About
Board of Directors
Daniel "Dan" Arce
Dan Arce
Daniel Arce is truly a Renaissance man. Wearing two hats, he currently serves as president of Sun Optics, a position he has held for 28 years, and as general manager of Tropical Optical Vision Centers, which he has held for 24 years. His extensive knowledge of the vision care industry has allowed him to administer the vision program for the city of Chicago Mayor's Office of Employment & Training and the vision program for the Chicago, Cicero and Berwyn schools. Well respected in his field, he also served as the general contractor of the State of Illinois Healthy Kids/Healthy Minds Program.
Proud of his Mexican-American heritage, Mr. Arce relishes the opportunity to give back to his community by serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the Chicago Boys and Girls Club; past president of the General R.E. Wood Unit of the Chicago Boys and Girls Club; past president and current member of the Chicago Azteca Lions Club; past president of the Little Village Chamber of Commerce; current member of the Board of Directors, Back of the Yards Community Council; past vice president of the Mexican-American Chamber of Commerce; member of the Pilsen IETC community Work Force Employment Council. Current President of the Little Village Rotary Club and recent board member of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
He is also a member of the Optician Association of America; Illinois Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation and a founding member, current Board member of the Mexican-American Democratic Organization and currently serves as president of PAC.
Daniel Arce holds a certificate in Advanced Management Education from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Business.
He is the father of a daughter.
Arabel Alba Rosales
Neli Vazquez Rowland
Neli Vazquez Rowland is a visionary, pioneering serial entrepreneur and 60x local, national, and international award winner. Her 30-year proven track record for achieving major social and economic impact on society in various fields has been recognized by the White House, Microsoft, Rotary International and many others as a Champion of Change, humanitarian, entrepreneur, real estate developer, public speaker, media subject matter expert and Best-Selling Author of “HEALING “Real Stories Told by People Who Overcame the Opioid and Homeless Epidemics”.
Aside from marrying her college sweetheart and raising two wonderful sons, among her greatest achievements are that she has been on the forefront of influencing a positive change to broken systems in society, improving the lives of 140,000 homeless people, creating thousands of jobs, building a significant affordable housing portfolio and passing landmark state legislation.
Neli has been invited to speak on stages such as Colombia University in Bogota Colombia, Harvard and the White House. She has been featured and quoted in almost all major local and international media outlets including print, television and radio, i.e., ABC, USA Today, Chicago Tribune, AL Jazeera, NBC, I-Heart Radio, USA Today, Negocios Now, Latino Leaders Magazine and more.
As a 3x marathon and multiple-triathlon finisher, Neli has also combined her passions for running, music and helping to improve lives. In 2010 she founded and organized Chicago’s first RUN/WALK to End Homelessness and Music Revolution to End Homelessness – Over the last 13 years, both events have attracted major media and corporate sponsors, galvanized tens of thousands of participants and featured both emerging and legendary talent to support the cause.
Neli is focused on selectively and exclusively mentoring and consulting emerging entrepreneurs, talent, government leaders and public and private entities. She tailors her services to meet the client’s needs which may include helping them identify and harness their talents, create and implement strategy, navigate complex and multi-faceted issues, review and create public policy, secure public or private financing, and setting up meetings and/or coordinating events.
Dolores Muñoz
Arabel Alva Rosales
Arabel Alva Rosales is an entrepreneur who has been described in Chicago Magazine as a “Renaissance Woman” because of her ability to discuss concerns on Wall Street, global issues, and what is happening in our communities. She is a lifestyle and career expert, who offers personal insights in tech, finance, government, the arts, and fashion.
Arabel is President and CEO of AAR Tech, a successful Management and Technology Firm with over 17 years of experience. She is the proud founder of Pivoting in Heels, NFP a digital non-for-profit dedicated to empowering women. Founder and CEO of Runway Latinx, a globally recognized social enterprise that encompasses fashion, gastronomy, and entertainment, and has impacted thousands of lives as a successful social enterprise.
Arabel has a juris doctorate from Depaul College of Law and has been a part of multiple gubernatorial transition teams. She is a recipient of over thirty local and national recognitions and awards including the Anti-Defamation League, Women Achievement award, a Business Leaders of Color Recognition, and in 2020, was named one of the 50 Most Influential Latinos by Negocios Now and 2023, as one of the 50 fastest growing Latino businesses. She is also featured and co-author of Hispanic Stars Rising and the 2022 Enterprising Women Award.
Important highlights include:
- Former, Acting chair & Vice Chairman, of Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) (Board of Directors)
- Board Member, Chicago Fashion Council
- Chair & Board Member, Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation (IHCC)
- Board Member, Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC)
- Board Member, Illinois Human Rights Commission
- Director, Illinois Liquor Control Commission
Jason Roberts
Jason Roberts
Jason Roberts' family migrated from the Caribbean to pursue better opportunities in America. His Father's first job in America was driving a taxi cab in New York, while his mother worked as a nanny. His father then went on to study at New York Community College and after graduating he began his career in banking. He later went on to follow his entrepreneurial spirit and started his first Automotive Dealership and Jason Roberts joined him soon thereafter as a porter washing floors in the service department in 1988.
Jason Roberts started his automotive career, working as a porter at his father’s first dealership, while still in high school. Jason Roberts graduated high school and left his father’s business to attend The Ohio State University. There he studied Business Economics and after completing his fourth year, he returned to sell cars at his father’s dealership. Jason has held every key position in his father's business from porter to salesman, and is now the managing partner of Advantage Chevrolet of Hodgkins. Since he became managing partner, they have expanded their business from one dealership to currently three dealerships.
Jason is very passionate about giving back to the community he serves. He has been a proud sponsor of the Little Village Scholarship drive since 2007. He has sponsored the Little Village Little Baseball League since 2012. Jason Roberts also established the Annual Advantage Chevrolet Pretty in Pink Walkathon for the fight against Breast Cancer in 2010. He strongly believes that a business is an extension of the neighborhood it serves and should support the community wholeheartedly. It is those values that he believes have allowed his business to grow and prosper through the ever-changing economic environment.
Ambrocio González
Ambrocio González
Ambrocio González was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.
Among the most cherished memories by the Chef is his grandfather, who eagerly awaited his return from school to join him at the tianguis to sell matches and fly swatters. Over time, his grandfather’s vision deteriorated, prompting Ambrocio to turn to his grandfather as his guide. During this time, he imparted invaluable wisdom, stating, “The only thing that should cause embarrassment is theft; the rest will only serve as a stepping stone to your aspirations.”
At the age of twelve, Ambrocio embarked on his first entrepreneurial journey alongside his grandmother and mother, operating a dinner service from their residence. At the age of fifteen, he secured employment at the Corona Brewery of Guadalajara in the Department of Market Research, which he regarded as his dream job at the time. This opportunity afforded him the chance to explore various regions of the Mexican Republic at a young age.
Prior to reaching the age of sixteen, Ambrocio relocated to the city of Chicago, where he pursued his education at Oakton College.
After gaining diverse work experience, the owner of the first restaurant in which he worked imparted a crucial piece of advice: “Always ensure that your customers leave with a sense of satisfaction, regardless of the challenges you may encounter.”
At the age of twenty-three, with the invaluable support of his family and the subsequent partnership of Alfredo Flores, Chef Ambrocio opened the Tepache Restaurant in La Villita in 2010. Despite their lack of prior experience and limited capital, they faced the daunting prospect of closure. However, this setback served as a catalyst for their growth and development. Armed with increased experience and meticulous preparation, Chef Ambrocio and his partner embarked on a second venture in 2011, determined to overcome the obstacles that lay ahead.
Another dream: The Cathedral Café in Little Village. Thanks to the unwavering support and acceptance of its patrons, it has achieved remarkable success. The establishment employs over 35 individuals and serves more than 4,000 customers weekly.
Driven by his unwavering work ethic, personal growth aspirations, and passion for cooking, Chef Ambrocio embarked on a new culinary adventure in 2013. He founded Las Quecas Little Village Restaurant, which quickly became a resounding success. This accomplishment prompted him to expand his culinary empire in 2014, opening two more locations in Melrose Park and Carpentersville. In 2015, he further solidified his presence in the city of Berwyn.
In the same year, Chef Ambrocio opened a second location of La Catedral Café in the northern suburbs of Chicago. Additionally, he was appointed as the representative of Nuestro Queso, Hispanic Cheese Makers’ flagship brand, by the national dairy brand. This role entailed creating commercials, making special appearances at significant events, collaborating with renowned television stars, and hosting a cooking program on Mundo Fox.
In 2016, Chef Ambrocio’s culinary prowess was recognized when he graduated with honors from the esteemed French culinary school, Le Cordon Bleu. His expertise has been featured in prominent Latin magazines in Chicago, where he continues to share his recipes on a weekly basis.
In 2017, Chef Ambrocio proudly presented the inaugural volume of his cookbook, “Con Sabor a Guadalajara,” authored by the esteemed brand Ciudad Guadalajara. The book was unveiled at the international book fair FIL, one of the world’s most prominent literary events. Chef Ambrocio’s contributions were further recognized when he was invited to participate in the fair.
World Gastronomy Forum on Mexican Food Abroad: Representing the State of Jalisco and the City of Chicago
In 2018, Chef Ambrocio was featured in the extensive advertising campaign “WHY BERWYN?” which showcased over 80 captivating advertisements throughout the state of Illinois.
Following his contributions to the culinary world, Chef Ambrocio served as the president of the non-profit organization Un Nuevo Despertar from 2018 to 2019. This organization provides support and assistance to women who have experienced domestic violence.
In 2022, Chef Ambrocio was recognized as one of the most successful individuals by Negocios Now, a prominent business publication. This accolade was part of the 26th edition of the “40 Under 40” awards, which recognize exceptional Latinos under the age of 40.
Chef Ambrocio’s dedication to his community was further honored in 2023 when he received the Governors Award for his contributions. Additionally, on December 6, 2023, he was presented with a replica of the inkwell of San Lazaro by the federal deputy, Elvia Yolanda Torres, in the Chamber of Deputies of Mexico City, recognizing his prominence as a Mexican abroad.
On December 12, 2023, in the North Lawndale neighborhood, the new location of La Catedral Café was inaugurated, providing a platform for the appreciation of Mexican handicrafts. Traditionally, many of the decorations are gifts from its patrons and friends.
Residing firmly in the City of Chicago, Chef Ambrocio has found fulfillment in serving his community. He continues to inspire and challenge his diners, as evidenced by the inauguration of the first location of La Catedral Express on March 11, 2024.
In the neighborhood of Brighton Park, the House of Flowers will open in the spring of 2025. Plans are also underway to inaugurate the new expansion of La Catedral Café in La Villita in winter of 2025.
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