Celebrating Women Entrepreneurs: Empowering Through Diversity and Resilience

As a keynote speaker, I often have the opportunity to share my journey, offering lessons, inspiration, and planting seeds for the next generation of minority women entrepreneurs. Today, I celebrated the remarkable achievements of women entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals. The P&G Level Up Pitch Competition, curated by the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), is one such event that highlights the incredible strides women are making in the entrepreneurial world. This initiative, with partnerships from the Mexican Consulate, Launch SA, UTSA, America’s SBDC Texas Southwest, and San Antonio's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Department, is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and financial literacy among women. We celebrate not just their mission to eliminate racism and empower women, but also the impactful collaborations that make these initiatives possible.

The Power of Entrepreneurship in a Changing World

In our ever-changing world, entrepreneurship remains a powerful tool for economic stability and growth. Programs like the P&G Level Up Pitch Competition are crucial in empowering women by providing the tools, resources, and support needed to transform their dreams into thriving businesses. These women come from diverse backgrounds, each with unique stories and ambitions, united by a common goal: to succeed and make a difference in their lives and communities.

The Story of Webhead: Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Milestones

Starting and running a business is not without its challenges. As I celebrate 30 years of leading Webhead, I reflect on the journey that began in 1994. With $500, a credit card, and an internet connection, I established one of the original tech startups in San Antonio’s poorest zip code, 78207. My vision was simple: to create an opportunity for myself to break the cycle of poverty, find my voice in a world that had decided my future, and transform small businesses with the use of the World Wide Web to provide a competitive edge.

Today, Webhead leads the charge in digital transformation, continually breaking new ground in technology and innovating with tomorrow's tech today. Our mission is not only to reflect on our impactful history but also to forge ahead with groundbreaking initiatives. We are committed to empowering businesses, tech enthusiasts, our loyal clients, and future partners with cutting-edge solutions that redefine the boundaries of what's possible.

This afternoon, I will be traveling to Laredo, Texas with CPS Energy, the 4th largest municipally-owned utility company in the United States. As the chairwoman of CPS Energy, returning to this city in this capacity is special to me. I am a product of two countries and humble beginnings, and this journey is deeply personal.

Personal Story: A Journey of Resilience and Determination

In every life, there are threads woven from heartbreak, pain, abandonment, survival, and faith. My story begins with two such threads: my father, a Mexican from Nuevo Laredo, whose chiseled face, charm, and skilled hands in repair would be his great strength and natural gift for survival and upward mobility. His father left the family when he was just four years old, forcing him to sell hamburgers under harsh conditions to support his mother and two sisters.

My mother, an American from Laredo, Texas, was a brown beauty with long hair, who used reading to envision possibilities far beyond her reality. Both faced abandonment early in life, yet they held tightly to their dreams, carving out their destinies with what little they had. My mother, a senior in high school, yearned to attend college and meet her biological father, who had not acknowledged her existence until then. At her high school graduation, he gave her $20 and told her never to contact him again. She moved to San Antonio briefly, earned a clerical certificate, and then returned to Laredo after being rejected by her mother in California.

My father's journey crisscrossed the lively border between Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, and San Antonio, Texas, embodying the hustle and spirit of those seeking betterment against the odds. His fate became entangled with my mother's through destiny’s playful twist—a picture at my Tía Mina’s house. My father's determination to meet her led to a courtship, and they built their life together in a humble dwelling in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. It was here, in this sparse home with a dirt floor and no electricity or running water, that my parents' life began and where I was conceived.

Lessons from a Bicultural and Bilingual Heritage

Growing up as the product of two countries and being bilingual has profoundly influenced my perspective and approach to life and business. Here are five lessons I've learned from this unique heritage:

1. Resilience and Adaptability: My parents' story taught me that resilience and adaptability are crucial for overcoming challenges. No matter the circumstances, there's always a way to move forward and succeed.
2. The Power of Diversity: Being part of two cultures has shown me the strength that comes from diversity. Different perspectives and experiences can lead to innovative solutions and a richer, more inclusive community.
3. Bilingual Advantage: Speaking two languages has been an invaluable asset in the business world. It has opened doors to new markets, fostered better communication, and created stronger connections with a broader range of people.
4. Cultural Understanding: Understanding and appreciating different cultures helps in building trust and forging meaningful partnerships. It’s essential in today’s globalized world to be culturally aware and sensitive.
5. Empathy and Compassion: My parents' struggles instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and compassion for others. It’s important to support and uplift those around us, recognizing that everyone has their own battles and dreams.

The Reality of Entrepreneurship: Challenges and Opportunities

The reality of self-employment and entrepreneurship involves long hours, financial risk, and often an uphill battle for resources and support. For minority women, these challenges can be even more pronounced. According to recent statistics, minority women-owned businesses represent one of the fastest-growing segments of the business community. Yet, they still face significant barriers to accessing capital and resources. Despite these obstacles, they continue to persevere and make extraordinary contributions to the economy.

For example, recent data from the National Women's Business Council indicates that women of color own nearly 50% of all women-owned businesses in the United States. These businesses generate significant revenue and create thousands of jobs. However, they often receive less funding compared to their counterparts, making it imperative that we provide targeted support to help them thrive.

Supporting Women Entrepreneurs Beyond Startup Competitions

Empowering women entrepreneurs goes beyond providing financial support; it requires access to procurement opportunities and scalability potential. It's also about understanding that women enter the entrepreneurial space at different points. Some women have family support and financial means, others have no family support, and some start at different ages. The key is creating an environment where their ideas can thrive, where their voices can be heard, and where their contributions are valued and respected. Let us continue to support and uplift incredible women, ensuring they have what they need to level up and reach new heights in their entrepreneurial journeys beyond the startup competitions.

They too can celebrate 30 years in business, generate millions, and transform the lives of their children, creating generational wealth.

YWCA San Antonio CPS Energy Webhead

?