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Nina Vaca
Ecuadorian-American entrepreneur
Nina Vaca is the Chairman and CEO of Pinnacle Group, Inc., a prominent workforce solutions provider that she founded in 1996. Under her leadership, Pinnacle Group has grown from a small IT staffing firm into a global powerhouse, serving clients across various industries including telecommunications, financial services, and technology. The company is recognized as the largest Hispanic-owned workforce solutions company in North America and has been listed among the fastest-growing companies in the U.S. multiple times, including being named the fastest-growing woman-owned business by the Women Presidents’ Organization.13
Early Life and Education
Born in Quito, Ecuador, Vaca moved to the United States with her family during her childhood. She began her career in her family's travel agency, which sparked her interest in entrepreneurship and technology. Vaca graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication and a minor in Business Administration. She has also completed executive education programs at prestigious institutions, including Harvard University, where she focused on corporate governance.45
Career Achievements
Nina Vaca's entrepreneurial journey began with the establishment of Pinnacle Group, which has since expanded its operations internationally, serving clients in over 20 countries. The company has received numerous accolades, including being named to the Inc. 500/5000 list of fastest-growing companies 13 times and ranking among the top IT staffing providers by Staffing Industry Analysts.135 Vaca has been recognized with several awards for her contributions to business and community, including the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year and induction into the Minority Business Hall of Fame.245
Philanthropy and Civic Engagement
In addition to her business accomplishments, Vaca is a dedicated philanthropist and civic leader. She was appointed by the White House as a Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship in 2014, where she worked to promote entrepreneurship globally. Vaca is also involved in various initiatives aimed at supporting women and minorities in business, including founding organizations that mentor young entrepreneurs and promote diversity in corporate leadership.135
Personal Life
Nina Vaca is a mother of four and an avid triathlete, often participating in events to raise funds for charitable causes, including disaster relief efforts in Ecuador. She continues to advocate for increased representation of women and minorities in business leadership roles and serves on the boards of several organizations, including Comerica Bank and Cinemark Holdings.145