Publisher’s Message

Latinas Today

Corporate Corner

Health & Fitness

LSBS Orlando

Events & Occasions

Su Casa

Maria Marín

Food & Entertainment

Tech Talk

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Rave Reviews

About the Author

College Beat

His View

¡Punto Final!

Empowering Entrepreneurs at the LATINA Style Business Series

The LATINA Style Business Series returned to Orlando with great enthusiasm! The energy and optimism of the hundreds of talented and extremely motivated Latinas at the Wyndham Orlando Resort on November 17th was remarkably noted across the rooms. Latinas are marking their territory in the history of business, economics, and are becoming successful entrepreneurs. “Latinas are the fastest growing segment of the business community!” declared Robert Bard, president & CEO of LATINA Style Magazine. The LATINA Style Business Series holds strong to its mission to educate, advise, and motivate today’s enthusiastic and successful small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.

The guest speakers from the first panel gave innovative resources for small business owners on how to get access to capital. It was moderated by Ralph Ross of the Small Business Administration, with Rosina Seip of Minority/Women Business Enterprise Alliance and Brenda Bowers of Banco Popular. Lucy Pulido of SCORE followed up with the various forms offered for an entrepreneur in the state of Florida.

Marketing is a huge element of a business – whether you are novice or veteran, an entrepreneur needs to stand out from the rest in their prospective fields. As Yasmin Tirado-Chiodini of Tirado-Chiodini LLC mentioned, “Marketing begins with oneself then comes the business.” You have to have the passion and understanding of your business. Of course, another element that you need for having a business is insurance. Maria Elena Cisneros from State Farm Insurance Company shared the insurance options available to Florida residents.

Other aspects of a business that one may not particularly pay attention to at the beginning, but are just as important include: payroll services and employee benefits. Michael Burns and Miriam Rivera were able to enlighten everyone with the services that Sam’s Club has.

In the adjoining room, attendees gathered to enjoy a delicious luncheon sponsored by ExxonMobil. On behalf of Mayor Jose Fernandez his senior advisor for Public Policy & Business Development welcomed the audience and the LATINA Style Business Series back to Orlando. Milei Aviles from ExxonMobil Fuels Marketing followed by giving the customary sponsors remarks for the luncheon. After lunch, Giorgina Pinedo from Entre Nos introduced the keynote speaker Mabel Katz, president of Despertar. Katz humbly shared her personal and professional story, her struggles and triumphs in life with tears of joy. According to Katz, she uses an ancient art form from Hawaii Ho’oponopono to get past the obstacles in her life. Another custom of the luncheon was to award a Latina entrepreneur of the year, which was respectfully accepted by Carmen Dominguez, president of Homes.

Immediately following the luncheon, everyone gathered in the main room to receive advice and hear the lessons fellow entrepreneurs learned along the way of their career stories. The proud publisher of La Prensa Newspaper in Orlando, Dora Casanova de Toro was joined by Elsa Morales, Atlantis Flowers & Gifts; Mary Ann Kigallon, Star Franchise Systems Inc.; and Lisa Moreno, Moreno, Peelen, Ruggie, Pinto & Clark.

These ambitious women walked away with more than what they expected to receive – motivation, determination, and multiple resources. Networking meant more businesses will soon boom out in the Latino market. It was a day of enrichment, networking and business development. Sponsors and local partners filled their tables with business cards and valuable information for those interested in expanding or starting a business. These eager attendees didn’t waste any time; with handshakes and smiles, they canvassed the tables and built up their contact lists.

By Esmeralda Pulido