Maria Ontiveros is the President of Mercado on Fifth. She helped launch the nonprofit organization in 2016 and soon after started the Spanish language Food Sanitation Management program at Black Hawk College, helping Spanish speakers become certified to open food service businesses. Mercado has since helped create and/or provided a platform for 20 new minority-owned businesses in the Quad Cities. Ontiveros, a 2012 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is currently pursuing her master’s degree in secondary education. She also serves as a board member of MetroLINK and WQPT.

Melissa Freidhof-Rodgers is the Director of Mercado on Fifth. She is thrilled to be working for such a vibrant organization, that provides the greater Quad Cities with an inclusive family-friendly event. She is an Augustana College graduate with a background in sociology, Latin American Studies and Spanish. Melissa also has extensive business management experience, with a focus on customer service and rebranding. She is a board member of the Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Palomares Social Justice Center and serves on the Downtown Bettendorf Facade Committee. 




AMp Up is your opportunity to hear what's going on in our region. This before-work event welcomes new members and also provides an opportunity for you to connect with other businesses.

We strive to host inclusive and accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. For event assistance or any additional information please contact:

Marcy Hyder
Phone: 563.823.2690
Email: [email protected]

​Cancellation Policy:
Please email your cancellation to Marcy Hyder. You may also transfer your registration to another person within your company at no additional cost.