Honoring Latinas in Business Awards

   




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

National Latina Business Women Association, Los Angeles Hosts 6th Annual “Honoring Latinas in Business Awards”

Hundreds Attended Event Honoring Outstanding Latina Businesswomen who have demonstrated financial success and a commitment to the betterment of the Latino communit

          Los Angeles, Calif., June 26, 2009 -- The National Latina Business Women Association, Los Angeles Chapter (NLBWA-LA) hosted its 6th Annual Honoring Latinas in Business Awards commending outstanding Latina businesswomen in the Los Angeles Metropolitan area who have demonstrated financial success and a commitment to the betterment of the Latino community. The awards ceremony was held Thursday, June 25, 2009 from 5:30-10:00 p.m. at the Leonard H. Goldenson Theater at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation located at 5220 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601. 

The event featured Mistress of Ceremonies Ms. Claudia Botero, reporter at KMEX Univision, Channel 34, as well as special honorees Business Woman of the Year, Dorene Dominguez of Vanir Development Inc. and Corporate Leader of the Year, Elva G. Lima of Verizon, in addition to twelve NLBWA-LA award nominees from the areas of Education, Financial & Insurance Services, Health, Manufacturing & Distribution, Public Relations and Services. This inspiring event was well attended and included a welcome reception, silent auction, awards ceremony and an evening of celebration featuring live entertainment, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and networking with some of our communities top leaders, entrepreneurs and corporate representatives.

The 2009 NLBWA-LA award nominees were: Gaby Alban, COO, Conexion; Norma Alejo, Co-Owner & Operations Manager, Navarro Towing; Raquel De La Hoya, President, Vela Group; Cecilia Martinez-Morris, Owner & Agent, State Farm Insurance; Oralia Michel, President, Omagen Inc.; Vanessa Montanez and Chantal Camarillo, Owners, Mi Casa Financial Services Inc. and Farmers Insurance Agency; Carmen Rad, Owner & President, CR&A Custom, Inc.; Cynthia Saenz, President, Kids 1st Learning Center; Juana Vigil, Owner, Happy Tours Agency, Inc.; Dr. Diana Zschaschel, DDS, L.A. Dental Spa; and Arlene Zuniga, CEO, A Cal Pest Control Services. A panel of five judges assisted in the selection of one winner in each category, which will be announced at the June 25th Awards.

The winners in each of the categories are: Education: Cynthia Saenz, President, Kids 1st Learning Center; Financial & Insurance Services: Cecilia Martinez-Morris, Owner & Agent, State Farm Insurance; Health: Dr. Diana Zschaschel, DDS, L.A. Dental Spa; Manufacturing & Distribution: Carmen Rad, Owner & President, CR&A Custom, Inc.; Public Relations: Gaby Alban, COO, Conexion and Services: Juana Vigil, Owner, Happy Tours Agency, Inc. This year there was an “Inspirational Award” awarded to Oralia Michel, President, Omagen Inc. a trail blazer in her industry and celebrating 25 years in the business of public relations.

Over 6 millions Latinas live and work in California today, representing 17 percent of California’s total population. (State of California, Department of Finance, July 2007). According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Latinas are the fastest growing small business owners in the U.S. with a phenomenal growth rate of 114 percent over the last five years. Latinas have the largest number of businesses in the U.S., owning an estimated 747,108 firms and generating revenues of nearly $62 billion as of 2008, according to the Center for Business Women’s Research. More than one-third (34.9 percent) of all Hispanic businesses are owned by women, with Los Angeles leading the way. 

“Latina-owned businesses continue to boom in Los Angeles, despite the challenges the economy has presented. Latina-owned business continue to emerge and historically are big contributors to their communities,” said Claudia Bodan, President of NLBWA-LA.

NLBWA's mission is to encourage Latinas to develop their business and professional skills and to meet their career goals through education, business referrals and networking. The vision of NLBWA-LA is to create nationwide representation, visibility and business opportunities for Latinas in the business world and at the executive level.

“As the nation’s leading Latina Business Organization, the NLBWA-LA Awards is an opportunity to commend the successes and contributions of Latina entrepreneurs, executives and professionals,” stated Claudia Bodan. “Each year the judges have a difficult time in the selection process as they review each applicant’s personal challenges and triumphs. These women are phenomenal. Every one of them is an inspiration and a winner. Their success extends beyond their business and into the community through personal contributions, dedication and participation.’’

The Awards are held annually and are an excellent networking opportunity attended by entrepreneurs, corporate representatives, elected officials, community and business leaders. For more information about upcoming events and becoming an NLBWA-LA member please visit www.nlbwa-la.org or for more information please call (213) 559-0665.

The NLBWA-LA Awards was supported by premier sponsors State Farm and Bank of America.