SomosVC Appoints José Piñero as Executive Director to Expand Latino Representation in Venture Capital

SomosVC has announced the appointment of José Piñero as Executive Director, effective immediately. Piñero brings more than 20 years of experience in business leadership, nonprofit governance, and Latino/a empowerment to the organization, which focuses on expanding representation for Latino/as and allies in venture capital. In his new role, Piñero will concentrate on broadening opportunities for Latino/a and allied talent in venture capital, strengthening partnerships with venture firms, corporations, and foundations, and growing the organization's reach through scalable programs, heightened visibility, and advocacy.

The appointment comes at a time when diversity in venture capital remains a critical issue, with Latino representation particularly low across the industry. This leadership change signals SomosVC's intensified commitment to addressing systemic underrepresentation and creating meaningful pathways for Latino professionals in venture capital. Joanna Lichter, Board President of SomosVC, stated, "We are thrilled to welcome José Piñero as our Executive Director. José brings a proven track record in fundraising, organizational leadership, and board governance. More importantly, he has been a national voice for Latino/as and allies for decades. His vision will enable SomosVC to strengthen the VC talent pipeline, elevate emerging managers, and deliver measurable impact for our partners and the ecosystem."

Piñero's extensive background includes senior leadership positions at Microsoft and Procter & Gamble, providing him with substantial corporate experience that complements his nonprofit expertise. His previous role as board chair of Hopelink, the largest community services nonprofit in Seattle's Eastside, where he co-led a multi-million dollar capital campaign, demonstrates his capacity for significant organizational growth and fundraising. Additional board service with Global Partnerships and the International Coaching Federation Foundation further solidifies his governance credentials.

Nationally recognized as the "Top Coach for Latinos" and creator of the Latino Career Test™, Piñero has demonstrated long-standing commitment to Latino professional development throughout his career. His appointment represents a strategic move by SomosVC to leverage his national profile and expertise to scale the organization's impact within the venture capital ecosystem. Piñero commented, "I am honored to join SomosVC at such a critical moment for Latino/a and allied leadership in venture capital. SomosVC is uniquely positioned as the premier VC pipeline and ecosystem builder for Latino/as and allies — combining talent development, data-driven thought leadership, and convening power. Together with our board, staff, and partners, we will expand opportunities for Latino/a and allied talent, strengthen the ecosystem, and build an institution that funders, corporations, and VCs will proudly continue to support."

For HR vendors serving the talent management sector, this appointment underscores the growing emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within high-growth industries. SomosVC operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on unlocking opportunities for Latino/as and allies in venture capital through several key programs including fellowship and mentorship programs, Avanza Summit, Eleva, Emerging Manager Showcase, and Annual Summit. These initiatives develop talent pipelines, elevate emerging managers, and convene stakeholders to reshape the VC ecosystem. Additional information about the organization's work can be found at https://www.somos.vc.

The organization's data-driven approach, including its flagship impact report, positions it as a thought leader in diversity metrics and outcomes measurement. With a mission to build the next generation of innovators, investors, and leaders for Latino/as and allies, SomosVC partners with venture firms, corporations, financial institutions, law firms, family offices, and philanthropic organizations to deliver measurable ecosystem ROI and long-term impact. This leadership transition occurs as corporations and investment firms face increasing pressure to demonstrate meaningful progress in diversity initiatives, making Piñero's appointment particularly relevant for HR professionals advising clients on talent pipeline development and inclusive hiring practices.