The Seattle MBDA Business Center is one of 28 regional centers under contract to the United States Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency created to foster the establishment and growth of minority-owned businesses in America.  Provided strategic business development, financing and international trade consulting services Recognized as the highest performing Center in the San Francisco region for 2010 Significantly enhanced the quality of the Center’s portfolio by increasing the number of $10 million+ clients by 85%. Increased the geographical presence of the organization beyond the Seattle market by establishing relationships with larger businesses throughout the state. Successfully assisted client in substantially reducing interest rate on a $6,000,000 loan by presenting alternative financing through industrial revenue bonds.

Northwest Minority Business Council – Seattle, Washington 2001 – 2007 President & CEOThe Northwest Minority Business Council is one of 39 regional affiliates of the National Minority Supplier Development Council whose purpose is to assist in creating and developing business opportunities for minority firms between major private sector corporations and public agencies.  Effectively developed programs that contributed to over 62% of minority firms receiving business opportunities from corporate and government members such as, Cingular, Microsoft, REI, City of Seattle, Nordstrom, Washington Mutual, and Port of Seattle. Successfully expanded operating budget from $130,000 in 2001 to over $600,000 in 2006. Profoundly improved Showcase Business Conference from a one-day business networking forum with approximately 280 attendees to a two-day event with over 700 attendees. Aptly raised both local and national corporate participation by 65% and established the event as the Pacific Northwest’s largest minority business development conference. Passionately championed the vision for a new high profile awards event that could increase both the organization’s visibility and revenues; formed a team of key executives to participate in the project, and managed the development of the ‘Summit Awards Gala’. The inaugural gala event contributed to a 120% increase in organization revenues in the first year and has continued to increase each year since. Successfully hired, trained, and managed staff, volunteers, outside vendor and contractor teams ranging in size from four to thirty.

Developed and executed business development plan for Mexican and Spanish markets Managed hardwood products marketing, sales, purchasing and operations strategy  Opened new accounts, aggressively pursuing new customers and creating repeat business Applied supply chain management solutions to reduce transportation costs over 35% Conducted extensive market research to provide an improved understanding of business environment of target markets

The Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is a leading organization dedicated to improving its members’ business competitiveness through its many Hispanic focused programs, including seminars, marketing consultations, leadership development, and networking opportunities.  Was appointed as the first Associate Director in the 25 year history of the organization. Ably performed a wide range of duties related to program and project management, including business expansion, event planning, marketing promotions, and administrative management in a matrix environment. Proficiently prepared, administered and managed program budgets ranging in scope from $75,000 to $150,000. Successfully supervised and trained a stellar staff of twelve in customer service, sales, and process improvement. Effectively established, maintained and retained a portfolio of clients on international trade and business plan development in a bi-lingual environment. Recognized by the board of directors, for meeting and exceeding sales goals by 30%, increasing membership participation by 60%, and expanding crucial programs.  Successfully served as project manager to apply for and subsequently being awarded the United States Minority Business Development Agency’s Minority Business Development Center three-year contract. Skillfully led a team of five to develop the organization’s first website that led to a 120% increase in business-to-business referrals. Membership Services Director 1994 – 1996Membership Services provides the development of marketing strategies to identify areas of opportunity for increasing customer satisfaction, customer retention and increasing new sales. Initialized and supervised market research project to assess customer service satisfaction levels resulting in new member sales increase of 28% and reduced member attrition rate by 32%.