Team Members
Larissa Davila
Executive Director
Email: larissa@egbi.org
Larissa Davila is a business development expert and strategist focused on multicultural communities. She is passionate about helping small business owners build profitable, sustainable businesses while benefiting their communities.
In 2025, she was recognized by Austin Woman Magazine on the Change Maker List as a Strategic Supporter. In 2024, she was listed as a Latina of Influence by the nationwide Hispanic Lifestyle Magazine, and in 2022, she was honored as a Mujer Legendaria by the international organization, Fundación Cultural Forjadores de México. She is also a co-author of two Amazon best-selling books.
Since March 2023, Davila has served as Executive Director of the Economic Growth Business Incubator (EGBI). She has also led Latino Arts, Culture & Education Organization (LACE) and Amhiga Hispana up until 2017 in Austin, Texas.
In 2014, she founded BCO Consulting Group, providing strategic planning, budgeting, pricing strategy, market research, marketing services, and bilingual community outreach to businesses, government agencies, and nonprofits. She launched her company after a decade in corporate roles with corporations including Sony Corporation, FedEx, and Bentoli, specializing in operations, international logistics, and customer support.
A graduate of Texas A&M International University with a degree in Business Administration, Larissa is currently pursuing an MBA at McCombs School of Business, at The University of Texas at Austin. She remains committed to continuous development and community service.
Monica Peña
Director of Community Relations
Email: Monica@egbi.org
Monica Peña is a respected leader in the Greater Austin area, recognized for her work in organizing dynamic business networking groups and empowering entrepreneurs across Central Texas. As a skilled social media strategist and trainer, Monica brings her expertise to EGBI, where she supports clients in the areas of business marketing, digital promotion, social media, project and time management, and effective follow-through.
As the co-founder and social media manager of her first successful family-owned business, Monica helped the company earn The Austin American-Statesman Social Media Award for providing valuable tips, community outreach, and environmentally friendly practices. She was honored by Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas as Estrella de Tejas for her significant contributions to the community and for being a role model to fellow members.
She is the founder of MUNDU Media, a company that specializes in helping clients elevate their online presence and marketing strategies. Monica also coaches entrepreneurs on how to maximize networking opportunities, leverage membership benefits, and cultivate lasting connections that drive business growth. She trains company teams to enhance brand visibility and engagement, equipping them with the tools to stand out in a competitive market.
Monica is passionate about helping small businesses succeed and has developed a proven approach that blends online and offline efforts to help professionals make a lasting impact in their communities.
![José (Josely) Lopez [Jose-lee]](https://egbi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/30.jpg)
José (Josely) Lopez [Jose-lee]
Program Director
Email: josely@egbi.org
José, “Josely” Lopez holds a dual degree in marketing and management; and a master’s degree in international business from Concordia University in Irvine, California. He has extensive experience as a small business generalist, with focus in bookkeeping, financial management, marketing, business networks, and general small business development. Josely previously served as a Business Developer for a nonprofit in Puerto Rico, where he guided the creation of nearly 200 small businesses during his tenure. He then served as General Manager of an international school in Tokyo, Japan, receiving an invitation to relocate to Hangzhou, China with a position of Marketing Instructor in a small business school.
Josely brings to the table more than ten years of experience in small business development and management. In EGBI, as the Program Director, he oversees the organization’s programs and initiatives. Thanks to his experience, Lopez is a skilled public speaker who engages and communicates effectively with diverse audiences in conferences and workshop.
Nina Choi
Business Coach
Email: nina@egbi.org
Nina Choi is an ICF-certified leadership coach, facilitator, and former HR professional in tech, dedicated to helping individuals and teams build trust, resilience, and sustainable success. With over 20 years of professional experience—including a decade in talent attraction—she has coached executives, senior managers, and professionals at companies like Indeed, Amazon, and Time Warner.
A Professional Certified Coach, Nina uses an interactive, client-driven approach that helps people gain clarity, take action, and build confidence. Rather than just focusing on problem-solving, her learned style of coaching encourages individuals to recognize their strengths, challenge limiting beliefs, and make intentional choices that align with their values.
As an endurance trail runner and triathlete, Nina brings a deep understanding of perseverance and adaptability to her work. She leads one-on-one coaching, team facilitation, and workshops focused on tackling imposter syndrome, strengthening collaboration, and fostering personal and professional growth.
Beyond her coaching practice, Nina is dedicated to building inclusive and supportive professional communities. She co-leads a women business owners’ group and designs engaging experiences—like “Games and Connections”—to help people foster deeper relationships, enhance communication, and create meaningful connections in both corporate and personal spaces.
Héctor Muñiz
Business Coach
Email: hector@egbi.org
Hector graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and a minor in business. His most recent previous experience includes working as a financial advisor at UBS Financial Services, where he focused on sales and enhancing client experiences. Additionally, Hector has notable experience as an ESL (English as a Second Language) instructor, where he taught older students computer and networking basics in a bilingual setting. Through his various roles, Hector discovered a genuine passion for financial guidance, sales, and tutoring.
“No matter the task at hand, I strive to prioritize people’s needs and exceed their expectations.” Outside of work, Hector dedicates his time to studying, reading, drawing, and maintaining an active lifestyle by hitting the gym. His favorite sports include soccer and boxing.
Shannon Aronin
Grant Writer
Email: grants@egbi.org
Shannon Aronin is a grant writing expert with more than 25 years of experience. She holds a BA in International Relations with a concentration in Nonprofit Organizations from Johns Hopkins University.
Shannon has worked with a wide range of nonprofits addressing causes such as workforce development, youth development, the environment, arts and culture, health and wellness, and religion. She has raised tens of millions of dollars for clients across the country and is passionate about making an impact at EGBI and raising funds to advance our mission. Outside of work, Shannon keeps busy raising her 17 year old daughter and caring for her three dogs.
Katherine Garcia
Digital Coordinator
Email: communications@egbi.org
Katherine Garcia is a senior at Eastside Early College High School with aspirations to study Criminal Justice and Business Administration after graduation. A first-generation college-bound student, Katherine has already demonstrated strong leadership skills, earning a Leadership Award at Eastside and actively volunteering with nonprofit organizations that support children and communities in need.
Passionate about making a positive impact, Katherine is committed to blending academic excellence with community engagement. Outside of academics, she enjoys biking, swimming, and exploring music, activities that fuel creativity and balance. With a drive to serve others and pursue higher education, Katherine looks forward to building a career that empowers people and strengthens communities
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AUSTIN, Texas – Austin Community Foundation (ACF) announced today that $2.3 million in grant funding from the Forever Austin Fund wasawarded to 99 organizations working to address a variety of issues across Central Texas. The Forever Austin Fund is made possible by...
Texas Mutual awards $4.5M to 66 nonprofits supporting working families
Texas Mutual has selected 66 Texas nonprofits to receive over $4.5 million in grants for their dedication to helping working families get the support and health care they need. Nonprofit organizations were invited to apply for a generational learning grant between...
Meet intern Jade George
By Salem Mata-Diaz Things do not always go according to plan, but what matters is what you make of those experiences. Jade, an intern at EGBI, has no interest in working a 9-5 office job and does not see herself pursuing a community-centered career. She was placed at...
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