Aixa G. Lopez, P. E.
Chief of Staff
Aixa G. Lopez, P.E. is a trailblazing engineer with over 32 years of experience in operations and project management. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico and is a licensed professional engineer. Aixa launched her career at Johnson & Johnson and Medtronic, Inc., and became the first woman without a civil engineering background to lead a public works department in a Puerto Rican municipality.
Throughout her career, Aixa has demonstrated exceptional leadership, managing departments responsible for construction, fleet, and water infrastructure projects. At 32, she oversaw the Metro Region Public Works, covering six municipalities and spearheading a $300 million capital improvement initiative.
In New Jersey, Aixa worked with engineering firms to help them expand into new markets before becoming the Vice President of Operations at the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of NJ. She is also involved with the Puerto Rican nonprofit Piñones Aprende y Emprende, focusing on education and entrepreneurship.
Aixa's professional accomplishments have earned her prestigious accolades, including being named one of NJBiz's 50 Best Women in Business and recognized by ROI-NJ as both a Women in Business leader and a People of Color Influencer. She has shared her insights at NYU’s STEM Summer Program and was recognized as a Latina Influencer by the Hispanic Lifestyle Organization.
Outside of work, Aixa enjoys writing on her blog, "The Awakened Engineer," salsa dancing, and exploring outdoor activities in the Hudson Valley, NY, where she resides with her family.
Dr. Jairo Borja, DBA
Vice President of Corporate & Entrepreneurial Programs
As the President of Borja Consulting Group, Dr. Jairo Borja, DBA, is on a mission to elevate small business owners and entrepreneurs to their full potential. “Dr. B” is a sought-after speaker, author, and consultant. He has spoken for audiences such as New York Life, Mass Mutual, First Calvary Baptist Church, Bloomfield College, and the University of Central Florida. He’s an International Best Selling Author of “Networking Your Way to Success: 10 Steps to Building Relationships & Expanding Your Business for Entrepreneurs & Working Professionals” and host of the “The Dr. B Show” Podcast where he highlights Hispanics in Human Resources and Business. Since serving his community is paramount, Dr. B sits donates his time to several organizations including, Prospanica, ASIS International, Young Professionals Council.
While working for his firm, he was also a Financial Services Professional with Primary Financial. He helped families and businesses build wealth, protect assets, and manage cash flow. Dr. Jairo Borja, DBA, received his DBA Degree in Marketing from Walden University. He also received his MBA Degree in Management from Long Island University. Lastly, Dr. Jairo received his BBA Degree in Management from Berkeley College. Dr. B lives in Linden, NJ, with his wife and daughters.
Erica Horton-Duran
Office Manager
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As Office Manager at the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of NJ (SHCCNJ), Erica Horton-Duran plays a vital role in the development and execution of events and programs that empower the Hispanic business community in New Jersey. As the most senior staff member at the chamber, Erica has ensured the smooth operation of the chamber's offices, initiatives, and events, fostering a supportive environment for local businesses for almost two decades.
Previously, Ms. Horton interned for both the New York Historical Society and the Brooklyn Museum of Art in New York City, where she gained valuable insights into arts administration and community engagement. In 2006, she earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Visual Arts and Art History with a minor in Business Administration from Fordham University. That same year, she joined the SHCCNJ team as an Office Assistant, and over her nearly two-decade tenure, she has held various positions, showcasing her adaptability and commitment to the organization.
She completed a Human Resources certificate program and is a certified Notary Public. Beyond her professional pursuits, Ms. Horton is passionate about creativity and community. In her free time, she enjoys testing new recipes, working on craft projects, and exploring artistic endeavors. She cherishes moments spent with her family, believing that a strong support network is essential for personal and professional growth.
Danilo Melan
Operations Manager
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Danilo Melan is the Operations Manager at the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (SHCCNJ), where he is dedicated to empowering Hispanic businesses throughout the state.
In his role, he is involved with multiple areas of the organization such as membership, finance, educational programs and operations. Danilo leads initiatives that support small businesses and foster economic growth, while overseeing special projects in collaboration with various partners. His strong project management skills enable him to effectively drive initiatives from inception to completion, ensuring they align with the chamber’s mission to promote inclusivity and opportunity.
Danilo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Santiago de Cali University in Colombia, along with a U.S. equivalency credential assessed by World Education Services. Bilingual in English and Spanish, he connects with diverse communities and stakeholders, enhancing the chamber’s outreach and impact.
Outside of work, Danilo enjoys hiking and traveling. He is also a professional dancer and choreographer with a concentration in salsa, which enriches his understanding of diverse cultures and perspectives.
Daniela Velez
Innovation HUB Manager
Daniela Carolina Velez is the Innovation HUB Manager at the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. A Venezuelan native who grew up in Burlington County, Daniela has navigated the challenges of higher education as an undocumented student. As one of the first DACA recipients, she became a passionate community activist, founding the organization UndocuJersey. This initiative focused on providing educational resources and guiding students and parents through the complexities of higher education.
Since 2011, Daniela has been deeply involved in the New Jersey Immigrant Rights movement, participating in various panels and events to advocate for social justice within the immigrant community. She holds two associate degrees from Rowan College in Burlington County—one in Engineering and one in Business Administration. Daniela also founded and served as Vice President of Marketing & Development for Innovated Lab Designs Inc., an all-female STEM company that operated from 2016 to 2019. Under her leadership, the company developed innovative educational kits, including Newton’s Bench Kit and the Galileo’s Kit, enabling students to engage with physics and astronomy courses online.
In 2022, Daniela earned her bachelor’s degree in public policy from the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, complemented by a minor in Women and Gender Studies from Rutgers University – New Brunswick. She has been a board member of the Capital Region Minority Chamber since 2018 and recently joined the NJ Prospanica Chapter as a board member, where she helps plan events throughout the year. Additionally, she serves as the Small Business & Community Lead for Latina Surge and takes on the role of HISPA Role Model, inspiring the next generation of leaders.
Through her diverse experiences and unwavering commitment to social justice, Daniela continues to empower her community and pave the way for future generations.
Kevin Colorado
Program / Admin Support
Kevin Colorado joined the Statewide Spanish Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey in December of 2023 as a Program and Administrative Support professional. In his role, Kevin contributes to the development and execution of programs that empower the Hispanic business community across New Jersey. His administrative expertise ensures smooth operation of the Chamber's initiatives and events.
Before starting at the Chamber, Kevin gained valuable customer service and interpersonal skills as a bartender and server at Tap House Grille in Hackettstown, NJ, a position he has held since 2020.
Kevin is a graduate of Hackettstown High School and holds an Associate degree in Business Administration from Warren County Community College, earned in 2022. Committed to expanding his professional skill set, he obtained a Social Media Marketing Certification from Grow Your Agency (now Educate) in November 2022. Demonstrating his dedication to continuous learning, he completed a Real Estate course with Alexander Anderson Real Estate Group in Hackensack, NJ, in September 2023.
Born in Colombia, Kevin has a lifelong passion for soccer. He has achieved significant milestones in the sport, including first and second place finishes in HHWS tournaments, securing the Section Champion title in North II Group II, and being part of the best defense in New Jersey in 2018 for Group II. Beyond athletics, Kevin has a keen interest in science, particularly neuroscience and physics, reflecting his curiosity and commitment to personal growth.