitable access to capital, and procurement opportunities are essential—but so is creating a culture of conscious consumerism within our own communities. The more we circulate wealth internally, the more resilient and prosperous our communities will become”.
Through bold leadership, unwavering vision, and an unshakable belief in the power of community, Jenice Contreras is redefining what it means to lead a Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in America today. Her work is not just transforming neighborhoods—it’s inspiring a new generation of Latino entrepreneurs to believe in their power, invest in their potential, and build a future that reflects the full strength of their contributions.