Board of Directors History

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Sonoma County originally began in the spring of l987 as an informal group called the “Hispanic Business and Professionals Association” (HBPA) formally known as the “Latino Breakfast Club”. In the Fall of l987 Mr. Ricardo Navarette, then incoming Dean at the Santa Rosa Junior College, became the first President of HBPA.

Under his leadership, Hispanic business professionals, educators, input from community mentors from the Santa Rosa Junior College’s Puente Project, the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and concerned community members began meeting to formalize the new group. The groundwork was laid for the shift in the local name and affiliation.

In l989, HBPA officially incorporated into the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Sonoma County (a 501 C-6). The mission was solidified to address the educational and social support and success of Latino students as well as promotion and support to Sonoma County Latino
businesses.

Wanda Tapia, 2006 President, the Board of Directors, volunteers, and community, honors the HCCSC Past Presidents and all the volunteers that helped make the Hispanic Chamber the success it is today.