A recent panel tied to the 2026 Latino Leaders Index 500, Powered by BMO brought lived experience to one of the fastest‑growing segments of the U.S. economy: Latino‑owned businesses that are scaling, creating jobs, and shaping industries nationwide. Now in its fourth year, the Latino Leaders Index 500 ranks the largest Latino‑owned businesses in the United States by revenue and has become a key benchmark for measuring scale and maturity in Latino entrepreneurship. According to BMO and Latino Leaders Magazine, companies on the 2026 list collectively generate more than $180 billion in revenue and support tens of thousands of jobs nationwide. Since expanding from 200 to 500 companies in 2024, the Index has increasingly highlighted the national economic footprint of Latino‑led enterprises.

Hosted by a BMO board member, the discussion featured two Latina manufacturing executives (based in Michigan but representing the largest women-owned businesses on the Index500 list)—April Diez, CEO of The Diez Group, and Linzie Venegas, CEO of The Ideal Group—whose companies reflect multi‑generational growth, resilience, and people‑first leadership. Together, the panelists illustrated the broader message of the Index 500: Latino‑led companies are not just growing—they are building durable, large‑scale businesses with national reach, grounded in strong leadership values. For readers, the discussion offers a human lens on Latino entrepreneurship, family‑business culture, resilience amid economic uncertainty, and the rising influence of Latina executives in traditionally male‑dominated industries.

Photo Credit: BMO Harris Bank