HL | Milestone Series – Honors Julian Cañete

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Julian Cañete

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.

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Reuben Franco

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Reuben Franco

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Reuben Franco

Business Advocate | Economic Leader | Community Connector

Reuben Franco serves as President and CEO of the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, where his leadership reflects a deep commitment to strengthening the region’s business community and expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Reuben Franco will be recognized during the HL | Milestone Series — Orange County, taking place on April 30, 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: https://bit.ly/4qEref1

With more than 16 years of experience in the banking industry, Reuben built his career as a trusted lender, working closely with entrepreneurs across Southern California to access capital and grow their businesses. That foundation continues to inform his work today bridging financial insight with community impact.

At the Chamber, Reuben leads efforts to advocate for businesses at the local, state, and federal levels while ensuring that companies have access to the tools, resources, and relationships needed to succeed in a competitive marketplace.

He also serves as Host of the OCHCC Small Business Development Center Finance Center, where he and his team of advisors support entrepreneurs at every stage from startup to funding to long-term growth helping translate vision into sustainable success.

Reuben’s leadership extends beyond his organization. He serves on the boards of the Los Angeles Mission and the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation, and previously served on the board of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. His contributions have earned him recognition from the Orange County Business Journal as one of the region’s Top 500 Business Leaders.

A founding member of the UCI–OC Alliance, Reuben holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Through his work, Reuben Franco continues to shape the economic landscape of Orange County championing business growth, strengthening community connections, and advancing opportunities for future generations.

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.