The LATINA Style Business Series was held at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Denver, on March 17th. It was an inspiring event that motivated over 100 guests from all facets of the entrepreneurial world, particularly those curious to expand their dreams! The Business Series kicked off with a networking breakfast, which gave the entrepreneurs time to regroup, network, share and listen to stories of success, and build awareness of the resources they have available.
The introductory speakers were Maria Rozman, co-anchor of Univision Colorado, along with Cecy Canelas, local format manager, of Jose 1090AM – Latino Television and Radio.
Patricia Barela Rivera of the U.S. Small Business Administration served as the moderator. She discussed the various opportunities open to those beginning a business, and delivered questions from the audience to the panelists. She focused on how everyone in the room could have the opportunity to meet their dreams and take the steps in creating a business.

Moderator Alice Perez of U.S. Bank set the pace in a special segment called “Access to Capital.” Panelist Ronald L. Solberg, director of marketing and outreach at the SBA, Caitlin Hedberg, director of Micro Business Development, and Agnes Talamantez-Caroll of Cultural Business Development kept the audience relaxed and smiling as they discussed how to develop both capital and resources.
The following segment, “Marketing Strategies for Yourself and Business”, was represented by Toti Cadavid, president of Xcelente Marketing, Luella Chavez D’Angelo, president of First Data Western Union Foundation, and Clara Rivas, vice president and general manager of Telemundo as they shared their expertise on how not only to market your company but to market yourself as well.
In the following panel, called “City Procurement Opportunities”, Pete Gingras, assistant deputy manager of Property Management, Denver International Airport outlined how entrepreneurs could maximize their opportunities with the airport. Next up was Deborah Quintana, president of World Wide Money Exchange, who started her business at Stapleton International Airport three years prior to moving to DIA. Finally, Tamela Lee, director, of the Division of Small Business Opportunity for the city of Denver, covered resource centers and confirmed that entrepreneurs throughout Colorado are utilizing the Small Business Divisions set up in multiple locations. Final speaker Rod Tafoya, owner of Mission Yogurt, Inc., was one of the many DIA businesspeople who have found success.
The Latina Entrepreneur Award Luncheon was kicked off by Romaine Pacheco, statewide director for Constituent Services representing the Office of Senator Ken Salazar. She discussed her office’s plans for Colorado, including resources now expanding in Alamosa, Denver, Durango, Ft. Morgan, Grand Junction and Pueblo. Her talk was invigorating to the audience, as they continued to network and chat excitedly about how to their ideas forward.
Next to be introduced was the mistress of ceremonies, Anne Trujillo, co-anchor at KMG-TV. Her presence alone represented the success of many Latinas in achieving their goals.
As lunch was served, keynote speaker Maria Marin, president of the Voice of Empowerment, took the stage. “I guess they are so used to me now they remove anything in the way,” she joked, drawing laughter from the crowd. She then began a ten minute course on empowerment. This alone was well worth taking a day off work! Vivacious and energetic, Marin stirred up and enthralled the sophisticated and successful entrepreneurs.

“Ask for more and you will get what you want; ask for less and you may not get a thing! The key to success in business as in life is to expect more and demand more, and you will get more,” she exclaimed. “For example, how many of you run your business and go home to begin your chores, only to collapse at the end of your day?” Marin asked. “In the meantime, your husband is relaxing on the couch! You don’t have to do it alone – get him started before you get home!” Marin closed by recommending two books: “Secrets of the Confident Woman” and “Success of Life.” A final fact she discussed was that men are eight times more likely to negotiate their salaries than women.
The lunch closed with a Recognition Ceremony for the LATINA Style Entrepreneur of the Year. This year the magazine honored Monica Garcia Pleiman, president and chief executive officer of Optimum Management Systems. We were bowled over by her elegance and presence as she accepted the award from Robert Bard, the President of LATINA Style.
Monica’s emotional speech of acceptance gave a sense of motivation to the empowered Latina audience, as she elegantly discussed the need to follow your dreams. “Anna had a dream and a passion; her husband Robert kept that dream alive,” she said. In turn, Robert Bard spoke about his wife’s vision for the magazine and her inspiring sense of purpose. “Anna always said that when you have a dream and passion, you have to give it a shot,” he said. “Her two favorite pieces of advice were: first, to ‘Get Over It!’ and second, to surround yourself with people that give you positive energy!”
Immediately following the luncheon, moderator Sandy Gutierrez, president of the Latino Chamber of Commerce of Pueblo began with introductions and opened with questions from the audience for the “Latina Entrepreneur: Lessons Learned” panel.
Business-owner Lori Lynn Nevarez, president of Innovar Environmental, Inc. stated that “I meet my goals and I draw my success from those who support me.” Panelist Gloria Lara, the owner of RE/MAX in Denver, Colorado, recognized her business as her passion and discussed her desire to help the community gain access to housing. Finally, Deborah Quintana shared how she balanced family and starting a business.
World Wide Money Exchange supplied the events with a lavish spread of appetizers and beverages; a special drawing sponsored by attending entrepreneurs allowed attendees to leave with a selection of gifts, including vouchers for a free home cleaning, a basket of goodies, and much more. Thanks to host Deborah Quintana, audience members were treated to a performance from the Commerce City High School Mariachi band.
To summarize the main message of this and every other LATINA Style Business Series: there are many ways, dreams and roads open to you to fulfill your desires in creating a successful business. The bottom line is your commitment to invest in yourself and your business, your access to the necessary resources and tools, and your continued passion. As long as you have those, anything is possible!