NLBWA-LA 8th Annual Honoring Latinas in Business Awards
The National Latina Business Women Association, Los Angeles Chapter (NLBWA-LA) is hosting its 8th 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 advancement of the Latino community. The awards ceremony will take place Thursday, June 23, 2011 from 5:30-10:00 p.m. at The Academy of Television Arts And Sciences The Leonard H. Goldenson Theatre., 5220 Lankershim Blvd.., North Hollywood, CA 91601.
The awards will be hosted by Mistress of Ceremonies, Ana Patricia, Anchor for Telemundo Los Angeles, this year’s honorees: Corporate Leader of the Year-Monica Gil; Senior Vice President of Government & Public Affairs Neilson, Business Woman of the Year-Tina Aldatz; Founder & CEO, Foot Petals. In addition to 20 nominees in seven categories: law, health & beauty, media, public relations and professional services.
This inspiring event includes a VIP reception, silent auction, awards ceremony and an evening of celebration featuring entertainment, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and networking with some of our community’s top leaders, entrepreneurs and corporate representatives.
The 2010 NLBWA-LA award nominees are: Rebecca Barrantes, President/CEO, The Sierra Group; Martha C. de la Torre, Publisher/CEO, El Clasificado; Monica Gonzales and Anne Marie Smith, Co-Owners, Aldabella Scarpa, Patricia Gracia, Founder, Power Media Group, Inc.; Marla Consuelo Jakovlejevic, Owner, Pasadena Design Center; Patricia Leonard, Founding Partner/CEO, Family Values Cinema; Frances Moreno, Partner, Vaco Los Angeles, LLC; Chef Denise Portillo, Co-Owner, Bella Events and Bella Café; Maria S. Salinas, President, Salinas Consulting LLC; and Julia Sylva, President, Sylva, Plaza & Associates APC. A panel of five judges assisted in the selection of one winner in each category, which will be announced at the June 3rd Awards.
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 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 is an excellent networking opportunity attended by entrepreneurs, corporate representatives, elected officials, community and business leaders. NLBWA-LA members can attend for free; non-members pay $50.00 per person. For event ticket sales and sponsorship information please visitwww.nlbwa-la.org or by phone at (213) 559-0665.
