We are thrilled to share that the San Diego & Imperial Valley’s Women’s Business Center has been awarded the Small Business Administration’s Women’s Business Center of Excellence Award on local, regional, and national levels.
The region San Diego is a part of, covers California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona, is the largest in the nation. While nationally they were selected among 147 Women Business Centers. This prestigious recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and expertise of their team.
To kick off festivities Katty Ibarra, the Director, had the honor of being invited as a speaker for the Road to Entrepreneurial Success Panel at the opening Reception Dinner in Washington DC. We couldn’t be prouder of Katty’s remarkable achievements in promoting representation. She stood out as the sole woman and woman of color featured on the panel. Something in common that she shares with our current Vice President Kamala Harris, whom Katty had the incredible opportunity to meet while at the White House.
Upon Katty’s return to San Diego, the celebration continued with Congressman Juan Vargas, Southwestern College’s President Dr. Mark Sanchez, Southwestern College’s Dean of Higher Education Center Christine Perri, SBA Deputy District Director Mike Sovacool, SBA District Director Ruben Garcia and members of the San Diego Women’s Business Center Team: Jeníca Ganem, Esther Carrillo, Karen Cerrato, Katty Ibarra & Sandra Fernandez Lara Naylor.
The celebrations were rounded out as a team at the San Diego SBA Awards. Where they were recognized for helping facilitate the creation of over 130 businesses, helping securing $3 million in capital for entrepreneurs, and providing assistance to more than 3,000 unique clients.
Major congratulations to the San Diego & Imperial Valley’s Women’s Business Center!
