On a crisp afternoon in Dallas’s historic Jefferson Boulevard in Oak Cliff, the photoshoot set hums with quiet anticipation. Lights cast a warm glow, cameras stand poised, and creative minds move with purpose. At the heart of it all, effortlessly embodying the essence of modern Latinx culture, stands Heisa Londoño Carreño.
A formidable force in the Dallas-Fort Worth business and education sectors, Heisa is not just an advocate for representation. She is a catalyst for change, a visionary leader transforming influence into action. More than a Latina leader, she embodies a movement, championing and elevating the culture she proudly represents.
Her influence is undeniable. In every space she enters, whether a cultural forum, a community initiative, or a high-profile editorial set. Heisa demonstrates an unwavering commitment to progress. She is a Latina powerhouse, a bridge-builder, and a leader shaping conversations around representation, identity, and empowerment.
This moment wasn’t just about capturing an image; it was about capturing a movement, a story, and a future where Latinx voices continue to resonate, inspire, and lead. Even when working behind the scenes, her impact remains undeniable.
Late January this year, I had the privilege of witnessing this energy firsthand during an exclusive Our Latinx Magazine photoshoot. The vibrant backdrop of Jefferson Boulevard, long celebrated as the heart of the city’s Latinx community, added depth and cultural resonance to the moment. Surrounded by small businesses, striking cultural murals, and the unmistakable energy of a neighborhood where history and modernity collide, Our Latinx Magazine collaborated with YUYU Cultural Shop to craft a fashion and beauty visual narrative rich with identity, artistry, and evolution for Heisa’s photoshoot. The visual story seamlessly reflected Heisa’s personality, an embodiment of modern cultural representation, merging tradition with contemporary influence.
It was an afternoon infused with creativity, one that underscored the dynamic legacy of Latinx heritage while embracing the pulse of contemporary expression.
But Heisa is more than a cultural visionary; she is a business leader bridging the worlds of entrepreneurship, advocacy, and creative influence. With a profound understanding of social issues and an unwavering passion for empowering businesses and individuals to reach their full potential, she has become a driving force behind social empowerment initiatives across the community.
Her impact extends beyond the camera lens, engaging in projects that promote awareness, advocacy, and tangible growth opportunities. Whether through mentorship, activism, or creative collaborations, Heisa’s leadership catalyzes change. She not only amplifies voices that need to be heard but also ensures they are equipped with the tools to thrive.
Building Bridges in the Latinx Community
Heisa attributes her commitment to service to her father, a man whose work ethic and passion for helping others shaped her sense of purpose. Growing up, she was deeply involved in the Rotary Club, witnessing firsthand how acts of service can create lasting change. She firmly believes that everyone has a purpose, and hers is to leverage her skills and experience to build sustainable opportunities for the Latinx community. She is driven by the untapped potential she sees in others, constantly striving to create avenues for growth and success.
As Vice President of Operations and Sustainability (DAP) for the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and a key leader of Hispanic Star Texas, Heisa is at the forefront of unifying efforts within the Latinx community. Rather than viewing challenges as obstacles, she sees them as opportunities to foster collaboration and streamline resources. To strengthen connections in business and education, she has led transformative initiatives such as the Hispanic Heritage Month Mega Mixer and the DFW Wealth Creation Initiative. These collaborations bring together organizations like The Latina Expo, The Concilio, the University of Dallas, Dallas College, Bellas Fashionistas Foundation, Hey Chica, HWNT, and DART, among others. Through these partnerships, Heisa is working to maximize the educational, economic, and social potential of the community.
One of Heisa's key projects, the DFW Wealth Creation Summit at the University of Dallas, set for April 25, 2025, is an essential step toward financial literacy and economic empowerment. Recognizing the critical need for financial education, Heisa has worked to create opportunities where Latinx individuals can learn about wealth-building strategies, business development, and access to capital. The summit is designed to equip attendees with the tools necessary to create financial stability and long-term prosperity for their families.
Uniting for Greater Impact
Collaboration has been a cornerstone of Heisa’s leadership, a principle that is exemplified by the Hispanic Heritage Mega Mixer. Originally launched by Ana Christa Robles in 2022, the event started as a gathering of just four organizations and 75 attendees. In 2023, Heisa, alongside Diana Flores, VP of Strategic Initiatives for the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, helped expand the event to 11 organizations and 175 attendees. By 2024, the event had grown exponentially, with nearly 600 guests representing 49 non-profit organizations at the Dallas Museum of Art, where they also had the opportunity to experience the Frida Kahlo exhibition 2024. Looking ahead to 2025, Heisa is focused on scaling the event further, ensuring that even more voices are heard and connections are made.
Heisa’s impact extends beyond local initiatives. The Hispanic Star Leadership Summit at the UN headquarters represents a significant milestone in her journey. She is honored to participate in an event of such magnitude, where Latinx leaders can engage in critical discussions about global change. Under the guidance of figures like Claudia Romo Edelman, CEO and Founder of Hispanic Star and We Are All Human Foundation, the summit ensures that data-driven, ethical approaches inform local decision-making. Occurring just before the DAVOS summit, the event provides a unique opportunity for Latinx leaders to shape international narratives and advocate for community advancement on a global scale.
Mentorship and Advice for Future Leaders
Throughout her journey, Heisa has relied on mentorship and the power of collaboration. She acknowledges that having strong mentors has been pivotal in her success. Her father was her first mentor, instilling in her the values of hard work and service. Over the years, she has cultivated relationships with leaders through organizations like Prospanica, whose guidance encouraged her to continue her education and contribute meaningfully to society.
Her advice to aspiring leaders is simple yet profound: believe in yourself, pursue your dreams with passion and determination, and never underestimate the power of human connection. She has faced challenges of insecurity, and solitude but has used these experiences to build resilience and empathy. She has often found herself at tables where she was not initially welcome, but through perseverance, she has not only taken a seat but expanded those tables to bring more voices into the conversation.
Heisa believes that words hold weight and that a promise should never be made in vain. Success, she says, comes from three critical components: a defined goal, a structured plan, and unwavering faith and discipline. To achieve dreams, one must be willing to put in the work, embrace challenges, and trust the process.
As Heisa often says, “True leadership is not about standing at the front. It’s about bringing others with you. When we elevate one, we elevate all.”
Through her leadership, mentorship, and unwavering dedication, Heisa Londoño Carreño continues to elevate Latinx voices and drive impactful change, ensuring a future where representation, empowerment, and progress are at the forefront of the Latinx experience.