HL | Milestone – Silicon Valley

HL | Milestone – Silicon Valley

Apr 12, 2026 | Events, Milestone

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.

Gloria Gregor

Gloria Gregor

Jennifer Garcia

Jennifer Garcia

Josh Krakower

Josh Krakower

2026_MilestoneHonoree_HildaRamirez_1920LR

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

Request Invitation
Request Invitation
Nominate
Request Invitation
Nominate

Honoree Moments

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Chipotle Mexican Grill

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Chipotle Mexican Grill

Apr 4, 2026 | Milestone

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Chipotle Mexican Grill

The HL | Milestone Series recognizes organizations whose leadership, innovation, and commitment to community continue to shape culture, business, and influence across industries.

Founded in 1993, Chipotle Mexican Grill has grown into one of the most recognized fast-casual restaurant brands in the world, known for its focus on real ingredients, responsible sourcing, and a mission to cultivate a better world through food. With thousands of locations across the United States and internationally, Chipotle has consistently redefined the dining experience by emphasizing transparency, quality, and sustainability.

Chipotle Mexican Grill will be recognized during the HL | Milestone Series — Orange County, taking place on April 30, 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: https://bit.ly/4qEref1

Beyond its business success, Chipotle has demonstrated a meaningful commitment to being a strong community partner. Through local restaurant engagement, nonprofit collaborations, and national initiatives, the company actively supports education, food accessibility, and youth-focused programs. Their ongoing investment in community-driven efforts reflects a broader philosophy one that understands the role businesses play in supporting the neighborhoods they serve.

Chipotle’s dedication to responsibly sourced ingredients, environmental sustainability, and ethical business practices further underscores its leadership in the industry. From supporting farmers to reducing environmental impact, the company continues to align its growth with purpose.

As a brand with deep cultural relevance and a strong connection to diverse communities, Chipotle represents a model of how national organizations can maintain local impact while operating at scale.

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.

Women | Business | Wellness Temecula, CA

Women | Business | Wellness Temecula, CA

Mar 4, 2026 | Events, Lifestyle

Women | Business | Wellness Temecula, CA

Thursday – March 26, 2026

Temecula, CA — HL | Culture & Influence proudly announces the launch of its Women | Business | Wellness series in Temecula, presented in partnership with Macy’s Temecula.

This invitation-only evening gathering will take place from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, bringing together accomplished women in business, entrepreneurship, and community leadership for a curated experience focused on growth, financial insight, personal wellness, and presentation style.

Produced by ReWork Media Group, Women | Business | Wellness reflects HL’s ongoing commitment to capturing the culture and influence of our community — and creating environments where meaningful relationships are built.

CONFIRM ATTENDANCE HERE

Evening Schedule

5:30 PM — Guest Arrival & Welcome Reception
Guests are welcomed with light refreshments while connecting with fellow professionals and community leaders in a relaxed networking setting.

6:00 PM — Welcome Remarks
Opening comments from the hosts of HL | Culture and Influence, produced by ReWork Media Group, along with acknowledgements of our partners and community supporters.

6:10 PM — Conversation: Business, Wellness & Financial Insight
A short moderated discussion highlighting perspectives on financial awareness, professional growth, and maintaining balance while navigating leadership and entrepreneurship.

6:35 PM — Presentation: Presentation Style & Personal Confidence
A brief presentation exploring how personal style and presentation can support professional confidence and leadership presence.

6:50 PM — Community Conversation & Networking
Guests are invited to continue the conversation, exchange ideas, and build meaningful connections with fellow attendees.

7:30 PM — Closing

PRESENTER

Genoveva L. Arellano is the Founder and President & CEO of Arellano Associates, Inc., a leading consulting firm specializing in public outreach and communications for transportation, urban planning, energy and water initiatives.

With more than 30 years of experience, Ms. Arellano has led the development of innovative engagement strategies that integrate digital tools, creative design, and inclusive community outreach. She provides strategic leadership on multi-jurisdictional infrastructure programs, including transportation, energy, water and other local planning projects, helping agencies incorporate meaningful public input into project development.

Her bilingual proficiency and deep connection to the Latino community have made her a trusted advisor for projects aimed at Spanish-speaking and underserved populations.

PRESENTER

Michelle Taylor is a senior operations executive with extensive experience in nonprofit financial counseling, housing programs, and regulatory compliance. At Credit.org, she serves as Senior Vice President of Business Operations, overseeing national programs in credit counseling, debt management, and housing stability. Her leadership ensures adherence to NFCC and HUD standards while advancing operational efficiency, staff development, and measurable client outcomes.

Michelle is recognized for building scalable systems, leading high-performing teams, and executing grant-funded programs with accuracy, accountability, and a commitment to financial empowerment. Her cross-agency experience makes her a trusted leader in implementing large-scale, mission-driven programs with both precision and empathy.

PRESENTER

Jackie Scott is the Director of the Inland Empire Women’s Business Center (IEWBC), where she leads efforts to help entrepreneurs start, grow, and scale successful businesses. A former entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience building and operating a wholesale distribution company, Jackie brings real-world insight to the founders and business owners she serves.

Beyond her role at IEWBC, Jackie is a recognized leader in the small business ecosystem. She serves on the CA WBC Network Steering Committee, chairs its Advocacy Committee, and holds board positions with the Microenterprise Collaborative Inland Southern California and the Association of Women’s Business Centers, where she also serves as Advocacy Committee Co-Chair.

COMMUNITY HOST PARTNERS

A Strategic Partnership

The collaboration with Macy’s Temecula reinforces the import

ance of presentation, confidence, and professional presence  elements that are often essential yet under-discussed components of leadership.

As a longstanding retail brand recognized for style and sophistication, Macy’s provides an ideal setting for conversations that bridge:

  • Personal presentation and executive presence

  • Financial clarity and wealth-building conversations

  • Entrepreneurship and career advancement

  • Wellness, balance, and sustainable leadership

This partnership elevates the experience beyond a traditional networking event. It becomes a statement about intentional growth.

Why Temecula? 

Located in the heart of Riverside County, Temecula represents economic momentum, entrepreneurial expansion, and a growing population of professional women shaping industries across the Inland region.

The evening format — 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM — allows guests to transition from their workday into a refined environment designed for thoughtful conversation and elevated connection.

This is not a large-scale conference.
It is not transactional networking.

Women | Business | Wellness is a curated room — intentional, intimate, and impact-driven.

CONFIRM ATTENDANCE HERE

What to Expect

Guests can anticipate:

  • A welcoming reception atmosphere

  • Structured conversations and short-format presentations

  • Insights on presentation style and professional positioning

  • Dialogue centered around business growth and financial awareness

  • Editorial coverage on Hispaniclifestyle.com and InlandValleyLiving.com

Each element is designed to encourage connection among women who lead with purpose and are actively shaping the future of business and community life in the region.

A Growing Series

The Temecula launch marks the beginning of a broader Women | Business | Wellness initiative that will continue to explore:

  • Personal brand and executive presence

  • Wealth, finances, and ownership

  • Entrepreneurship and scaling with intention

  • Lifestyle choices aligned with long-term goals

  • Health, mindset, and sustainable success

The series aligns with HL’s editorial theme: Defining Culture and Influence… in our community.

Attendance & Future Invitations

Attendance is extended to HL subscribers, HL Partner Network participants, and invited community leaders.

Those interested in learning more about future Women | Business | Wellness gatherings are encouraged to:

  • Subscribe to the HL Update newsletter

  • Explore participation through the HL Partner Network

  • Visit Hispaniclifestyle.com and InlandValleyLiving.com for updates

CONFIRM ATTENDANCE HERE

Women | Business | Wellness is more than an event.

It is an intentional gathering.
It is a platform for growth.
It is a reflection of the leadership and influence being defined every day by women in our community.

 

More Stories