CHAMPIONS OF CHANGE: LATINA GDP IN ACTION
This event will explore groundbreaking research on the economic contributions of U.S. Latinas, who have added $1.3 trillion to the GDP in 2021 alone.
7:30 AM CHECK-IN/REGISTRATION BEGINS
8:00 AM
9:30 AM
NETWORKING BREAKFAST BUFFET
OPENING REMARKS & WELCOME
Raul Anaya, President of Southern Region
Business Banking - Bank of America
Julian Cañete, President & CEO - California
Hispanic Chambers of Commerce
Veronica Corona, Chairman of the Board -
California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce
9:42 AM LATINA GDP REPORT PRESENTATION
Dr. Matthew Fienup, Executive Director, Economic Research & Forecasting - California
Lutheran University
Dr. David Hayes-Bautista, Distinguished Professor & Director, UCLA Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture -
DavidGeffen School of Medicine
10:30 AM LATINA PANEL
Alexandria Bravo, SVP; Region ExecutiveOrange County Los Angeles Region
Maria Salinas, President & CEO - LA Area Chamber of Commerce
Esmeralda Hernandez, President/CEOBebella, Inc.
Carmen Palafox, Managing Partner - 2045
Ventures
11:15 AM
CLOSING REMARKS
PANELIST & SPEAKER BIOS
Dr. Matthew Fienup
Executive Director, Economic Research & Forecasting
California Lutheran University
Matthew is the Executive Director of the Center for Economic Research and Forecasting (CERF) at California Lutheran University. He is also Associate Professor of Economics in the school’s Master of Quantitative Economics program. Matthew is an applied economist who specializes in econometrics, economic policy analysis, land use, and environmental markets Matthew is a member of the Wall Street Journal Economic Forecasting Survey He was the recipient of 2019, 2020 and 2021 Crystal Ball Awards for the Zillow Home Price Expectations Survey (formerly the Case-Schiller Home Price Survey) CERF’s U S home price forecast received multiple top-3 rankings among more than 100 forecasts included in the survey
Since its inception in 2014, Matthew has been integral to the design and implementation of the Fox Canyon Water Market, the first groundwater market to be implemented in California under SGMA Matthew led grassroots outreach among growers before being chosen to chair the Fox Canyon Water Market Group, a formal stakeholder group chartered by the Fox Canyon Groundwater Management Agency (FCGMA) to design the rules, structures, and operating mechanisms for a water market to be implemented under the basins’ Groundwater Sustainability Plans Matthew was subsequently chosen by FCGMA to serve as exchange administrator for the Fox Canyon Water Market, a role that he has reprised for the past 5 years
Matthew returned to school to pursue his PhD after running a small business in Ventura County for more than a decade. His other specialties include California Natural History, technical rock climbing and photography Matthew graduated summa cum laude from the Brooks Institute of Photography and has spent more than 15 years working as a professional climbing guide
Matthew completed his doctorate in environmental economics at the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management at UC Santa Barbara
Dr. David Hayes Bautista
Distinguished Professor & Director, UCLA Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture David Geffen School of Medicine
Dr David Hayes-Bautista is a professor of medicine and director of the Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture at the School of Medicine, UCLA. Hayes-Bautista’s research focuses on the health dynamics of the Latino population using quantitative data sets and qualitative observations. The Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture combines these research interests with teaching medical students, residents, and practicing providers how to manage the care of a Latino patient base efficiently and economically His publications appear in Family Medicine, the American Journal of Public Health, Family Practice, Medical Care and Salud Pública de México Dr Hayes-Bautista’s academic research appears in a variety of journals, including Family Medicine, American Journal of Public Health, and Salud Pública de México. For LPPI, Dr. Hayes-Bautista has done significant work on
the Latino Physician Crisis in California. His published books include: The Burden of Support: Young Latinos in an Aging Society (Stanford University Press, 1988), El Cinco de Mayo: An American Tradition (University of California Press, 2012), and La Nueva California: Latinos from Pioneers to Post Millennials (University of California Press, 2017) Dr Hayes-Bautista also writes columns for the Los Angeles Times and La Opinión, and provides Spanish and English opinion pieces for radio and television
For the past five years, he has been chosen one of the 101 Top Leaders of the Latino Community in the U S by Latino Leaders Magazine In 2012, he received the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Herbert W Nickens Award for his lifelong work on the educational, societal, and health care needs of underrepresented groups; and also the Ohtli Award from the Mexican Government in 2016. He graduated from UC Berkeley and completed his M.A. and Ph.D. in medical sociology at the University of California Medical Center, San Francisco.
Julian Canete President & CEO
California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce
Julian Cañete serves as the President and CEO of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce Through its network of over 120 Hispanic chambers and business associations, the CHCC is a leading voice on issues impacting business in California The mission of the CHCC is to foster economic growth, creating and sustaining prosperity benefiting California’s economy and communities. Julian previously served as the Director of Public Policy and Strategic Partnerships for the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce and as President and CEO of CHCC from 1999 – 2006 and again from 2009-2012
He is currently a member of the California Department of General Services Small Business Advisory Board, Californians for Affordable & Reliable Energy (CARE), CalTrans Small Business Council, CA Secretary of State Voters’ Choice Act Task Force, the SBDC Northern CA Network Advisory Board, T-Mobile California External Diversity Sub-Council, and the CalVet Foundation
Alex
Bravo SVP; Region Executive
Orange County Los Angeles Region
Alex is the Consumer Bank Region Executive for the Orange County Los Angeles Region In this role she leads 10 Market Leaders across 150 Financial Centers Through the financial centers, Alex and her team are responsible for delivering a consistent quality client experience, manage risk, drive responsible growth, and develop talent.
She began her career with Bank of America in 2013 as a Consumer Market Manager in the Central Orange County Market In 2015, Alex became the Region Performance Manager for the OCLA Region She has served in various regions across the Southwest including South Bay, LA Westside, LA Metro San Gabriel, Inland Empire and the Los Angeles Inland Empire Alex also served as the CA Division Digital Champion responsible for evolving the high tech and high touch culture across the channel
Active in her community, Alex has served as the LEAD for Women Orange County Chapter Co-Chair, Team Captain for Susan G Komen, Team Captain for Autism Speaks, Orange County Network, and is currently the Executive Sponsor for Southern California DAN She is also a member of the Multicultural Women’s Leadership Program, California Women’s Leadership Program, LA Protégé Leadership Program, has earned the President’s Volunteer Service Award for multiple years in a row and recognized with Gold Membership into the Association of Latino Professionals for America She is a two time Valiant Award Winner and was awarded the national Diversity and Inclusion Award for her dedication and service to others
Alex holds her Bachelors of Science Degree in Finance, Real Estate and Law from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, a Masters of Business Administration from University of Phoenix, a Masters of Banking from the University of Washington at Pacific Coast Banking School and recently graduated from University of Southern California for her Doctorate Degree in Education, focused on Organizational Change and Leadership
Alex was born and raised in Southern California and resides in Orange County with her husband Danny and two sons, Daniel and Dylan Bravo In her spare time, Alex enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and making a difference in her community through advocacy and volunteer efforts
Maria
S. Salinas President & CEO
Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
Maria S Salinas is the President and CEO of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, the largest business association in Los Angeles County representing member companies and serving the interests of more than 235,000 businesses across the Los Angeles region Ms Salinas took the helm of the organization in August of 2018 and became the first woman and Latina to lead the Chamber in its 136-year history An accomplished businesswoman, entrepreneur, and a determined community leader, Ms Salinas’ business acumen and financial expertise provide her with the right experience to lead the L A Area Chamber
Ms Salinas, a steward of the Chamber’s new vision, “A Thriving Region for All,” has re-imagined the role of the Chamber The Chamber looks to the future with a vision to build an inclusive economy and lead in three pillar areas of focus: advocacy work, global engagement, and through community collaboration for economic growth and mobility. The Los Angeles region, which is the 14th largest economy in the world, and the Chamber membership represents a broad spectrum of industries, small businesses, corporations, academic institutions, and nonprofits, which are all examples that the Los Angeles economy is diverse, dynamic and that business is a force for good Ms Salinas was an appointee to Governor Gavin Newsom’s Commission on the Future of Work and named to his Business and Jobs Recovery Task Force during the COVID-19 pandemic
She was appointed to the US Chamber of Commerce’s Committee of 100, a distinction reserved for the top 100 Chambers across the country. She represents the Los Angeles business community in state-wide policy initiatives with the Coalition of Regional Economic Association Leaders (R E A L ), she is a member of the Board of Directors of Mobility 21, a regional transportation effort, and an appointee of Mayor Karen Bass to the Small Business Cabinet She serves on the Board of Directors of The Music Center and Pacific Council for International Policy, among others
Carmen Palafox Managing Partner 2045 Ventures
As the Founding Partner at 2045 Ventures, an early stage venture capital firm based in Los Angeles, Carmen boasts an extensive track record of driving success across industries, including climate tech, fintech, health tech, and consumer technology sectors.
Her strategic investment approach and deep industry expertise have earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as a Rising Star in VC by the NVCA, 11 investors to watch in the VC industry by Venture Forward, and a feature as one of LA’s Powerful Women by LA Magazine
Prior to venture capital, Carmen was Vice President at Dimensional Fund Advisors, where she scaled investment operations globally Carmen graduated from USC with a B A in Economics, USF with a Masters in Sports Management, and UC Berkely-Haas with an MBA
Esmeralda Hernandez Founder/CEO Beauty Creations
Esmeralda Hernandez is one of the beauty industry’s best-kept secrets As the Founder and CEO of cosmetic brand, Beauty Creations, Esmeralda is a determined entrepreneur who turned a childhood hobby into a multimillion-dollar beauty empire Born in Mexico, Esmeralda moved to the United States with her single mother at a young age At just nine years old, she displayed her natural business acumen by buying used Barbie dolls from yard sales and reselling them at local swap meets, consistently selling out every weekend. This early experience taught her the foundations of a successful business.
As she grew older, Esmeralda expanded her entrepreneurial ventures to include selling hair straighteners The demand for her products skyrocketed, prompting her to take her business to the next level. She began purchasing wholesale and eventually established manufacturing connections in China. This journey into manufacturing opened her eyes to the beauty industry, recognizing an opportunity to provide high-quality beauty products at affordable prices
Embracing her passion for beauty, Esmeralda first founded BeBella Cosmetics, and then later started her second sister brand Beauty Creations Cosmetics The transition from BeBella to Beauty Creations marked a strategic move to further align the brand with its mission of creating innovative and accessible beauty products. With Esmeralda at the helm as the Founder and CEO, supported by brother Miguel as CFO and sister Ruby as head of product development and an exceptional team, the brand flourished. Esmeralda’s mother has always held high expectations for her daughter's success Despite facing an unexpected pregnancy during her college-bound journey, Esmeralda's determination remained unwavering Instead of pursuing higher education, she channeled her energy and business acumen into the beauty industry
Since its establishment in 2016, Beauty Creations has rapidly become a leading player in the beauty industry, generating a remarkable $40 million in sales volume. The brand's success can be attributed to its offering of affordable luxury cosmetics that have captured the hearts of consumers worldwide. With a robust global distribution network spanning 38 countries, Beauty Creations has a strong presence in markets such as the United States, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Middle East The brand is currently working on expanding its reach into Europe, with plans for further distribution
The brand's roots have always been firmly planted in Southern California, particularly in Pico Rivera, just east of Los Angeles In June 2023, Beauty Creations purchased a new 92,000 square-foot facility in Santa Fe Springs, California. This new headquarters will house the corporate office, product test labs, and a state-of-the-art distribution facility Notably, Beauty Creations acquired cutting-edge technology earlier this year, enabling them to bring the manufacturing of their Flawless Stay collection in-house This collection, comprising primer, concealer, and foundation, offers a flawlessly radiant and velvety complexion in a wide range of shades to suit every skin tone
In addition to their online presence, Beauty Creations has opened two retail stores in Southern California, with one in Cerritos Mall (opened in 2021) and the other in Del Amo Mall (opened in 2022). These stores serve as immersive spaces for customers to experience the brand's makeup firsthand, allowing them to appreciate the quality and test the products before making a purchase Looking ahead, Beauty Creations plans to open more stores throughout the United States, starting with Texas in the first quarter of 2024
Beauty Creations' lip oils and Flawless Stay collection are among their best-selling products The lip products have gained significant popularity and have even become the number one selling beauty item at Urban Outfitters This success can be attributed not only to Esmeralda's visionary leadership but also to the dedication and expertise of the team she has assembled.
P R E S E N T E D B Y
