Amber V. Tarrac is a distinguished leader in economic and workforce development, entrepreneurship, and public policy. As a second-generation San Diegan, she has dedicated over two decades to advancing small business initiatives, fostering inclusive economic growth, and driving impactful change across local and state government, non-profits, and the private sector.
A Career Rooted in Economic Empowerment
Amber’s extensive experience includes serving in key roles such as Economic Developer for the cities of Miami Beach, Florida, and Escondido, California. She has also contributed significantly to workforce training and small business development through her tenure with the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development and the Employment Training Panel. In these roles, she managed workforce training contracts and led Southern California entrepreneurship outreach efforts. Additionally, she has administered over $37 million in grant programs, demonstrating her expertise in securing and managing resources to support business growth.
Beyond government service, Amber has been a strong advocate in the non-profit sector, serving as President and CEO/Advisor for the San Diego County Latino Association and supporting professional development initiatives for local government leaders through the California State Association of Counties Institute. Her leadership in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has been instrumental in shaping more equitable policies and programs.
FounderFuego: Igniting Entrepreneurial Success
As the Founder and CEO of FounderFuego, Amber has created a transformative platform dedicated to empowering business, startup, and nonprofit founders. Recognizing the gap in bilingual resources for entrepreneurs, she launched FounderFuel, an entrepreneurship newsletter and podcast aimed at connecting founders with funding opportunities, investors, and expert coaching.
The name “Fuego”, meaning fire in Spanish, represents the passion and energy Amber brings to the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Through FounderFuego, she has cultivated a supportive community that provides mentorship and strategic resources in both English and Spanish, ensuring that all entrepreneurs—regardless of background—have the tools to thrive.
Building Community Through Education & Collaboration
FounderFuego recently co-hosted the Fire Up Grants Fireside Chat in collaboration with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), the National City Chamber of Commerce, and the National Latina Business Women Association of San Diego. This event provided entrepreneurs with a foundational understanding of grants and funding opportunities, featuring expert insights and interactive discussions.
Continuing this momentum, FounderFuego will host the next event in this series on March 4 at the BBB, in partnership with Chase Business “Coaching for Impact,” the San Diego Tourism Authority, and Village Up. This session will explore grant storytelling strategies and the role of AI in securing funding. FounderFuel’s podcast will also be onsite to capture key takeaways and provide additional learning opportunities for attendees.
FounderFuego is excited to announce exclusive opportunities for its growing community, including a 40% discount code for event attendees to access premium funding resources and support in both English and Spanish.
A Legacy of Impact
Amber’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. She has received numerous accolades, including:
- Rising Aztec Award (2025).
- National Latina Women’s Business Association’s Latina Business Leader of the Year (2024).
- Village Up San Diego’s Inclusive Champion (2024).
- Helen Putnam Award for Arts in Community for a city outdoor expansion mural program.
- International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Award for the Innovate78 regional partnership.
Her leadership extends into education, where she serves as a professor of public administration at her alma mater, San Diego State University, where she earned both her Bachelor of Criminal Justice Administration and Master of Public Administration degrees.
Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
At a time when DEI initiatives face increasing challenges, Amber remains steadfast in her commitment to fostering an inclusive entrepreneurship and innovation economy. FounderFuego continues to advocate for equitable access to resources, uniting with community partners to build a coalition that supports diverse entrepreneurs.
Through her visionary leadership, Amber V. Tarrac exemplifies Latino Excellence, shaping the future of economic development and entrepreneurship while uplifting underrepresented communities. Her work continues to leave a lasting impact, igniting pathways to success for the next generation of business leaders.
Join the FounderFuego Community (English): FounderFuego Community
Join the FounderFuego Community (Español): Comunidad de FounderFuego
Amber Tarrac
San Diego, CA
[email protected]
(619) 202-1494
