Every year, the Center for Rural Affairs recognizes an individual or organization that demonstrates outstanding support for the Latino community.
This year, that honor goes to Jessica Campos, of Grand Island, Nebraska.
Recipient of the Latino Partner Award, Jessica is being recognized for her exceptional dedication to small business development in rural Nebraska.
A senior business banking specialist with Wells Fargo Bank in Grand Island, Jessica works with small businesses in her community to ensure they continue to thrive throughout the changes in the economy. Jessica says she’s able to do this by providing tools and resources that will help them succeed financially throughout their business life cycle.
One resource she’s found to be beneficial to entrepreneurs is the Center for Rural Affairs.
“In 2015, I met with Center staff to learn more about the services they offer, and one thing that resonated with me were the workshops, clinics, and classes the Center was a part of,” said Jessica. “I realized this was something we needed for our community business owners to be informed of, thus began my partnership with the Center and UNL Extension.”
A shared passion for community growth has kept Jessica connected with the Center's staff and services.
“The business education the Center provides is a crucial piece that leads a small business to succeed,” she said. “We are all here to help our community, and we do it by partnering together and ensuring we are covering every aspect a business needs to succeed in their industry, whether it’s through education, accounting, attorneys, or through me as their business banker.”
Griselda Rendon, Center for Rural Affairs Latino loan specialist, has worked with Jessica since her introduction to the Center several years ago.
“Jessica has been a great partner to the Center because of her love in wanting to help small business owners,” said Griselda. “She is a great resource and a great partner to have in order to better assist our small business clients become successful.”
Jessica hopes to see continuous growth in area small businesses as entrepreneurs take advantage of all of the tools and resources this partnership offers, and feels that receiving the Latino Partner Award is a step in the right direction.
“Winning this award means the passion and engagement we have toward growing our community through small businesses is noticed,” she said. “Also, that our entrepreneurs and business owners have an engaged group of professionals partnering together to support them toward their goals. It is amazing to be part of that.”
Feature photo: (From left) Jessica Campos was presented the 2018 Latino Partner Award by Griselda Rendon on Aug. 27 at the Latino Women in Business Conference in Columbus, Nebraska. She was to be honored during an award ceremony on March 8 in York, but it was cancelled due to inclement weather. | Photo by Kylie Kai
