We've stood on both sides.
Conecta is run by a husband and wife: Natalia, who lived the immigrant journey firsthand, and Tony, who grew up navigating the U.S. systems that leave so many people lost. One of them gets exactly what you're going through. The other knows exactly how things work here. With Conecta, you get both.
OUR MISSION
To connect Latino communities with the tools, guidance, and support to thrive in the U.S.
Everything Conecta does, Natalia lived first.
THIS IS HER STORY.
Long before she co-founded Conecta, Natalia was a 21-year-old from Bolivia who stepped off a plane in Miami barely speaking English and chasing the same dream that brings so many people here: that with enough work, a better life is possible.
She had to figure out an unfamiliar country entirely on her own. To make ends meet, she sold on commission, often 12-hour days, six days a week, learning the language and building a life from the ground up, one long day at a time.
She never gave up.
Years later, when her own family made the same journey, Natalia became their guide. The obstacles she'd once faced alone, they never had to. Because she'd already walked the road, they didn't have to start from scratch.
Today, more than ten years on, Natalia is a wife, a proud mom, a licensed insurance professional, and a seasoned payroll and HR expert who's helped small businesses take care of and grow their teams.
“I know how overwhelming starting over feels. I also know what it means to have someone in your corner.”— Natalia
That whole journey is where Conecta comes from. Natalia knows firsthand how overwhelming it is to start over in a new country and how much it changes everything to have someone in your corner. Conecta is how she gives that to everyone else.
Community makes us stronger
When one of us rises, we all do. We're building something bigger than just delivering a service.
Opportunity is within reach
The doors here are real. You just need someone to help you find the handle. That's why we are here.
Language is never a barrier
Understanding shouldn't depend on the language you were born into. We meet you in yours.
The perfect blend to have in your corner.
Tony Pontious
Co-Founder
Tony is an operations and business leader with experience in company growth, client service, people operations, and organizational strategy. As an entrepreneur and published author, he brings a practical, people-first approach to helping students, families, and businesses access the tools and guidance they need to thrive.
Natalia Pontious
Co-Founder
Natalia is an experienced payroll and HR professional with a background in employee onboarding, benefits, insurance, and small-business support. Drawing from both her professional expertise and her own journey building a life in the United States, she is passionate about helping Latino individuals, families, and business owners move forward with confidence.
The heart behind Conecta
Check out these fun facts about us:
Where We
Call Home:
We have planted our flag in Maryland and we truly cherish the community we've found here.
What We Are Celebrating:
We just welcomed a beautiful baby boy into our family and are enjoying the wonders of parenthood.
What Never
Gets Old:
Hearing someone say “you made this so much easier” or seeing someone have their lightbulb moment.
Our Karaoke
Favorites:
Natalia: Como La Flor
by Selena
Tony: I Want To Know What Love Is by Foreigner
Dream Travel Destination:
Natalia: Italy
Tony: Iceland
Hobbies
We Love:
Natalia: Tennis
Tony: Jiu Jitsu
WHERE WE'RE HEADED
No one should have to figure out a new life alone.
Our dream is to be the first call for Latino students, families, and business owners across the country and the trusted name people point their friends and family to. Not just a solution, but part of the community that helped them get here.