President Message Katrina L. Salazar, CPA President, NLBWA-Sacramento

Dear Members and Friends of NLBWA ~ Sacramento Chapter:

As our organization begins its fourth year, our board and our members are focused on growth. The hard work of the previous presidents and boards is evident as we have established a solid history and excellent programming. Now our board is fine tuning our focus to grow membership, develop opportunities and empower the Latina community.

In the past year, we focused on infrastructure and program development. This has brought to our members a vital and active website which now serves as the primary means of communication with members. Our highlight last year was the 3rd Annual Business Symposium. Titled “Igniting the Entrepreneurial Spirit”, the Symposium was an overwhelming success in terms of both content and attendance. The event featured nationally recognized keynote speaker, Mercedes Ramirez Johnson, and a host of experts who spoke on topics including health care, business development, project management, and wine knowledge.

The visibility and leadership of our members has been recognized both locally and at a state wide level. Just this year, our immediate Past-President, Sylvia Reyes, was awarded a great honor at the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 34th Annual Business Awards. In addition, Sylvia, and NLBWA-Sac, has been recognized by the Governor’s office for our role in increasing awareness of a community severely impacted by health care issues.

Our success over the past few years has been built on the foundation of our various community partnerships. Wells Fargo, our Equity Partner which has supported us since inception, has been the true cornerstone to our development. With their support, we have added over a 100 members and held three annual business symposiums to educate and inspire the community. We have also partnered with UC Davis, A.G.Edwards & Sons, Inc, Southwest Airlines & New York Life to provide additional events and programs.

Through our various partnerships and programs, we will continue to:

1. Inspire, motivate & encourage Latinas and Latina youth
2. Provide leadership development
3. Networking directory/business directory-resources
4. Improve Latina self-esteem
5. Enhance community empowerment
6. Encourage political recognition of Latina businesswomen
7. Provide role models & success stories

This truly is an exciting time to be part of NLBWA – Sacramento. We are positioned for historic success and need your help in achieving our goals during this upcoming year. I challenge you to join our organization in its mission as a member and a sponsor. We look forward to including you and your business in our success.

Sincerely,

Katrina L. Salazar, CPA
President, NLBWA-Sacramento