Speakers
Success stories of five Latinas who have made it big in the U.S. business world.
Expert guest 2026 - August 22
Kat Libby
Brand Strategist at UCHealth
Kat Libby is a Brand Strategist at UCHealth, Colorado’s largest healthcare system, where she develops consumer marketing strategies for primary, urgent, emergency, and virtual care services. She holds a B.S. in Computer Science and Journalism with a minor in Graphic Design from Creighton University and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence through the University of Colorado Boulder on Coursera.
With a background spanning technology, marketing, and digital strategy, Kat is passionate about making complex innovations accessible to everyday audiences. Her experience includes leading digital transformation initiatives, developing data-driven marketing strategies, and exploring practical applications of AI in business and healthcare.
Neela Ropp
Financial Intelligence Unit at Western Union
Neela holds a Master’s degree in Data Science from the University of Denver and currently works in the Financial Intelligence Unit at Western Union. She brings a distinctive edge to her role by writing and fine-tuning AI algorithms, while simultaneously driving internal adoption by helping team members leverage generative AI to streamline daily workflows. Neela is deeply passionate about advocating for ethical AI practices and demystifying the underlying mechanics of large language models.
Yamili Quezada
Founder at JOBI AI Business Growth Technology
Yamili Quezada is an entrepreneur, business growth strategist, and AI integrator who has spent the past 15 years building businesses and supporting entrepreneurs in her local community. After building a seven-figure service business in the home services industry, she became passionate about helping other business owners access the tools, strategies, and support they need to grow.
That passion inspired JOBI AI Business Growth Technology, an initiative centered on helping local businesses use AI, automation, and intelligent agents to generate revenue, strengthen customer relationships, and scale with greater confidence. Yamili previously led the Súperate Mujer International community, where she supported women entrepreneurs through business education, mentorship, and economic empowerment. She also previously served as a teaching assistant at Harvard Business School.
For Yamili, the work around AI is deeply connected to her larger mission: helping women and local entrepreneurs embrace the future of business, create new opportunities, and build businesses that can grow and make a lasting impact.
Erika Bailón - Panel Moderator
Principal Systems Engineer at BAE Systems
Erika Bailon is a Principal Systems Engineer at BAE Systems, where she develops and integrates advanced ground systems supporting space and defense missions. Previously, she worked at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), contributing to several high-profile space missions and satellite ground systems. Erika holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Colorado Boulder and is passionate about leadership, innovation, and expanding opportunities in STEM. As a speaker, mentor, and moderator, she enjoys bringing together experts to explore emerging technologies and making conversations around artificial intelligence engaging, accessible, and impactful.
Expert guest 2026 - March 28
Diana Cubillos
Broker - Team Leader Team Altitude
Diana has been in the real estate industry since 2001. She is an economist with a Master’s degree in Business Administration; above all, she is someone who truly loves her career in real estate. She also holds multiple certifications in negotiation, HUD properties, buyer/seller representation, short sales, investments, and residential real estate. She is a top producer, having sold more than 1,000 properties in the Denver metropolitan area and surrounding counties. This achievement is a testament to her experience and dedication—from helping families achieve the dream of homeownership to supporting investors in growing their real estate portfolios and advocating for homeowners facing financial hardship.
Being bilingual in Spanish gives her a competitive edge in this diverse market. She currently leads her team of agents, TEAM ALTITUDE, with the goal of providing innovative technology and strategic marketing planning to both her team and her clients. She enjoys leading agents who genuinely care about their clients and the community, and who are ready to represent buyers and sellers ethically and professionally, with the utmost respect and quality of service.
Neymar López
Real Estate Advisor NAHREP Director
Neymar Lopez is a top-producing real estate advisor with eXp Realty, serving the Denver and Boulder markets with over eight years of experience along Colorado’s Front Range. Originally from Venezuela, Neymar brings both personal perspective and professional expertise to her work, proudly serving as a bilingual advocate for the Hispanic community.
Having lived in Boulder for five years before relocating to Denver, Neymar offers deep, hyperlocal insight into two of Colorado’s most competitive markets. From historic homes in Mapleton Hill and family properties in Table Mesa, Louisville, and Superior, to residences in the Denver metro area, she equips her clients with the strategic guidance needed to succeed in today’s market.
Neymar is especially passionate about expanding sustainable Hispanic homeownership. She specializes in ITIN and DACA transactions, first-time homebuyers, and alternative credit financing, helping families navigate pathways to homeownership that may otherwise feel out of reach. Her work is rooted in education, empowerment, and long-term wealth building for the Latino community.
A recognized industry leader, Neymar has served on the Board of Directors for the Denver Metro Association of Realtors® and currently serves on the Board of Directors for NAHREP (National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals). Beyond real estate, she is deeply committed to community involvement, volunteering and leading fundraising efforts for local nonprofits.
For Neymar, real estate is more than transactions, it’s about creating opportunity, building generational wealth, and treating every client like family.
Vanessa Huerta
gBETA Vice President at gener8tor
Vanessa Huerta is a seasoned leader in startup acceleration and community-driven economic development. As a Partner at gener8tor, she oversees operations, team leadership, program strategy, and market expansion across North America and beyond. With a career rooted in entrepreneurship, small business advocacy, and international education, Vanessa brings a dynamic blend of operational rigor and deep community engagement to her work.
Prior to her current role, Vanessa led multiple accelerator programs in Denver, achieving top Net Promoter Scores and helping portfolio companies raise significant follow-on funding and create jobs. Her career includes key roles at non profit organizations and leadership positions in Human Resources and Admissions at global institutions such as Babson College and Tecnológico de Monterrey, building cross-border programs and forging partnerships across Latin America.
Fluent in Spanish, English, and French, Vanessa is a recognized advocate for inclusive economic development and has served on several nonprofit boards in Colorado and Boston. She holds a Master in Management and a B.A. in International Business from Tecnológico de Monterrey, and is a graduate of the Latino Leadership Institute Fellowship in Denver and the Colorado Governors Fellowship.