The Regional Chamber of Commerce of San Gabriel Valley hosted the inspiring Women Leading the Way luncheon on October 16 at the Mountain Meadows Golf Course in Pomona. The event brought together business owners, community leaders, and entrepreneurs for a dynamic day of learning, networking, and empowerment.
Participants gained valuable insights into procurement, infrastructure, hospitality, logistics, and the creative industries, while also discovering how to prepare their businesses for upcoming global opportunities such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2027 Super Bowl, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and Paralympics.
Distinguished speakers included Samona Caldwell, Director of Business Connect at the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission; Dr. Tara Lynn Gray, Director of the California Office of the Small Business Advocate; Kelly Lobianco, Director of the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO); Stephanie Tom, California Deputy Treasurer; and Yesenia Pujos, Regional Development Manager at U.S. Bank.
Participants gained valuable insights into procurement, infrastructure, hospitality, logistics, and the creative industries, while also discovering how to prepare their businesses for upcoming global opportunities such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2027 Super Bowl, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and Paralympics.
Distinguished speakers included Samona Caldwell, Director of Business Connect at the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission; Dr. Tara Lynn Gray, Director of the California Office of the Small Business Advocate; Kelly Lobianco, Director of the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO); Stephanie Tom, California Deputy Treasurer; and Yesenia Pujos, Regional Development Manager at U.S. Bank.
Samona Caldwell moderated a compelling panel highlighting two notable Latina entrepreneurs: Anita G. Ron, President and Owner of BriteWorks, Inc., who started her company with two vacuums and no capital, and has grown it to serve clients across Southern California, Arizona, and New Mexico with over 120 employees; and Dora Herrera, President of Yucca’s Restaurant, a beloved Pasadena eatery known for its authentic Yucatecan flavors. Herrera shared how obtaining business certification helped Yucca’s secure catering contracts for major events, including the Rose Bowl and Super Bowl LVI.
Both entrepreneurs shared powerful testimonies of perseverance, emphasizing that success comes from hard work, continuous learning, and the ability to build networks that open doors to new possibilities.
Both entrepreneurs shared powerful testimonies of perseverance, emphasizing that success comes from hard work, continuous learning, and the ability to build networks that open doors to new possibilities.
The luncheon was made possible with the generous support of sponsors such as Imagen Group, managed by Pasadena businesswoman Angelica Urquijo, whose leadership and advocacy continue to elevate women's voices in business.
Women Leading the Way showcased the power of collaboration and equity-driven growth, reaffirming the San Gabriel Valley’s commitment to empowering diverse entrepreneurs and shaping an inclusive economic future for Southern California.
Women Leading the Way showcased the power of collaboration and equity-driven growth, reaffirming the San Gabriel Valley’s commitment to empowering diverse entrepreneurs and shaping an inclusive economic future for Southern California.
In addition to the inspiring panels, attendees visited informational tables from programs and organizations supporting small businesses, including MEHKO (Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations), U.S. Bank Metro Connect, the Office of Small Business, and LAUSD Contracting Opportunities. These resources offered guidance on legal, financial, and certification processes to help entrepreneurs grow and sustain their businesses.
Women Leading the Way celebrated inclusion, equity, and the powerful role women play in shaping the economic future of the San Gabriel Valley, one inspiring story at a time. To learn more about upcoming events and business resources on SGV Camber, visit: Regional Chamber of Commerce SGV