Negocios Now

www.negociosnow.com Junio 2015 3 Adela Cepeda, founder and pre- sident of AC Advisory, a fi nancial advisory fi rm with billions in tran- sactions for nonprofi ts and gover- nment entities, said the Who's Who initiative is important for the Latino community. "For so long Latinos have been mostly invisible in Chicago's busi- ness community," Cepeda said. "It makes me proud that Negocios Now can put together the Who's Who list. It's proof that we're here making a difference." Foto Brian Morowczynski Carmen Maldonado, owner of La Criolla, Inc, an importer, packager and distributor of spices, beans, pastas, olives and olive oils. Esteban Borges, contributor O ne of Negocios Now's Who's Who in Hispanic Chicago nominees, Carmen Maldo- nado, has reached another milesto- ne with her business — customers can now fi nd La Criolla products in Target stores. "As Target expands its local offe- rings in their grocery department, we add the spice that will resona- te with their shoppers — everyone from Hispanics to millennials," said Maldonado, CEO and president of La Criolla Inc. "La Criolla is a one-stop brand for authentic ethnic fl avors that are all- natural and support a healthy lifes- tyle," Maldonado said. "I used to be a nurse, so I ensure that our line of La Criolla spices and seasonings are free of the bad stuff while still tasting great. They're a secret weapon in your cooking!" Maldonado was a nurse, raising three children with her husband Ave- lino when he died in a tragic car accident, putting the future of his business in question. Maldonado took over La Criolla and has seen great entrepreneurial success, expan- ding the line of products to include more than 150 items, which can be purchased at Walmart, Jewel, Tony's, Cermak Markets and Mariano's. Looking to expand even further, Maldonado had a stroke of luck in April when she participated in the Lipari Food Show. Lipari is a food distributor that operates in 12 Mid- western states. "As a result of the show, we now have new customers in cities ran- ging from Allentown, PA to Cincin- nati, Ohio," Maldonado said. Actually, La Criolla, Inc. is in talks with fi ve major regional chains to expand distribution to the West and East coasts as well. Maldonado is featured on the list of Who's Who in Hispanic Chicago, a Nicado Publishing initiative that recognizes Latino leaders in the city and suburbs for their success in a variety of areas. The initiative, which includes this special edition and the Who's Who gala event June 12, is possible thanks to cooperation and support from the community and a range of sponsors, including Nielsen. "The voice of the Latino consu- mer matters, and collaborating with Negocios Now allows us to highlight this as we celebrate Chicago's most prominent Latino leaders," said Trina Fresco, vice president of U.S. Community Alliances, Events and Engagement for Nielsen. La Criolla hits the Target with 'Sazon' Seasoning and other products from Chicago- based La Criolla are selling now in Target stores. "F or so long Latinos have been mostly invisible in Chicago's business community. It makes me proud that Negocios Now can put together the Who's Who list. It's proof that we're here making a difference." Adela Cepeda. DIAMOND SPONSOR GOLD SPONSOR SILVER SPONSORS SMALL BUSINESS SPONSOR BRONZE SPONSORS SPONSOR

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