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Small business entrepreneurs work hard to create ventures from the ground up, often sacrificing time with family to build strong foundations for future generations.
Women and men, community leaders, business owners, and professionals from industries throughout northeast Nebraska met in Fremont Oct. 8 for the fourth annual Latina Women's Business Conference, hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs Women's Business Center and conducted in Spanish.
“Creating a Legacy” was designed to help motivate and inspire those who already have a business or are looking to start one.
“As we gather, we are reminded that it’s never too late to follow our dreams and create a lasting legacy,” said Brissa Borjas Esparza, senior business development specialist with the Center. “This year’s speakers—resilient women from diverse generations—exemplify the strength and determination needed to overcome challenges and pursue their passions.”
Speakers included Gina Ponce, founder of Women on a Mission for Change; Maria Arriaga Villagomez, executive director of Nebraska Commission on Latino-Americans; and Rocio Esparza, an entrepreneur and business consultant in central Nebraska.
“Their inspiring stories of perseverance and triumph serve as powerful reminders that success is attainable, no matter where we are on our path,” Brissa said. “In a thriving community like Fremont, where entrepreneurial vision is alive, it’s heartening to witness the meaningful engagement between our entrepreneurs and leaders. Together, we are building a future where our entrepreneurial dreams can flourish and empower future generations. This conference is not just about business; it’s about fostering a community of empowered leaders.”
Erika Macias, owner of Hola America News, Hola Iowa, Hola Nebraska, and JEFAS Latinas in Business, was the keynote for the day.
“You define success like you want to as a person,” said Erika. “For example, I can say that for me, everything I do in business, I do it with passion, with love. I do it with the desire to enjoy every moment.”
Several business owners shared success stories that resonated with participants building their own entrepreneurial legacies.
“Like you, I’ve faced challenges, insecurities, and moments in which I’ve asked myself if I’m enough,” said Rocio. “But you know what? I discovered that inside of me, inside each one of us, there is an unstoppable force. It’s not about being perfect or having all the answers—it’s about believing in ourselves, getting up not once, but several times, and showing the world that the Latina woman can do it all if she puts her mind to it.”
Networking was also a big part of the conference.
“It was a conference that motivated and gave hope to many,” said Ita Mendoza, owner of Tomando Memories photo booth. “It also provided tips and a little bit of everything. I’m very happy to have been able to attend and be a part of this event.”
For many, the conference is part of the journey in building their businesses and lists of contacts. The Center’s Women’s Business Center provides services such as one-on-one business counseling, loans, networking, and free workshops on financing, marketing, child care, trucking, and construction.
The conference would not have been possible without the help and support of Center staff, under the leadership of Jessica Campos, director of the Center for Rural Affairs Women’s Business Center. Planning committee staff and consultants included Brissa, Jessica Caban, Luis Franco, Adriana Dungan, Mabel Alarcon-Craven, Carmen Montes, and Rhea Landholm. Other Center staff who helped out included Kim Preston, Andi McClintic, Joseline Reyna, Nina Lanuza, Zulema Knievel, Lucia Schulz, Khushi Steichen, and Kylie Kai.
Thank you to this year’s sponsors Allo Fiber, Servicios en General Tax Services, Catalina’s Shopping, city of Fremont Nebraska, Hola Iowa, Jefas Latinas in Business, M’s Formal, Mama Chencha Tienda & Panadería, Print Shop & Design, and Tomando Memories.
For more information on the Center for Rural Affairs Women’s Business Center, email us at [email protected].
Check out the pics
Click to expand, then click on the arrows to scroll through. Photos by Kylie Kai.
