LATINA Style Business Series, Austin, TX

By Gloria Romano-Barrera / Photos by Lucero Creative Business LLC

On November 13, 2025, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community advocates gathered at the Thompson Conference Center at the University of Texas at Austin for “Artistry & Empowerment: Nurturing LATINA Entrepreneurs to Inspire, Innovate, and Thrive.” The program celebrated the creativity, resilience, and leadership of entrepreneurs while providing practical insights for transforming artistic passion into sustainable business success. Hosted by LATINA Style, Inc., the program welcomed attendees for a full day of dynamic conversations, networking, and mentorship designed to empower business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Nationwide sponsored lunch.

(L-R): Stephen Jeffery, Market President, Comerica; Sineria Ordonez, National Hispanic Business Development manager, Comerica; Lupita Colmenero, COO, LATINA Style, Inc., and Beana Ramirez, director, Corporate Relations, LATINA Style, Inc.

Sally Hernandez, morning anchor, KAXN Austin.

The morning began with a networking breakfast, followed by welcoming remarks from Lupita Colmenero, COO, LATINA Style, Inc. The program was guided by Mistress of Ceremonies Sally Hernandez, Morning News Anchor, KXAN Austin, who set an energetic tone for the day.

Additional remarks were delivered by Stephen Jeffery, Market President, Comerica, and Giavonni Lucas, SVP, Culture & Talent Acquisition, Nationwide, both of whom emphasized the importance of investing in Latina entrepreneurs and expanding access to opportunity.

The first panel, “Rooted in Vision: Latina Entrepreneurs on Launching Creative Ventures,” explored how passion and culture can evolve into thriving businesses. Moderated by Bessy Martinez, CEO & founder, The Latina Foundation, the discussion featured inspiring stories from entrepreneurs, including Lori Garza, founder, Beauty Room and Co.; Laura Ramos James, founder, Ramos James Law LLC, and Susan Solis, founder, Learning Leaf Child Development Centers.

Session 1: Rooted in Vision: Latina Entrepreneurs on Launching Creative Ventures. (L-R): Moderator: Bessy Martinez, CEO & founder, The Latina Foundation. Speakers: Lori Garza, founder, Beauty Room and Co.; Laura Ramos James, founder, Ramos James Law LLC; and Susan Solis, founder, Learning Leaf Child Development Centers.

Panelists shared their personal journeys of launching businesses rooted in creativity, highlighting the importance of authenticity, cultural identity, and perseverance when navigating the early stages of entrepreneurship.

Access to funding took center stage during the session, “Funding Your Dreams: Capital Strategies for Latina Entrepreneurs.” Moderated by Sineria Ordonez, VP, Comerica, panelists Andrea Longoria, relationship manager, Comerica; Larissa Davila, executive director, Economic Growth Business Incubator; and Lala Elizondo, co-founder and managing principal, Tule Capital, shared strategies for navigating traditional financing, identifying grants, and leveraging community investment.

Session 2: Funding Your Dreams: Capital Strategies for Latina Entrepreneurs. (L-R): Moderator: Sineria Ordonez, National Hispanic Business Development manager, Comerica. Speakers: Andrea Longoria, relationship manager, Comerica; Larissa Davila, executive director, Economic Growth Business Incubator; and Lala Elizondo, co-founder and managing principal, Tule Capital.

Their conversation provided attendees with practical advice on building compelling business cases and pursuing sustainable financial growth.

The afternoon session, “The Power of Wellness and Community: Fueling Creative Success,” highlighted how mental health, self-care, and supportive networks contribute to long-term entrepreneurial success. Moderated by Jessica Campos, fractional CMO, Leading Wellness Brands, panelists Marissa Rivera, founder & CEO, Ola Wellness; Terrie Torres, Career Success Coordinator, The University of Texas at Austin’s School of Social Work, and Shelsea Montes, founder & Owner, Commune & Bloom, discussed the importance of building communities that uplift entrepreneurs both personally and professionally.

Session 3: The Power of Wellness and Community: Fueling Creative Success. (L-R): Moderator: Jessica Campos, fractional CMO, Leading Wellness Brands. Speakers: Marissa Rivera, Founder & CEO, Ola Wellness; Terrie Torres, Career Success coordinator, UT; and Shelsea Montes, founder & owner, Commune & Bloom.

The final panel, “Building Brands with Purpose, Culture & Impact,” focused on how culturally informed storytelling and authenticity can drive powerful brand connections. Moderated by Venus Pineyro De Hoyos, president, ALPFA Austin Chapter, speakers Rosa Yupari, founder, Rosa Yupari Consulting; Ana Ruelas, founder, The Agency Austin, and Lucero Valle, founder, Lucero Creative Business LLC, explored how mission-driven marketing can inspire loyalty, amplify cultural voices, and spark meaningful change in today’s marketplace.

Session 4: Building Brands with Purpose, Culture & Impact. (L-R): Moderator Venus Pineyro De Hoyos, president, ALPFA Austin Chapter. Speakers: Rosa Yupari, founder, Rosa Yupari Consulting; Ana Ruelas, founder, The Agency Austin, and Lucero Valle, founder, Lucero Creative Business LLC.

The conference concluded with sponsor remarks from Giavonni Lucas and closing remarks from Monica Andry, president of the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, who emphasized the continued importance of supporting Latina-owned businesses.

The day culminated in the presentation of the LATINA Style Awards, led by Lupita Colmenero and Monica Andry, recognizing outstanding leadership and innovation among Latina entrepreneurs, including the Latina Entrepreneur of the Year Award honoring Rebecca Contreras, president & CEO at AvantGarde LLC. AvantGarde LLC (AG) is a certified Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and consulting firm providing a commanding set of integrated and innovative services in Human Capital (HC/HR), Technology (IT), Organizational & Strategic Solutions, and Business Operations Support. Its impact-driven and people-focused services and solutions address their clients’ evolving needs through deep expertise, strong relationships, and the commitment and care of their employees.

Throughout the day, attendees gained practical strategies, formed new connections, and celebrated the collective power of entrepreneurship. A special thank you to our incredible sponsors and partners for their support:

Presenting Sponsor – Nationwide

Supporting Sponsor – Alejandra de la Torre Insurance and Financial Services & Owner, de la Torre Realty.

Nationwide sponsored networking break.

Nationwide exhibitor booth. 

Nationwide sponsored networking break.

Audience Q&A.