October 2011 Volume 4 – Issue 10

2024 N. Broadway, Suite 100, Santa Ana, CA 92706 - 714-836-4042

Become a Member!

ANNUAL LATINA EMPOWERMENT LUNCHEON “Keeping Healthy for Business” by Teresa Mercado-Cota Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez invited 100 Latina leaders to the Delhi Community Center on September 29, 2011 to discuss the importance of staying healthy for business. The event was in partnership with the National Hispanic Business Women Association (NHBWA) and with support of the primary sponsor The Principal Financial Group. The panel members included Dr. Jay Harnes, M.D., who discussed the topic of breast cancer and medical breakthroughs; Dr. Shalizeh Shokooh, M.D., who focused on women and the heart; Dr. Maria M. Gonzalez, B.S., who discussed recent findings in cancer research; and Rocio Valencia Vega, LCSW, who shared mental health needs for women in our community. “We often center on taking care of others but not on ourselves; yet if we don’t take care of ourselves who is going to take care of those we love?” said Congresswoman Sanchez. “Women are more stressed today than ever before. We are the sandwich generation with kids on one side and parents on the other. We have come together today to learn from our expert presenters and understand how to care for ourselves while taking care of business,” she added. Guests were grateful for the expertise and insight provided to help them in their personal and professional lives. “I extend my appreciation to Congresswoman Sanchez, The Principal Financial Group and the Delhi Center for this important conversation that is certain to make a difference in the lives of many,” said Yobany Banks-Mckay, NHBWA president. “There is no time like the present to begin taking care of ourselves and this is why The Principal Financial Group is proud to support this important topic and program today,” said Jeff Golan, Regional Managing Director. “We are here to continue this partnership as we join forces to make a difference in our community,” he added. PHOTOS: COURTESY OF NANCY RAMOS, SILVER EYE PHOTOGRAPHY. To view more pictures of the event, visit www.nancyramos.smugmug.com

From left to right, Panel Speakers: Dr. Shalizeh Shokooh, M.D., Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, Dr. Jay Hanes, M.D., Dr. Maria Gonzalez and Rocio Valencia Vega

From left to right: Sofia Negron-Linn, NHBWA Advisory Board Member, Alejandra Garcia Williams, Pat Danel, Advisory Board Member and Jeff Golan

Upcoming Events and Seminars

NHBWA News Brief Page 2

Event Location Date/Time

OC SBDC – Developing a Dynamic Plan to Grow Your Business www.ocsbdc.com

Anaheim Community Center 250 E. Center Street, Rotary Room

Anaheim, CA 90631

October 10, 2011 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

OC SBDC – Effective Marketing Strategies to Grow Your Business www.ocsbdc.com

Rancho Santiago Community College District Center 2323 N. Broadway, Board Room 107

Santa Ana, CA 92706

October 12, 2011 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Orange County Business Council Orange County Workforce Development

Conference www.ocbc.org

Hyatt Regency Irvine 17900 Jamboree Road

Irvine, CA 92614

October 13, 2011 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Southern California Edison – ENLACES Helping Our Communities Succeed

Strengthening Our Nonprofit Sector www.sce.com

Delhi Community Center 505 E. Central Avenue Santa Ana, CA 92707

October 14, 2011 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Orange County SCORE Develop a Winning Business Plan

www.score114.org

National University 3390 Harbor Blvd.

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

October 18, 2011 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Orange County Business Council 17th Annual Economic Forecast Conference

www.ocbc.org

Hyatt Regency Irvine 17900 Jamboree Road

Irvine, CA 92614

October 27, 2011 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Our Valued Sponsors and Supporters!

NHBWA News Brief Page 3

Did You Know?

The Black Chamber of Commerce –”Celebrating the Dream” By Yobany Banks-Mckay The Black Chamber of Orange County hosted its 20th Annual Awards Banquet at the Grove of Anaheim on Thursday August 25th, 2011. The black history theme was “Educating The Dream” in celebration of the unveiling of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on the Mall in Washington, DC. Unfortunately, due to the hurricanes in the East Coast, the unveiling was postponed. Nonetheless, we were able to share this very historical event along with others in the Southern California area. The Orange County Presidents Council, a group of 27 ethnic chambers and business organization were in attendance along with over 500 other multicultural leaders. This was a magnificent event celebrating a great man!

B. Demissie-OCTA, B. McDonald -President Black Chamber, Kim-Yen-AP I Commission er, R. Miranda-Greater Asia Business Federation

The Disneyland® Resort Scholarship Program “Celebrating Community Service with $50,000 Awarded in Scholarships”

Graduating seniors in the Class of 2012 may be eligible for a scholarship through the Disneyland® Resort Scholarship Program. This program reinforces the legacy of the Disneyland® Resort and it’s commitment to community support while enhancing and providing opportunities for educational advancement. Scholarships will be awarded to students who demonstrate excellence in volunteerism, exceptional leadership within their communities and academic excellence.

This is a tremendous opportunity for Orange County students to be recognized for their efforts toward improving the lives of children and families in need and for going above and beyond the California State Standards for character education and service learning.

By granting scholarships to students who strive to improve our community, the Disneyland® Resort aims to make the dream of attending college or professional trade school a reality.

This year, Disneyland® Resort will award ten scholarships with a value of $5,000 each to selected seniors in the Class of 2012. To find out more information or apply for the scholarship, visit www.publicaffairs.disneyland.com

Allison Victoria Arteaga Born on August 26, 2011 8.6 lbs and 20 inches long

Congratulations to Elizabeth Arteaga, OC SBDC Associate Director and

NHBWA Executive Board member, on the birth of her beautiful baby girl

Advocate for OC, Family, and Survivorship! By Gloria Montiel

Cecilia Novella has worked for the County of Orange for nearly 30 years! The last ten has been with the Auditor-Controller’s office as their Communications Manager for CAPS+ Program Management Office. She previously worked in administration, staff development/training, and project communications in the Environmental Management and Health Care Agencies, the Clerk of the Board and Board of Supervisors office-1st District, and the Internal Audit Department. Cecilia transferred to California State University, Long Beach from Irvine Valley College and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a concentration in Public Policy & Administration. She was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 33 and completed her coursework while undergoing cancer treatments. As a 16-year cancer survivor, she treasures the time she spends with her family and friends and enjoys participating with her granddaughters in their swim school and t-ball classes. Besides her work and family, she also participates in various charity and church events. Cecilia also gives back to her community through her involvement with NHBWA. She has been an active member since 2000 and has served as Past President, Treasurer, and Speakers Bureau Chair. She is currently an Honorary Board Member and the Scholarship Committee Chair. Henry, Cecilia’s husband of 32 years, works in his family-owned home improvement construction company, Henry’s Handiwork. They reside in Tustin and have three sons: Isaac, Jacob, and Joshua, two daughter-in-laws: Katie and Melissa, and two granddaughters: Hannah and Hailey.

NHBWA News Brief Page 4

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit.“ — Aristotle

Executive Board Monica Estrada-Nuñez Francisca Gonzales Baxa Staff

Yobany Banks-McKay Sahara Navarro-Garcia Diane Medina Francisco De Anda

Belinda de la Libertad Honorary Board Members Sofía Negron-Linn Carmen Castro

Elizabeth Arteaga Marie Moreno Olga Niebla Gloria Montiel

Patty Homo Cecilia Novella Emma Ramirez-Hightower Editor

Teresa Mercado-Cota Advisory Board Teresa Saldivar Patty Homo

Board of Directors Pat Danel Lydia Salvetta

Veronica Alva-Roman Maria de Lourdes Sobrino Adriana Spitzer

Erika de la Teja Rossina Gallegos Isabelle Villaseñor

Scholarship Spotlight

The Importance of Living a Life of Purpose By Patty Homo

Katherine Brown, one of the 2011 NHBWA scholarship recipients, is a member of the Phi Alpha Theta National History Honors Society, the Union Rescue Team Volunteer Group serving the homeless in skid row, the Woman’s Democrat of the Desert Organization and OC Young Democrat Organization. She is pursuing her Masters degree in Public Administration from National University. Katherine’s aspiration is to work in the public sector, in a position that helps the community and promotes higher education for underprivileged children. She is also interested in local and state legislation. “My mother always taught me the importance of living a life of purpose. She would tell me that God had a specific calling for my life and I needed to live a purposeful existence”, said Katherine. She adds, “she taught me that hard work, a giving heart, an educated mind and self respect would mold me into a well rounded person. My mother helped me become the person I am today and her words of wisdom will forever be embedded in me.” When she is not volunteering or studying, Katherine enjoys reading, running, cooking and spending time with her family. “Thanks NHBWA for the opportunity to attend graduate school. I will be the first in my family and I am beyond excited!”

NHBWA’s mission is to continue to help students like Katherine achieve their dreams.