Karla V. Gonzalez, MBA | 2023 Latina of Influence
We are pleased to announce Karla V. Gonzalez, MBA, Adjunct Professor, Entrepreneur and Assistant Director for the Inland Empire Small Business Development Center has been selected as a Hispanic Lifestyle 2023 Latina of Influence. Ms. Gonzalez will be recognized for her leadership in our community during Hispanic Lifestyle’s Connecting Latinas of Influence – Los Angeles event on September 14, 2023.
For over 10 years, Ms. Gonzalez has carved out a specific niche in providing outstanding MBE/WBE/DVBE certification services that have resulted in the financial success of hundreds of local IE businesses, resulting in the creation of hundreds of jobs and securing millions in government contracting by IE businesses.
Additionally, she has been highly successful in assisting small to medium sized businesses in registering on SAM.gov, as well as apply and be accepted into the SBA 8a program. Thereby increasing the value of these IE companies and helping them to secure hundreds of thousands of dollars in government contracting, some more than doubling the size of their business revenues.
Her bilingual/bicultural skills have helped many underserved small to medium sized businesses, along with her business skill sets that have helped such businesses to chart a strategic plan for growth and prosperity.
Ms. Gonzalez is also an adjunct professor at Cal State University of San Bernardino, where she teaches business consulting at the School of Entrepreneurship
One of her most recent success stories is illustrated in her work with Imago Trailers. The owner came to the SBDC for guidance in growing his business. He was interested specifically in learning more about contracting opportunities. In the past, the owner had sought assistance from Karla to apply for pandemic assistance, so he knew she would be able to assist.
In meeting with Karla, the owner was provided with an overview in contracting and certifications he may qualify for. Karla assisted the owner in securing the necessary business certifications to be recognized as Small and Minority Business Enterprise so that he could begin competing. Karla also pointed out he could greatly benefit by engaging with a CSUSB Student Consulting Team. Karla was able to set him up with a Team last semester and as a result he has been able to implement social media marketing strategies to help grow his business.
Most recently, Ms. Gonzalez was named the OCIE Star for the Network. Her accomplishments include helping clients secure over $8m in Access to Capital and over $10M in Contracts.
Karla V. Gonzalez was nominated by Maria Acosta, (ret) Director Los Angeles MBDA, Cynthia Amador Diaz, Client Advisor, CMTC and Natalie Orta, (ret) Senior Area Manager for Business Resources, OCIE SBA
Ms. Gonzalez is a true example of Servant Leader. Karla has demonstrated exceptional leadership, particularly in times of crisis, continuing to help small and medium sized businesses in crises during the pandemic and most recently during the supply chain shortages. She has shown great empathy and compassion in working with diverse small business owners, including both clients from the rural areas of the high desert, as well as those in the more urban areas of Riverside and Ontario.
Through the continued success of her clients, they area a testament to her business and leadership skills, as well as her ability to help her clients navigate the challenges of starting and growing a small business. Overall, we believe Ms. Gonzalez is a deserving candidate for the Hispanas of Influence Award, and her contributions to her community and her industry make her a true inspiration to others.
