Julie Herrera-LemLer

Julie Herrera-LemLer is a community and business growth leader based in Rochester, Minnesota. Originally from San Jose, California, Julie moved to Rochester more than 20 years ago, embraced the beauty of Minnesota’s four seasons, and has proudly called Minnesota home ever since. 

As a former small business owner, Julie understands firsthand how overwhelming it can be to navigate systems, resources, and opportunities without clear guidance. That experience continues to shape her work today. She is passionate about making information easier to understand, creating welcoming spaces, and helping people feel confident asking questions and taking their next step. Known for her ability to communicate in a clear, approachable way, Julie can support new business owners, community members, partners, and established leaders with the same level of respect, care, and credibility. 

Julie serves as Acting Vice President of ACHLA, the Alliance of Chicanos, Hispanics, and Latin Americans, where she supports community engagement, board development, partnerships, and efforts that elevate Latino voices across the region. Her work is rooted in access, trust, communication, and the belief that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and given information in a way they can understand. 

After noticing that this type of event was more common in larger cities, but had never been done locally, Julie created the first-ever Hispanic Business Resource and Networking event in Southern Minnesota. With a clear vision, years of relationship-building, and the support of trusted community partners, she helped bring the event to life as a welcoming space where Spanish-speaking business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs could connect directly with resource providers who could speak their language and explain support in a way that felt accessible. For many attendees, it was their first time attending a business networking event, connecting with other Latino business owners, and having the opportunity to network in Spanish in a space created with them in mind. Julie also made sure childcare was not a barrier by creating a comfortable space for children, allowing parents to participate, connect, and feel at ease. 

As a member of the Minnesota Council of Latino Affairs, Julie is honored to bring a grounded, community-first perspective shaped by lived experience, entrepreneurship, relationship-building, and a deep commitment to helping Latino communities feel seen, heard, supported, and respected.