Martha Hernandez
Bilingual Author and Keynote Speaker
MARTHA HERNANDEZ
Martha Hernández is an entrepreneur, author, and advocate for economic empowerment whose work is deeply rooted in the lived experiences of migrant and working-class families. She is the Founder and CEO of ESO Ventures, a company dedicated to helping underinvested entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses through access to education, tools, and capital.
Raised in Oakland by immigrant parents, Martha grew up watching her family work hard while navigating systems that were not built for them. Her journey, from employee to business owner and community leader, was shaped by those early lessons of sacrifice, resilience, and responsibility. Today, she has helped deploy millions of dollars to small businesses and supported hundreds of families pursuing stability and ownership.
Martha is the best-selling author of I Have What It Takes and a sought-after speaker who brings honesty, hope, and practical insight to conversations about work, family, and opportunity.
INSPIRATIONAL LEADERSHIP KEYNOTE SPEAKER
MARTHA HERNANDEZ
Keynote Speaker short bio
An East Oakland Native, Martha Hernández is a serial entrepreneur, serving as cofounder and CEO of ESO Ventures. She is also the founder and CEO of madeBOS, Inc., a tech-enabled solution that makes HR affordable and accessible for small and growing organizations. She holds degrees from Occidental College, as well as certifications in business and leadership from Harvard, Stanford and MIT.
Martha is a best-selling author of her book, “I Have What it Takes”. Martha loves spending time with her son Joaquin, training at the boxing or crossfit gym and singing and writing music. Known as Martha Soledad, she released her first album "Prefiero Mandar en Falda" featuring her own corrido to inspire political action on gender equity and inclusion.
Keynote Speaker tailored topics
- Entrepreneurship & Business Building
- Economic Empowerment for Underserved Communities
- Access to Capital for Underinvested Entrepreneurs
- From Employee to Business Owner
- Building Sustainable Small Businesses
- HR Solutions for Small & Growing Organizations
- Leadership & Career Development
- I Have What It Takes: Igniting Natural Leadership
- Career Pathing & Professional Growth
- Leadership for Underrepresented Talent
- Breaking Into Executive Roles
- Making Bold Career Moves
- Immigrant & Working-Class Experience
- Lessons from Migrant Families
- The Sacrifices That Shape Us
- Navigating Systems Not Built for You
- First-Generation Success & Responsibility
- From Oakland to Ownership
- Women's Empowerment
- Gender Equity & Inclusion
- Women in Business & Entrepreneurship
- Latinas in Leadership
- Prefiero Mandar en Falda: Leading as a Woman
- Balancing Motherhood & Ambition
- Resilience & Mindset
- Resilience Rooted in Sacrifice
- Turning Struggle into Strategy
- The Courage to Quit & Start Something New
- Ownership Mentality
- Technology & Innovation
- AI & Business Strategy
- Tech Solutions for Small Business
- Making Technology Accessible for Entrepreneurs
- The Future of Talent & HR Tech
- Community & Advocacy
- Economic Justice & Opportunity
- Supporting Working-Class Families
- Building Pathways to Stability & Ownership
- Advocacy Through Art & Music
Keynote Speaker for events
Entrepreneurship & Business Events
Small Business Conferences
Entrepreneur Summits
Startup & Founder Events
Business Incubator & Accelerator Programs
Chamber of Commerce Events
Economic Development Conferences
Access to Capital Summits
Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Events
Women's Events
Women's Leadership Conferences
Women in Business Summits
Latina Leadership Conferences
International Women's Day Programs
Women Entrepreneur Events
Women's Empowerment Luncheons
Mom & Business Owner Events
Corporate & Professional Events
HR & Talent Conferences
Leadership Development Programs
Employee Resource Group (ERG) Events
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Summits
Executive Leadership Retreats
Company Kickoffs & All-Hands Meetings
Career Development Workshops
Tech & Innovation Events
HR Tech Conferences
AI & Business Strategy Events
Tech Startup Showcases
Women in Tech Conferences
Innovation & Future of Work Summits
Cultural & Heritage Events
Hispanic Heritage Month
Latina/o Leadership Summits
Immigrant Heritage Celebrations
Cinco de Mayo Events
Mexican American Heritage Programs
Education & Student Events
College & University Convocations
First-Generation Student Conferences
Career Day Events
Student Leadership Summits
Commencement & Graduation Ceremonies
Alumni Events (Occidental College, Mills College)
Community & Nonprofit Events
Community Economic Empowerment Events
Nonprofit Galas & Fundraisers
Workforce Development Programs
Financial Literacy & Economic Justice Summits
Community Foundation Events
Social Enterprise Conferences
Civic Leadership Events
Civic Leadership Programs
Public Affairs Conferences
Policy & Advocacy Summits
Community Organizing Events
Political Action & Gender Equity Events
Author & Creative Events
Book Signings & Author Talks
Library & Bookstore Events
Music & Cultural Performances
Storytelling Events
Podcast Guest Appearances
Top Latina Keynote Speaker
Top Hispanic Keynote Speaker
Testimonials
Martha has successfully developed leaders in education and in corporate.
Testimonial to be updated...
Jane Faber
6 months ago
Testimonial to be updated...
Jane Faber
6 months ago
Testimonial to be updated...
Jane Faber
6 months ago
Testimonial to be updated...
Jane Faber
6 months ago
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