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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.
Paulina Martínez holds a B.A. in Sports, Recreation, and Tourism Management from the University of St. Francis and a M.A. in Urban Planning and Policy with a concentration in economic development from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and is member of the American Institute of Certified Planners. Ms. Martínez is currently the Community Impact Director at World Business Chicago, the economic development agency for the City of Chicago. In this role her primary mission is to bring investment, jobs, and development to the south and west sides of Chicago. Paulina also brings local government experience she gained while working at the City of Evanston. During her tenure at the City of Evanston, Paulina spearheaded public art initiatives, language access, worked on economic development projects, helped manage City Council relations, among other projects. Ms. Martínez was raised on the east side of Joliet and is a proud graduate of Joliet Central (go Steelmen!).
Nancy Caballero – Borunda has been a Retail Bank Manager since June 2008. She currently manages the BMO Harris branch located at 207 N. Midland Ave. in Joliet. In this role, she is accountable for inspiring her team and driving the business to the next level. She is part of the local community and is committed in supporting neighborhood businesses and helping people achieve their financial goals. She is also responsible for developing her team to meet their career objectives while creating a positively impactful customer experience. She has worked at BMO Harris Bank for twenty-four years holding a variety of roles within the organization. She began her career as a part time teller before advancing to a personal banker. In 2007 Nancy completed a six-month bank manager development program and shortly after accepted her first role as a bank manager. She has continued in this role where she has managed locations varying in scope and size. Nancy is an active community leader most recently serving as Chair for Alianza de Negocios, member of the Joliet Region Chamber Board of Directors and member of the Diversity Equity Inclusion Council. Past commitments Co-Chair of Fiesta en la Calle, Will County Back to School Fair, Joliet Kiwanis and supporting events for the Spanish Community Center. Within BMO Harris Bank is a member BMO Latino Alliance. Nancy was born and raised in Joliet. She is a graduate of Joliet Catholic Academy. She is married to Omar Borunda and raising their two boys in Wilmington where they reside. Her older son Omar is a freshman at Creighton University and her younger son Giancarlo is currently attending St. Paul the Apostle in Joliet. She is a proud football/basketball mom and enjoys horseback riding with her family.
Mr. Cardenas is the founder and CEO of Unidos Marketing Network (UMN), a full-service marketing firm specializing in creating engaging multicultural content that drives results. The company’s downtown Joliet headquarters features a state-of-the-art, full-service print and digital solutions shop, high-tech recording and editing studio and innovative co-work and community conferencing space for small business and surrounding community. Mr. Cardenas was recently recognized by the Will County Center for Economic Development for his outstanding leadership in business as the recipient of the Board’s inaugural Scholarship Program, inviting Mr. Cardenas to serve on the board driving strategic leadership for the State’s leading county for growth and economic development. Mr. Cardenas’ has built a reputation as one of the most prestigious marketing agencies in Chicagoland with clients ranging from law firms, hospitals, financial services firms, municipalities, and non-profits. UMN has lead marketing efforts for the City of Joliet—the 3rd largest city in Illinois—The Chicagoland Speedway and Latino restaurant giants Atotonilco’s and Los Comales across Chicagoland. Mr. Cardenas has also had a particular focus on community through work provided to Will County Children’s Advocacy Center, Joliet Park District, and term as President of the Spanish Community Center Board, which serves to improve the quality of life for Latinos, immigrants and low-income people through education and social services. Mr. Cardenas has also played an important role in crafting the Hispanic Latino Coalition of Will County, which has distributed more than $130,000 in scholarships to Latino youth since inception.
Lizbeth Aviles holds a bachelor of science degree in business economics from DePaul University. She has been an investment consultant at the largest money manager firm in Chicago for the past 5 years. Lizbeth was born and raised on the West side of Joliet. For the past 2 years she has served as a volunteer finance teacher at Joliet Township High School District 204 at West and Central campuses where she ran the stock market contest scholarship program and has taught over 500 students how to invest their money in stocks. Lizbeth is on the board of Junior Achievement Chicago and served as the Spanish Community Center’s 2021 Community Voter Engagement Fellow.
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.
Benito Ibarra is a financial service professional who makes sure every part of your financial world works together to create the life you want to live. His team looks at everything through a comprehensive lens. We focus on holistic strategies that support both your short- and long-term objectives, and when specific needs arise, we help you find a solution that best suits you. Wherever you are on your financial journey, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.
Benito Ibara is also a board member of MOLA (Medical Organization of Latino Advancement). Benito Ibarra is bringing to MOLA a trusted individual who puts MOLA first, he makes sure all our members are well-guided in financial planning in transitioning from Residency to Attending Physician.
