Chamber Insider Blog

Thank you, Lesli Vasquez of Northwest Federal Credit Union, for your service on the Ambassador Council!

The Ambassadors Council’s mission is to strengthen the Loudoun Chamber’s network of business and nonprofit organizations by supporting their fellow Chamber members to ensure they gain the most value from their membership investment.

What inspired you to become a Loudoun Chamber Ambassador Council Member, and what does the role mean to you?

I am passionate about supporting the community and local businesses, particularly within the Hispanic community, and I wanted to expand my impact by continuing to serve others beyond my organization.

How does your business or organization contribute to the Loudoun County community?

Northwest Federal Credit Union partners with local schools and youth organizations in Loudoun County to provide educational and career development opportunities, as well as host financial literacy workshops. We also collaborate with the Washington Commanders’ Read Program in Loudoun County, which is designed to inspire students’ interest in reading and overall wellness.

Additionally, we host quarterly drives to collect monetary donations, food, and coats, which are distributed to local schools. I value the opportunity to volunteer my time in these schools and to mentor young students, helping to support their growth and future success.

What is one memorable connection, moment, or experience you’ve had through the Loudoun Chamber?

I had previously expressed to my leadership at Northwest my desire to become more involved with the Loudoun Chamber, and they made the connection with Colleen Lovelace. Being considered a strong fit for the Ambassador Council member role by both organizations was truly meaningful to me.

What advice would you give to someone looking to intentionally grow their professional network in Loudoun County?

It can feel overwhelming or intimidating at first, but attend as many events as possible and connect with a wide range of individuals. You never know which relationships may become meaningful and have a positive impact on your business.

What Loudoun Chamber event or program do you never miss, and why does it stand out to you?

Business @ Breakfast provides a valuable opportunity to connect with a wide range of community leaders while gaining deeper insight into local businesses. I especially appreciate the positive energy in the room, as it helps set a productive and motivating tone for the rest of my day.

How has serving as an Ambassador Council Member helped you grow as a leader—both professionally and personally?

It has strengthened my ability to advocate for others in both professional and personal settings. It has encouraged me to be more intentional about supporting and uplifting those around me, while reinforcing my commitment to going the extra mile. Through this experience, I’ve grown as a leader by making a meaningful, positive impact on the lives of others, which I find incredibly rewarding.

What is one tip or best practice you would share with new Loudoun Chamber members to help them get the most value from their membership?

Be intentional about building meaningful connections. The more effort you invest, the greater the value you will gain.

What leadership skill has been most valuable to you in your role as a Chamber Ambassador Council Member, and how do you apply it?

As an Ambassador, I have gained a strong appreciation for effective time management. Balancing the demands of leading a busy branch within my organization while actively volunteering in the community, attending Chamber events, and building meaningful connections with members can be challenging at times; however, it is incredibly rewarding.

How do you balance advocating for your own business while serving the broader mission of the Chamber and the Loudoun community?

Prioritizing the needs of others helps build strong relationships and fosters trust. Once that trust is established, business opportunities naturally follow.

What is one fun, unexpected, or little-known fact about you that most people at the Chamber may not know?

When I am away from business, I enjoy spending all my time with my two little ones. They keep me very busy with soccer and football.