We Celebrate... And raise a glass to those with Passion, Commitment and Vision!

The Mujeres Del Año program awards leaders whose core-values continuously support and help our community thrive. We honor them for their outstanding demonstration of character, commitment, civic leadership, and citizenship of extraordinary women in our communities.

Registration

Welcoming Remarks

Mistress of Ceremonies - Vanessa Torres

MC - Alex DeSouza

Introduction of Awardees

Commencement of Honorees Recognition

Excellence in Leadership Award

Dean Michael Solt

Tonight is the night. That we shine a spotlight on Excellence in Leadership! And lift the curtain to reveal those who do the work of shining a spotlight on others… We celebrate. And raise a glass to those with passion, commitment and vision.

Installation of Board of Directors

RHCC & RHI

Graduation of “Lideres” Mentorship Program

Recognize Mentors and Mentees

Closing Remarks

Dinner and Entertainment

Mujer Cambiando El Mundo

Presented a Mujer whose vision and unconventional leadership has advanced the economic growth and is fully committed to the success and future of our community.

Marcela Celorio Mancera

Consul General

Consulado de Mexico en Los Angeles

Born in Mexico City, she is an Attorney from the Escuela Libre de Derecho, with a Master’s Degree on Diplomatic Studies from the Matias Romero Institute (IMR, by its Spanish acronym) and a Master's Degree on Security and Defense from the National Defense College, of the National Defense Secretariat (SEDENA, by its Spanish acronym). She pursued her academic studies at the Mexico-United States Center of Studies from the University of California in San Diego (UCSD) and was the first Diplomat in Residence from the Mexican Foreign Service at the American University (AU) in Washington, DC. She has served as Director of Nationality and Naturalization at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a position from which she helped to craft the constitutional reform of 1997 which made legal dual or multiple nationalities for Mexicans. In 1999, she joined the Mexican Foreign Service as a Diplomatic Attaché and followed rigorously the ladder of ranks to become Ambassador. Subsequently, she was appointed Director of Protection Policies, a position in which she facilitated the implementation of the border liaison and consultation mechanism between Mexico and the United States.

On April 28th of 2017, she was promoted to the Rank of Ambassador of Mexico, and became the first Ambassador graduated from the Escuela Libre de Derecho, the most prestigious Law School in Mexico.

On June 24th, she took office as the Consul General of Mexico in Los Angeles, California, after presidential nomination and Senate ratification.

Mujer Excelencia

Presented to a Mujer who has inspired and encouraged the arts and culture in Southern California. By encouraging artists and arts groups to be innovative, inclusive, and accessible.

Lourdes I. Ramos, Ph.D.

President and CEO

Museum of Latin American Art

Lourdes I. Ramos, Ph.D., is the President and CEO of the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) in Long Beach, California. Having an extensive international trajectory directing museums, developing exhibitions and cultural projects of innovation, she is the first and only Latin American woman who is a member of the Accreditation Commission of the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). Ramos is also a Board Member of the International Committee for Exhibition Exchange of the International Council of Museum (ICOM-ICEE), as well as a Commissioner of the Cultural Heritage Commission (CHC) in Long Beach. She was instrumental in the success of MOLAA’s Partnershipwith The Getty Foundation, Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA. Prior to MOLAA, Ramos was the Executive Director of the Museo de Arte Puerto Rico (MAPR) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Director of the San Juan City Museum, Director of the National Collection of Puerto Rico at the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture and Scholar Assistant of Collections at the Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid, Spain.

Mujer Inspiración

Presented to a Mujer who is a role model that inspires the next generation of women to be the best versions of themselves.

Johana Hernandez

CEO

Glaudi

GLAUDI by Johana Hernandez is a haute couture designer specializing in empowering women of all shapes and sizes with bold, elegant styles. Made in the cosmopolitan city of angels, Los Angeles, celebrity designer Johana Hernandez specializes in haute couture dresses and bridal speaking to the heart of the modern woman. GLAUDI couture house provides a luxury experience favorite among celebrities such as Gina Rodriguez, Nichole Richie, Gloria Trevi, Lucero and many more. While all of these accolades have been awarded to her, they were earned with hard work and sacrifice. Johana came from a humble family she was born and raised in the city of Compton and her parents worked long hours in sweatshops, sewing for brands such as Guess, Calvin Klein and Gap. As her time was invested in the sweatshops with her parents, Hernandez’s passion for fashion ignited. At only 19, she earned her first job as a head designer, where her first collection was featured on the Wall Street Journal. At 22, she became head designer of Seven7 Jeans where she also designed for license for Isaac Mizrahi Jeans, Eli Tahari, and many more. Her designs have been sold worldwide at mass retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, Bloomingdales,and many more. Now you can find GLAUDI in Paris Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, LA Fashion Week and across the globe. Through her talent her favorite message to share is “GOD is Fabulous! “ who knew a girl from Compton would create a brand of luxury and sophistication.

Mujer Super Estrella

Presented to a Mujer for the achievement of a remarkable goal or completion of major projects that significantly impacted our community through awareness initiatives during the past years.

Rosie Rivera Flores

Motivator

Rosie Rivera is a wife, mother of three, author, motivational speaker, TV host, and reality show personality. She focuses on uplifting women to find the best version of themselves trough loving themselves. As a strong voice for women Rosie is continuously on Univision, Telemundo, NBC Universal, People en Espańol & KTLA to name a few sharing insight on women’s rights, motherhood, entrepreneurship, grievance and healing from sexual abuse. Rosie’s platform is based on empowering women based audience through fashion, health, modeling and beauty with encouraging captions that teach women to love themselves more. As a author she has writen two self help books “My Broken Pieces” & “Take Your Power Back” help women through the side effects of sexual abuse. Today Rosie speaks all around the US and South America helping motivate women to stop simply surviving and begin living life to their fullest potential! “BEING A VOICE TO THE VOICELESS IS NOT ONLY MY PASSION, IT’S MY PURPOSE”

Mujer Ejemplar

Presented to a Mujer who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to economic development and empowerment of women in business.

Nora Saca

CEO

Amerisal Foods LLC.

Nora Saca is the owner and CEO of Amerisal Foods LLC. In 2008, Amerisal Foods started as a dream, Nora saw the huge market potential; the demand for nostalgic food products was growing at a fast pace. Nora wanted to bring their native people who could and could not travel to their respective homeland a “little taste of home”. She was committed to bring her customers their native and authentic foods to their local markets at affordable prices. Nora has won numerous awards for outstanding business performance, and entrepreneur of the year. Nora is a true example of commitment, dedication, perseverance, and courage. She continues to be a mentor to young Latinas and entrepreneurs. Nora is very passionate for serving others. Mrs. Nora supports the “San Antonio de Paul” home for the elders in El Salvador. She spends her time donating food and goods to her church for charity events.

Mujer Diversidad

Presented to a Mujer whose supplier diversity and/or inclusion and diversity policies foster initiatives and programs that include supplier development.

Jennifer N. Trotter

Business Diversity California Manager and Senior Public Involvement Specialist

Burns & McDonnell

Ms. Trotter is a the Business Diversity California Manager and Senior Public Involvement Specialist for Burns & McDonnell, an infrastructure services firm and general contractor. In this role, she leads the public involvement and supplier diversity initiatives throughout California. Ms. Trotterhas previously held key roles in the public, non-profit, and private sectors. Prior to joining the Burns & McDonnell team shewas the Executive Director of the Los Angeles County Community Development Foundation (CDF), non-profit arm of the County of Los Angeles Housing Authority. She has also held posts with the Los Angeles County Community Development Commission; Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), a national civil rights non-profit law firm; and eCivis, LLC, an online grants research firm; Tom Bradley Legacy Foundation; and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Mujer Innovadora

Presented to a Mujer who has facilitated conversation and problem solving, facilitating entrepreneurial development opportunities, being an example to others, and developing innovative approaches.

Kimberly Sanchez

Entrepreneur

Ms. Sanchez began her culinary career as a server for the well known Mama’s of San Francisco. She not only discovered what would become her career path, but also met her husband who was Mama Sanchez’s youngest son. She worked every front of the house position but even then, had a keen eye for food. Ms. Sanchez went on to manage multimillion dollarcorporate franchises as well as single unit, chef driven restaurants where her desire to be involved with food was born. It wasn’t until the family moved to Atlanta Georgia that she stepped into the kitchen and learned under the chef/owner of a Zagat rated restaurateur at Crescent Moon, a top rated, beloved breakfast spot in Decatur Georgia. It was also during this time she and a partner opened her corporate catering company, Morning Glory Catering creating unique breakfast, lunch and pastries for large corporate clients. When she moved to Long Beach and a small corner bakery space became available, she knew it was time to step out onto her own, and Sweet Dixie Kitchen was born. What began as a small bakery quickly grew into a place that defined the corner on 3rd and Elm as ‘that biscuit place’ with new Southern food and culture. Chef Sanchez could be found in the kitchen daily, personally plating each plate of food, developing new recipes and producing Long Beach’s best biscuits, breakfasts, comfort food and pastries. Sweet Dixie was open for 6 years on that corner. Ms. Sanchez’s passion for business continues with her new and exciting concept that will showcase her ‘Biscuitwitch’ sandwiches in a more casual, vibrant, quick service featuring organic, vegan and gluten free options. She is currently perfecting her gluten free products and hopes to be at the helm of a new space summer 2020.

Mujer Comunidad

Presented to a Mujer who has made significant contributions to their community through their time, actions, talents, and dedication.

Yolanda De La Torre

Executive Director

YMCA Wilmington

Ms. De La Torre, Executive Director of the Wilmington YMCA, a branch of Metropolitan Los Angeles, the second Latina Executive in the Los Angeles Metro Association. Oversees the operation for a million dollar branch in the Wilmington Community. Serving over 7000 community members. Yolanda is responsible for the day to day operations as well as fundraising for the local branch. The Y is an organization that focuses in youth, adults, and families. Offering programs that focus on healthy living, youth development and social responsivity. Five years ago, the Wilmington YMCA completed a new Indoor swimming pool and aquatic center, today we serve over 3000 youth and adults that are learning water safety skills and swim lessons. Yolanda is also the immediate past President for the Rotary Club of Wilmington. Working with the community in leading projects that make the community a thriving place to live, work and enjoy recreational activities.

Mujer Maravillosa

Presented to a Mujer for her outstanding service provided by an organization usually over a significant period of time and national significance.

Kimberly Ong

Executive Officer, Projects Engineering, Executive Office, Construction

LA Metro

Kimberly Ong is an Executive Officer and Project Director at LA Metro. Kimberly is responsible for the $3.6 billion extension of the Westside Purple Line to the West LA VA Medical Center. In over 23 years of experience in the transportation industry, Kimberly has used design and construction of transportation infrastructure to improve the quality of life for our communities. Kimberly came to Metro from the private sector, where she initially started as a design engineer and worked her way through the ranks. Prior major projects include the BART Silicon Valley Extension to Berryessa, California High-Speed Rail Los Angeles to San Diego Segment, Kamehameha Honolulu Rail Project, and the I-405 Sepulveda Pass Widening Project. As one of few female engineers at her level in the United States, mentorship and leadership within the transportation industry is important to Kimberly. In addition to her volunteer service on non-profit Boards in Northern and Southern California, she also supports outreach to students – the next generation of engineers and leaders in STEM. Kimberly is a passionate supporter of disadvantaged youth and is a Charter Member of Metro’s Women Build LA Committee, which introduces women to construction and careers in the transportation industry. Kimberly is a licensed California civil engineer and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from UCI and her Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. She is the mother of a rambunctious 7 year old and she is married to Dr. Michael Ong, a professor at UCLA School of Medicine.

Mujer Empresaria

Presented to a Mujer who best exemplifies the ideals of entrepreneurship by starting and successfully managing one or more businesses in a way that demonstrates notable entrepreneurial characteristics and achievements.

Maria Curie

Chef / Owner

El Coraloense

Born in Los Mochis a coastal city in northern Sinaloa, Mexico the oldest of 8 children, went to school and graduated as an executive secretary and accounting technician, worked at PEPSI COLA CO in her hometown. Marie migrated to USA where she met the love of her life Leonardo Curie. The Curies have lived the American dream they are proud and happy to have their children share the same passion for the culinary world. The Curies family always dreamed of opening a Mariscos Restaurant their journey began in 2003 with their children involved three of the Curies became chefs. Together they specialize in the best seafood fusion, the family fuses authentic seafood with flavors from all over the world. The youngest of the Curies is going to college for business administration and manages the family’s restaurant social media and finances. The Coraloense has won several recognitions Including Paella Valenciana 2018 these competitions took us to Valencia Spain to compete for the Best Paella in the World, our restaurant has been recognized by major publications like El Aviso, La Opinion, LA weekly, Los Angeles Times, to mention some, also we are in The Los Angeles Times list of the best 101 restaurants for 2019. What is next? The family is working in a new project to expand el Coraloense to Tijuana, Mexico the plans are to open next year.

Artistas Selectos:

INFORMATION FOR BID

IFB NO. 20-005

LBT-2 Parking Lot Expansion

Long Beach Transit (LBT) is soliciting bids from qualified bidders for construction and related services for a surface parking lot, totaling approximately 33,269 square feet.

The IFB, Terms, Conditions Requirements and specifications may be obtained by visiting our eProcurement system PlanetBids:

https://www.planetbids.com/portal/portal.cfm?CompanyID=28908&BidID=67380

A pre-bid meeting of this IFB will be held on November 12, 2019 at 10:00 AM PST, at 6860 Cherry Ave. Long Beach, CA 90805. Attendance is not necessary in order to submit a bid. PPE is required.

All proposals must be submitted in strict compliance with the proposal Instructions as prescribed in the IFB, and must be received via electronic in PlantBids no later than 2:00 pm PST, on or before December 13, 2019 and a hard copy 24 hours later at LBT’s reception lobby. LBT hereby notifies potential proposing companies that all firms will be afforded equal opportunity to submit bids in response to this request and will not be discriminated against in consideration for award on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, creed, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.

No contract will be awarded to a proposing company who has not been licensed as necessary. The successful proposing company and their (applicable) subcontractor(s) may be required to possess a business license from the City of Long Beach, California.

Additionally, Bidders must also be compliant with requirements relating to Workers Compensation and conditions of employment.

DGS Outreach employee spotlight

DGS Outreach Program Manager Danetta Jackson has worked to champion the SB/DVBE Outreach program for 10 years. She is proud of the growth of the program in that time thanks to executive leadership support within DGS, as well as the diverse talent of her team. She leads the Outreach program with a focus on educating small, disabled veteran and underrepresented businesses to ensure they understand and are able to navigate the state's procurement system. In addition, her office provides training to state departments on contracting best practices to assist them in meeting their contracting participation goals. Danetta is responsible for forging strategic collaborations with small business organizations and agencies at the private, local, state and federal levels.

For additional information about doing business with the state, contact the DGS Outreach Team at [email protected] .