*Special Edition*
In an inspiring and candid conversation, Diana Walker, President of the Tampa Bay Latin Chamber, shared her journey, challenges, and vision for building a more inclusive and empowered Latino business community. Her leadership is rooted in personal experience and a deep understanding of the entrepreneurial spirit — shaped by her own upbringing and driven by the desire to uplift others facing the same challenges.
“I come from a family of entrepreneurs,” Walker shared. “My father owned his own business, and I witnessed firsthand the obstacles he faced — from language barriers to not having access to the right information. That shaped my mission: to help others avoid those same pitfalls.”
It’s this passion for advocacy and equity that led her to accept the role of Chamber President. For Walker, the Chamber isn’t just a networking group — it’s a vehicle for real community change.
Laying the Groundwork for Expansion
Under Walker’s leadership, the Chamber is looking beyond Hillsborough County and strategically expanding into Pinellas and Pasco. “We wanted to first build a solid foundation,” she explained, “but now we’re ready to duplicate our efforts and foster meaningful programming in those regions.”
That growth hinges on collaboration. Walker emphasized the importance of working closely with community partners and leveraging the diverse talents and networks of board members across counties. “It’s about aligning missions,” she said, “and supporting one another to elevate Latino businesses across the Tampa Bay region.”
Opportunities and Obstacles
The Latino population in Tampa Bay is rapidly growing, presenting enormous economic potential. “We are the second largest majority in Hillsborough and we’re growing in Pinellas and Pasco,” said Walker. “Our culture, our passion, and our shared immigrant or first-generation experiences can unite us and drive impactful change — even in international markets.”
Yet, challenges persist. One is a tendency toward cultural silos. “Sometimes, we think too individually within our own countries of origin, and that limits cross-cultural collaboration,” she noted. Another major hurdle: underrepresentation in decision-making spaces. “We’re growing our businesses but often not in the rooms where policies and opportunities are shaped. That needs to change.”
Empowering Through Education
A key focus of Walker’s leadership is empowering Latino entrepreneurs with educational resources. She highlighted a need for information to be more accessible — and often, bilingual. “People digest complex topics like legal structures or accessing capital better in their own language,” she said.
The Chamber aims to spotlight existing community resources — such as the Entrepreneur Collaborative Center in Hillsborough, Smart Start in Pasco, and Amplify Clearwater — and streamline guidance for entrepreneurs at every stage. Plans are underway to create a user-friendly, step-by-step resource hub on the Chamber’s website, offering videos, FAQs, and pathways to mentorship.
Beyond Buzzwords: Intentional Inclusion
When asked about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Walker prefers to focus on intentionality. “It’s not about using trendy words,” she said. “It’s about asking: what’s the purpose of this networking event? Who’s in the room? Are we creating real pathways to connect people with opportunities?”
She envisions programming that goes beyond mixers — think business expos, international partnerships, and strategic collaborations with government and nonprofit sectors to amplify Latino voices and ventures.
A Call to Young Leaders
To aspiring Latino professionals and changemakers, Walker’s advice is simple yet profound: show up. “Even if you’re not invited, walk into the room. Do your homework. Understand the mission of the organizations you engage with. Time is precious — be intentional.”
The Chamber, she insists, is open and ready to innovate. “We’re just a cafecito away,” she smiled, encouraging young professionals to reach out and get involved.
As the Tampa Bay Latin Chamber moves boldly into new counties and new phases of growth, Diana Walker’s leadership is clearly focused on inclusion, access, and authentic community-building. With collaboration, education, and strategic expansion at the heart of her approach, she’s not just guiding a chamber — she’s shaping a movement.
Written by Paula Sofia Gomez, MBA², IT PMP®, CSM®, Singer & Songwriter
www.paulasofiasinger.com | @paulasofiasinger
