In October, LATINO Magazine recognized the achievements of five outstanding Latina entrepreneurs on a very special evening. The venue was the new Molina Family Latino Gallery located in the storied National Museum of American History. This permanent exhibit commemorating Latino history and culture is a precursor to the Smithsonian’s  Latino museum that will one day be built in our nation’s capital on  the National Mall, often referred to as America’s Front Yard. 

Editor and Publisher Alfredo Estrada welcomed the audience of subscribers along with stakeholders, media figures, government officials and community leaders: “There are over two million Latina owned businesses around the country. Nearly 500 are started every day. Latinas are truly the engine of economic growth and job creation in the U.S,” and added that this should come as no surprise to anyone, since, “If you want something done, ask a busy Latina.”

 

Estrada then introduced keynote speaker Isabel Guzman, the 27th Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA). Featured last year on the cover, she serves in President Biden’s Cabinet as the leading advocate for America’s small businesses. SBA agency manages a $500 billion portfolio and deploys $40 billion in funding annually to entrepreneurs. “Entrepreneurship is a powerful pathway to the American Dream, helping families and communities build generational wealth and prosperity,” she said, congratulating the 2023 Latina Entrepreneurs of the Year.

 

These outstanding Latinas were selected by LATINO Magazine based upon nominations from readers, stakeholders, and community partners like the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), whose president Ramiro Cavazos also spoke at the event. There demonstrate the amazing diversity of  Latina business owners. From California to Texas to New York and Washington, DC, they included a multi-million dollar construction firm, a software startup, a chic wellness brand, a public relations company, and a leading government relations firm. See our coverage here. 

Our thanks to all who attended, as well as our generous sponsors: Wells Fargo, AARP, Visa, Intuit, and IMPACT. These organizations support Latino-owned media as well as Latina-owned businesses and deserve our support in turn, ¡Muchas Gracias!