Multicultural Entrepreneurial Institute

Dr. Nelson Soler, Ph.D., MBA, MS, EA, EDFP, is a distinguished entrepreneur and community leader based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Born into poverty in Puerto Rico to a mixed-race family, Dr. Soler has dedicated his career to inspiring and empowering professionals and entrepreneurs to pursue their aspirations. ​

Throughout his career, Dr. Soler has founded multiple organizations, including two for-profit and three non-profit entities, all aimed at fostering economic empowerment and entrepreneurial success. He has played a pivotal role in facilitating the formation of over 6,200 enterprises in Wisconsin and has extended his support to entrepreneurs in Latin America, Ethiopia, Turkey, and Burma through culturally relevant approaches. ​

In 2017, Dr. Soler established the Latino Chamber of Commerce of Southeastern Wisconsin, where he serves as President and CEO. Under his leadership, the chamber has become a regional leader in microlending, distributing over $2.1 million in loans, grants, and technical assistance services to hundreds of at-risk enterprises. The organization now serves over 400 enterprises annually and sustains five jobs, delivering 960 hours of technical assistance and training to more than 500 businesses, thereby empowering entrepreneurs with the skills they need to succeed. ​

Dr. Soler’s educational background is extensive, including a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He also holds a Master of Business Administration and a Master of International Business and Marketing from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, as well as a Ph.D. in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service from Cardinal Stritch University. Additionally, he possesses certifications as an Economic Development Financial Professional, Enrolled Agent by the US Department of Treasury, and QuickBooks ProAdvisor. ​

Dr. Soler’s contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including the United States Small Business Administration Award for Wisconsin in 2007, Chamber Executive of the Year for Region 4 by the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in 2009, UMOS Hispanic Man of the Year in 2011, and the Community Business Development Award by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation in 2018. In 2025, he was honored as a Titan 100, recognizing his status as a top CEO and C-level executive. ​

Through his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to economic empowerment, Dr. Nelson Soler continues to be a catalyst for positive change, fostering growth and development within the Latino community and beyond.