As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, we want to celebrate some of the work happening right here in our network! As a community that is constantly inspired by the diverse cultures and backgrounds of the women-owned businesses across our region, we are honored to be celebrating the lasting impacts Hispanic Americans have made throughout our community. While we came together to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month together this month, we also had the chance to sit down and hear from some of the powerhouse Hispanic Women Owned Businesses making it happen in our community! Here is what they had to say:
Haydee Clark | Resilient Freight Solutions
What advice do you have for a Hispanic business owner trying to scale or grow their business?
Get certified, be resilient, and don't hesitate to seek help from your network. WBCS has a fantastic network you can lean on.
Do you have any favorite cultural or family traditions?
El Día de los Reyes Magos! (Epiphany). As a kid in Puerto Rico, I always got excited about spending time with my family, waiting for Los Reyes Magos to "arrive" with presents. Till this day, I get very excited about El Día de los Reyes Magos, visiting baby Jesus. (January 6th)
Who is a modern-day Latina you admire that is making history?
As a Puerto Rican, I admire Rita Moreno the most. For her legacy and for always advocating for Latinos. She was the first Hispanic woman to win an Oscar and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian honor.
Margie Aguilar | ISP Creative
What advice do you have for a Hispanic business owner trying to scale or grow their business?
My advice is to channel your efforts towards working smarter. You might exert the same level of hard work throughout the week, whether on a $5 problem or a $5 million problem. However, the outcomes are considerably different. As a business owner, prioritize tackling the most substantial issues and concentrate on the opportunities that drive the most growth, rather than solely addressing the most pressing matters. Avoid getting bogged down with the $5 problem and maintain your focus.
Do you have any favorite cultural or family traditions?
During the holidays, my family enjoys quality time together away from work. One cherished tradition involves preparing a large pot of pozole on Christmas Eve and savoring it over the following days. The cozy feeling from the soup on chilly winter days and the presence of loved ones is heartwarming.
Who is a modern-day Latina you admire that is making history?
Salma Hayek commands my deep admiration. She is the first Mexican actress to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, one of the highest recognitions in the film industry. Her achievements are remarkable. I find great inspiration in Hayek's overcoming of dyslexia and her establishment of a successful production company. Witnessing other Latina individuals surmounting obstacles and attaining success serves as a powerful motivation in my own journey of overseeing a production company while living with dyslexia. Beyond her cinematic endeavors, I hold a profound appreciation for Salma Hayek's benevolent efforts and advocacy campaigns, which have positively impacted countless women. Her dedication to charitable work stands as a testament to her enduring commitment to the betterment of society.
Suzanne Cruz-Sewell | DFW International Airport
What advice do you have for a Hispanic business owner trying to scale or grow their business?
The fortune is in the follow up. (quote by Jim Rohn)
Do you have any favorite cultural or family traditions?
Holidays are always filled with family. Making tamales together as a family in preparation for Christmas and celebrating Christmas Eve with a family rosary.
Who is a modern-day Latina you admire that is making history?
Sonia Sotomayor
Betty Manetta | Argent Associates, Inc.
What advice do you have for a Hispanic business owner trying to scale or grow their business?
My advice to a business trying to grow and scale their business is to go to LBAN (Latin Business Action Network) at Standford University. This is a great way to meet fellow HBE’s to do business with and help to grow businesses by supporting each other.
Do you have any favorite cultural or family traditions?
Yes, a family tradition that we still do today is the Dia de los Reyes that’s when children get toys from the three kings if they leave a shoe box with hay for the camels and a glass of wine (kidding water), and then we put gifts for the children.
Who is a modern-day Latina you admire that is making history?
Ellen Ochoa, first Hispanic woman in space.
Silvana Rosero | Laguna Media Group
What advice do you have for a Hispanic business owner trying to scale or grow their business?
Make sure that you have the right people and that you have created the right seats in your organization to sustain the growth.
Do you have any favorite cultural or family traditions?
One of my favorite traditions is around Christmas time. It is called the “novenas”. This is historically a gathering with friends and family for nine days leading to Christmas Eve. While there is a religious component to it, the other aspects such as the sense of community, the food preparation and the celebratory spirit is something that I cherish and remember fondly.
Who is a modern-day Latina you admire that is making history?
There are many famous people doing big things, but I rather recognize a local person who is making a big impact in our local community. Hispanic 100’s 2021 Latina Living Legend, Linda Valdez Thompson, is an example of total commitment to creating an inclusive environment, leading by example, developing long term relationships, and giving generously to her local community to develop the next generation of leaders. Her dedication to supporting women and Latinas as we grow in leadership roles is inspiring.
