The City of Albuquerque Economic
Development Department, which is focused on
closing local racial and gender gaps to ensure both
economic and job growth, recently opened the
Albuquerque Minority Development Center in a
culturally-rich Latino neighborhood to help business
owners of color thrive.
“Latina entrepreneurs in New Mexico comprise
a significant portion of our ‘lifeline industries’ (such
as early childhood education, care, health care and
social assistance),” says Synthia Jaramillo, the
Director of Economic Development in Albuquerque
City. “Our state is grateful for them, and my
department is doing all we can to support them
through small business grants, personal protection
equipment, and a host of resources and services
available in their preferred language.”
The IRS’ Small Business and Self-Employed
Tax Center ensures business owners are tax
compliant.
“All too often, small business owners know
their own business and are very passionate and
invested in that business,” says IRS Senior
Stakeholder Liaison Lelah Martinez. “However, if
they overlook the tax management of the business
they often get caught off guard during tax season.”
Resources aside, Latina business owners’
drive is at the core of their success.
“We don’t give up, pandemic or not,” says
Martha Carpenter, CEO and Owner of Pasando
Tiempo Winery and Tasting Room. “We think of
other ways to keep our businesses going. Many
entrepreneurs have applied for the Economic Injury
Disaster Loan, and this has helped many small
business owners keep their doors open. This
pandemic will only make us stronger as business
women.”
Shannon Jaquez, Vice President of
Albuquerque Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, says
Latinas are making their mark in the space
industry and encouraging young women in STEM.
“We Hispanics love and live our culture, and
grew up learning from our moms and abuelitas,”
Jaquez says. “We love to cook. It centers us around
family so we see an increase in the food and
beverage industry. We also love to look our best so
we see spas, salons, retail boutiques popping up.
Doing what we love means we never work a day in
our lives.”
Krista M. Martinez, President of the National
Association of Women Business Owners and Krista
M. Consulting, says Latinas have historically been
creative and innovative---both traits that are
helping them succeed.
“We find a way. Whether it’s using duct tape or
whatever (joking) to make it happen with what you
have. Then you reach out to your family, your friends
and colleagues who are there as mentors,”
Martinez says. She says mentors like Tina
Cordova know Latinas “are in it together” and
enthusiastically share their wisdom with others.
Patricia Lee Chavez, Owner and President of
PLC Enterprises in Albuquerque, says Latinas
continue to “blaze those open space trails which we
are so adept in crossing.”
Latinas learned to utilize technology and build
networks to their professional advantage in 2020.
“Latina entrepreneurs punch through that
adobe ceiling reaching past those individuals who
would have us stay in our lanes while becoming
creative in advancing our businesses in these virtual
times,” Chavez says. LS
Want to comment or have any
questions on this article? Email us
at info@latinastyle.com
Shannon Jaquez, Vice President,
Albuquerque Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce.
Martha Carpenter, CEO and Owner,
Pasando Tiempo Winery and Tasting
Room.
Krista M. Martinez, President, the
National Association of Women Business
Owners.
Patricia Lee Chavez, Owner and
President, PLC Enterprises in
Albuquerque.
30 www.latinastyle.com LATINAStyle V ol. 26, No. 5, 2020
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