Imperial Valley Hosts Event to Empower Mexican Women Entrepreneurs in the U.S.

• A business event in Imperial Valley celebrated women entrepreneurs in the Mexican community in the United States
• The event was organized by the Imperial Valley SBDC, the Consulate of Mexico in
• It is a part of the Consular Entrepreneurship Program for Mexicans Abroad (PCME)

This week, Imperial Valley welcomed one of its most significant business events, which assembled entrepreneurs, leaders from the community, and local organizations to honor the entrepreneurial culture of Mexican women in America.

The Imperial Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Consulate of Mexico at Calexico, and the Calipatria Chamber of Commerce again collaborated to provide the Consular Entrepreneurship Program for Mexicans Abroad (PCME), also Mexicana Emprende.

Nationally directed by the Institute for Mexicans Abroad and locally administered by Mexican consulates in association with regional allies, the program encourages and empowers Mexican entrepreneurs in the U.S. communities.

This year's Imperial County edition centered on women, honoring their creativity, perseverance, and contributions to the county's economy.

Conducted on August 28, the event had five entrepreneurs—Daisy Cervantes, Maria Salazar, Karla Pacheco, Angelica Valdez, and Karina Ruelas—each sharing a business pitch and plan before the judges: Fidel Gonzalez, Jennifer Rodriguez, and Jasmin Rodriguez.

Overall top honors were awarded to Angelica Valdez for her business Golden Rides, a non-emergency transportation service for medical needs targeting the growing needs of Imperial Valley's elderly population.

She was awarded a $6,000 grant to assist in launching her business, with each of the other finalists receiving $1,000 in seed capital. Overall, $10,000 was awarded, facilitated by donations from sponsors arranged through the SBDC and the Consulate.

Aside from the pitch competition, the Women Resilience Awards also recognized local women business owners nominated by chambers of commerce for their resilience and leadership. Awardees included:

• Connie Zendejas – Zendejas Hardware, Calipatria
• Danielle Lopez – Deelicious Smoothies, Brawley
• Dalia Rodriguez – Fitness Oasis, Imperial
• Teresa Galeana – D'Poly, El Centro
• Judy Barajas – Judy Cleaning Service, Holtville
• Beatriz Serrano – Pollos Mis Pollos, Calexico

"These awards recognize the perseverance of business owners who keep going in the face of adversity," said Viridiana Rosales-Trujillo, center manager for the Imperial Valley SBDC.