Aixa G. Lopez, P. E.
Vice President of Operations
A licensed professional engineer with 30 years of experience in the public and private sectors, Aixa Lopez brings a dynamic background to the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey. From managing multi-million dollar construction projects and hundreds of manufacturing and construction employees in Puerto Rico to overseeing business development/marketing for small business engineering firms in New Jersey, Mrs. Lopez’s expertise is an invaluable resource for nuestra familia.
Appointed the first non-civil engineering female director for the Department of Public Works in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, Mrs. Lopez is a trailblazer. Currently, Mrs. Lopez is an independent consultant providing operational and strategic planning support services to multiple organizations in NJ and NY.
Mrs. Lopez holds a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico and is certified by the US-NCEES as a licensed professional engineer. Mrs. Lopez is also an active member of the Puerto Rico College of Engineers and Surveyors. Aixa loves Salsa dancing, writing, and outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and parasailing.
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.
Ms. Erica Horton
Office Manager
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Erica Horton is Office Manager for the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of NJ (SHCCNJ).
Previously, Ms. Horton interned for both the New York Historical Society and the Brooklyn Museum of Art in New York City, respectively.
In 2006, Ms. Horton received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Visual Arts and Art History with a minor in Business Administration from Fordham University. In the same year, she joined the SHCCNJ team as Office Assistant. Over her decade-long tenure, she has held a variety of positions. Recently, Ms. Horton completed a Human Resources certificate program.
In addition to her work at SHCCNJ, Ms. Horton spends her time reading, testing new recipes and attempting craft projects.
Danilo Melan
Project Manager
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Danilo Melan is Project Manager at the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (SHCCNJ). In his native Colombia, Mr. Melan worked as an office assistant, assistant manager, community organizer, and art director. He is currently managing Special Projects & Programs as well as overseeing the organization's operational & event financials.
In 2013, Mr. Melan received a Bachelors in Business Administration, as well as various administrative continuing education certifications.
Mr. Melan is also a professional dancer/choreographer, with a concentration in salsa.
Daniela Velez
Entrepreneurial Programs Coordinator
Daniela Carolina Velez, a Venezuelan native, works closely with our entrepreneurial programs and administrative areas. Ms. Velez earned two associate degrees from Rowan College in Burlington County, one in Engineering and one in Business Administration. She also graduated from the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, majoring in Public Policy and a minor in Women and Gender Studies, both from Rutgers University, New Brunswick. Before that, she worked in the membership department for the New Jersey Business and Industry Association.