HL | Milestone Series – Honors Julian Cañete
Culture • Influence • Legacy
Some leaders advocate for business. Others dedicate their careers to creating opportunities that allow businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities to thrive.
Julian Cañete has spent more than two decades doing exactly that.
As President and CEO of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (CHCC), Julian leads one of the state’s most influential business advocacy organizations. Representing more than 135 Hispanic chambers of commerce and business associations, the CHCC serves as a powerful voice for approximately 1.8 million small businesses throughout California.
Julian Cañete will be recognized during our HL | Milestone Series – Silicon Valley event, taking place on June 17, 2026. This invitation-only reception brings together a curated audience of executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders for an evening of connection, conversation, and recognition.
👉 Event details & RSVP: https://bit.ly/41B5Z3J
Throughout his career, Julian has been a tireless advocate for entrepreneurship, economic opportunity, and the advancement of small business owners. His leadership has helped connect entrepreneurs with resources, strengthen relationships between business and government, and ensure that the voices of small businesses are represented in important policy discussions across the state.
Julian’s connection to the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce spans decades. After serving as President and CEO from 1999 to 2006 and again from 2009 to 2013, he returned to lead the organization in 2017. His experience also includes serving as Vice President of Public Policy and Strategic Partnerships for the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce, where he continued his work advancing business development and economic growth.
Known for his ability to build coalitions and create meaningful partnerships, Julian has become one of California’s most respected voices on issues affecting small businesses, entrepreneurship, supplier inclusion, and economic empowerment.
Milestone Moments
• President & CEO, California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce
• Represents a statewide network of more than 135 chambers and business associations
• Advocate for approximately 1.8 million small businesses across California
• Former Vice President, Public Policy & Strategic Partnerships, California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce
• Founding Member, California Utilities Diversity Council
• Chairman, Vet Fund Foundation of California
• Board Member, Northeast Community Federal Credit Union
• Member, California Department of General Services Small Business Council
• Member, CalTrans Small Business Council
• Former Chairman, T-Mobile California External Council
• Longtime advocate for entrepreneurship, economic opportunity, and business growth
A Legacy of Advocacy and Economic Empowerment
For decades, Julian has worked at the intersection of business, public policy, and community leadership. His efforts have helped create pathways for entrepreneurs to grow their companies, access new opportunities, and contribute to California’s economic success.
His influence extends beyond chambers of commerce and boardrooms. Through his service on numerous public, private, and nonprofit organizations, Julian has consistently focused on strengthening communities by supporting the businesses that power them.
Whether advocating for small business owners at the state level, building strategic partnerships, or mentoring the next generation of business leaders, Julian’s work reflects a deep commitment to expanding opportunity and creating lasting economic impact.
His leadership continues to help shape a stronger future for entrepreneurs and communities throughout California.
The HL | Milestone Series is a national platform designed to celebrate leadership across business, community, education, and innovation.
The HL | Milestone Series is a national platform designed to celebrate leadership across business, community, education, and innovation.
The 2026 HL | Milestone Series is made possible through the support of Wells Fargo, the series’ funding partner, whose commitment to community engagement and financial empowerment helps bring these important conversations and recognitions to life.