Chamber Insider Blog

Thank you to Beatriz McNelly, Executive Director of Loudoun Literacy Council, for being a spotlight for Hispanic Heritage Month!

Where were you born and raised, and if it was someplace else, when and why did you come to Loudoun?

I was born in Argentina, and my family moved to the United States when I was eleven in pursuit of the American Dream. We first settled in Vienna and later moved to Herndon, where I graduated from Herndon High School. Eventually, my father was able to buy a home in Sterling.

Tell us about Loudoun Literacy/The Immigrant Businesswomen Circle and how long you’ve been in your industry.

My connection to Loudoun Literacy Council runs deep.  When I came to the United States in 1969, there were no resources for me to learn English.  In fact, the only resource my school could give me was to send me to a speech therapist. My parents had to go to Arlington to the Americanization School.

Because of this, I am wholeheartedly committed to the vital English literacy resources and services that Loudoun Literacy Council provides to our community through our early childhood and adult literacy programs.

While I was testing the waters of retirement, I found myself helping friends with their businesses, which eventually led me to open my own consulting company, BeLogic. My prior business success allowed me to follow my true passion, which is giving back. I founded The Immigrant Businesswomen Circle (IBWC) to create a safe, supportive space for immigrant women entrepreneurs, providing a network where women can connect, share, and grow—a resource I once wished I had.

This passion for supporting my community also led me to take on several leadership roles. I currently serve on the Board of Directors for the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia and I serve as Treasurer for The Arc of Loudoun.  I joined the Board of Directors for Loudoun Literacy Council in 2020, and I was thrilled to step into the roles of Chair and Executive Director in April 2024.

How did you get into this line of work?

I entered the workforce after my three children started school, initially cleaning houses and working in fast food. I worked hard and seized every opportunity to build a better life. Over time, I advanced within my position at United Airlines, where I played a key role in opening new offices in Uruguay and Chile. I grew both personally and professionally, but without a college degree, I found myself limited in further advancement.

Eventually, my husband, a colleague, and I decided to start our own fiber optics company. We launched it from our basement with just $5,000. In the mid-1990s, when the internet was still slow and unreliable, we had a forward-thinking idea: to provide fiber-optic cable to government agencies and businesses. In 1995, I co-founded FiberGate, and through hard work and a commitment to offering quality service, the company thrived. After 17 successful years, we sold the business, which allowed me to pursue my true passion—philanthropy.

Throughout my career, I often noticed clients would direct their questions to my male colleague rather than to me. When visiting our office, they would sometimes assume I was simply part of the support staff. These experiences only strengthened my resolve to prove myself and succeed.

Have you had any special mentors or inspirations that guided your career?

Yes, while I’ve worked hard to reach where I am, I’ve been fortunate to have support along the way. A great partner taught me how to present myself as an executive and provided invaluable guidance in various aspects of business. Additionally, I’ve gained a lot of inspiration from nonprofit leaders here in Loudoun County. Their willingness to offer help and advice has been instrumental in my development, and I’ve learned so much from observing their leadership.

What is the best part of your job and why?

The best part of my job is the ability to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Over the years, my career has provided me with the resources to give back, whether it’s mentoring an aspiring immigrant woman business owner or helping others improve their English and literacy skills. Having the opportunity to support others in their growth and success is incredibly rewarding.

What is it like doing business in Loudoun/Northern Virginia?

Northern Virginia is a vibrant and diverse region that offers incredible business opportunities. It takes dedication, hard work, and a bit of luck, but if you have the right skills and put in the effort, Northern Virginia is an ideal place to succeed.

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

I had to pause and reflect on this question. When I first arrived in the U.S., all I wanted was to blend in and become ‘American,’ which to me meant leaving my heritage behind. I didn’t want to speak Spanish, listen to Spanish music, or do anything that made me stand out—I was just a typical teenager. But as I’ve grown and matured, I now see how short-sighted that was.

My heritage is a fundamental part of who I am; the ideals, values, and passions of my ancestors live on through me. Today, I embrace all aspects of my identity. I love both Rock & Roll and Salsa, hamburgers and chimichurri. I realize now that I was meant to be a blend of both cultures. For me, Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the richness, diversity, and beauty of Hispanic culture, which is such an integral part of who I am.

Favorite things to do when you are not working?

I have a passion for traveling, and the Caribbean is my favorite destination. I also love spending quality time with my family and grandchildren, who are thriving in Loudoun County. Additionally, I enjoy sharing experiences with friends, whether it’s going to the theater, attending concerts, or exploring cultural events.

Learn more about Loudoun Literacy Council here.