Silvia Castro Bennett

Silvia Castro Bennett is a respected leader in Utah’s business and economic development landscape, with over two decades of executive experience spanning the nonprofit, public, and private sectors. As President & CEO of the Suazo Business Center, she has led the organization’s expansion statewide—tripling the number of clients served annually, launching offices in Ogden and St. George, and expanding the Center’s virtual presence—all while significantly increasing access to capital and business advising services.

Under Silvia’s leadership, Suazo achieved designation as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and has become a trusted partner for business owners across Utah. In 2024 alone, the organization supported the creation of more than 400 new businesses and nearly 1,850 jobs, while helping clients access over $1.59 million in funding.

She serves on several influential boards and advisory councils, including the Federal Reserve’s Community Advisory Council, Keybank Utah Advisory Board, Envision Utah, Utah Foundation, and the Wasatch Front Regional Council Economic Development District. She also co-chaired the Economic Development team for Mayor Erin Mendenhall’s transition team in 2019.

Silvia has been widely recognized for her leadership and impact. She was named one of Utah Business’s “Women of the Year” in 2022 and selected as a “CEO of the Year” in 2025. The Salt Lake Chamber awarded her its 2020 Pathfinder Award for her work building inclusive economic ecosystems. Most recently, she was selected as a fellow in the National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders (NALCAB) Executive Leadership Program, reflecting her national influence in community-based economic development.

A strategic thinker with a people-first mindset, Silvia brings deep insight into how leadership teams can stay aligned, evolve together, and pivot when the moment demands.

Organization Website: https://www.suazocenter.org

LinkedIn or Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/secastro/