About
Hi, I’m Noeli Serna.
As a Spanish-speaking corporate law attorney, entrepreneur, and mother of two, I have spent years educating and assisting the business community with their transactions. Being the daughter of an entrepreneurial Latine family, I also know firsthand the deep challenges and sacrifices that come with building a business.
I founded the Latina Exchange because, too often, professional events asked Latinas to give up our evenings, family time, and emotional energy for cold, transactional interactions that rarely led to meaningful connection or real opportunity. For me, missing my toddler’s nap time just to make small talk with strangers who weren’t invested in our community didn’t feel aligned with the life or the leadership I was trying to build.
I envisioned something different.
The Latina Exchange was born from my belief that Latina professionals deserve spaces that are intentional, warm, authentic, and powerful. We need spaces where relationships are built thoughtfully, conversations are real, and access is shared generously. What started as curated dinners has become a trusted community where we can show up fully, support one another’s growth, and expand what’s possible together.
The Latina Exchange isn’t about collecting business cards. It’s about building social capital, visibility, and collective momentum.
On our terms.
Our Vision
To create a professional networking experience in Chicago where Latina professionals are authentically connected, economically empowered, and represented at every level of leadership and across industries, organizations, and institutions.
The Latina Exchange envisions a future where Latinas no longer navigate their careers or businesses in isolation but instead move forward supported by a trusted community that opens doors, shares knowledge, and redefines what leadership looks like.
Our Mission
To create intentional and authentic spaces where Latina professionals and entrepreneurs in Chicago build meaningful relationships, expand opportunity, and access the social capital necessary to grow as leaders, founders, and decision-makers. Through thoughtfully curated gatherings, honest and authentic conversations, and community-driven experiences we connect Latinas to each other. We do not gather for transactional networking, but for long-term impact, visibility, and collective advancement.
The Framework For Collective Growth
Excellence With Warmth
We hold a high standard for conversation, curation, and collaboration all while remaining welcoming, grounded, and deeply human.
Community Over Transaction
We design every experience with care. No crowds for the sake of numbers. Only spaces that allow for true conversation and trust.
Collective Advancement
Individual success matters, but shared success changes systems. We open doors and elevate each other as decision-makers.
Respect For Full Lives
We honor that our members are whole humans. Our gatherings respect your time, family, energy, and lived experience.
Intentional Connection
We design every experience with care. No crowds for the sake of numbers. Only spaces that allow for true conversation and trust.