LATINA Style Business Series, Houston, TX
By Janelle Larios
On June 26, 2026, the Houston Club in downtown Houston became a vibrant gathering place for entrepreneurs, business leaders, innovators, and community advocates at the LATINA Style Business Series themed “Entrepreneurs Shaping Tomorrow: Stories, Strategy & Sustainable Success.” The conference brought together an inspiring community of women who are not only building successful businesses, but also creating opportunities, strengthening their communities, and redefining what leadership looks like in today’s business landscape.
The morning opened with a welcome presentation and remarks from Lupita Colmenero, COO, LATINA Style, Inc., followed by comments from presenting sponsor Monica Gilmore, Regional Vice President, Commercial Surety–South Central, Nationwide. The event also recognized the accomplishments and leadership of Dr. Laura Murillo, President & CEO, the Greater Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, who received the Pioneer Leadership Award. With Alejandra Balcazar serving as Mistress of Ceremonies, the opening moments established a tone of celebration and purpose that carried throughout the day.
The first conversation, “From Idea to Impact: Founders Share Their Journey,” offered a look at what it takes to turn an idea into a thriving business. Moderated by Ivette Mayo, CEO, Power On Heels Fund, Inc., the panel featured Sarah Smith, owner, Speaker Box Media; Dr. Luz Elena Rivers, founder & CEO, Amera; and Clarissa Barbosa, founder, Clare & Co Events. Rather than presenting entrepreneurship as a straight path to success, the founders shared the challenges, creative breakthroughs, and defining moments that shaped their journeys. Their experiences gave attendees an authentic look at the determination required to keep moving forward when the path is uncertain.
Move and Groove Session with Yayita “YaYa” Finin, Founder of Eleda Dance.
The energy continued with Nationwide Move & Groove, featuring Yayita “YaYa” Finin, founder of Eleda Dance Co., bringing movement and enthusiasm into the morning program before the conversation shifted toward one of the most important issues facing entrepreneurs: financial growth.
Capital Confidence: Funding, Investing & Financial Growth panelists.
During “Capital Confidence: Funding, Investing & Financial Growth,” attendees gained insight into the financial strategies that can help businesses move from surviving to scaling. Moderated by Dr. Paula Pineda, Assistant Director, ARPA Initiatives with Harris County’s Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity, the panel brought together Soledad Tanner, founder & CEO, STC Consulting; Melissa Vela, VP Community Manager, Chase; Clyenthia Hoyrd, Director of the Office of Business Opportunity for the City of Houston; and Elizabeth Charles, Outreach & Marketing Specialist with SBA Houston. The conversation explored funding opportunities, investment decisions, financial planning, and the importance of understanding how to make capital work strategically. For many entrepreneurs, the discussion offered something equally valuable to funding itself: greater financial confidence.
Exhibitor expo & Nationwide sponsored networking break.
Over lunch and the Nationwide Networking Break, those conversations continued beyond the stage as attendees connected, exchanged ideas, and expanded their professional networks. The networking portion of the event reflected one of its most important themes. Entrepreneurship does not happen in isolation. Relationships, mentorship, and collaboration can be just as critical to long-term success as a strong business plan.
The afternoon continued with remarks from Bruno Interlandi, Market Director, Strategic Growth, Thrivent, before shifting to an inspiring conversation with Zaida Hernandez, an engineer at NASA. Moderated by Robert Bard, President & CEO, LATINA Style, Inc., the “Conversation with Zaida Hernandez – A UH Alumni Journey” explored Hernandez’s experience at the University of Houston, the challenges she faced after graduation and the personal and professional growth that ultimately shaped her career.
AI Authority: Women Leadership at the Intersection of Innovation & Entrepreneurial Scale speakers Jessica Chavez, Community Engagement Lead, Latinas in Tech, and Clarice Farina, Founder of AI Business LAB by Clarice Farina.
As the business world continues to evolve, the conference also looked toward the future with “AI Authority: Women Leadership at the Intersection of Innovation & Entrepreneurial Scale.” Jessica Chavez, Community Engagement Lead, Latinas in Tech, and Clarice Farina, Founder of AI Business LAB by Clarice Farina, explored the ways artificial intelligence and digital tools are transforming how businesses operate, compete, and grow. Their conversation highlighted both the opportunities and the responsibility that come with emerging technology, while emphasizing the important role entrepreneurs can play in shaping the future of innovation.
Strategic Storytelling & Public Relations for Growing Brands panelists.
The final major conversation of the day turned the spotlight toward another essential component of business growth: the power of a compelling story. In “Strategic Storytelling & Public Relations for Growing Brands,” moderator Ada Ortega, Director of Public Affairs, Communication and Sustainability, Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, joined Adaixa Mandujano, founder, Mexican Connected; Maria Duran, owner, Duran Concepts; and Viridiana Maldonado, CEO, The Social Click PR Agency. The panel explored how entrepreneurs can transform their everyday experiences, expertise, and challenges into stories that build credibility, attract attention, and create stronger connections with their audiences. For small businesses and early-stage founders, the conversation demonstrated that an effective brand story does not have to begin with a large marketing budget, it can begin with authenticity.
Entrepreneur of the Year Award Winner, Dr. Luz Elena Rivers, Founder & CEO, Amera.
The conference concluded by celebrating the women whose accomplishments continue to inspire others. The Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognized entrepreneurial excellence and was awarded to Dr. Luz Elena Rivers, Founder and CEO, Amera. Followed by the announcement of the Southwest Winner. Closing remarks from community and industry leaders, including Azucena Maldonado of the Latina Golfers Association, Ana Machado, Chapter President of Latinas in Tech Houston, and Clarissa Barboza, Vice President of ALPFA Houston, brought the day’s conversations full circle. Final remarks from Nationwide’s Monica Gilmore closed an event that emphasized the importance of investing in both individual entrepreneurs and the broader community surrounding them.
Goya Foods brought extra joy to the celebration by gifting a few lucky attendees with special gift baskets.
On June 26, the spirit was unmistakable at The Houston Club, where entrepreneurs and leaders came together not only to celebrate how far they have come, but to inspire one another to keep building what comes next.