Career
In 1970, at the age of seven, Oditza Carrasco migrated to Germany in order to stay away from the unstable political condition in Chile, where she was presented the opportunity of learning a new language and culture while attending high school. Soon after, the then-married couple decided to move to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Carrasco started her professional career in the Pittsburgh area working for various well established financial institutions such as First Seneca Bank, Equibank, and AllState Financial.
In 1999, Carrasco founded 1st Vanguard Mortgage Company in Pittsburgh.
The strategic alliance enables 1st Vanguard"s residential and commercial loan officers to broker loans in all 50 states
Carrasco was awarded by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette as one of Pittsburgh"s Top 50 Business Leaders of 2002. Furthermore, Carrasco was recognized as one of Pennsylvania"s Best 50 Women in Business.
As President and Chief Executive Officer of 1st Vanguard, Carrasco was also acknowledged by the United States. Small Business Administration for the title of the 2007 Woman-Owned Business of the Year. Carrasco contributes and supports to several professional organizational groups such as the National Association of Women Business Owners ( National Association of Women Business Owners), Women"s Presidents Organization (WPO), Training and Enterprise Council, the Rivers Club (membership committee), the Alternative Board and the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation, Women"s Entrepreneurship and the department of Business Entrepreneurship at Chatham University.
Carrasco participates as a member on the Board of Directors of the Latin American Cultural Union and the Duquesne University Center for Hispanic and Minority Business.
