Featured Guest Biographies: Winter Networking Noche at the Godfrey Hotel Chicago | Thursday, February 05
Steve Bernas, President & CEO, Better Busines Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois
Steve Bernas is the President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois, where he leads the organization’s mission to build trust between businesses and consumers in the marketplace. This year, the Chicago BBB proudly celebrates its 100th anniversary, marking a century of advancing ethical business practices and consumer confidence across the region.
A 30+ year veteran of the BBB, Steve began his career in operations and has worked across nearly every department, gaining deep insight into what drives ethical, successful business practices. Since becoming President and CEO in 2006, he has been a driving force in modernizing the organization while staying true to its founding purpose of promoting integrity, transparency, and accountability.
Steve is widely recognized as a trusted authority on consumer trust, corporate ethics, and leadership, and is known for his collaborative, service-oriented leadership style. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago and is a passionate advocate for the idea that trust is the most valuable asset any business can build.
Andreina Viera Silva, Entrepreneur & Author of “ Rising Fierce”
Andreina Viera Silva is the author of Rising Fierce, a memoir-manifesto born from a life that refused to be defined by trauma. A survivor of human trafficking, former foster child, and teenage mother, Andreina transformed adversity into a life of leadership, service, and impact.
She is the Co-Founder and President of Arka HR, a people-operations consulting and HR technology firm helping mission-driven organizations strengthen culture, compliance, and scalable systems. She is also the Founder and Executive Director of Boss Lady, a nonprofit empowering women through leadership development, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and community support.
Previously, she founded The Vieras, a business management firm supporting small businesses, and has held leadership roles at MIT and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute advancing equity-focused initiatives. She is currently pursuing her MBA at Babson College and has completed executive programs at Harvard Business School and Cornell University.
Rising Fierce is more than a book—it is an invitation for women to reclaim their voice, rewrite their story, and rise with courage, clarity, and purpose.
Jorge Cabrera, MBA — Financial Leader & Chicago Co-Chair, LatinxMBA
Jorge Cabrera, MBA is a Financial Planning & Analysis professional at Abbott and serves as the Chicago Co-Chair of LatinxMBA, where he helps advance career access and leadership development for Latinx business professionals.
With experience across the financial services, retail, and healthcare sectors, Jorge brings a strategic, data-driven perspective to financial leadership. In addition to his corporate role, he is an active entrepreneur and investor focused on real estate, equity portfolio management, and mental health and wellness ventures.
Jorge is deeply committed to community service and mentorship. He previously served as President of the Rutgers Business School Alumni Association, representing a network of over 50,000 alumni, and as a Zoning Board Member for the Township of Bloomfield, New Jersey. He also mentors college students through the Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA).
A recognized emerging leader, Jorge has received multiple honors, including Latinos 40 Under 40 – Chicago (Negocios Now), Core Diagnostics Finance Excellence Award (Abbott), and Top Latino Leader Under 40 (Prospanica). He holds an MBA in Real Estate and Marketing Research & Analytics, and a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Economics from Rutgers University.
Alfonso Barrera, Founder, HispanicPro – The Hispanic Professional Network
Alfonso Barrera is the Founder of HispanicPro – The Hispanic Professional Network, one of the nation’s leading Latino business networks dedicated to advancing Latino professionals through career development and networking events, digital media, and entrepreneurship advocacy. For more than two decades, he has built platforms that connect thousands of professionals with career, business, and leadership opportunities across industries.
An entrepreneur, connector, and community advocate, Alfonso Barrera has partnered with Fortune 500 companies, leading universities, and civic organizations to design and deliver impactful programming that strengthens workplace culture, leadership pipelines, and talent development. He also served on the Executive Committee of SCORE Chicago as Vice Chair Emeritus of Community & Small Business Engagement, where he mentored entrepreneurs and championed small business growth.
Through HispanicPro and his broader work, Alfonso continues to shape spaces where Latino leadership, talent, and culture thrive.
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