Arabel Alva Rosales: CEO, Founder, and Innovator Driving Change

Style Interpreted

Arabel Alva Rosales is a name synonymous with leadership, innovation, and empowerment. As the CEO and founder of multiple successful ventures, Arabel's influence spans industries—from fashion to tech—each fueled by her unwavering commitment to creating positive change.

Arabel’s story begins in Chicago, where she was born and raised in a culturally rich environment that shaped her perspective on life and business. Her parents, Mexican immigrants, instilled in her the value of hard work and resilience. Her father, a tailor turned designer, and her mother, who balanced a traditional and nurturing role, provided a unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit and cultural pride. This upbringing laid the foundation for Arabel’s future endeavors.

“From a young age, I envisioned a bigger life for myself,” Arabel shared during the podcast. This vision led her to break barriers in fields where Latinas were rarely seen, let alone leading the charge. Her career began in government, where she served as the director of the Liquor Control Commission for the State of Illinois—an impressive feat, considering she was the first woman to hold the position. This role ignited her passion for technology, as she sought to modernize and streamline operations within her department.

After four years in government, Arabel felt the pull to return to her entrepreneurial roots. She founded AAR Tech, a successful tech company that has thrived for over 18 years. “It’s all about the team,” she emphasized, reflecting on the importance of collaboration and trust in building a sustainable business. But Arabel’s ambitions didn’t stop there.

In addition to her work in tech, Arabel co-founded Latino Fashion Week and later launched Runway Latinx, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering women through fashion. The proceeds from Runway Latinx go directly to Pivoting in Heels, a non-profit organization Arabel founded to provide internships, scholarships, and leadership training for women. “My goal is to embody a better you,” Arabel explained, highlighting her focus on holistic well-being—mental, spiritual, and physical.

Arabel’s ability to seamlessly navigate between tech and fashion is not as surprising as it may seem. “There are so many of us in fashion who are techies,” she noted. Her expertise in both fields allows her to innovate and push boundaries in ways that others might not. For Arabel, the key is to focus on the big picture while ensuring the details are managed—without getting bogged down by them.

What truly sets Arabel apart is her deep commitment to her community. Through her work with We Are All Human, an organization focused on advancing the Latino community, she’s helping to address issues like self-esteem and representation among Latinos, particularly women. “We have the largest buying power, and it’s growing,” she said, emphasizing the importance of Latinos in shaping the future of business and society.

Arabel’s life is a testament to the power of vision, tenacity, and collaboration. She’s not just building businesses; she’s creating legacies that will empower future generations. “It’s not just about what you’re doing now,” she reflected. “It’s about having a lasting positive impact.”

Arabel Alva Rosales is more than a CEO or founder—she’s a trailblazer who is redefining what it means to lead with purpose and passion. Her story is an inspiration to anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in their own lives and the world around them.