Alex Páramo

Alex Páramo holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management Science and Engineering from Stanford University. He is currently the Chief of Staff at Cabrera Capital Markets, a Latino-owned investment bank and brokerage firm. Alex was born and raised on the East side of Joliet. He currently serves on the board for the United Way of Will County, the Greater Joliet YMCA, and The Art Movement, Inc. Mr. Páramo started with Cabrera in the public finance investment banking division, supporting the execution of over $42 billion in debt to finance public infrastructure projects across the country. Mr. Páramo currently works with senior management on strategic and operational initiatives. He is passionate about issues that impact the Latino community, especially in regards to economic justive, as evidenced by his recent support in establishing the ILLCF COVID-19 Solidarity Fund, which has raised over half a million dollars to date for immigrant families in Illinois. His previous roles have been as a data analyst with Mission Asset Fund–a financial services technology non-profit that leverages Lending Circles to create a fairer financial marketplace—and with the Immigration Defense Unit at the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office as an assistant to the Managing Attorney in representing undocumented residents facing deportation.

Ulises Huitron

My name is Ulises Huitron. I am from Naucalpan, Mexico by way of Joliet, IL. I am the son of hard working immigrant parents who came to this country with nothing to their name but only a dream of giving their family a better life. As a witness of their success in making their dream come true, my parents have deeply ingrained the importance of being appreciative, detail- oriented, and resilient in my own personal journey.

I started my real estate career in 2019 as a student of investment prodigies Daniel and Samuel Kwak (also known as the Kwak Brothers). The first day I set foot in their real-estate mastermind meet-up, was the day I fell in love with real estate. From that day onward, it was destined for me to become a Realtor. There’s an incomparable feeling that has come with being able to serve the people of my own community on the topics of homeownership and real estate investments. The mantra of being “The People’s Reator” or “El Realtor De La Raza” is one I embrace wholeheartedly as I continue to serve the Joliet Area.

Eduardo Sanchez

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!”