MBA, master’s: University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
Doctorate: Cardinal Stritch University
Nelson Soler, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Milwaukee-based Multicultural Entrepreneurial Institute, has led programs that have served more than 6,300 entrepreneurs in the past 18 months, through the Latino Chamber of Commerce, providing more than $2.1 million in microloans, grants, and technical assistance to underserved small businesses across Milwaukee and beyond.
Soler is also an adjunct faculty member at UWM, where he teaches courses in entrepreneurship and nonprofit management.
He recently created the Bilingual Youth Entrepreneurial Leadership Pipeline, which has supported more than 90 young people with needed skills and tools to launch ventures in industries ranging from technology to real estate.
“Dr. Soler helped me understand budgeting, leadership, and how to develop a mindset for success,” one participant said.
Soler also serves on the advisory board of Milwaukee Succeeds, where he supports cross-sector strategies to improve educational and workforce outcomes for Milwaukee’s young people.
