A curated reception, leadership forum, and awards experience designed to recognize those shaping business, community, and culture.

Event Overview

Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Blanco Urban Venue – 12 N San Pedro St, San Jose, CA 95110

Event Schedule 

5:00 PM
Registration • Networking Reception • Hosted Refreshments

5:30 PM
Welcome Remarks

5:45 PM
Leadership Forum
A conversation featuring industry leaders discussing leadership, influence, innovation, and community impact.

6:30 PM
Milestone Recognition Ceremony
Honoring individuals and organizations whose leadership and accomplishments have helped shape Silicon Valley and beyond.

Partial Listing of the evening honorees (click on the names for their profiles) 

7:00 PM
Networking Reception

7:30 PM
Program Concludes

Attire: Business Casual

* Program subject to change without notice

A Curated Reception

Each Milestone Series event begins with a private, curated reception that brings together a select group of professionals, decision-makers, and community leaders.

This is a space designed for intentional connection where conversations are meaningful, relationships are strengthened, and the people in the room reflect a shared commitment to leadership and progress.

Luis D. Alvarado is Co-Head of Global Fixed Income Strategy at Wells Fargo where he provides analysis and insights on economic trends, capital markets, and investment strategy. He works with clients and advisors to help interpret market developments and their impact on investment decision-making.

A respected voice on fixed income markets and the economy, Luis frequently shares perspectives on the forces shaping financial markets and the opportunities and challenges facing investors, business leaders, and entrepreneurs.

At the HL | Milestone Series — Silicon Valley, Luis will present insights on the economic environment and the trends influencing wealth creation, capital allocation, and strategic decision-making in a rapidly changing world.

LEADERSHIP DISCUSSION - The Future of Wealth: Innovation, Capital, and Decision Making in a Changing Economy

At the core of the experience is a leadership forum focused on timely conversations shaping today’s business and community landscape.

Discussions may include:

  • Generational wealth and economic opportunity
  • Real estate and housing market insights
  • Business leadership and growth strategies
  • Community influence and long-term impact
  • Regional trends unique to each host market

These conversations are designed to provide perspective, clarity, and insight connecting ideas with real world experience.

Moderator | Gloria Mirazo Gregor

Gloria Mirazo Gregor is a Senior Market Manager with Wells Fargo Home Lending, overseeing one of the company’s highest-performing regions. She leads a team of mortgage professionals serving communities throughout Northern California and is recognized for her commitment to leadership development, customer service, and community engagement. With extensive experience in financial services and housing finance, Gloria brings a practical and forward-looking perspective on wealth creation, homeownership, and economic opportunity. Her leadership has helped countless families and professionals navigate important financial decisions while building stronger communities.

Panelist | Jennifer Garcia

Jennifer Garcia is a dynamic leader with exceptional vision and business acumen, serving as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Latino Business Action Network (LBAN). LBAN is a Silicon Valley-based nonprofit and partner of Stanford University with a bold mission of advancing Latino entrepreneurship in the United States. Jennifer has played a pivotal role in driving this mission forward and delivering meaningful impact to Latino business owners nationwide.

LBAN is the largest and most sophisticated network of Latino and Latina business owners. Under her leadership, LBAN facilitates the Business Scaling Program and the Startup Accelerator at Stanford University, conducts foundational research on Latino-owned businesses, and builds an ecosystem of scaled Latino-owned companies, mentors, capital providers, and corporate partners. Jennifer’s vision has enabled entrepreneurs to access capital, public and private contracts, resources, and access to ongoing education.

Panelist | Leo Robles

Leo Robles is a nationally recognized real estate executive, entrepreneur, and growth strategist serving as Chief Growth Officer of the Designated Local Expert Network. Throughout his career, he has helped drive business growth, market expansion, and strategic partnerships within the real estate industry. Known for his expertise in leadership, branding, and relationship-building, Leo works with professionals and organizations seeking to create long-term value through innovation and community engagement. His experience offers unique insights into wealth creation, entrepreneurship, and the evolving housing marketplace.

Panelist | Josh Krakower

Josh Krakower is a Private Mortgage Banker and member of the prestigious Leaders Club at Wells Fargo Home Lending. He specializes in serving affluent clients, business owners, and professionals with sophisticated lending solutions tailored to their financial goals. Recognized for his expertise in residential financing and wealth-building strategies, Josh helps clients navigate complex financial decisions while aligning mortgage planning with broader investment and wealth management objectives. His experience provides valuable perspectives on capital access, market trends, and long-term financial planning.

FUNDING PARTNER

Wells Fargo Logo

HL | Culture & Influence is proud to announce Wells Fargo as a Funding Partner of the HL | Milestone Series “an invitation-only” leadership experience recognizing individuals and organizations shaping business, community, and culture.

As part of this collaboration, Wells Fargo will support the Milestone Series across three key markets in 2026: Orange County, New York, and Silicon Valley.

“We are proud to collaborate with Wells Fargo as a Funding Partner of the Milestone Series,” said Richard Sandoval, Storyteller | Producer | Connector, HL | Culture & Influence. “Their support allows us to elevate conversations, recognize leadership, and create spaces where relationships and ideas can move forward with purpose.”

MILESTONE HONOREES

Milestone | Judith Valles

HL | Milestone SeriesFor generations, Mayor Judith Valles represented the very best in public service. As an educator, trailblazer, and the first Hispanic elected Mayor of the City of San Bernardino, she dedicated her life to expanding opportunities for others while...

A Question Worth Asking

HL | Milestone SeriesHow a conversation between a high school student and artist Carlos Pérez became one of the most memorable moments of the HL | Milestone Series in Silicon Valley.Photos and article by Richard SandovalArtist and designer Carlos Pérez with Nicholas...

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Jazmin Diaz

Growth • Purpose • Impact When Jazmin Diaz founded Flourish Learning & Development, she transformed a lifetime of personal resilience, professional achievement, and leadership experience into a mission dedicated to helping others grow with intention, confidence,...

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Paleta Planeta

Family • Vision • Impact Some businesses begin with a business plan. Others begin with family. For brothers Luis Salazar, Mauricio Salazar, and Gabriel Salazar, the journey that would become Paleta Planeta started during one of the most uncertain periods in recent...

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Hilda Ramirez

Leadership • Opportunity • Impact For Hilda Ramirez, leadership has never been defined solely by transactions or titles. It has been measured by the opportunities she creates for others, the professionals she mentors, and the families she helps move closer to...

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Rocio Medina van Nierop

Purpose • Influence • Courage When Rocio Medina van Nierop co-founded Latinas in Tech in 2014, she set out to create opportunities for Latina professionals in an industry where representation at leadership levels remained limited. What began as a vision to support and...

HL | Milestone Series – Honors OSI Engineering

Leadership, Innovation & Community Impact Some companies are built to generate revenue. Others are built to create opportunity. OSI Engineering has accomplished both. In Silicon Valley, success is often measured by innovation, growth, and market influence. Yet the...

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Gloria Mirazo Gregor

Leadership, Influence & Legacy Throughout her career, Gloria Mirazo Gregor has helped families achieve one of life's most important milestones homeownership. As a respected mortgage banking executive and community leader, her influence extends beyond lending,...

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Dr. Marilyn Flores 

Breaking Barriers. Expanding Opportunity. Transforming Lives. When Dr. Marilyn Flores was appointed President of San José City College, she became the first Latina president in the institution's more than 100-year history a milestone that reflects decades of...

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Julian Cañete

Culture • Influence • Legacy Some leaders advocate for business. Others dedicate their careers to creating opportunities that allow businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities to thrive. Julian Cañete has spent more than two decades doing exactly that. As President and...

THE EXPERIENCE

A curated, invitation-only reception

A leadership forum featuring market-relevant insights

Recognition of selected honorees

An elevated setting designed for meaningful engagement

Upcoming Events

Honoree Moments