Emi Reyes

Emi Reyes serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Latino Economic Development Center – DC (LEDC), where she leads strategic growth, organizational sustainability, and community investment efforts. With over a decade of leadership experience across the nonprofit and private sectors, including five years at LEDC, Emi has a strong record of strengthening operations and expanding access to capital for small businesses.
The daughter of Salvadoran immigrants and raised in a family-owned restaurant, Emi developed a deep appreciation for entrepreneurship early in life. While earning her degree in Political Science at Bennington College, she co-founded the college’s first student-run farm and trained entrepreneurs abroad in business communications and English.
Prior to joining LEDC, Emi held leadership roles at Chipotle Mexican Grill, supporting the company’s regional expansion across New York, Maryland, and Washington, DC. She managed eight locations and oversaw teams of more than 50 employees, along with multiple budgets totaling up to $12 million.
Emi began her career at LEDC in 2017 as a Microfinance Lending Intern and quickly rose through the ranks, holding roles such as Director of Operations & Risk Management and Chief of Operations, Risk & Investments. She has led major funding and expansion initiatives while ensuring strong stewardship of organizational assets and public funds.
In addition to her role at LEDC, Emi chairs the Entrepreneurial & Food Jobs Working Group for the DC Mayor’s Food Policy Council, advancing small business growth in communities with limited access to capital.