What Do You Need? – A Message from Our Founder

April 21, 2025

At Silicon Valley Latino and The SVL Agency, we often get asked: “What do you do?”
And our response is rooted in intention: “What do you need?”

In this personal message, our founder Alex Ontiveros shares the story behind our origin, our evolution, and our unwavering commitment to uplifting brands, missions, and communities through authentic storytelling, impactful media, and strategic partnerships.

Whether you're discovering us for the first time or you've been part of our journey from the beginning, we invite you to read Alex’s reflection and learn how SVL and The SVL Agency continue to show up with purpose and passion.

People often ask, what do you do?

I often answer: What do you need?

At Silicon Valley Latino (SVL) and The SVL Agency, what we do starts with understanding how we can truly support you in creating a positive impact for your brand, your mission, and your audience. Whether it’s through brand storytelling, content production, or community engagement, we show up for our clients with authentic and intentional purpose.

Our Origin & Mission

When we launched Silicon Valley Latino (SVL) in 2011, our mission was clear as a Media Company: challenge outdated and negative stereotypes by sharing powerful, authentic stories that reflect the strength, brilliance, and contributions of Latinos in every sector of society.

We are Storytellers on a Mission.

That mission grew beyond digital content. Today, SVL is also a social impact venture that partners with leaders and Cultura Ambassadors (our members) to inspire the next generation—through Inspire Higher Panels, Fireside Chats, Creo En Ti Summits, and meaningful conversations across schools and communities.

The Pivot to Agency Work

In 2015, after a strong collaboration with Cisco, we launched The SVL Agency—our full-service creative studio. What began with a highlight reel for Cisco's Latinx ERG has grown into an award-winning full-service creative agency serving clients in tech, healthcare, education, small-medium size businesses, government, and nonprofit sectors.

We’ve helped brands tell their stories with authenticity and heart—and have been honored by receiving numerous awards for our work. However, although we've received numerous awards for our work, the most fulfilling honor was to have been invited to present one of our projects, "CAMPESINOS: America's Unsung Heroes" to congressional members at our nation's capital in 2023.

What Makes Us Different

In addition to bringing an award-winning creative agency and a purpose-driven SVL media platform with a deeply engaged audience, we truly want to understand your mission and goals to ultimately serve as business consultants that will support and create impact through a long-term partnership. Through The SVL Agency, we offer production, positioning, and strategy. And, when appropriate through SVL, we amplify your message through our digital channels and grassroots community work.

If you’re looking for a creative partner who leads with purpose and delivers with excellence, we’d love to talk.

Let’s create something meaningful together.

In collaborative spirit,

Alex Ontiveros

Founder, Silicon Valley Latino & The SVL Agency