Building a successful event each year requires the effort of dozens of volunteers, Social Media Ambassadors (SMAs) and Chamber members, and this year is no different at the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (SHCCNJ) proudly hosting its flagship event, the 26th Annual Convention & Awards Luncheon on October 14.

The Chamber Annual Convention is an opportunity to bring together all those who work tirelessly with the Chamber and continue its mission of being the voice of the 80,000 Latino businesses in New Jersey. In this opportunity, we wanted to highlight the Chamber’s SMAs, a group of enthusiastic corporate and business owner individuals, who have naturally and voluntarily come together to root for the Chamber and its vast array of activities.

In this opportunity, we asked them two questions:

1. Why did you decide to become an Ambassador for the SHCCNJ?
2. What does the Annual Convention mean to you as a SMA?

And here are their answers! (By alphabetical order)

 

Natalie Adis, Interactive Media Manager, @SocialSplashGur

Marquis Health Services

I became an Ambassador for the SHCCNJ since I saw the opportunity to make a difference in our community of Hispanic business owners and especially Latinas throughout the state of New Jersey. I felt it was necessary to share my passion for Digital Marketing through utilizing my talents in an organization that is dedicated to awakening the #Familia spirit in all of us in order to support and celebrate each other’s success. I am proud to be a SHCCNJ SMA.

The Annual Convention means a place where “NETWORKING” does not only mean “meet and greet” but also is feeling welcomed as soon as you walk in the door. I get to meet the Who’s Who of the Latino/Hispanic business community of New Jersey and get to spend the day amongst fellow members of the #Familia.

 

Liz Chang, Founder and Owner, @pmbreastfeeding

Pretty Mama Breastfeeding LLC

I stand strong behind the mission and vision of the SHCCNJ as I am representing the female minority Hispanic small business owners in the state of NJ. We Hispanics are a power that no one can stop. We contribute to our national business wealth by starting businesses and hiring others. I personally have benefited a great deal from being a SMA and learning from SHCCNJ leadership. My family and I are grateful for all the SHCCNJ has done for my small business.

The Annual convention means an outstanding opportunity for all in our communities to come together, engage and support small business owners. We shared one language, rich culture and passion for prosperity. We come together and celebrate the success that our SHCCNJ local business leaders and their families are having. It means a time to connect and reconnect, learn from each other, welcome other small business leaders and continue educating ourselves to serve our communities at large.

Kathleen M Cronin, Outreach & Communications, @IrishKateNJ

BCC Hackensack-Ciarco & The Small Business Development Center

I became a SMA because I like to Pay it Forward. Influences from Jaime Flores, a former BCC Latino-American Professor changed my path in 2004. I continue to move forward with my Latino ESL students (present and former) by encouraging them to accomplish their goals and help others in their community. They also encouraged me to move beyond the classroom and into the general public (at BCC Hackensack-Ciarco, the Paramus Library, and The BCC Cerullo Learning Assistance Center). I appreciate having the ability to continue the advancement of Latino diversity in business, academics and culture.

 

 

Myriam E. Cruz, VP Member Business Loan Officer, @myriamecruz

Financial Resources Federal Credit Union

I heard about the SHCCNJ through a business partner, and was intrigued by an organization that cared about Hispanic Entrepreneurs and provided the resources and support to help them succeed. When I did my research, I found out it was not only the largest Chamber in NJ, but also its mission –helping small businesses grow- was part of my beliefs. I am excited about the opportunities to help business owners to growth and expand their business, and to be able to facilitate access to capital to make their vision be a reality.

Becoming an SMA for SHCCNJ gave me the opportunity to spread the word about an organization in which I strongly believe. It is the opportunity to network with business owners, bankers, and people of many other organizations who care about other people and like good Hispanics, we are always looking to help each other. We are a great #Familia.

Alejandra Girón, Business Loan Officer, @alejandragiron_

The Intersect Fund

Becoming a SMA for the SHCCNJ fell naturally for me. I really enjoyed sharing and showing all the awesome events that the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce would organize with all my clients and referral partners. I was sure that if they decided to attend any events because my “share” sparked their interest, they would make strong business relationships with other small business owners and ultimately they would join the #Familia.

The Annual Convention is an event that allows me to measure the temperature of the Hispanic business market…through the years it has only become hotter. Professionally, this event helps me establish credibility amongst my clients and referral partners. My clients also get to showcase their business! It’s so exciting to see how some of my clients who have never networked before do it with the many professionals that the Chamber attracts. They learn the basics of promoting their business and it places them in an environment where they feel successful.

Ronaldo Linares, Chef, @Chef_Ronaldo

Family Food Fitness

The Ambassador life chose me. It felt right, it was something I grew into. I would always find my way talking social media strategy, why it is good for business, branding yourself, and most important, growth. I put a lot of time into creating content, growing my audience, and making sure I represent myself in my complete truth. In the long game, I want to help and inspire everyone to grow.

Being a Chamber’s SMA means an opportunity to learn from others, everyone is under one roof, entrepreneurs from all walks of life. It ultimately becomes a chance for me to tell a story and to learn.

Hipatia Lopez, Founder and Owner, @EmpanadaFork

Empanada Fork / HL Unico, LLC

I decided to become an Ambassador for the SHCCNJ because I feel this Chamber genuinely cares about the small business owners and will help however they could. If they do not have the answers, they direct you to the people who do. As a small business owner, in the beginning you feel lost and alone but as my social media presence grew, then I realized I could help others too. This is one way I do it.

The Annual Convention means a gathering of new and familiar businesses in New Jersey. I love to see what new and exciting things the Chamber has for us each year. The powerful speakers who motivate us entrepreneurs are great. I love to share positive energy to the world.

Reina Valenzuela, MBA, Business Management Consultant, @starfishglobal

CEO Starfish Global, LLC.  

As an active Chamber member, sharing online came natural to me. However, online outreach to the membership and building an online community takes time and a lot of effort. Having a group of SMAs made things easier for everyone. All associations and cause-based organizations should have online advocates or ambassadors. It just makes sense!

The Annual Convention is a must-attend in my list. It gathers a wider network, the Chamber’s membership, supporters and contributors. In addition, it offers an opportunity learn from other experts in the field and brings the business community together to celebrate outstanding Entrepreneurs.

 

 

Thanks to all SMAs who participated in this feature! And don’t miss this opportunity to be part of our SHCCNJ #Familia. As you see, you will find not only great resources and motivation but new friends awaiting to root for your success as well!

Visit us at our LatinasinBusiness.us booth for a LIBizus Photo Gallery and enter the opportunity to win a ticket to our LatinasinBusiness.us Best Business Award on November 29 at Son Cubano!

To view information about Sponsorships and Exhibit Booths please CLICK HERE 

For Advertisement Opportunities please CLICK HERE

To register online please CLICK HERE