Stephanie Murra and Lorenza Vélez’s journey from Harvard Business School roommates to the founders of Ponte Labor is a tale of identifying a gap in the market and bridging it with innovation and empathy.

It all started when they noticed the struggles faced by Hispanic immigrants in securing employment, despite a growing labor shortage in the United States. The language barrier posed a significant challenge for these individuals trying to navigate traditional job boards designed for English-speaking applicants.

Bridging the Gap

The inception of Ponte Labor was fueled by a desire to create a solution that catered specifically to the needs of Hispanic immigrants. By leveraging WhatsApp as their primary communication channel, Stephanie and Lorenza set out to match work-authorized immigrants with employers seeking hourly workers in industries like hospitality, construction, and retail.

A New Approach

Ponte Labor’s unique approach involved pre-vetting candidates for legal work authorization using AI technology integrated with WhatsApp. This not only streamlined the hiring process but also provided a familiar platform for candidates who were more comfortable communicating in Spanish.

Empowering Immigrant Workers

Through Ponte Labor, documented immigrant workers gained access to job opportunities that were previously out of reach due to language and cultural barriers. By connecting directly with employers rather than through intermediaries like staffing agencies, candidates had more chances for stable employment.

Expert Insights:
Henri Pierre-Jacques from Harlem Capital praised Ponte’s focus on Hispanic hospitality workers as a key differentiator in the talent marketplace industry. He emphasized the importance of understanding the supply side dynamics and leveraging platforms like WhatsApp effectively within immigrant communities.

As Ponte continued to grow its network of employers and job seekers within the hospitality sector, its impact resonated not just financially but also socially. The startup’s success-based revenue model aligned its incentives with those of both workers and employers, fostering trust among all parties involved.

Future Expansion

Looking ahead, Ponte Labor aims to expand beyond hospitality into sectors such as construction and elder care while remaining committed to its mission of supporting Hispanic immigrants’ professional growth. By focusing on holistic support that includes English language learning opportunities for candidates, Ponte seeks to empower individuals towards long-term career advancement.

The story of Ponte Labor serves as an inspiring example of entrepreneurship driven by social impact—a testament to how innovative solutions can address real-world challenges while creating meaningful change within communities often underserved by traditional channels.