Hi, I'm Haydee “I-They” Caldero! With over two decades of experience in executive leadership, financial management, and strategic growth, I've dedicated my career to driving transformation and value creation across diverse industries, including technology, hospitality, finance, and employee-owned enterprises.Currently, I serve as the President of Project Ownership, where I provide fractional CFO/COO services to employee-owned companies, focusing on best practices that enhance revenue growth and profitability. My expertise in ESOPs is extensive, having successfully transitioned Crepes a Latte to a 100% employee-owned structure, resulting in a significant increase in stock price and employee engagement.Previously, as the Chief Operating Officer at Crepes a Latte, I spearheaded strategic growth initiatives, achieving recognition on the Inc 5000 list of fastest-growing privately held companies. My role included overseeing financial operations, human resources, and technology integration.My professional journey also includes founding and leading Dignitas, an advisory firm for middle-market companies. There, I advised over 100 business owners on mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, governance, and succession planning, honing my skills in navigating complex financial landscapes and delivering strategic solutions.In addition to my executive roles, I am actively involved in board leadership. I serve on the Board of TXI, an award-winning digital product consultancy, where I chair the Audit Committee. I also serve on the boards of the National Center for Employee Ownership and the Illinois Employee Ownership Center, contributing to advancing the mission of employee ownership and inclusive growth. My board experience includes serving as a fiduciary trustee for the $3.8 billion Policemen's Annuity & Benefit Fund of Chicago, overseeing fund asset allocation, audit, and budget management.I hold an MBA from Harvard Business School and a B.A. from Wesleyan University. Fluent in Spanish, I've lived and worked in Spain and Argentina, bringing a global perspective to my professional endeavors. Outside of work, I enjoy biking, yoga, hiking, and traveling, having visited over 20 countries.I am passionate about fostering inclusive and innovative cultures that empower employees and drive sustainable growth. Let's connect if you're interested in discussing opportunities for collaboration or simply want to share insights on leadership, finance, and strategic growth!