Executive Advisory Council

Michel Zajur is the founder and President/CEO of the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He was born in Mexico City, Mexico, and attended Virginia Commonwealth University. Michel is a restaurateur. His family’s business, La Siesta Mexican Restaurant, has been a staple in the Richmond community for over 30 years.

In 1992, Michel and Lisa, his wife of 24 years, began offering cultural shows to the community, in an effort to teach and motivate children about the Hispanic culture and Spanish language. The effort was named Siesta Town. The program has served more than 100,000 school children. Siesta Town has evolved into the Spanish Academy & Cultural Institute, which provides industry-specific Spanish language and Hispanic cultural training to businesses.

In 2000, Michel identified another need within the Hispanic community and established the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. His mission involved promoting business opportunities by successfully connecting business and resource links to and within the Virginia Hispanic community.

In addition to the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Michel Zajur remains actively involved in community service, providing guidance as a board member for many non-profit organizations and commissions. His involvement and community activism has earned him many honors and recognitions.

10700 Midlothian Turnpike, Suite 200
Richmond, VA 23235
Telephone: (804) 378-4099
Fax: (804) 379-1727
Email: zajur@vahcc.com
(ex-officio)