Jessica Coronado is the Director of Operations and Board Liaison for the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), bringing extensive experience in policy development, strategic planning, and community leadership.
Jessica holds a Master of Public Leadership from the LBJ School of Public Policy at the University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Public Administration from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas. She conducted groundbreaking research on developing a business plan for the nation’s first Latina business accelerator program. This innovative study, completed in August 2024 at the LBJ School, focused on addressing the unique challenges faced by Latina entrepreneurs and proposed a comprehensive pilot program to be facilitated by the USHCC.
Jessica’s professional journey began with a series of notable positions at the United States Embassy, the U.S. State Department, and the U.S. Agency of International Development in Latin America, showcasing her early commitment to public service and international relations. Jessica gained valuable experience in diplomatic operations and international affairs while contributing to development projects and diplomatic efforts in third-world countries. This background undoubtedly informed her later work in public administration and her advocacy for the Latino community in the United States.
Upon returning to the United States, she worked for nearly ten years with the City Manager’s Office and City Council in Austin, Texas, where she led critical policy initiatives in areas such as Equity, Climate change, Workforce Development, economic strength, and urban revitalization. This experience, combined with her academic research, significantly shaped her approach at the USHCC, equipping her with valuable insights into supporting Hispanic-owned businesses and underserved communities.
In her personal time, Coronado served as the board chair of the Austin Chapter of the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas, a statewide organization dedicated to empowering Latinas and providing scholarships and academic mentorship to Latina high school students. Her work in Austin aligns perfectly with USHCC’s mission and her research findings on supporting Latina entrepreneurs.
At the USHCC, Jessica applies her project management skills and research-based knowledge to streamline governance and strategic execution. Her capstone project on the Latina business accelerator program has given her a deep understanding of the challenges Latina entrepreneurs, including access to capital, capacity building, and networking opportunities. This research has positioned her to drive impactful initiatives supporting the growth of Latina-owned businesses across the United States.
“I’m proud to be a part of a collaborative organization, like the USHCC, that serves small businesses in historically underserved areas,” Coronado stated. Her passion for creating opportunities for the Latino community, informed by her academic research and professional experience, contributes significantly to the broader American economic prosperity through her work at the USHCC.
