Ruben Saavedra is the Multicultural Manager, Midwest Region for PepsiCo, Pepsi Beverages Company. In his current role, he is responsible for piloting and executing efforts in PBC’s business development for the Region. He oversees six Customer Development Account Managers within five geographical markets and has been successful in optimizing consumer insights and designing specific plays to improve PepsiCo’s brand relevance with consumers.
Matt Doubleday, Senior Vice President Marketing at Wintrust Financial Corporation. With banking assets of more than $30 billion and more than 170 banking locations in Illinois and Wisconsin, Wintrust is currently the second largest bank group headquartered in Illinois. A 20+ year veteran of Wintrust, Matt leads the 40 person Wintrust Marketing Team. Structured as an internal agency, this team supports all Wintrust brands and business lines, with messaging, strategy, creative, data, digital, media buying and production.
Elvia Solis started her career with State Farm 26 years ago. Elvia began as a receptionist for State Farm and after displaying strong leadership skills, she was promoted to office manager in another agent’s office. In 2006, Elvia realized her dream of opening a new State Farm agency in a “New Market,” so she opened her own, she had zero policies with no customers. In her first year, her agency became one of the top producers in the country. Also, since opening her agency, Elvia qualified for several rewards as a State Farm agent such as “Chairman’s Circle Award,” a recognition to only the top 1% of producing agents in the country based on performance. Her agency and team have grown rapidly and now Elvia’s agency services two locations in Pilsen and Bridgeport.
Jamil Muhammad, External Affairs Manager, is responsible for developing and enhancing relationships with governmental officials. He works to resolve emergent issues in an effective and timely manner resulting in a positive customer experience. He functions as the primary contact for elected officials, local media, civic and business organizations and community leaders to resolve operational issues and optimize the corporate image and communicate corporate messages.
Alex Esparza serves as President of ESDC and has led the organization’s departments through substantial growth and transition in recent years. Mr. Esparza serves as chair member of the Pilsen Planning Committee, through which he works with twenty-five partner organizations to resolve issues that affect local residents. He also serves as chair of the Economy & Jobs Task Force through which local organizations share agendas and develop ideas for programming in the community. He is a member of the Illinois Latino Caucus Foundation and serves on the Complete Count Commission of Illinois. He sits on the board of Pilsen Neighborhood Community Council and is a member of the ComEd Business Advisory Council. Alex Esparza holds a Bachelor of International Business Management.
email: aesparza@esdcchicago.org
Economic Strategies Development Corporation • (312) 733-2287 | info@esdcchicago.org
1843 S. Carpenter St., Chicago, IL 60608 • Monday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm
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