Business Seminars

Serving within the Development and Economic Opportunity portfolio of the City of Tampa, Javier is the Director of Economic Opportunity and responsible for ensuring all stakeholders benefit from projects initiated by, or in partnership with, the City of Tampa. The department includes small business navigation and small business resources. Additionally, he acts as the City’s liaison to economic development, tourism, Foreign Trade Zone and Trade & Protocol. He sees his role as “supporting firms and communities to foster a ‘Glocal’ Economy.”

Javier has earned hands-on, in-depth expertise in business growth, trade finance, business lending, mortgages, strategic planning, and business reorganization and relocation. Prior to joining the City of Tampa, Javier was Vice President of Business Development for the Central Florida Development Council, where he led initiatives to attract foreign direct investment, international trade, and supported the expansion and retention of existing companies. Prior to this, he was an Assistant Director with the Florida Small Business Development Centers at the University of South Florida, where he was responsible for international trade, finance, and growth acceleration services. Prior to the SBDC, he invested a combined 22 years in the banking industry, and he considers himself a “recovering banker.” Additionally, his extensive experience with non-profit organizations enabled him to gain a good insight of the synergies among the private, public, and non-profit sectors. Javier has been a guest speaker, panelist, and workshop facilitator at national and international events.

Javier holds an MBA in International Business from Webber International University and a BAS in Public Administration from Polk State College. He has also earned credentials as a Certified Business Analyst (CBA), Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP), and Certified Economic Developer (CEcD).

Javier was a two-term elected member of the Dover, NJ Board of Education and Mayor of the Town of Dover, NJ for one term (2004-2005). He has lived in Colombia and Sweden and is also fluent in Spanish and Swedish. 

Diana Walker is a Special Projects Coordinator with Hillsborough County MBE & SBE Programs. Diana oversees construction contract compliance of MBE participation, provides educational trainings on how to bid with the County and assists businesses with the MBE/SBE certification application. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of South Florida and has been living in Tampa Bay for over 10 years. Her passion for entrepreneurship and giving back to her community is shown by her involvement on the Hispanic Professional Women’s Association and Foundation Board of Directors, and Vice-President of the Tampa Bay Latin Chamber of Commerce.

Coming from a family of entrepreneurs and from her previous roles at FSMSDC and Prospera, Diana has assisted and consulted with business owners on how to start & grow their business and/or expand into doing business with government.

She recently graduated from Leadership Hillsborough, Class of 2023 and serves as Board member for 2024, she was recognized as the Woman of Promise 2024 for the Girl Scouts, Estrella Award with the City of Tampa Mayor’s Hispanic Advisory Council and as part of the Tampa Hispanic Heritage Leadership Class of 2024 for her civic engagement.  

I’m a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) specializing in business owners but with a heart for the nonprofit sector. My passion lies in empowering nonprofit organizations to achieve financial fitness and long-term sustainability. With a focus on accounting, taxes, advisory services, and board training, my goal is to help these organizations flourish, serving their communities to the fullest.

My specialty doesn’t stop at traditional accounting. I offer CFO services, fiscal sponsorship, fiduciary agency services, and crucial pre-audit assistance, ensuring nonprofits are grant-ready, compliant with government regulations, and well-equipped for sustainable growth.

From creating strategic budgets and cash flow management to understanding intricate financial statements and preparing the pivotal Form 990, I guide nonprofits to unlock more funding opportunities. I am committed to helping these organizations understand and navigate the intricate world of finance so they can focus on their true mission: making a positive impact.

A free spirit with a great sense of humor, I take pride in my down-to-earth approach and genuine desire to help. I believe that with the right financial foundation, every nonprofit can soar to new heights.

Join me in my mission to uplift and support the unsung heroes of our communities – our nonprofits.