LATINA Style Business Series Raleigh, NC
By Janelle Larios
On March 20, 2026, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences became the epicenter of innovation, resilience, and forward-thinking leadership as it hosted Entrepreneurs Shaping Tomorrow: Stories, Strategy & Sustainable Success. The conference convened a dynamic network of Latina entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and community advocates committed to advancing sustainable business growth and economic empowerment.
Presented by LATINA Style, Inc., the LATINA Style Business Series delivered on its mission to celebrate the achievements of Latina founders while equipping attendees with the insights, tools, and connections to thrive in today’s evolving business landscape.
The day began with registration and a warm welcome led by Lupita Colmenero, COO, LATINA Style, Inc., whose opening remarks underscored the importance of representation, resilience, and long-term vision in entrepreneurship. The program was guided by Mistress of Ceremony Leonor Clavijo, owner and general manager, Viva Cafe, in the morning, and Alejandra Balcazar, Strategic Partner advisor, LATINA Style, Inc., in the afternoon, ensuring a cohesive and engaging experience.
Support from key partners, including Rob Chenoweth, Vice President, Small Commercial Technical Underwriting and Automation, Nationwide, and Dr. MariaRosa Rangel, president, North Carolina Society of Hispanic Professionals, reflected the growing recognition of Latina entrepreneurs as a powerful force in the U.S. economy. Representatives Dayana Michael Vicente Garcia, Deputy Consul, Consulate of Guatemala in Raleigh, NC, and Donaji Alba Arroyo, Consul General, Consulate of Mexico in Raleigh, NC, further emphasized the importance of cross-border collaboration and community support.
The conference’s first session, From Idea to Impact: Founders Share Their Journey, offered an authentic look into the entrepreneurial path. Moderated by Pilar Rocha-Goldberg, president & CEO, El Centro Hispano, the panel featured inspiring founders, including Melissa Del Toro, owner, Creative Rentals, and Lina Bernal, co-founder and director, Casa Kids Spanish Immersion Preschool. Their stories of perseverance, creativity, and growth resonated deeply, highlighting that behind every successful venture lies determination and adaptability.
A timely and impactful conversation followed with leaders from the Consulate of Mexico in Raleigh, NC. Led by Arroyo, the discussion spotlighted critical resources available to entrepreneurs, immigrants, and business owners. The presence of international and community-based organizations, including the Consulate of Mexico in Raleigh, NC, and the Consulate of Guatemala in Raleigh, NC, reinforced the importance of access; access to education, capital, mentorship, and networks. Programs such as Dream Builder exemplify how structured guidance can accelerate entrepreneurial success, particularly for women navigating systemic barriers.
Continuing with our next session, “Capital Confidence: Funding, Investing & Financial Growth.” This panel, moderated by Erica Vazquez, executive director of the Women’s Business Center of NC, focused on funding, investing, and financial growth strategies. Speakers Kirsty Clark, Senior Business Strategist, Culture and Relationship Experts LLC., Alma Zamora, Vice President, Truist, and Yoraima Isaza, Client Service Advisor, Pinnacle Financial Partners, provided actionable advice on securing capital, making smart investments, and optimizing resources for long-term sustainability.
As we transitioned into the afternoon program, Maria C. Garza, President & CEO, The G3 Lifestyle, Inc., delivered a motivating and inspiring keynote.
The event continued with the Nationwide Move & Groove session and a vibrant networking lunch. The LATINA Style Awards honored outstanding achievements, including the Latina Entrepreneur of the Year Award, showcasing excellence and leadership. Congratulations to the 2026 LATINA Entrepreneur of the Year in Raleigh – Glorimar Hickman. With over three decades of telecommunications experience, Hickman founded Solvo Telecom Consulting LLC in 2022 to provide quality professional services to clients across various industries. As the CEO, enthusiastic to lead her team of experts specializing in network digital transformation, unified communications, contact center design and consulting, telecom expense audit and optimization, technology staff augmentation, and project program management.
With the last session, “Women in Tech: Innovating the Next Era,” Hickman, serving as moderator, explored the role of technology and AI in business transformation. Speakers Felicia Soto, Business leader, Data Security & Privacy, Cisco; Tobi Bowen, president, Instinctive Brand; and Mayka Rosales-Peterson, Director of Partner Marketing, IBM, shared strategies for leveraging digital tools, enhancing operations, and driving innovation, which highlighted actionable ways to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
The excitement continued with the Southwest Giveaway, followed by closing remarks. Colmenero delivered closing remarks that captured the spirit of the day: empowerment, collaboration, and progress, inspiring attendees to bring the day’s insights into their communities and businesses.
Importantly, the conference also highlighted the value of community. The connections formed during networking sessions and informal conversations may prove just as impactful as the panels themselves. In many cases, these relationships become the foundation for future collaborations, mentorship opportunities, and business growth.
As LATINA Style Inc. continues to expand its footprint through these initiatives, the broader business community would do well to take note. The success of this event demonstrates that when diverse entrepreneurs are given the theory, tools, and support to thrive, the returns are far-reaching, not only economically, but socially and culturally.
Looking ahead, the challenge and opportunity lie in sustaining this momentum. Continued investment in programming, access to capital, and technology adoption will be critical in ensuring that the next generation of Latina entrepreneurs is not only prepared to enter the marketplace but to lead it.
Thank you to our sponsors and partners. Title sponsor: Nationwide. Sponsor: Wells Fargo. Exclusive Official Airline: Southwest Airlines.