VCWoman Achieve 2025 Mentor Spotlight – Adriana Fuentes Archila

Name: Adriana Fuentes Archila | Business/Profession: Vice President of Community Development, Arkansas Capital Corporation
Please share a little about your background, personally and/or professionally.
I was born and raised in El Salvador and moved to the U.S. in 2013. I am the VP of Community Development at Arkansas Capital and I absolutely love my job! This year, I was selected as the Chair of the Board for the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC).
Please share more about your current position and place of work. How have you grown professionally/personally in this role?
I am the VP of Community Development for Arkansas Capital Corp. In my role, I help entrepreneurs getting access to free resources and capital. I have only been in this role for 2 years and I have grown so much professionally and personally. This job has given me the tools to help entrepreneurs succeed in their ventures and understanding the needs my community has. I am able to create relationships with borrowers or potential borrowers and making them feel comfortable when talking about finances and their businesses.
What drew you to being a mentor for an entrepreneurial group curated for non-men? How has being a woman or non-binary individual impacted your professional journey?
I have been a part of Women Achieve indirectly with the support of Arkansas Capital. We have sponsored this program in the past and I was able to be in a lot of the meetings. I absolutely loved the support these women have, and I would love to share my knowledge and connections with other women starting their businesses.
What are three things you enjoy doing outside of work?
Hanging out with my dog, Walking my dog, Cleaning my house.
What is your go-to piece of advice for professionals, entrepreneurs, or anyone looking to you for guidance?
Do not say no to opportunities. This can be applied to so many things in life that will impact your business. I have taken every opportunity I was given to, and this is the only reason why I am here today. No matter how little it is, take it! This is how you make connections, build relationships, and get experience in anything you are doing!
What is a professional achievement that you are most proud of, and why are you proud of it?
I was selected as a one of 2023 Arkansas Business “20 in their Twenties” This achievement meant so much to me because it was a confirmation that someone noticed the work I was doing and took the time to nominate me.