About HCCH

Advancing economic opportunity for Hawaii’s Hispanic business community.

The vision of HCCH is to promote and strengthen the economic welfare of the Hispanic business and professional community in Hawaii and the mainstream society. We plan to accomplish this vision by supporting proactive activities in the areas of Hispanic education, civic leadership and community development; and by creating business opportunities for our members.

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OUR STORY

Serving the Hispanic Community since 2019

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Hawaii (HCCH) was established in 2019 to serve as a unifying voice and advocate for the Hispanic business community across the islands. As a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, our mission is to empower Hispanic entrepreneurs, professionals, and families through initiatives that foster economic, social, and cultural growth.

Our work is rooted in community and driven by purpose. Through education, mentorship, networking opportunities, and culturally enriching events, we aim to create lasting impact and expand access to opportunity for our members and partners.

At HCCH, we believe that when our community thrives—Hawaii thrives. Together, we’re building a more connected, inclusive, and prosperous future.

Meet Our Founder & PRESIDENT

Barbara Salazar De Lucca

Barbara currently serves as President of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, a role she has held since 2020. A passionate advocate for economic development and community empowerment, Barbara brings over a decade of experience in real estate, business leadership, and strategic relationship-building.

Our Mission

Empowering the Hispanic Business Voice in Hawaii

Our mission is to serve as a unifying voice and advocate for Hispanic entrepreneurs, professionals, and families across the islands. We provide the tools, networking, and advocacy necessary to foster economic, social, and cultural growth, ensuring that our community plays a vital role in Hawaii’s thriving economy.

Our Values

Honoring Our Roots, Building Our Future

Our core values center on Empowerment, providing the education and tools necessary for Hispanic professionals to excel. Through Collaboration, we bridge the gap between our members and the broader business landscape. At HCCH, we value Culture as a catalyst for business, celebrating the unique heritage that enriches Hawaii’s economy.

COMMUNITY IMPACT

A Unifying Voice for Hispanic Prosperity

Since 2019, HCCH has served as a critical advocate for Hawaii's Hispanic business community, bridging the gap between local entrepreneurs and the mainstream economy. Through dedicated support for proactive education, civic leadership, and cultural development, we ensure our members have a seat at the table in Hawaii's economic conversations. When our community thrives, Hawaii thrives.

THE ROAD AHEAD

Building the Engine for Future Success

In 2026, HCCH is moving beyond foundational networking to build a robust economic engine for our community. We are focusing on deep-dive research to identify and dismantle the top 10 barriers facing Hispanic entrepreneurs in Hawaii. By piloting data-driven programs and strengthening our organizational infrastructure, we are ensuring that every member has a scalable pathway to the mainstream economy.

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Marysol Ruiz

Vice President & Co-Founder

Marysol Ruiz is a proud first-generation Mexican-American who has significantly made her mark in her community. Originally hailing from the city of Los Angeles, she made the move to the beautiful island of Oahu in 2005. Currently, Ms. Ruiz serves as an accomplished and highly skilled Mortgage Loan Officer at Edge Home Finance, where she has utilized her expertise in the mortgage industry for over a decade. She graduated from the prestigious University of Southern California with a double major in Business Administration and French, showcasing her diverse interests and talents. In addition to being fluent in both Spanish and French, Marysol further enriched her education by studying at La Sorbonne in the renowned city of Paris, France. She was honored with the distinction of having the Top 10 business plan from the Lloyd Greif Center of Entrepreneurial Studies at USC for her innovative Crepe Café business. Marysol successfully operated Crepe Café Hawaii for nine rewarding years. She is deeply passionate about empowering families through education on topics such as home ownership, credit, and the advantages of self-employment, believing that knowledge is the key to financial success and stability.

Ruben Juarez, PhD

Treasurer & Co-Founder

Dr. Ruben Juarez is the HMSA Distinguished Professor in Health Economics at the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization (UHERO) and a leading voice in advancing health equity through innovative, data-driven approaches. He is also the CEO of Hawaii Integrated Analytics, a biotech company dedicated to proving that impactful healthcare extends beyond the walls of clinical settings. Dr. Juarez co-leads a pioneering group of community scientists at the University of Hawaii (MauiWES) and other interdisciplinary researchers from the College of Social Sciences, UHERO, UH Cancer Center, and the John A. Burns School of Medicine. Dr. Juarez earned his Ph.D. in Economics from Rice University and has served as a Professor of Economics and UHERO member since 2008. His research spans network economics, behavioral economics, and health economics, with numerous publications in leading Economics, Health, and Policy journals. He has been the recipient of prestigious research grants and awards from the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Hawaii Community Foundation, Hawaii Medical Service Association, and Kamehameha Schools. A trusted advisor to both public and private sector organizations, Dr. Juarez is committed to leveraging economics and data science to build healthier, more resilient communities across Hawaii and beyond.

Monica Nuñez

Secretary & Founding Member

Monica Núñez, a proud first-generation Mexican-American born and raised in Los Angeles, California, brings a rich cultural heritage to her work and community. With family roots in Oaxaca and Jalisco, México, she has carried her values of dedication, resilience, and service throughout her personal and professional journey. Monica earned her Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies from Chaminade University of Honolulu. Since 2012, she has built a strong career in the real estate industry on Oʻahu, specializing in the Escrow and Title sector. She currently serves as an Escrow Officer at Old Republic Title & Escrow of Hawaii, where she is known for her precision, professionalism, and commitment to her clients. Before transitioning to real estate title and escrow, Mónica served 14 distinguished years in the U.S. Navy as an Intelligence Specialist (Analyst). Her service included three deployments to the Persian Gulf in support of wartime operations, counter-terrorism missions throughout Southeast Asia, and assignments aboard four U.S. Naval warships. Her military experience instilled in her a sharp analytical mindset, a deep sense of duty, and the ability to thrive in high-pressure environments—all qualities that continue to define her career today. Mónica now channels her expertise and passion into serving the people of Hawaiʻi, helping guide real estate transactions with integrity and insight.

Lisa Sanchez-Johnsen, PhD, M.S.

Board Member

Dr. Lisa Sanchez-Johnsen serves as the Chief Wellness Officer and Director of Research for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Hawaii (HCCH). A nationally recognized academic leader, Dr. Sanchez-Johnsen specializes in Hispanic/Latino health, health issues such as obesity, smoking, and weight issues across multiple populations, and behavioral health. Her career spans over three decades in culture-centered health behavior education, research, and clinical interventions. Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, Dr. Sanchez-Johnsen is of Puerto Rican and German descent. She received her Associates in Arts degree from Kapiʻolani Community College and earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. She went on to receive both her M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Clinical Psychology from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Sanchez-Johnsen’s work focuses on improving health outcomes among Hispanic/Latino, Black, Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, and Indigenous communities through evidence-based, culturally tailored research and clinical practice. She is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Hawaii, Illinois, and Wisconsin, a Board-Certified Telehealth Professional-Level III, and the Founder of Multicultural Health and Wellness, PLLC—a clinical psychology and consulting practice through which she will soon begin offering telehealth services to patients in Hawaii. Dr. Sanchez-Johnsen serves and the Founder and Chair of the Hawaii Hispanic/Latino Health Community Advisory Board. She is deeply committed to promoting health, wellness, and well-being among Hispanic/ Latino communities, through education, advocacy, and accessible services. Dr. Sanchez-Johnsen’s work also focuses on building a healthy and engaged workforce.

Giancarlo Villafaña

Board Member

Giancarlo Villafaña is a first-generation Mexican-American, U.S. Air Force veteran, and airline pilot whose multifaceted career reflects a deep commitment to service, leadership, and community empowerment. At 18, Giancarlo joined the military, serving six years in the U.S. Air Force as a Signals Intelligence Operator. His military career provided global experience and honed his leadership and team management skills. Following his service, he transitioned into civilian leadership roles, successfully managing teams of up to 30 and building a strong foundation in project management over the course of a decade. An entrepreneur at heart, Giancarlo previously owned a drone photography business and was active in real estate investment, managing properties in Omaha and Sacramento. He holds three associate degrees in Real Estate, Persian Language Studies, and Technology; a Bachelor’s in Business Administration; a Master’s in Aeronautical Science; and an MBA, which he completed with a 4.0 GPA in April 2024. Pursuing his lifelong dream of becoming a pilot, he earned nine aviation certifications, including the Airline Transport Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor licenses. He currently serves as a First Officer at Hawaiian Airlines. Giancarlo brings his passion for mentorship, professional development, and community advancement to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, where he is dedicated to supporting the growth and success of local Hispanic-owned businesses.

Ellis Natalia Garcia

Board Member

Ellis Natalia Garcia is a seasoned marketing strategist, entrepreneur, and Founder of Marketing Coco, a Honolulu-based agency specializing in building results-driven marketing ecosystems. With over 18 years of experience in traditional, digital, and event marketing, Ellis helps businesses craft intentional strategies that fuel sustainable growth and brand impact. Originally from Mexico and raised in South Texas, Ellis has spent the past eight years immersed in Hawai‘i’s diverse and vibrant business community. Her passion for community engagement is reflected in her service on the board of the Waikiki Swim Club and her work as a certified lifeguard—demonstrating her commitment to both personal wellness and public service. Ellis is known for her collaborative approach, focus on education and equity, and ability to translate complex marketing goals into actionable strategies. She is dedicated to empowering Hispanic-owned businesses through strategic communication, mentorship, and community partnerships.

Mario Patino

Board Member

Growing up in the historic San Francisco neighborhood of Hunter’s Point. "Dreaming big was how I was raised, the son of entrepreneurs. I learned that if I was going to obtain my dreams I had to be determined to work hard." With over 20 years of graphic design experience, Mario Patino has dedicated 14 years to building Patino Graphic Design in Hawaii. His commitment to excellence has earned his company prestigious accolades, including a Pele Award for logo design and the 2024 Latino Business Awards Small Business of the Year. Mario's mission is to continue delivering high-level design and top-tier customer service to every client.

Haylee Sanchez

Board Member

Haylee Sanchez is a media and marketing professional with over 8 years of experience across production, sales, and multiplatform campaign execution, with a strong foundation built in Los Angeles and now expanded in Hawaii. Currently working across broadcast, digital, and social to drive performance, audience growth, and client results. She also supports multicultural strategy and market expansion through Telemundo Hawaii, helping connect brands with diverse audiences through culturally relevant storytelling and strategic media placement. As a Board Member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, Haylee contributes to initiatives that support Hispanic and local businesses, foster community engagement, and create opportunities for economic growth across the islands. Her background spans content production, talent coordination, digital marketing, and sales strategy, with a focus on building meaningful partnerships and elevating underrepresented voices through media.

Our Leadership

Community Leaders Dedicated to Your Success

Meet the visionary team driving our mission to empower Hawaii’s Hispanic business community. As a group of dedicated professionals and entrepreneurs, our board members volunteer their time and expertise to create a more connected, inclusive, and prosperous future for us all.