When you meet Emi Reyes, her passion for entrepreneurship and people shines through immediately. Born and raised in DC to a family of small business owners, entrepreneurship runs in her veins, and she was destined to champion it in her own way.
From her start as an LEDC intern to becoming its CEO, Emi has redefined what leadership looks like for women, especially for Latinas, in the nation’s capital.
Under her leadership, the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) has become a driving force for equitable growth, helping thousands of entrepreneurs — particularly women — gain access to capital, training, and the networks they need to thrive.
In our interview, Emi opens up about:
- Her rise from intern to CEO — and how the pandemic accelerated both her growth and LEDC’s impact.
- The reality behind women-owned businesses today — Latina and Black women are leading the charge, but many still face structural barriers to growth once the startup funding dries up.
- Why tailored support matters — from separating business and personal finances to creating programs that reflect women’s real experiences.
- The power of connection — how expanding networks and showing up authentically can open doors in a city that often feels transactional.
- Her biggest advice: You don’t have to do this alone.
She reminds us that community isn’t something you build once — it’s something you practice every day. Through her leadership, she’s shaping DC’s entrepreneurial landscape and inspiring others to rise with her.
Grab your cafecito and press play — Emi’s story is DC leadership at its best.
