January 2011Volume 4 – Issue 1

2024 N. Broadway, Suite 100, Santa Ana, CA 92706 - 714-836-4042

Join Us!

Recognizing a legacy of work in Orange County By Lilian de la Torre

A proud Fernando Niebla shared with the audience his experience during his childhood with the Boy Scouts. "I asked my wife Olga what I should say in my acceptance speech and she gave me a paper bag that my mother gave her, in it were things from my scout years as a child,“ Niebla said after receiving the Visionary Award 2010 presented by the Orange County Council, Boy Scouts of America.

Born in Nogales, this renowned entrepreneur, former NASA scientist and Orange County philanthropist received the annual award at the 10th Annual Event held on December 9 at the Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center. Before a crowd of supporters Mr. Niebla encouraged all to contribute to the Boy Scouts and into the future of Orange County's youth.

"As a board member of the NHBWA, we thought it was important to be present at the event not only to show support for Mr Niebla's legacy of work, but also to share this important day with Olga Niebla, our advisory board member," Teresa Mercado-Cota, Immediate Past President NHBWA, said.

"It is with great pleasure that I present this award to my friend Fernando Niebla, an avid entrepreneur and a great visionary," Dr. Arturo Lomeli, Community Leader, said.

The event was made possible by the following sponsors: Raquel and Arturo Lomeli, Southern California Edison, California State Fullerton and TECMA, an organization that promotes relationships and activities among the members of Mexican Talent Network in order to develop productive projects involving science and technology that result in profitable businesses between Mexico and Orange County, California.

Honoree Fernando Niebla surrounded by family, friends and precious grandchildren.

Upcoming Events

NHBWA News Brief Page 2

Event Location Date/Time

Federal/State Basic Payroll Tax Seminarwww.ocsbdc.com

Rancho Santiago Community College District 2323 N. Broadway, Room 340

Santa Ana, CA 92706

January 18, 20119:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Government Sales 101 – Winning State and Federal Contractswww.ocsbdc.com

Rancho Santiago Community College District 2323 N. Broadway, Room 107

Santa Ana, CA 92706

January 19, 20119 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Essential Steps to Starting a Successful Businesswww.ocsbdc.com

Rancho Santiago Community College District 2323 N. Broadway, Room 107

Santa Ana, CA 92706

January 27, 20116 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Doing Business With the State of Californiawww.ocsbdc.com

Rancho Santiago Community College District 2323 N. Broadway, Room 107

Santa Ana, CA 92706

February 3, 20114 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

11th Annual Awards and Scholarship Galawww.nationalhbwa.com

Doubletree Hotel201 East MacArthur Blvd.

Santa Ana, CA 92707

May 19, 20116:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Happy New Year

To All Our Valued Sponsors and Supporters!

Did you know?

NHBWA News Brief Page 3

Pageant of the Trees 2010

The National Hispanic Business Women Association (NHBWA) partnered with Santa Ana College (SAC) to support the Eighth Annual Pageant of the Trees on December 7, 2010. The premier sponsor and host was First American Corporation. This special holiday celebration gathers distinguished community leaders to support innovative student programs and scholarships. In the spirit of giving, guests bid on spectacular custom-designed trees, delightful silent auction baskets, and fabulous sports events and getaways. Guests were inspired by student testimonials that reminded all present of the true meaning of Christmas. Santa Ana College President and 2010 NHBWA Woman of the Year Dr. Erlinda Martinez extended appreciation to all for making a difference and generously donating to ensure that deserving students in need receive the gift of a college education.

A division of Computer Gal LLC, serving Southern California and Central Texas

The SBA tells us that getting back to business after a disaster depends on preparedness planning done today. Small business owners invest a tremendous amount of time, money and resources to make their ventures successful, and yet, while the importance of emergency planning may seem self-evident, it may get put on the back-burner in the face of more immediate concerns. For small business owners, being prepared can mean staying in business following a disaster. An estimated 25 percent of businesses do not reopen following a major disaster, according to the Institute for Business and Home Safety.

The materials and resources on the SBA Web site can help small businesses make plans to recover from financial losses and business interruption and to protect their employees, the community and the environment

For more information visit,

www.sba.gov

Prepare Your Business for Natural Disasters

and Emergencies in 10 minutes or less!

FACT: One in four businesses do not re-open following a major disaster, according to the Institute for Business and Home Safety. Don't let a disaster mean the total loss of your priceless business data. We can minimize data loss due to theft, fire, and other unpredictable disasters. . Questions? Write to sales@a-ztechs.us

Beautiful tree designed by volunteer Geni Lusk with collaboration and gift certificates from NHBWA board members.

“Cheers to a New Year and another chance for us to get it right.“ – Oprah Winfrey

Executive Board Monica Estrada-Nuñez Ruth Ko Norma ParrazYobany Banks-McKay Sylvia Lopez-Navarro Maria de Lourdes Sobrino Isabelle VillaseñorBelinda de la Libertad Sahara Navarro Ophelia McNeill Part-time/Seasonal StaffElizabeth Arteaga Diane Medina Francisco De AndaPatty Homo Honorary Board Members Sofía Negron-Linn Carmen CastroTeresa Mercado-Cota Marie Moreno Olga NieblaBoard of Directors Cecilia Novella Emma Ramirez-Hightower ConsultantVeronica Alva-Roman Advisory Board Teresa Saldivar Pat DanelErika De La Teja Rossina Gallegos Lydia Salvetta EditorLilian De La Torre-Jimenez Francisca Gonzales Baxa Adriana Spitzer Patty Homo

NHBWA News Brief Page 4

Member Corner

Scholarship Highlight

Flying High to Achieve Her Dreams By Francisco De Anda

Salvador Valdes, a 2008 NHBWA scholarship recipient, has had it tough considering that she was not given the financial means or support from her parents due to various internal problems within the family. Salvador sadly expressed, “I have had to do everything by myself.” Nonetheless, she is doing very well since recently transferring from Cabrillo College to the University of California, Los Angeles where she is an Aerospace Engineering major. In addition, she is currently employed with General Electric Aviations. Ultimately, she hopes and plans to establish her own manufacturing plant. She is also a member of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society. Salvador’s professional and personal endeavors include, striving to obtain pilot and motorcycle licenses. She is extremely grateful for the financial support NHBWA was able to provide to her in 2008. She expressed that she was struck about receiving the scholarship and prestigious recognition all together. The scholarship she received helped offset her living and book expenses.We have no doubt Salvador’s drive and perseverance will lead her to achieve her dreams.

Belinda de la Libertad, Founder and CEO of A-Z TECHS By Teresa Mercado-Cota

Belinda has been programming and managing computer systems for over twentyyears. In that time, her roles have included software developer, network consultant, technology coordinator, database manager, and systems analyst with private firms, public agencies, and non-profit organizations. She has provided professional computing services to IBM, MIT, UT Austin, U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the City of Anaheim. In 2001, Belinda founded her own consulting firm in Santa Ana, California. A-Z TECHS (www.a-ztechs.us) is a technology consulting firm that provides clients with computer-based solutions for day-to-day business needs. Services include industrial offsite data backup, small office hardware and network support, and web site design and construction. In her local community, Belinda has taught computer business skills for the Rancho Santiago Community College District, and together with her husband, she founded the De La Libertad ScholarshipFund. She is a member of the North Orange County Computer Club, the MIT Southern California Alumni Club, and she has served on the Board of Directors for the Orange Coast YMCA. Belinda holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin. She is also a certified Public Speaker by Toastmasters International. Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Belinda now lives and works in Santa Ana, California with her husband Armando and daughter Angelica.