Today’s Economy: Doing Business in Times of Crisis
By Gloria Romano-Barrera

LATINA Style, Inc., the premier company addressing the needs of professional Latinas in the United States hosted its 22nd Annual LATINA Style Business Series (LSBS) virtual tour presented by Nationwide, on Thursday, August 20, 2020.

Focusing on the LATINA business community and how the current situation is affecting local businesses and organizations, in San Antonio, Texas, and across the country, the LSBS program presented panel discussions on techniques for empowering women and entrepreneurs, featuring some of the most successful LATINA Leaders in the community.

One of the most successful ongoing business development programs for Latina business owners in the nation in which over 39,000 Latina entrepreneurs and professionals have attended and benefited from participating, recognized Julissa Carielo, Owner, Tejas Premier Building Contractor, Inc. as the Entrepreneur of the Year for her dedicated community service, leadership, vision and role model for women.

Carielo founded Tejas Premier Building Contractor Inc. in 2006 with a mission to transform places and spaces through meaningful construction. She is very passionate about supporting women in non-traditional roles, like construction, automotive, technology, and politics.

“What an honor to be recognized here today,” says Carielo. “I thank you for selecting me and I would love to dedicate this honor to my father, who was a very compassionate and decent man.”

Hosted virtually, leaders from throughout the country and locally connected to celebrate Latina entrepreneurship and share insights throughout the program virtually. Co-chair remarks were provided by Major General Angela Salinas (RET), Chief Executive Officer, Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas; Rosa Santana, Founder & CEO, Santana Group; and Dr. Erika Gonzalez, President & CEO, South Texas Allergy & Asthma Medical Professionals (STAAMP) and STAAMP Clinical Research, Chair Woman, San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Title sponsor remarks were provided by Lory Burgos, Sr. Consultant, Diverse Marketing, Nationwide, welcome remarks were provided by Ramiro Cavazos, President and CEO, United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

The first panel, Financial Survival Guide focused on the current difficult economic state. Panelists discussed the economic issues impacting the Latina community. The panel combined a unique blend of professionals with extensive experience in the areas of business bank lending; private, venture, angel investments and, government lending for small businesses. Moderated by Marina Gonzales, President & CEO, San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, panelists included: Nick Delgado, President, Black Pen White Board; Janie Barrera, President & CEO, Lift Fund; David Elizondo, Deputy District Director, San Antonio District Office, and Yolanda Ruiz, IRS, Senior Stakeholder Liaison-Area 3.

The second panel, Entrepreneurs Spotlight: Learning Strategies for Success included Moderator: Graciela Urruchua, Executive Administrator, NAWBO San Antonio. Panelists included: Yvonne “Bonnie” Garcia, Founder and CEO, MarketVision; Corporate Marketer; Entrepreneur; Author; Pilar Gonzales, Owner & CEO, Dip It by Pilar; and Melissa Mastrodomenico, CPA, Owner, President, Mastrodomenico CPA.

We were also delighted to hear from San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg who welcomed the audience. In addition to all the informative panels, the audience had the opportunity to partake in a 3-minute mindfulness meditation led by Nick Delgado, President, Black Pen White Board. The exercise consisted of brief instruction, guided sit, and closing. Mindfulness can be especially beneficial to entrepreneurs who are seeking clarity, resilience, and stability.