2020 Latina of Influence | Frances Moreno
Hispanic Lifestyle is pleased to recognize Frances Moreno Co-founder, Vaco Los Angeles, LLC, which specializes in consulting, executive search as a 2020 Latina of Influence. Ms. Moreno along with our entire list of 2020 Latinas of Influence are invited to participate in Latina Conference taking place June 2, 2020 in Ontario, California.
Frances Moreno is a successful entrepreneur, whose company is the largest Los Angeles firm in accounting and tech specialties in its industry to be launched and operated by a Latina. Frances co-founded Vaco Los Angeles, LLC, which specializes in consulting, executive search, and strategic staffing for technology, finance and accounting, and HR positions. She started her company based on the vision that she could help people advance their careers, while building more balanced lives to meet personal priorities. Under Moreno’s leadership, Vaco has pioneered a unique business culture built on flexibility, empowerment and work/life integration. Through this driving mission, she has helped thousands of people find gainful employment while leading more fulfilling lives. The results speak for themselves. Vaco has grown revenue by 34% this year, has added new clients at a record pace with a 14% increase over last year, and has conducted approximately 4,500 total placements since the company’s founding.
From her modest start raised by a single mother and grandmother and with 8 older siblings, Moreno demonstrates the spirit of Latina work ethic. Her roots are from San Pablo Meoqui, Chihuahua, Mexico and El Paso, Texas, but she was born and raised in California. Moreno was inspired most by her grandmother who emigrated to the U.S. from Mexico. Moreno adopted her role model’s strong will and unrelenting work ethic that has helped her succeed.
One of the keys to Vaco’s success has been the company culture that Moreno has fostered based on autonomy, accountability, and flexibility. As a working mom, it starts at the top with Frances, who once brought her nursing baby daughter to a Vaco national board meeting. Employees are expected to achieve results while given the autonomy and flexibility to accomplish these goals, so they can achieve their own work/life balance. The Vaco philosophy is that trust, commitment and results go hand in hand. Vaco offers employees a variety of options including flexible work schedules, telecommuting and part-time and full-time positions. Vaco provides paid maternity and family leave, generous paid time off policies and time off to support volunteer work in the community, as well as reimbursement for continuing professional education and certifications, weekly on-site yoga classes, serenity room with massage chair, and a fully-stocked lounge with snacks and beverages. This workplace culture has resulted in Vaco Los Angeles being named #1 Best Place to Work in Los Angeles four times, with placement on the list for the last 11 consecutive years.
A leader in the Latino business community, Moreno employs numerous bilingual professionals and works to place people for a variety of accounting and IT projects, many for which Spanish is either required or is a plus.
This past year, under Moreno’s leadership, Vaco launched a new line of business specializing in placement of operations, human resources, and administrative professionals. This was a natural extension of Vaco’s position as the leading provider of finance, accounting and technology consultants and candidates. Vaco’s clients are companies of all sizes from startup to Fortune 500 and in a broad range of industries from healthcare, automotive, and manufacturing to entertainment and technology. Their individual needs and demands may vary, but they all need experienced subject matter experts who can hit the ground running and help them achieve their business-critical goals. Vaco is an important partner to these clients, providing them with the talent they need to quickly increase their competitive edge, and this new business offering has driven expanded market size.
Building on her success at Vaco Los Angeles, Moreno has now also taken on a national role where she helps establish new markets and consults with other entrepreneurs opening new Vaco offices in other regions, such as the newly opened offices in Denver and Seattle.
In addition, Moreno is deeply committed to the community, both through her own volunteer efforts and through the corporate volunteer program she’s spearheaded at Vaco. Moreno recently served for four years on the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles (GSGLA) Board of Directors where she served on the GSGLA Board Development Committee. She also chairs the audit committee and the annual gala for Kidsave, a leading child advocacy organization for older foster children in the U.S. and orphans worldwide. In addition, Moreno inspires and supports her employees and consultants to serve on community organizations close to their hearts, including EmpowHer Institute, Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Dress for Success, Intrepid Fallen Heroes, and Fulfillment Fund, among others.
Nominated by, Lindsay Thompson
