Sam Garcia

Brenda Noriega

Brenda, a dedicated professional with a degree in Business Management from the University of Illinois at Chicago, has been in the insurance industry for nearly a decade, and has spent the last five years focusing on Commercial Insurance.

As a Risk Management Advisor, Brenda finds joy in helping business owners bring their visions to life, supporting them as they navigate the journey of growing their businesses. Fluent in Spanish, she takes pride in assisting women-owned and minority-owned businesses.

Outside of the corporate world, Brenda can be found hitting the pavement for long-distance runs and immersing herself in the world of literature. Known for her warmth and straightforwardness, Brenda is often described as a ray of sunshine, a testament to her genuine and authentic approach to both professional and personal interactions.

Community engagement is a core value for Brenda. Having served as a board member for Alianza de Negocios and currently holding the role of National VP for the Women of Insurance group, she actively contributes to meaningful initiatives. As a prior mentor in the Big Brother Big Sister Mentor 2.0 program, she has witnessed the profound impact that guidance and support can have on disadvantaged youth. In Joliet, Brenda founded the J-Town Running Club, a community built on principles of support, guidance, and mutual accountability.

Looking forward, Brenda's goals include qualifying for the Boston Marathon, exploring the pages of 10 books next year, and obtaining her Certified Insurance Counselor Designation. Yet, beyond personal aspirations, she is driven by a larger mission—One, to advocate resources to women and minority owned businesses and two, be a guiding light for other women and minorities considering a career in the insurance world and bring more diversity into the insurance brokerage industry.

The heartbeat of Brenda's journey is rooted in the sacrifices of her parents, who left everything behind in Mexico to pursue the American Dream. Their relentless work ethic and commitment to education have not only shaped Brenda's path but have also inspired her three sisters, all of whom hold bachelor's degrees in various fields. Brenda sees these sacrifices as a responsibility to show her parents that, “We made it!”

Chris Chaidez

Johnny Noriega

Over the last two years, Noriega’s business has experienced tremendous growth. He now leads a team of four, and production has doubled. In 2021, the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) ranked him among the Top 100 Loan Officers in the Midwest. Noriega was also one of NAHREP’s Top 500 Loan Officers in the country in 2022 and one of Scotsman Guide’s top loan officers in 2021 and 2022.

Clients enjoy Noriega’s fun, process-driven style. They consistently praise his team for being extremely efficient and communicative. “We close on time, every time, and we’re best known for our quick closings and great communication,” he shares. “Communication is a big key to clients loving their experience. From initial pre-approval to closing day, the client feels like they are our only client.” Teamwork is also instrumental in Noriega’s success. “Learning to delegate has helped tremendously in providing exceptional service,” he explains.

Accessibility helps Noriega rise above the competition. “Being available to help clients at a moment’s notice is something that seems small, but has been my best way to generate future referrals,” he elaborates. “By problem-solving in certain situations, when another bank says no, we might find a way to help the client.” Dedication makes working with Noriega and his team unique. “The fact that there are four of us with the same drive and passion is hard to replicate,” he emphasizes.

“Getting married last year was great,” Noriega recalls, emphasizing the joy he gets from growing his business while also being a husband and preparing to start a family.

Noeli Serna

Noeli Serna is a Spanish-speaking attorney and the Founding Attorney of Serna Legal Services, a corporate law firm that specializes in guiding ambitious entrepreneurs through business growth, strategic business purchases and sales and complex contracts. She makes her Big Law and In-House Counsel training and caliber of services accessible to entrepreneurs that are excited and ready to work with a dedicated corporate legal counsel. Before starting her own law firm, Noeli worked as in-house Corporate Counsel at an international company and prior to working as in-house counsel, Noeli also practiced transactional banking law in the Chicago offices of two international law firms. Noeli also worked in her family’s restaurant since the age of five, which contributed to her interest in business and appreciation for excellent customer service.  Her formative years in the family business eventually led her to the practice of corporate law and have positioned her well to represent and advocate for Latine business owners.