Neli Vazquez Rowland’s story is one of deep roots, family sacrifice, and a relentless commitment to improving lives. Born and raised in Chicago's Little Village, Neli grew up in a community where family meant everything. Her parents’ journey from Mexico to the United States, marked by separation and hard work, laid the foundation for the values that would guide her throughout her life.

"My parents made a huge sacrifice," Neli recalls, describing how her father came to the U.S. alone, working as a bracero before eventually reuniting with his wife and starting a family. Their determination to build a better life for their children was not just about providing, but about instilling values of hard work, faith, and community. These were the cornerstones of Neli’s upbringing, and they remain at the heart of her life’s work.

Neli's journey into finance was unexpected, a path she describes as one that found her rather than the other way around. She credits her husband with pushing her to pursue this field, despite her initial reluctance. "I didn't have a golden Rolodex," she admits, sharing how she began her career by cold calling from the Yellow Pages. But Neli's drive and curiosity led her to carve out a niche in Latin American investments, turning her into a subject matter expert in a field where she was a pioneer.

Yet, her success in finance was just the beginning. Neli and her husband saw a need in their community that went beyond financial gain. Their shared commitment to giving back led them to invest in real estate, but with a twist. Instead of simply building a portfolio, they began providing housing to those in need, laying the groundwork for what would become A Safe Haven, a nonprofit that has since helped over 140,000 people, including 30,000 veterans.

Neli speaks passionately about the importance of creating not just a home, but a pathway to self-sufficiency for those who have fallen on hard times. "The first thing people need is a roof over their head when they’re in crisis," she explains. But it doesn’t stop there. Neli and her team work to provide access to job training, employment, and permanent housing, offering a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of homelessness.

One of the most striking aspects of Neli’s work is her ability to see the big picture while remaining deeply connected to individual stories. She recalls the children who have come through A Safe Haven, many of whom are now thriving adults, unaware of the struggles their parents once faced. "It’s been my biggest reward in life," Neli reflects, knowing that her work has not only transformed lives but also broken cycles of poverty and despair.

Neli’s work is grounded in her faith, something she says has always guided her decisions. She believes in the power of community, of paying it forward, and of doing what is right, even when it’s difficult. Her approach to life and business is deeply personal, driven by a desire to honor the sacrifices her parents made and to create a better world for her children and future generations.

As Neli continues to expand her impact through her consulting business, Goals (GOLZ), she remains committed to helping others achieve their dreams. Whether it’s through real estate development, supporting Latino artists, or advocating for small businesses, Neli’s focus is always on creating opportunities for others.

In a world that often feels disconnected, Neli Vazquez Rowland’s story is a reminder of the power of community, the importance of family, and the impact one person can have when they lead with their heart. Her life’s work is not just about building homes or businesses; it’s about building a legacy of compassion, resilience, and hope.

In the latest episode of "The Future of Community & Business," we delve into the life of Alex Iniguez-Mercado, a high school student whose narrative redefines resilience. Alex's journey isn't just a story; it's a beacon of hope, a testament to the power of positivity, and a roadmap for turning adversity into opportunity.

Born into a blend of Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage, Alex's life in Chicago has been anything but ordinary. His tale weaves through the struggles of homelessness, the loss of a sibling, and the challenges of growing up in a less-than-ideal environment.

Yet, amid these trials, Alex's spirit remains unbroken, his dreams undimmed. He candidly shares, "It's gonna be hard for right now, but there's always light at the end of the tunnel."

Alex's aspirations are as diverse as his experiences – from launching a clothing brand aimed at helping underprivileged kids to carving a niche in the automotive industry, inspired by his grandfather's influence. His vision for his clothing line resonates with his altruistic heart, "I want to provide clothing for kids that are not able to afford nice clothes."

His automotive dreams are equally poignant, sparked by childhood memories and fueled by a newfound passion for drifting, discovered through social media. Alex recalls the moment that changed his trajectory, "I downloaded TikTok... and there was this guy in this purple car sliding it. I was like, whoa, what is this?"

But Alex's story isn't just about dreams; it's about the gritty, everyday reality of turning those dreams into something tangible. His narrative is peppered with life lessons about responsibility, resilience, and the importance of role models – his sister being a prime example. "She taught me business always needs to be handled first," he reflects.

In a world where negative influences are rampant, especially among youth, Alex stands out. His ability to sift through the chaos and hold onto his morals is noteworthy. He advises, "You just have to put your hand out and say no. I'm not gonna sit here and feed off your negativity."

Alex's involvement with Somos Arte, teaching kids to paint and draw, adds another layer to his multifaceted personality. His journey from photobooth boy to future artist is as inspiring as it is surprising.

Alex's story teaches us that our circumstances don't define us. Instead, our response to those circumstances does. His life is a reminder that with the right mindset, support, and a dash of courage, it's possible to turn the bleakest situations into stepping stones for success.

In the latest episode of "The Future of Community & Business," we dive deep into the life and dreams of Kamilah Nolen, a college student whose narrative transcends the boundaries of music and personal growth. Nolen, a vibrant presence with a passion for sound engineering and DJing, embodies the spirit of resilience and authenticity.

Hailing from Illinois, Nolen's journey is not just a chronicle of a young musician but a testament to the power of personal truth and perseverance.

Her story begins in the suburbs of Brookfield and Broadview, where she discovered her love for music production in elementary school. Nolen shares, "I started making beats in fifth grade...it was about expressing myself, finding a rhythm in the chaos."

Nolen's narrative is a beacon of inspiration, highlighting the importance of embracing one’s identity. She recalls how music, particularly 90s hip hop, served as a lens to view the world, shaping her perspective and fostering a deep sense of empathy and understanding. "Music taught me about my environment, emotions, and more importantly, about being true to myself," she reflects.

The essence of Nolen's message lies in the concept of 'glam hop' - a unique blend of hip hop culture with a touch of glamour, emphasizing authenticity and resilience.

It's a movement encouraging self-acceptance and harnessing one's inner light for positive change. "Glam hop is about being comfortable in your own skin," Nolen asserts, "It's about using your voice and platform to make a difference."

What sets Nolen apart is her profound understanding of the impact of social perception and her advocacy for self-reliance and inner strength.

She advises, "Care less about others' opinions...it's about what you bring to the table, not what others think you should." This message is a clarion call for the youth, urging them to chart their own paths based on personal conviction rather than societal expectations.

Nolen's story is not just about music; it's about the journey towards self-discovery and the relentless pursuit of one's passions. She stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, a reminder that authenticity and hard work pave the way for true success.

The Vice President of Tax & Beyond [a full service accounting firm providing a wide range of services to individuals, closely held corporations and nonprofit entities], Paola Meinzer is no stranger to overcoming adversity. Yet, in meeting Paola you’d never know that through her positive attitude on life.

“I was raised pretty much by my dad, but then he passed away when I was 12. So, that's where all of the challenges through life started shaping who I am today. I always saw you have two options: the glass is either half empty or the glass is half full. So I was being a very positive person and this placed me in a position to start traveling the world.”

When asked about where she drew her inspiration from, to create a positive outlook for herself, Paola is the first to express her gratitude for her faith.

“I really started to get to know God and believe in Him and, and the promises that He had made to my life. I'm very thankful for that because that has shown me and kept me on the right path in life, and also to be very helpful and very positive. If we put our mind to whatever we want, have the right attitude and have the right beliefs and believe in a bigger thing than us. And for me, like I said, it's God.”

Those beliefs led Paola to experience different cultures in her travels to other countries. It’s also what taught her to connect with others in a meaningful way. Leading her to create beautiful friendships wherever she goes. She took those experiences and found an opportunity for herself to use those skills when working for a Fortune 500 company. It was during that time that Paola began to grow her professional network and develop relationships within the community. She goes on to share how, despite loving the experience, she felt something was missing for her.

“I was out there doing a lot of community outreach, being involved with different organizations and growing my network, which is very important. Every time I attended these events I was wondering like, okay, so I love this. I'm meeting all these people, but I think that we're missing something. We need a space that is catered for us ladies, Latinas who are like-minded. We need a space where we can come together to really feel welcome; feel like we belong. We love to feel we belong.”

It was from that point that Paola set the wheels in motion to create L.E.E.N. or Latinas Executives and Entrepreneurs Network. With the help of other Latina Executives and Entrepreneurs, LEEN creates opportunities for Latinas to come together through social events and gatherings.

Tune in to hear more about Paola, her journey, and the powerful network she’s created for Latina Executives and Entrepreneurs.