As part of Chicago Latino Network’s 2026 vision, we’re proud to launch 5 Questions — a new written leadership series featuring a curated group of leaders whose perspectives help shape Chicago’s business, civic, and cultural landscape.
Each installment invites a respected leader to respond to five thoughtful questions, creating space for insight, reflection, and meaningful dialogue with our network of professionals, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers.
Rather than soundbites, 5 Questions is designed to be thoughtful, accessible, and enduring — spotlighting leadership philosophy, decision-making, and lessons learned.
Our First Featured Leader Monica Lopez Gonzalez
Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, Feeding America
Monica Lopez Gonzalez is a transformational global marketing leader with more than two decades of experience driving growth, innovation, and impact across iconic brands. Now serving as Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Feeding America, Monica brings deep expertise in brand strategy, digital transformation, and people-centered leadership to one of the most important missions in the country: ending hunger.
Her career spans senior leadership roles across consumer goods, manufacturing, and nonprofit organizations, where she has consistently paired strong commercial outcomes with purpose-driven impact. A passionate advocate for inclusive leadership, Monica is equally focused on building high-performing teams and creating pathways for the next generation of leaders.
1. How does your definition of success change between social impact and shareholder value, and what remains constant?
In social impact, success is measured by lives improved, trust built, and systems strengthened, not just financial return. The outcomes are human, and the responsibility is shared with communities, not markets alone. What remains constant is discipline: clear strategy, accountability, and a focus on real outcomes. In every sector, success requires clarity of purpose and the courage to deliver on it.
2. How do you lead with empathy and performance during uncertainty or crisis?
In moments of uncertainty, people need honesty, direction, and steadiness. I lead by being clear about what we know, what we are working through, and what matters most right now. Empathy shows up in how we listen and support one another, while performance comes from focus, prioritization, and follow-through. When people feel grounded and informed, they are able to deliver results.
3. How do you think about the responsible use of AI in nonprofit leadership?
AI should serve the mission, not distract from it. Responsible use starts with protecting dignity, equity, and trust, especially when working with vulnerable communities and sensitive data. Leaders must ensure transparency, reduce bias, and keep human judgment at the center. Used well, AI helps organizations listen better, move faster, and extend impact without losing their values.
4. What responsibility and opportunity do Latina nonprofit leaders have today beyond their own organizations?
Latina leaders bring lived experience, cultural insight, and systems awareness that are deeply needed right now. There is a responsibility to shape public narratives with dignity and truth, and to push for policies and investments that reflect real community needs. There is also an opportunity to model inclusive leadership that changes how power is shared. Our influence matters far beyond our own organizations.
5. What advice would you give emerging Latina leaders navigating visibility, power, and authenticity?
Do not wait to be invited into visibility. Step forward with intention and preparation and be deliberate about opening the space wider as you do. Power grows when you are clear about your values, grounded in the work, and willing to create room for others to be seen and trusted. Authenticity is not about sharing everything; it is about leading with integrity, consistency, and purpose. As you rise, help make the path more accessible for those coming next.
