Jaime di Paulo is the President & CEO of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (IHCC), a prominent organization dedicated to networking, advocating for, and developing the Hispanic business community in the Midwest. Since assuming leadership in 2019, di Paulo has spearheaded numerous initiatives and collaborations, positioning IHCC as a finalist in the 13th World Chambers Congress, the largest economic forum for chambers and businesses worldwide.

Under di Paulo's guidance, IHCC successfully established a unique agreement of collaboration with the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM), fostering partnerships and enhancing opportunities for both organizations. He has been instrumental in expanding IHCC's networks with various chambers of commerce, locally and nationally, in order to bring valuable resources to small businesses. The IHCC's initiatives in 2020 resulted in the creation and retention of 18,092 jobs, an increase of 42 times compared to the previous year. Additionally, the IHCC facilitated a 315% surge in small businesses access to financial resources, amounting to a total of $88.1 million.

Recognizing the importance of education and entrepreneurship, di Paulo integrated the first cohort for the Aspen Institute Latinos and Society Program: Entrepreneurship Initiative, City Learning, and Action Lab, where he served as chair. He provided valuable insights into the local economy, macroeconomic trends, and research opportunities, contributing to the design of policies that advance the Latino economy in the region.

Di Paulo's exceptional leadership and contributions have garnered recognition and accolades. He became a distinguished member of The Economic Club of Chicago, an influential organization connecting leaders in Chicago's economic circles. The Government of Mexico officially acknowledged him as one of the most influential Mexican Americans in the Midwest, highlighting his significance within the region's economic landscape. Moreover, he received the 2022 American Mexican Association's Leader of the Year award, which celebrates his dedication to the community and his role within the broader Latino community.

Driven by his commitment to empowering Latino entrepreneurs, di Paulo has worked to strengthen the LATINX Incubator program in collaboration with 1871, a renowned business incubator. This initiative supports young Hispanic tech companies, fostering innovation and providing them with opportunities to secure capital funds.

Di Paulo has also facilitated important connections and collaborations within the business community. He organized the first Roundtable of Women CEOs, bringing influential Hispanics together to forge new opportunities. Additionally, he established a critical alliance between IHCC and the Black Chamber of Commerce of Illinois, promoting joint participation in the 2020 legislative schedule and advocating for minority business owners. Furthermore, di Paulo testified before the United States House of Representatives Committee on Small Business, emphasizing the significance of supporting small businesses and showcasing the work of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

In recognition of his dedication and impact, di Paulo was honored with Dominican University's 2023 James W. Haugh Award for Entrepreneurship, acknowledging his consistent efforts to provide small business owners with the necessary tools and education to succeed.

With a focus on four priorities since assuming the role of CEO at IHCC, di Paulo aims to transform the chamber into a hub for major Latino businesses in Illinois, enhance training opportunities for Hispanic entrepreneurs, ensure access to credit and government contracts for Hispanic companies, and facilitate better business opportunities for minorities in the state. Through his unwavering commitment and the support of a dedicated team, di Paulo continues to make significant strides in achieving these objectives.

In terms of di Paulo's professional experience, prior to his role at IHCC, he served as the Executive Director of the Little Village Chamber of Commerce (LVCC), where he transformed the chamber into a robust business development center and advocacy organization. He has also worked as the Business Development Director for the Greater Oklahoma City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and as the Director of the Mexican & American Thinking Together Foundation, a binational nonprofit organization focused on finding quality employment for returning and deported immigrants. Di Paulo holds bachelor's degrees in Public Administration and Political Science from the Universidad Nacional Aut6noma de Mexico (UNAM) in Mexico City.

Outside of his professional pursuits, di Paulo is a married individual and a proud father of three sons and a daughter. He maintains an active presence on various social media channels, including Linkedin, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, where he engages with the community and shares updates on his work and initiatives.