Daniela Carolina Velez
Entrepreneurial Programs Coordinator, Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey
Daniela Carolina Velez is a native of Venezuela who grew up in Burlington County, South Jersey. Raised in a low-income immigrant household, she overcame various challenges to pursue higher education, eventually earning her bachelor’s degree in public policy from the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, with a minor in Women and Gender Studies from Rutgers University – New Brunswick.
As an undocumented student, Daniela faced numerous hurdles in navigating higher education. She emerged as a community activist and played a pivotal role in founding and leading undocuJersey, an organization dedicated to providing educational resources and guidance to students and parents within the immigrant community. Since 2011, she has been actively involved in the New Jersey Immigrant Rights movement, participating in various panels and events advocating for social justice.
Daniela also attended Rowan College in Burlington County, earning associate degrees in business and engineering. She co-founded Innovated Lab Designs Inc., an all-female STEM company that developed educational kits such as the Newton’s Bench Kit and the Galileo’s Kit, facilitating online physics and astronomy courses in partnership with Rowan College at Burlington County.
Currently, Daniela serves as the Entrepreneur Program Coordinator at the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, where she spearheads the creation and implementation of entrepreneurship technical assistance programs across New Jersey. She also serves as Communication Specialist for Assemblywoman Carmen Morales serving district 34. Previously, she worked in the membership department of the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, promoting the benefits and lobbying efforts of the organization to NJ businesses. Additionally, Daniela has been actively involved in college readiness outreach programs for Burlington County and homeless prevention initiatives through Servicios Latinos of Burlington County, a non-profit organization.
