Eight Latina entrepreneurs representing New Jersey, New York and Texas will participate at the Latina SmallBiz Expo Pitch Competition to take place at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) Campus Center Atrium in Newark, NJ on November 9, 2017 from 4:00 to 9:00pm. Main Media Sponsor for this event is Univision 41. Proceeds of General Admission tickets will be donated to Puerto Rico Disaster Relief. For information and to register please visit Latina SmallBiz Expo.

(Top from L to R) Brenda Nava, Elizabeth “Liz” Santiago, Karla Jimenez, Tania Molina (Bottom from L to R) Ivette Mayo, Janny Perez, Mary Dressendorfer, Isabel Ayala

LatinasinBusiness.us, the national digital platform that advocates for the economic empowerment of the Latina working woman, has announced the eight Latina entrepreneurs that will participate at the 2017 Pitch your Business to the Media Competition representing the states of New Jersey, New York and Texas. Main Media Sponsor for this event is Univision 41 and WABC TV.

“This year, eight brave Latina entrepreneurs are stepping up to promote their products and services to the most relevant media in the region,” said Susana G Baumann, Editor-in-Chief, LatinasinBusiness.us. “They are residents of the states of New Jersey, New York and Texas, and they will compete for an opportunity to win this year’s LatinasinBusiness.us Best Business Award,” she added.

The participants –in registration order- are Janny Perez, founder and CEO of MiLegaSi (New York); Elizabeth “Liz” Santiago, founder and CEO, CeleBritAy (New York); Mary Dressendorfer, Co-founder, Princess Plie and Friends (New Jersey); Tania Molina, founder and CEO, Villakuyaya (New Jersey); Karla Jimenez, founder,  Caidos del Cielo Bakery; Isabel Ayala, founder, IsaBeauty Aromatherapy (New Jersey); Ivette Mayo, founder and CEO, Yo Soy Expressions (Texas); and Brenda Nava, co-founder, Brendallan’s Tax and Accounting Services (New Jersey).

Main sponsors step up to support Latina entrepreneurs

“We want to thank the tremendous support of our sponsors and supporters as well as all the organizations that are helping promote the event,” Baumann said. “Without them, this initiative would not be possible!”

Main sponsors for this event are Bank of America, Small Business, Presenting Sponsor; and MassMutual Tri State, Latina Leadership Sponsor. Supporters are New York Life Insurance Company, New Jersey General Office; Horizon BlueCross BlueShield; Mitchell, Silberberg & Knupp LLP; PNC Bank; Freshie Feminine Care; Moët & Chandon, IFundWomen, and First Data Corporation.

Sharon Miller, Managing Director, Head of Small Business at Bank of America

“It is our great pleasure to support the Latina SmallBiz Expo and Pitch Competition this year. Bank of America is very proud to be Presenting Sponsor for this event. We support the core mission of this organization because like all of you, we believe in the future of small business and entrepreneurship,” said Sharon Miller, Managing Director, Head of Small Business. “Bank of America has played a key role in helping the number of Hispanic and Latino entrepreneurs in the U.S. more than triple to over 2 million. This commercial confidence has added new Hispanic and Latino entrepreneurs to our economy at a rate more than ten times faster than that of the U.S. population as a whole. The empowerment of the Hispanic and Latino community is vital to sustaining the health of our economy and helping millions of people around the world achieve their financial aspirations,” said Sharon.

In addition, Baumann said, the Pitch your Business to the Media Competition has become a signature event that attracts strong and established Latina small businesses from around the country for an opportunity to be promoted in main media in the region. “We are extremely grateful to count with the support of NJIT as Hosting Sponsor and Univision41/WABC as Media Sponsor because they recognize the relevance and potential of this community,” Baumann added.

Confirmed participating Media Jurors so far are Univision 41/WABC (NY/NJ), Abasto Magazine (national), LatinTrends (NY); Omnikal (national); Social Vibes Media (NJ); Americano Newspaper (NJ); WCTC- AM radio; Nuestra Gente Digital and Vivala.com.

Support to Puerto Rico Disaster Relief from Latina entrepreneurs

Baumann also announced that proceeds from tickets purchased under the denomination LSBEPuertoRico General Admission will be fully donated to Puerto Rico Disaster Relief. “We cannot ignore the dramatic situation that our brothers and sisters of Puerto Rico are suffering as result of natural disasters and the tardy intervention of the Federal government. Every contribution, even if small, will bring the much needed help as long as it takes so Puerto Rico, ‘la Isla del Encanto,’ will flourish again,” Baumann said.

Attendees will find flyers in English and in Spanish in Americano Newspapers being distributed across the region announcing the event. They can register online or bring the flyer the day of the event to donate their ticket to Puerto Rico Disaster Relief ($10 for online registration, $15 at the door).

Baumann mentioned that the event is being promoted by organizations such as the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Newark Community Economic Development Corporation, Greater Newark Economic Corporation, UCEDC, EDA New Jersey, Rising Tide Capital, Red Shoe Movement and NYC LGBTQS Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

“Many thanks for attending this event, for participating in the broader conversation, and for joining all of us at Bank of America in celebrating the contribution that members of Latino community have made to help the U.S. economy grow. Bank of America understands that small businesses are the growth engine of our economy and resources are crucial to their success, which is why we have more than 1,700 small business specialists in local communities across the country. Whether you’ve been in business for 30 years or are just starting out, we’re committed to providing the expertise to help you grow and give you a competitive advantage,” Milled added.

The event will take place at the NJIT Campus Center Atrium, 150 Bleeker St, Newark, NJ 07102, on November 9 from 4:00pm to 9:00pm. Free parking will be available for all attendees at 154 Summit Street.

For information and to register please visit Latina SmallBiz Expo ( https://latinasbizexpo.eventbrite.com/)

For sponsorship and promotional opportunities, please contact Susana@latinasinbusiness.us/.