By Natalia Avilez –

She’s a teacher by day and matchmaker by night.  Angie Guerrero has devised a way to take Latino professionals on a quest unlike any other- a love quest that is.

Guerrero, 32, is the president and founder of an online, speed-dating site called Myluvquest.com.  She created Myluvquest to “let Latino professionals know that love is out there.”

Although Myluvquest was created a little over a year ago and is fairly new to the social dating industry, the concept of speed-dating is not.  Dubbed as the modern way to date, speed-dating started in the late 90’s by Rabbi Yaacov Deyo as a way for Jewish singles in the Los Angeles area to meet each other and marry.

Since then, many organizations, such as Myluvquest, have taken that very concept and made it their own. What sets Guerrero’s organization apart from the rest is the fact that she is gearing it towards the professional Latino community.

“There is no other speed-dating site where you know that you are going to meet a Latino,” said Guerrero.  “Whether it’s because of the language or the music; I just feel there is connection among Latinos.  It just seems as a quicker way to bond with people.”

For those of you not familiar with speed-dating, Guerrero explained the process during a recent interview.   The first step is to log on to the Myluvquest.com website and fill out some background information about yourself including what you are looking for.

The next step is to attend one of the many speed-dating events located in the Chicago-land area.  Lastly, have fun!

Each event hosts at least 15 couples, who will have five to six minutes to interact with one another.  If a connection is established, you will have an opportunity at the end of the event to exchange information or continue searching.

“Because Myluvquest tends to target Latino professionals (ages 25-40), it allows them to interact in a comfortable atmosphere, as opposed to going back and forth,” said Guerrero.  “It is an effective way to meet someone-statically speaking it should be enough to find out.”

Guerrero has not only dedicated her time to helping  others within her community find love, but her love for the community has led her on a journey of her own. Her gracious heart has led her to work on a variety of projects including volunteering her time with the Chicago Enlace program, which helps high-school students enter a university or college, and Metropolitan Leadership Institute.  She also coordinates non-profit events in conjunction with her organization.

In the future, Guerrero would like to continue a program she facilitated at Casa Central, the largest service agency for Latinos in the Midwest.   The eight-week program provided young Latinas the opportunity to talk about various subjects including self-image, health and careers.

As far as her career goals are concerned, Guerrero plans to expand Myluvqest and offer services nationwide.  She also plans to host events that cater to the gay and lesbian community.

Myluvquest is hosting an event at Plush, 1104 W. Madison, Thursday, March 18, at 7 p.m.  Guerrero is also hosting her first lesbian speed-dating event on April 1.

So what advice does this young entrepreneur have for women?

“Be assertive, play the role, and show them who you really are.”

Natalia Avilez is a writer based in Chicago.