Breaking Barriers
Building Futures
We're leveling the playing field for the Hispanic Community by championing an equitable business landscape. We aim to uplift every entrepreneur, ensuring their success contributes to our collective prosperity.
Become a member
The Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is centered around developing partnerships that create economic growth, equip Hispanic leaders, and support our local businesses.
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To be the regional leading advocate for the economic and civic interests of the business community with an emphasis on the growing Hispanic population.
Origins of the Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Tracing back to the roots of our ambition and community, the Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce was founded to create a thriving platform for under-served entrepreneurs. Our history is a testament to the power of unity and the relentless pursuit of equality in business, providing a strong foundation for generations of economic and social advancement.
From 1975
Established in 1975, the Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (CTHCC), is a non-profit 501c (6) organization that strives to unite the Hispanic Community in Central Texas. From the beginning, the CTHCC founders saw the advantage of joining together to promote their mutual interests.
Through 2017
The Hispanic population of the United States as of July 1, 2017, is the nation’s largest ethnic minority. With growth comes diversity in leadership, professional and business owners of Hispanic descent.
Over the years
Governed by a board of directors of professional leaders, the CTHCC Membership is composed of local individuals, businesses, and various other local organizations who recognize the increasing value of cultural diversity to our economy. Chamber members and volunteers join to focus on promoting the economic, educational, and social development of the Business community in Waco and Central Texas.
Today
As the increase in growth continues at a rapid pace in the Hispanic community, there is a prominent need for our organization to serve as a resource.
Staff
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Dr. Mito Diaz-Espinoza (PhD) serves as the President and CEO of the Central-Texas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Throughout his career, he has led initiatives that amplify voices, dismantle barriers, and create sustainable change. Previously Mito served as the Director of Equity Initiatives at Waco Family Medicine and his work centered on building a culture of respect and belonging among staff and patients. He spent over 20 years in various areas of higher education including admissions, academic advising, diversity programs, leadership, Title IX, and civic engagement.
Mito earned his undergraduate degree in History from Texas A&M University and his Master’s degree in Higher Education & Student Affairs from Baylor University. He earned his Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where his dissertation research investigated the motivations of first-generation Latino men to pursue college degrees.
Mito is an avid reader and spends any and all free time with his daughter and wife. He is a Waco native and graduated from University High School and attended Waco ISD schools his entire pre-college academic career.
Dytrun brings over a decade of financial expertise to the Hispanic Chamber, drawing on a diverse background spanning hospitality to warehouse systems, enhancing our member support. As an E.O.A.C. board member with degrees from McLennan Community College and Tarleton State University, he's deeply invested in the Chamber's mission. Living in Lacy-Lakeview, Dytrun enjoys sports and fitness, sharing his passion for basketball and health with friends and family.
Our Board
Allysan Jimenez is an Associate Portfolio Manager at Cadence Bank and Chairwoman of the Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. A Baylor University graduate (‘20), she is passionateabout leadership, community impact, and building relationships. In her free time, she enjoysgardening, yoga, and time with her Australian Shepherd, Beau.
Eric Linares is a dedicated community builder passionate about arts, culture, and entrepreneurship. As Special Events Manager at Creative Waco, he leads initiatives like the Levitt AMP Waco Music Series and Día de los Muertos Waco, ensuring cultural representation and community engagement. He is the co-founder of Eastside Market, a hub for local artists and entrepreneurs, and serves as Vice Chair of the Hispanic Chamber. With a background in entrepreneurship from Baylor University, Eric focuses on creating sustainable opportunities for artists and small businesses while strengthening Waco’s creative economy.
Ramon Vigil is a Bank Officer in the Account Services Department at Community Bank & Trust, where he’s worked for 18 years. He sits on the Board of the Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as the Treasurer. He is a lifelong Wacoan and lives in the China Spring area. He is passionate about building relationships and connecting with others. In his free time, you can find him on the sidelines or courtside watching his kids play their numerous sports. He has a son and a daughter.
Luis Vasquez is originally from Guatemala, but arrived in Waco, TX at a very young age. He grew up in Waco, TX and after completing high school and some classes at his local community college he moved to Austin, TX to attend the University of Texas. He graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in Government. He continued his education in Michigan, Luis graduated from Western Michigan Law School with a Doctor of Jurisprudence. He came back to the University of Texas School of Law to obtain his LL.M.
Outside of being an attorney, Luis enjoys exploring the World with his wife Esmeralda who is also an immigration attorney. Luis’s favorite hobby is scuba diving. He became certified at the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and has dived in many places around the World since becoming a certified diver.
Ashley Allison is the executive director of Waco Foundation, where she manages all aspects of a $150 million community foundation with the mission of improving the quality of life in McLennan County. Ashley obtained her Bachelor of Arts in economics at Baylor and a Master of Arts in political science from West Texas A & M University.
During her early career, she worked at a Council of Governments writing grants for public infrastructure projects through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. Since 1994, she has worked in the community foundation field, including a total of nine years of service with the Amarillo Area Foundation where she left as vice president, and two community foundations in the Boston area where she was president & CEO. During her career, she has raised over $25 million in grants and contributions for various community foundation efforts.
Steve Sorrells is a developer/custom home builder from Waco. In business since 1998, Sorrells’companies have built over 450 homes and apartments, and developed 350 acres of first classresidential, multi-family & commercial developments. He has earned a reputation ofunparalleled creativity, quality & integrity.
Sorrells began his career in real estate with Lincoln Property Company in Dallas and worked hisway up to Vice President/Director of Fee Management for the Central US region. Steve is aCertified Property Manager of the Institute of Real Estate Management and holds a BBA inManagement from Abilene Christian University (’84).
His wife Becky Sorrells is a CPA and works alongside Steve as CFO for their businesses. Steve& Becky have three children: Jack (ACU ‘14), Emily (ACU ‘16), and Allie (ACU ‘21). Steve and Becky are active in the community, and currently he serves as an Elder at Crestview Church of Christ, board member of the Texas Association of Builders, member of the Heart of TexasBuilders Association, board member of the City of Waco Public Improvement District, and boardmember of the Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Steve is a past President of the Texas Association of Builders, having serve as President duringthe successful 2015 legislative cycle, as well as being a past Chairman of the Texas BuildersFoundation. Representing over 10,000 Builder and Associate members throughout the state,TAB actively advocates for business friendly legislation at the capital, while fighting to maintainhousing affordability and supporting expansion of the state’s water, utility & roadwayinfrastructure.
Daysi Barrera is the owner of 25th Street Furniture in Waco, Texas, and a passionate advocate for small business development in her community. After immigrating to the U.S. at 15 years old, she pursued her dream of building a successful business while uplifting others along the way. A proud member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Daysi founded Escalando, a bilingual workshop program that provides free resources and guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those facing language barriers. Through her work, she continues to inspire her neighbors and empower others to turn their dreams into reality.
Thomas Ellis is a Waco resident of over 20 years, holds a degree in Business Management and International Business, along with an Masters in Business Administration. A U.S. Army veteran with a background in Intelligence and Special Operations, and has owned several small businesses in Waco. He now serves as Director of the McLennan Small Business Development Center, mentoring entrepreneurs across Central Texas. Thomas also serves on the boards of the Asian Leaders Network and as a Trustee at VFW Post 2148. He enjoys outdoor activities, spending time with family, farming, and traveling.
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Elaine Botello is the Owner and Lead Consultant of "the" Victory Employer Services, LLC, where she specializes in delivering tailored HR solutions to businesses. With over 30 years of executive level HR experience, she has a deep understanding of both public and private sector HR needs.
Elaine excels in creating strategic workforce initiatives. Her leadership is marked by a commitment to providing peace of mind to her clients. Elaine's expertise includes talent acquisition, HR project management, and leadership development. She is passionate about empowering businesses to achieve their full potential through effective human resources practices.
Alfred graduated from Texas State Technical College in 1982 with a degree in AAS Electronics Technology. He has over 30 years of experience in the office technology industry, where he provided business equipment and software solutions and broad service on various nonprofit boards and advisory councils.
Alfred’s interest in nonprofit began when he attended a Hispanic Chamber monthly luncheon that opened his eyes to how broad of an impact a chamber can have on people. As the former President of the CTHCC, Alfred worked to create partnerships with small businesses and local resources across the Waco community.
Jose Palacios serves as Director of Business & Industry Initiatives at Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas. He is a natural talent for developing strong business relationships built on trust and respect. Jose’s strong leadership skills provide direction and purpose to any business team. Experience in management, staffing, recruiting and workforce development with both public and private business sectors.
Ray Ramos is an entrepreneur and educator with deep roots in the Waco community. He enjoys connecting with the community and mentoring youth for a better future.
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Maria Davalos is a dedicated HR professional and community advocate. Her connections to community, local business, and people allow her to develop relationships and mobilize people.
Alex Sanchez is from Lake Jackson, TX but has been around Waco since 2015. Formerly a food photographer (yeah, it sounds fake) for a start-up gone public, being surrounded by entrepreneurs led to wanting to build a brand himself. Meetings with him run long because once you get him started talking he just won't stop. If there's something silly to be done for content, he'll be the one to make a fool of himself. He is an avid runner and coffee connoisseur.
