HL | Milestone Series – Honors Paleta Planeta

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Paleta Planeta

Jun 7, 2026 | Milestone

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 Gloria Mirazo Gregor

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Gloria Mirazo Gregor

Jun 5, 2026 | Milestone

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 Dr. Marilyn Flores 

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Dr. Marilyn Flores 

Jun 3, 2026 | Milestone

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 dedication to education, leadership, and expanding opportunities for future generations.

For more than twenty-five years, Dr. Flores has dedicated her career to helping students achieve their educational goals while strengthening the institutions that serve them. Her leadership journey reflects a steadfast commitment to educational excellence, student success, and community impact.

Throughout her career, Dr. Flores has been a passionate advocate for educational access, institutional excellence, and student achievement. Her leadership has helped strengthen colleges, expand opportunities for students, and build meaningful connections between higher education and the communities it serves.

Dr. Marilyn Flores 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

I can say without hesitation that she has been an outstanding addition to our executive leadership team. Her passion, authenticity, and unwavering commitment to educational excellence are evident in all that she does and are truly deserving of this recognition.

Beatriz S. Chaidez, Ed.D. Chancellor

Chancellor, San José-Evergreen Community College District

As President of San José City College, Dr. Flores leads one of Silicon Valley’s most important educational institutions, helping prepare students for careers, continued education, and leadership opportunities in one of the world’s most innovative regions.

Prior to joining San José City College, Dr. Flores served as Superintendent/President of Río Hondo College, where she guided the institution through a period of significant growth and advancement. During her tenure, the college established its first campus police department and secured voter approval of a $442 million bond measure to strengthen educational facilities and resources for future generations of students. She also expanded community partnerships and philanthropic initiatives designed to increase educational opportunity.

Known for her transparent leadership style, strategic vision, and commitment to accountability, Dr. Flores has earned the respect of students, faculty, administrators, and community leaders throughout California’s Community College system. Her influence continues to create pathways for students to achieve their educational and professional aspirations.

Milestone Moments

• President, San José City College

• First Latina President in San José City College’s history

• More than 25 years of leadership within California’s Community College system

• Former Superintendent/President, Río Hondo College

• Former Interim President, Santa Ana College

• Former Vice President of Academic Affairs, Santiago Canyon College

• Served as Chief Instructional Officer and Accreditation Liaison Officer

• Administrative leadership positions at Santiago Canyon College, Las Positas College, and Riverside City College

• First-generation college graduate and second-language learner

• Educator of the Year, Inland Empire Hispanic Image Awards

• Recipient, Hispanic Border Leadership Institute Doctoral Fellowship

• Ph.D., Institutional Leadership and Policy Studies, University of California, Riverside

Breaking Barriers Through Education

For more than two decades, Dr. Flores has dedicated her career to helping students access the opportunities that education can provide. Her leadership reflects a belief that higher education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives, strengthening families, and creating stronger communities.

Her own journey as a first-generation college graduate and second-language learner gives her a unique perspective on the challenges many students face. Those experiences have helped shape a leadership philosophy grounded in service, opportunity, and student success.

Throughout her career, Dr. Flores has successfully led complex institutions, strengthened academic programs, expanded community partnerships, and championed initiatives designed to improve outcomes for students from all backgrounds. Her work has consistently focused on creating environments where students can thrive and achieve their full potential.

Her leadership has already made a significant impact at San José City College. As Chancellor Beatriz S. Chaidez noted, Dr. Flores’ leadership represents “an important milestone not only for SJCC, but for Silicon Valley and the broader higher education community.”

Today, her influence extends far beyond the campuses she has served. Through her leadership, mentorship, and commitment to educational excellence, Dr. Flores continues to help shape the future of higher education throughout California.

Her career stands as a powerful example of how leadership, vision, and service can create opportunities that impact generations.

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 Frank Carbajal

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Frank Carbajal

May 29, 2026 | Milestone

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Frank Carbajal

Culture • Influence • Legacy

Some leaders build companies. Others dedicate their lives to building people, strengthening communities, and creating pathways for future generations to lead.

Frank Carbajal has spent his career doing exactly that.

Frank began his entrepreneurial journey in leadership development, quickly establishing himself as a respected voice dedicated to empowering the Latino community through education, mentorship, and leadership capacity building.

Frank Carbajal 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

He is the Founder and President of Es Tiempo, LLC, a firm focused on developing leaders and helping individuals and organizations reach their highest potential. Throughout his career, Frank’s work has been guided by one consistent mission: creating opportunities for emerging leaders while strengthening communities through intentional leadership.

A respected author and thought leader, Frank is the co-author of Building the Latino Future and Latinx Business Success, publications that continue to inspire entrepreneurs, professionals, and future leaders across the country. He also co-authored El Futuro Latino, a publication distributed throughout 14 Latin American countries, including Mexico.

Frank’s leadership influence expanded nationally through his involvement with renowned management expert Ken Blanchard’s network of keynote speakers, where he helped organizations, executives, and business owners develop leadership strategies rooted in growth, purpose, and accountability.

Milestone Moments

  • Founder and President of Es Tiempo, LLC
  • Founder of the Silicon Valley Latino Leadership Summit (SVLLS)
  • Creator of one of Silicon Valley’s premier Latino leadership gatherings hosted at Stanford University and the Computer History Museum
  • Co-author of Building the Latino Future
  • Co-author of Latinx Business Success
  • Co-author of El Futuro Latino, distributed across 14 Latin American countries
  • Member of Ken Blanchard’s keynote speaker network
  • Longtime advocate for Latino leadership development and community empowerment

A Legacy of Leadership and Community Impact

Through the Silicon Valley Latino Leadership Summit, Frank has created a nationally respected platform that brings together influential voices from business, education, technology, entrepreneurship, and public service to inspire dialogue and leadership at the highest levels.

Hosted at premier venues such as Stanford University and the Computer History Museum, the summit has become a meaningful gathering place for conversations centered on leadership, opportunity, innovation, and the future of Latino influence in America.

A graduate of San José State University, Frank lives in Santa Clara, California, with his wife Molly. While his professional accomplishments are significant, Frank often says his greatest source of pride and inspiration comes from his three daughters.

His life’s work continues to reflect the philosophy behind Es Tiempo:

It’s time to lead.
It’s time to build.
It’s time to create lasting 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.