Gabriela García has over 15 years of experience in small business consulting, economic development, and capacity building. Based in Chicago, she is a business development and small business advocacy professional who helps organizations grow, navigate complex systems, and build sustainable pathways to opportunity. Her work spans small businesses, contractors, nonprofits, community-based organizations, and transportation agencies, including the Illinois Tollway and the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Throughout her career, Gabriela has worked with small businesses and social enterprises, supporting them in navigating corporate and government contracting environments. She previously served at INDEP Chicago, where she supported small contractors in accessing government contracts and workforce development programs, helping businesses strengthen both their operational capacity and talent pipelines. Through her leadership and implementation of capacity-building initiatives, Gabriela has helped emerging contractors grow, compete, and scale.

Gabriela is deeply committed to advancing underrepresented communities, strengthening business ecosystems, and building strategic partnerships that drive long-term impact. She is a current member of the Executive Latino Council and remains actively engaged in advocacy and leadership efforts that promote equity and access.

Passionate about community and representation, Gabriela serves as a Board Member for Calculated Genius, supporting youth pathways into engineering careers, and is a member of the Diversity Committee for WTS Greater Chicago, where she advocates for women in transportation.

Previously, Gabriela held multiple leadership roles at the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, advancing from Project Coordinator to Program Director while managing a $1.5 million program budget. Her career began in sports and entertainment with the Chicago Fire Soccer Club, where she developed strong skills in sales, client engagement, and relationship-building strengths that continue to shape her consulting and leadership approach today.

Gabriela holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the University of Illinois Chicago, where she also served as a fundraising executive for the American Marketing Association.

Across all roles, Gabriela is driven by one mission: to create access, opportunity, and growth for diverse communities through strategic collaboration, advocacy, and human-centered leadership.