Dinner Meeting February 4, 2025

Dora Westerlund is the Founder, President, and CEO of the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation, a non-profit organization established in 2004 in Fresno, California, to foster entrepreneurship as a pathway to economic self-sufficiency for minority and underserved communities. Under her dynamic leadership, the organization has positively impacted the lives of more than 30,000 entrepreneurs and leaders-in-training across California. Dora’s mission is rooted in empowering individuals of all cultures and genders, equipping them with the tools and resources to overcome obstacles and achieve lasting success.

Dora’s journey began early, inspired by her parents’ entrepreneurial approach, which provided her with many opportunities as a child. This foundation shaped her vision for the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation, which has grown into a beacon of opportunity for underserved families, sparking innovation and collaboration throughout the Central Valley and beyond.

In 2009, Dora secured a $1.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration to establish the Downtown Business Hub, the first bilingual business incubator in the Western United States. The Hub serves as a one-stop-shop for small businesses, fostering economic growth and community development.

Over her 20-year career, Dora has garnered widespread recognition for her servant leadership and transformative impact. Her accolades include being named “Chamber Executive of the Year” by the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, receiving the “Chamber of the Year” award from the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and earning the prestigious James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award. She was also honored as “Top Dog” by the Fresno State Alumni Association and as “Women of the Year” by the City of Fresno in 2023.