Silvia Bonilla

Silvia Bonilla currently serves as Illinois Small Business Development Center Director at the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Silvia is an accomplished and respected expert in the field of small business development and has a sound and thorough understanding of the effort and focus required to start a business in today’s constant changing world. She developed a profound sense of commitment for the nonprofit sector while working as an educator at the Chicago Public Schools. Helping to better the lives of others fueled her passion for assisting small businesses in their mission to grow and thrive.

Silvia is a history enthusiast and an avid reader with an immense love for traveling. As a result, she has a vested interest in international affairs. She serves on the Illinois Advisory Committee for the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition and thru the years she’s been a member of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and the United Nations Association’s Greater Chicago Chapter. Additionally, she currently serves on Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s Women Advisor Council of Chicago.

Silvia received her Bachelor of Arts and History from the Loyola University in Chicago and holds a Master’s in Business Administration. Silvia has also participated in various executive certificate programs focusing on nonprofit growth and leadership from both the University of Notre Dame and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Born and raised in El Salvador, Silvia now calls Chicago home, a city she loves because of its amazing history, delicious food and its blooming entrepreneurial spirit.