2022 40 Under 40: Izze Hughes

The people of Puerto Rico and the Hispanic community hold a special place in Izze Hughes’ heart. She calls them her people.

Her job the past few years at the Taney County Partnership has enabled Hughes, 27, to serve that population. In 2021, in her role as economic development program director for the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, she traveled to Puerto Rico to recruit hospitality and health care workers to southwest Missouri.

“I know my people, and Latinos are all about face-to-face connections,” she says.

She also led in economic development for the Latinx Communities in Missouri Committee and created a pandemic-approved Summer Work Travel program for international students to connect with Branson employers.

Now, she’s just launched her own consulting business, UntangleTasks LLC, to help companies with administration, human resources and specialized tasks in economic development.

First job? Wonders of Wildlife in human resources.

Best productivity hack? Create a master weekly to-do list on Sunday and break down the top five items you want to accomplish each day.

Favorite book? “Atomic Habits” by James Clear.

Favorite local order? Rice and beans with side salad at Cafe Cusco.