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  • Writer's pictureTyzza Macias

Veronica Torres Hazley: Redefining Leadership and Empowering Communities


Photo: Courtesy of Torres Hazley Enterprise

In a world where true leadership is often hard to come by, Veronica Torres Hazley, the CEO of Torres Hazley Enterprise, stands as an exceptional example of what it means to be a visionary leader committed to community nurturing and well-being promotion. Through her remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication, Veronica has established herself as a driving force, leaving an indelible mark on the industries she ventures into.


With an impressive track record that includes the highly regarded V12 Yoga Studio, Workplace Fit Co, RedBird Rising, and the empowering self-care brand, Healthy Latina Lifestyle, Veronica's diverse range of ventures showcases her profound understanding of how to create transformative and purposeful experiences that leave a lasting impact.


Before assuming her role at Torres Hazley Enterprise, Veronica served as the Chief Impact Officer at ISP Creative, where her innovative ideas and unwavering commitment made significant strides. Furthermore, during her remarkable 17-year tenure at VisitDallas, Veronica revolutionized digital marketing and branding strategies while holding pivotal positions in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. As the Director of Experience, she ensured unforgettable moments for all who encountered VisitDallas.


Veronica's journey to success is not solely defined by her professional accomplishments; it is her deep commitment to making a difference in her community that truly sets her apart. Actively serving on the boards of ForOakcliff and Grant Halliburton and being an engaged member of the Hispanic 100 collective, Veronica dedicates her time and energy to uplifting others and helping them realize their true potential.


Veronica's dedication to empowering fellow Latina leaders led her to establish Hey Chica! By Healthy Latina Lifestyle, a dynamic Latina Leadership Collective that fosters collaboration and goal curating. Through her involvement in these initiatives, she creates opportunities for others and acts as a catalyst for change.


During my interview with Veronica Torres Hazley, her passion and dedication to empowering others shone through every word she spoke. Her journey exemplifies resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others. Veronica's transformative power of perseverance and her impact on the world is truly inspiring.


Veronica's expertise as a business professional and philanthropist Latina has made her a beacon of inspiration, igniting change in communities and leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those she encounters. Her commitment to health and wellness programming, coupled with her focus on young professional leadership and entrepreneurship, positions her as a true catalyst for change.


Veronica understands that true empowerment encompasses nurturing the mind, body, and spirit. Through her innovative fitness programming and activations, she has created an environment that promotes comprehensive well-being and acts as a sanctuary for vulnerable and underserved urban environments in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.


Beyond her professional endeavors, Veronica's influence extends to challenging societal expectations as a mompreneur. By excelling in both her personal and professional lives, she shatters stereotypes and paves the way for Latinas aspiring to reach their full potential. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that determination and resilience can help us overcome any obstacle and redefine societal expectations.


Veronica's overarching mission is to inspire generations, particularly within the Multicultural community. She embodies the motto of "Redefining Our Perspective on Fitness, Wellness, and Leadership," encouraging individuals to break free from convention and embrace their true potential. Through her work, she demonstrates that each person has the power to make a difference, regardless of their background or circumstances.


Veronica's story serves as a resounding call to action, urging us all to challenge the status quo and embrace our ability to effect positive change. Her journey exemplifies the transformative power of passion, resilience, and unwavering dedication. By sharing her experiences and spreading the word about the positive impact she is making, Veronica inspires others to follow in her footsteps, creating a ripple effect that will shape our communities for generations to come.


In a world where opportunities can often be scarce, Veronica's unwavering commitment to uplifting our culture and empowering others serves as a powerful reminder that dreams are attainable and that each individual has the power to make a difference. Through her innovative approach to fitness and wellness programming, she is reshaping our perspectives and forging a brighter future for all.


Veronica Torres Hazley's story is one of triumph, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the mantra "SI SE PUEDE" – Yes, we can – achieve greatness and inspire others to do the same. As the CEO of Torres Hazley Enterprise, Veronica continues to pave the way for others to follow, leaving an indelible mark on the world and proving that with dedication and passion, we can create a better tomorrow.


It was truly a privilege to interview Veronica Torres Hazley and learn about her incredible journey. Her unwavering commitment to uplifting communities and empowering individuals serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power we all possess. Veronica's story is an inspiration to us all, urging us to embrace our potential and create a positive impact on the world around us.

Photo: Courtesy of Torres Hazley Enterprise

OLM: Can you tell us about your journey as an entrepreneur and how you founded Torres Hazley Enterprise?


VERONICA: I was raised by entrepreneurial grandparents. I didn’t know anything different- other than working for myself. I went to college to study hotel and restaurant management because I thought I wanted to own my restaurant. Later I worked in Corporate America for over 20 years, but with a side hustle that included owning my own Yoga Studio.


When I started that Journey I had great entrepreneurial mentors through the Dallas Hispanic Chamber. A lot of them taught me how to build a company- I started with my umbrella company- Torres Hazley Enterprise, LLC- I knew I would have several companies under that umbrella when I started.


OLM: What inspired you to focus on community development and well-being in your business ventures?


VERONICA: After working with VisitDallas for 17 1/2 years, I was already building communities and ecosystems through DEI, Tourism, and Community. So, it was natural for me to bring my own company the network and relationships I had built during my tenet. Well-being became part of my mission because of my own story towards wellbeing.


OLM: Could you elaborate on the different businesses under Torres Hazley Enterprise, such as V12 Yoga Studio, Workplace Fit Co, RedBird Rising, and Healthy Latina Lifestyle? How do they contribute to the overall mission of your collective?


VERONICA: When I built Torres Hazley Enterprise, LLC- It was built to have several companies under the umbrella. It started with V12 Yoga. We focused on Yoga for all, then we got into Corporate Wellness outside of our Brick and Mortar- That is where Workplace Fit Co came to life.


Healthy Latina Lifestyle was my digital footprint focused on Latina well-being and lifestyle around Fitness, self-care, and community. RedBird Rising is my newest partnership with Southern Dallas. We are bringing a new service with community programming and holistic health together to serve areas that need resources for wellness and fitness with customer service and programming top of minds.


OLM: You have a consulting practice with 25 years of experience in various capacities. Could you share some key highlights or achievements from your career in community development, customer service, event production, content curation, cause marketing, and wellness?


VERONICA: My career experience started in Hospitality. I was a banquet manager right out of college. That was the start of my event planning and customer service experience planning.


When I went to work for VisitDallas, I got into event production, business development, and cause marketing. I write a ton of content around wellness, leadership, and advocacy because I had to build programming during my time working in the DEI space. I also lead social media marketing and recently consulted in production and training.


All of these experiences help me build a strong brand with my company and Hey Chica! I also do a ton of public speaking on creating your movement using my experience.


OLM: How did your role as the Chief Impact Officer at ISP Creative and your time with VisitDallas contribute to your growth as a leader and entrepreneur?


VERONICA: As Chief Impact Officer, I developed a department for ISP Creative. This was something new and exciting that is still needed in our community.


I love learning a lot about production, training, and storytelling- which is a huge asset. VisitDallas provided me with resources for a ton of training in sales, experimental marketing, and community relations. I use every skill set daily. I was so fortunate to travel the world and serve on several boards that gave me a TON of knowledge in politics and relationship building.


OLM: Can you discuss your experience in developing partnerships within the local Dallas community during your time at VisitDallas? How did these partnerships benefit the organization and the community?


VERONICA: I was hired at VisitDallas back in 2003 to develop a DEI strategy with implementation. It was something new to the market and I had no blueprint. I knew that I had to build relationships to help me along the way. I was really lucky to have mentors who poured into me when I started. I was able to incorporate communities into the economic impact of the city. This allowed me to make a lot of friends and build.


OLM: As a graduate of Johnson and Wales University and the University of Texas at Dallas, how have your educational background and degrees in Hotel and Restaurant Management and Business Administration influenced your entrepreneurial journey?


VERONICA: I started college to become an entrepreneur. I never lost sight of my plan. I knew that I wanted to own my own business. The degree allowed me to open doors to jump into my career to gain the experience I needed.


OLM: You are actively involved in various organizations such as the For Oakcliff board, Grant Halliburton, and Hispanic 100. How do you balance your community engagements with your business responsibilities, and how do they complement each other?


VERONICA: I have been very fortunate to serve on so many boards in my career. I remember serving on 8 or more at one time. I learned a lot from serving. I also know that my time is valuable and only commit to boards that I can truly serve and advocate for while building my brands.


I choose missions that I can stand behind and that have a mission that is close to my heart. Right now I am hyper-focused on mental health, advocacy for young girls (since I have two little girls at home), and serving communities that are predominately black and brown in Southern Dallas. These all allow me to use my lived experience to create change with IMPACT.


OLM: Can you tell us more about Hey Chica? By Healthy Latina Lifestyle and the Latina Leadership Collective? What motivated you to create this movement, and what impact do you hope to make through it?


VERONICA: I was experiencing a life-changing moment in 2016 when I lost a child. I had to discover myself and my priorities in life. I knew I wanted to do something BIG that helped women discover themselves through leadership and self-care. I was tired of attending all of these amazing events and trainings and not having women who looked like me in these spaces.


I researched Latina Lead experiences and summits and didn’t find anything near what I was imagining. So, I created Hey Chica! To create space and leadership programming that were culturally influenced and that engaged the fastest-growing market! LATINAS! The Movement has grown into more than I have ever imagined and now includes three pillars of intention: advocacy, self-care, and leadership. We now serve to build a pipeline of chicas.


OLM: How do you envision the future of Torres Hazley Enterprise and its contribution to community well-being? Are there any new projects or initiatives that you are particularly excited about?


VERONICA: Torres Hazley Enterprise is the umbrella group that is home to brands that have well-being and community TOP OF MIND. We are building brands, and experiences with the same values: PROGRESS, ACCESS, and EQUITY. This comes in products, services, partnerships, and training.


Hey, Chica by Healthy Latina Lifestyle will become a multifaceted brand that includes all of those things alone. The Latina market is VAST and underserved and always overlooked. We will build a strategy that makes it an International Brand.


I was appointed to the Dallas Mayors Franchise Initiative in Dallas recently- I am looking into those models to build sustainable and profitable companies that serve in well-being and leadership with Torres Hazley Enterprise.


OLM: What advice would you offer to Latinx women of today and the future, based on your experiences and journey as a Latina entrepreneur and community leader?


VERONICA: We need to spend time understanding who we are as people and individuals. When we discover who we REALLY are and work on developing that superpower we become unstoppable.


Don’t focus on what people tell you that you should be, take the time to study yourself and your craft. Learn to be an apprentice, learn to sit in silence, and grow internally. When you sharpen that connection to yourself, your entire universe when falls into place.

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