Arturo A. Noriega (Centro Community Partners)
Overview
Arturo A. Noriega is a prominent social entrepreneur, recognized for his significant contributions as the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Centro Community Partners, a non-profit based in Oakland, California. Dedicated to empowering underserved entrepreneurs, Noriega has spent over three decades in the non-profit sector, focusing on economic development, risk management, and finance. His work centers on providing economic opportunities and promoting equity through innovative educational and financial programs designed to aid low-income entrepreneurs, particularly those from BIPOC and women communities. He is also the author of "In Pursuit of a Noble Cause, A Social Justice Leadership Journey", further establishing his commitment to social impact and justice.
Recent Developments
- April 2024: Centro Community Partners was awarded the top recognition at the Truist Foundation Inspire Awards, receiving a $250,000 grant to develop technology to assist low- to moderate-income entrepreneurs. This was complemented by an additional $75,000 grant as the Audience Favorite. This funding is intended to support the development of AI-driven resources to address entrepreneurs' barriers with cultural relevance and language accessibility.
- November 2023: Arturo Noriega was featured in several industry publications for his leadership in the Prosperity Summit, where Centro received third place in the Rise Challenge, part of the Entrepreneurship Accelerator.
- 2023: Noriega served as a visiting social entrepreneur at Stanford University's Center of Social Innovation, recognizing his contributions to the field of social entrepreneurship.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Arturo A. Noriega |
| Born | [Information not publicly available] |
| Nationality | [Information not publicly available] |
| Occupation | Founder & CEO, Social Entrepreneur |
| Known For | Founder of Centro Community Partners |
| Net Worth | [Private] |
| Education | BA in Economics, MBA in Strategic Management |
Early Life and Education
Arturo Noriega's early life was marked by his family's immigration from Peru to California in the 1960s. His parents, skilled leather tailors, aspired to start their own business in the U.S. but faced significant barriers, including a lack of access to capital and business advisory services. Observing his parents' struggles deeply impacted Noriega, motivating him to pursue education in economics and finance at the University of California, Berkeley. He later secured an MBA from the Peter F. Drucker School of Management at Claremont Graduate University. These experiences shaped his understanding of and commitment to bridging the equity gap for immigrant entrepreneurs.
Career and Notable Achievements
- Founder of Centro Community Partners (2010): Noriega founded Centro with the mission of empowering marginalized communities by providing entrepreneurship training and financial literacy.
- Authored Chephahahates: Written to inspire and guide social justice leadership and community-based innovation.
- Awards: Third place recipient of the Rise Challenge at the Prosperity Summit, a testament to the impactful work of Centro in economic development.
Current Work and Impact
Under Arturo Noriega’s leadership, Centro Community Partners continues to expand its reach, providing critical resources and training to underserved entrepreneurs. The organization focuses on fostering inclusivity in the entrepreneurial sector through programs and services that are culturally and economically accessible. With the recent recognition and support from the Truist Foundation, Centro aims to leverage technology to overcome barriers faced by small business owners, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for social change.
Conclusion
Arturo A. Noriega’s work with Centro Community Partners illustrates a sustained commitment to economic justice and empowerment for disenfranchised communities. His visionary leadership and dedication to addressing systemic inequities in entrepreneurship continue to inspire future generations of social entrepreneurs. By promoting inclusivity and leveraging innovative solutions, Noriega is helping to pave the way for a more equitable economic landscape.