HL | Milestone Series – Honors Jazmin Diaz

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Jazmin Diaz

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, and purpose.

As a first-generation Mexican-American, wife, mother of four, author, executive coach, and business leader, Jazmin’s journey reflects the power of perseverance, continuous learning, and a commitment to helping others recognize their potential. Through her work, she has inspired individuals to embrace growth, overcome limiting beliefs, and pursue meaningful success in both life and career.

Jazmin Diaz will be recognized during  our HL | Milestone Series – Silicon Valley event, taking place on June 17, 2026. This invitation-only reception brings together a curated audience of executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders for an evening of connection, conversation, and recognition.

👉 Event details & RSVP: https://bit.ly/41B5Z3J

Throughout her career, Jazmin has demonstrated a unique ability to bridge leadership development, education, business, and community impact. Her professional journey spans more than two decades, beginning in public education where she dedicated herself to serving students and families before transitioning into the technology sector. Today, she serves as Chief of Staff for a leading cybersecurity company, helping executive leadership teams advance organizational strategy, transformation, employee engagement, and operational excellence.

Her passion for personal and professional growth extends beyond the workplace. Through Flourish Learning & Development, Jazmin provides coaching, workshops, keynote presentations, and leadership development programs designed to empower individuals to take ownership of their future and flourish in their own unique journey.

Milestone Moments

• Founder and CEO of Flourish Learning & Development, a leadership development company focused on personal and professional growth.

• Author of Ignite Your Growth: Perspectives and Tactics to Flourish in Life and Career and the Spanish-language companion Enciende tu Crecimiento.

• More than twenty years of leadership experience spanning public education, technology, organizational development, and executive leadership support.

• Serves as Chief of Staff for a leading cybersecurity company, partnering with executives on strategy, transformation, and organizational effectiveness.

• Board Member of the Center for Employment Training (CET), supporting workforce development, skills training, and economic opportunity.

• Mentor, speaker, and advocate dedicated to empowering students, emerging leaders, first-generation professionals, and members of the Hispanic community.

What distinguishes Jazmin’s leadership is her belief that growth is not reserved for a select few it is available to anyone willing to invest in themselves, embrace change, and pursue continuous improvement. Through her coaching, speaking, writing, and community engagement, she has helped countless individuals discover their strengths, build confidence, and create new possibilities for their future.

Her story serves as a reminder that leadership begins with personal growth and that the greatest impact often comes from helping others recognize what is possible within themselves.

As HL  celebrates leadership, influence, and legacy, we are proud to recognize Jazmin Diaz for her commitment to empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and helping others flourish in life and career.

The HL | Milestone Series is a national platform designed to celebrate leadership across business, community, education, and innovation.

The 2026 HL | Milestone Series is made possible through the support of Wells Fargo, the series’ funding partner, whose commitment to community engagement and financial empowerment helps bring these important conversations and recognitions to life.

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Paleta Planeta

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Paleta Planeta

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 history. What began as an idea during the COVID-19 pandemic—selling handcrafted paletas from their parents’ garage—has grown into one of downtown San José’s most recognized entrepreneurial success stories.

Today, Paleta Planeta stands as a testament to perseverance, family values, and the power of community.

Paleta Planeta will be recognized during  our HL | Milestone Series – Silicon Valley event, taking place on June 17, 2026. This invitation-only reception brings together a curated audience of executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders for an evening of connection, conversation, and recognition.

👉 Event details & RSVP: https://bit.ly/41B5Z3J

The Salazar brothers, all products of the San José educational community, built their business on a foundation that reflects the experiences of many first-generation entrepreneurs. Mauricio attended Evergreen Valley College, where he also played soccer. Gabriel graduated from Evergreen Valley College before earning a degree in Finance from San José State University and becoming a Certified Public Accountant. Luis attended both San José City College and Evergreen Valley College before completing his degree in Health Science at Cal State East Bay.

Their educational journey reflects a commitment to personal growth that would later become instrumental in building a successful business.

Inspired by family members with deep roots in the paleta tradition of Tocumbo, Michoacán widely recognized as the birthplace of the modern paleta the brothers embraced an opportunity to learn the craft while creating something uniquely their own. Armed with knowledge, determination, and support from family members who believed in their vision, they launched Paleta Planeta in 2021.

There was no storefront.

No large investment.

No guarantee of success.

Only three brothers working together with a shared belief that they would build something meaningful for their community.

Selling through social media, community events, and neighborhood gatherings, they steadily grew their following one customer at a time. Their commitment to quality, creativity, and customer experience transformed a small family operation into a destination that continues to attract visitors from throughout Silicon Valley.

A defining milestone came on September 21, 2024, when Paleta Planeta opened its first brick-and-mortar location in downtown San José, directly across from City Hall.

For the Salazar family, the opening represented far more than a new business address.

It represented years of sacrifice, countless hours of work, and the realization of a dream that began in a garage.

Today, Paleta Planeta offers more than handcrafted paletas. It creates experiences, celebrates culture, and brings people together through flavors that honor tradition while encouraging discovery and creativity.

Milestone Moments

• Built a family-owned business from a garage operation during the COVID-19 pandemic

• Leveraged the educational opportunities provided by Evergreen Valley College, San José City College, San José State University, and Cal State East Bay

• Grew from direct-to-consumer sales and community events into a recognized Silicon Valley brand

• Opened its first storefront in downtown San José in September 2024

• Created a destination that celebrates culture, entrepreneurship, family, and community

• Demonstrated how education, family support, and determination can transform an idea into a thriving business

The Salazar brothers’ story reminds us that entrepreneurship is often about more than building a company. It is about creating opportunities, honoring family sacrifices, and investing in the communities that helped shape our journey.

Their journey from garage to storefront, from vision to reality serves as an inspiring reminder that some of the most meaningful milestones begin with family, faith, and the courage to take the first step.

The HL | Milestone Series is a national platform designed to celebrate leadership across business, community, education, and innovation.

The 2026 HL | Milestone Series is made possible through the support of Wells Fargo, the series’ funding partner, whose commitment to community engagement and financial empowerment helps bring these important conversations and recognitions to life.

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Hilda Ramirez

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Hilda Ramirez

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 achieving the dream of homeownership.

As CEO and Team Leader of Keller Williams Silicon City, Hilda Ramirez has built one of Silicon Valley’s most respected real estate organizations, guided by a commitment to leadership development, innovation, and empowering the next generation of industry professionals. Throughout her career, she has embraced emerging technologies, championed professional growth, and remained focused on helping communities navigate an ever-changing housing landscape.

Hilda Ramirez will be recognized during  our HL | Milestone Series – Silicon Valley event, taking place on June 17, 2026. This invitation-only reception brings together a curated audience of executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders for an evening of connection, conversation, and recognition.

👉 Event details & RSVP: https://bit.ly/41B5Z3J

What distinguishes Hilda’s leadership is her unwavering belief that homeownership creates opportunity, stability, and generational impact. Guided by her lifelong mission of “Homeownership for All,” she has dedicated herself to expanding access to housing opportunities and helping individuals turn aspirations into achievements.

Silicon Valley

Her influence extends well beyond Silicon Valley. As National Co-Founder and Emeritus Legacy Advisor of NHORA.org, she has helped advance conversations around housing equity and homeownership opportunities for Hispanic communities and people of color. She has also contributed her expertise through leadership and advisory roles with organizations focused on real estate, community development, and professional advancement.

Milestone Moments

  • CEO and Team Leader of Keller Williams Silicon City, leading one of the region’s most respected real estate organizations.
  • National Co-Founder and Emeritus Legacy Advisor of NHORA.org, advancing opportunities for homeownership and wealth-building.
  • Recognized nationally for her expertise in real estate and 1031 exchanges, helping develop the Federation of Exchange Accommodators’ 1031 Exchange Specialist Professional Designation.
  • Served in leadership and advisory roles with organizations including VNARP, AREAA Silicon Valley, Evergreen East Valley Real Estate Marketing Group, and Housing Trust Silicon Valley.
  • Honored with distinctions including Women of Distinction, Latina Style Women of Influence, and Most Influential Latina of Silicon Valley in Financial Services.

Throughout her career, Hilda has remained committed to helping others move from possibility to achievement. Her guiding philosophy “¡Sí se puede, a Sí se pudo!” reflects a lifetime dedicated to transforming goals into accomplishments and creating pathways for future generations to thrive.

The HL | Milestone Series celebrates individuals whose careers reflect sustained leadership, meaningful influence, and a lasting legacy. Hilda Ramirez exemplifies those qualities through her commitment to homeownership, professional excellence, and community impact.

The HL | Milestone Series is a national platform designed to celebrate leadership across business, community, education, and innovation.

The 2026 HL | Milestone Series is made possible through the support of Wells Fargo, the series’ funding partner, whose commitment to community engagement and financial empowerment helps bring these important conversations and recognitions to life.

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Gloria Mirazo Gregor

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Gloria Mirazo Gregor

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, helping create pathways to financial stability, wealth-building, and opportunity for countless individuals and families.

Today, Gloria serves as a Mortgage Retail Senior Market Manager and Executive Director with Wells Fargo Home Lending, leading a team of more than 150 mortgage professionals across California, Washington, and Oregon. Her expanding leadership responsibilities reflect both her performance and the trust placed in her ability to guide high-performing teams across multiple markets.

Gloria Mirazo Gregor will be recognized during  our HL | Milestone Series – Silicon Valley event, taking place on June 17, 2026. This invitation-only reception brings together a curated audience of executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders for an evening of connection, conversation, and recognition.

👉 Event details & RSVP: https://bit.ly/41B5Z3J

Known for her commitment to exceptional client service, Gloria has built a career focused on helping individuals and families navigate the homebuying journey while empowering the teams she leads. Her ability to combine operational excellence with a people-first leadership style has helped establish her organization as one of the nation’s top-performing mortgage teams.

Throughout her career, Gloria has received numerous top production awards and currently leads the number one mortgage team in the country, a distinction maintained for the past two years. She remains focused on improving customer experiences through stronger sales processes, innovative technology, and a commitment to building lifelong client relationships.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Gloria has remained deeply engaged in Hispanic and Latino community initiatives. Her service as President of the Latina Business Women’s Association reflects a longstanding commitment to mentorship, advocacy, and expanding opportunities for future generations of leaders.

Milestone Moments

• Mortgage Retail Senior Market Manager & Executive Director, Wells Fargo Home Lending

• Leads a team of more than 150 mortgage professionals

• Leadership responsibilities spanning California, Washington, and Oregon

• Leader of the nation’s #1 mortgage team for the past two years

• Recipient of numerous top production and leadership awards

• Former President, Latina Business Women’s Association

• Advocate for homeownership, financial literacy, and community engagement

• Bachelor’s Degree, University of California, Berkeley

• Master of Business Administration (MBA), Drexel University

• Proud immigrant from Mexico

Creating Opportunity Through Homeownership

For many families, homeownership represents more than purchasing a house—it represents stability, opportunity, and the ability to build a lasting legacy. Throughout her career, Gloria has remained committed to helping individuals and families navigate that journey with confidence.

Her own story reflects the power of perseverance and opportunity. As an immigrant who built a successful career through dedication, education, and hard work, Gloria understands the transformative impact that access to financial resources and homeownership can have on future generations.

That perspective has shaped her leadership approach. Whether mentoring team members, serving clients, or supporting community organizations, Gloria consistently focuses on creating opportunities that help others achieve their goals.

Her influence extends beyond production numbers and business results. Through her leadership, she has helped strengthen teams, expand access to homeownership, and inspire future leaders within both the financial services industry and the Hispanic community.

Today, Gloria continues to demonstrate how leadership, service, and a commitment to excellence can create meaningful impact across communities and generations.

Her career stands as a powerful example of how professional success and community engagement can work together to create lasting influence.

The HL | Milestone Series is a national platform designed to celebrate leadership across business, community, education, and innovation.

The 2026 HL | Milestone Series is made possible through the support of Wells Fargo, the series’ funding partner, whose commitment to community engagement and financial empowerment helps bring these important conversations and recognitions to life.

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Julian Cañete

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Julian Cañete

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 CEO of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (CHCC), Julian leads one of the state’s most influential business advocacy organizations. Representing more than 135 Hispanic chambers of commerce and business associations, the CHCC serves as a powerful voice for approximately 1.8 million small businesses throughout California.

Julian Cañete will be recognized during  our HL | Milestone Series – Silicon Valley event, taking place on June 17, 2026. This invitation-only reception brings together a curated audience of executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders for an evening of connection, conversation, and recognition.

👉 Event details & RSVP: https://bit.ly/41B5Z3J

Throughout his career, Julian has been a tireless advocate for entrepreneurship, economic opportunity, and the advancement of small business owners. His leadership has helped connect entrepreneurs with resources, strengthen relationships between business and government, and ensure that the voices of small businesses are represented in important policy discussions across the state.

Julian’s connection to the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce spans decades. After serving as President and CEO from 1999 to 2006 and again from 2009 to 2013, he returned to lead the organization in 2017. His experience also includes serving as Vice President of Public Policy and Strategic Partnerships for the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce, where he continued his work advancing business development and economic growth.

Known for his ability to build coalitions and create meaningful partnerships, Julian has become one of California’s most respected voices on issues affecting small businesses, entrepreneurship, supplier inclusion, and economic empowerment.

Milestone Moments

• President & CEO, California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce

• Represents a statewide network of more than 135 chambers and business associations

• Advocate for approximately 1.8 million small businesses across California

• Former Vice President, Public Policy & Strategic Partnerships, California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce

• Founding Member, California Utilities Diversity Council

• Chairman, Vet Fund Foundation of California

• Board Member, Northeast Community Federal Credit Union

• Member, California Department of General Services Small Business Council

• Member, CalTrans Small Business Council

• Former Chairman, T-Mobile California External Council

• Longtime advocate for entrepreneurship, economic opportunity, and business growth

A Legacy of Advocacy and Economic Empowerment

For decades, Julian has worked at the intersection of business, public policy, and community leadership. His efforts have helped create pathways for entrepreneurs to grow their companies, access new opportunities, and contribute to California’s economic success.

His influence extends beyond chambers of commerce and boardrooms. Through his service on numerous public, private, and nonprofit organizations, Julian has consistently focused on strengthening communities by supporting the businesses that power them.

Whether advocating for small business owners at the state level, building strategic partnerships, or mentoring the next generation of business leaders, Julian’s work reflects a deep commitment to expanding opportunity and creating lasting economic impact.

His leadership continues to help shape a stronger future for entrepreneurs and communities throughout California.

The HL | Milestone Series is a national platform designed to celebrate leadership across business, community, education, and innovation.

The HL | Milestone Series is a national platform designed to celebrate leadership across business, community, education, and innovation.

The 2026 HL | Milestone Series is made possible through the support of Wells Fargo, the series’ funding partner, whose commitment to community engagement and financial empowerment helps bring these important conversations and recognitions to life.