Hispanic History Maker in Technology - Nina Vaca
Nashville, Tenn. (October 1, 2024) – In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Connected Nation is paying tribute to some of the most influential Hispanic innovators in technology.
Nina Vaca is a Latino entrepreneur, philanthropist, and pioneer in the staffing and technology industries. But before she was changing the world, she was a curious little girl.
Vaca was born in Quito, Ecuador, as the third child of six to parents Amanda and Hernan. When she was just a toddler, Vaca’s parents left everything they knew to immigrate their family to Los Angeles to look for greater opportunities and a better life. In L.A., 15-year-old Vaca learned about the importance of a strong work ethic while working at her father’s travel agency.
She then took her experience and determination to pursue higher education. Vaca graduated from Texas State University in 1994 with a bachelor of arts degree in speech and communication, with a minor in business administration. With her degree in hand, Vaca founded her technology workforce solutions company, the Pinnacle Group, in 1996 with just $300 to her name.
The Pinnacle Group is a business-to-technology solutions provider, which means they’re experts at bridging the gap between operations and technology. By providing end-to-end solutions, Pinnacle unlocks hidden value from clients' information technology (IT) systems and helps them find a path toward better business outcomes. This staffing firm has grown into a workforce solutions powerhouse, providing multiple services to industry leaders in the telecommunications, financial services, transportation, and technology industries.
According to Pinnacle’s website, Vaca’s leadership has helped the organization grow into the largest Hispanic-owned workforce solutions company in North America, serving over 20% of the Fortune 100.
In 2013, Pinnacle’s success was also recognized with the coveted Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award and the Goldman Sachs Most Intriguing Entrepreneur Award. Vaca was also inducted into the Minority Business Hall of Fame and named a Trailblazing Woman in Labor and Business by the Women’s History Project that year.
Not only is Vaca a savvy businesswoman, she is also a committed civil leader and philanthropist. In 2014, she was appointed by the White House as one of the inaugural Presidential Ambassadors for Global Entrepreneurship (PAGE), traveling to five continents to uplift individuals, families, and communities. She is currently serving as Entrepreneur in Residence for the City of Dallas, appointed by Mayor Eric Johnson.
Vaca is an amazing example of a strong woman in global leadership, technology, and philanthropy. What she takes the most pride in, however, is being a strong Hispanic role model and advocate for Latino people all over the world.
Vaca was named one of the “101 Most Influential Latinos” by Latino Leaders from 2008 to 2019. She was also recognized as one of the SIA's (Staffing Industry Analysts) inaugural Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion influencers. Today, she serves on the Aspen Latinos in Society Advisory Board, contributing her expertise to elevate Latino leadership on a global scale.
Vaca is exemplary for the many prominent roles she holds. She is truly an astounding Hispanic history maker in technology.
Another Connected Nation Hispanic Heritage Month article:
- Celebrating culture and contributions: Profiles in excellence for Hispanic Heritage Month
- Connected Nation celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month – Online Resources
