Gain strategies, perspectives on leadership and branding tips during an inspiring afternoon of leadership, entrepreneurship and community.
Three Latina business founders — Gricelda Mata of Lindo Mexico, Nancy Quero of Guelaguetza Designs and Valentina Valdes of Sol Design — will individually share their journeys of building and growing their businesses and then expand on their experiences in an interactive panel discussion hosted by Michigan Women Forward's Marisol Garcia Linstrom followed by a live Q&A. The presentation will be in English; Spanish interpretation will be available. Questions and the Q&A will be in English and Spanish.
Thursday, September 17th, 2026, 1:00pm-4:30pm, Wyoming Branch
Gricelda Mata – Lindo Mexico
Biography - An entrepreneur of over 25 years, Gricelda Mata shares Mexican culture, food and art at her business, Lindo Mexico Restaurante Mexicano & Bar.
Presentation - “Why Not? What Did I Get Myself Into? / Finding My Why Through Growth, Challenges, and Self-Discovery"
Nancy Quero – Guelaguetza Designs
Biography - Nancy Quero founded Guelaguetza Designs in 2005 to build cultural bridges and preserve cultural traditions through the sale of handmade items from Mexico
Presentation - “Cultural Identity - What role should businesses play in preserving and strengthening cultural identity?”
Valentina Valdez-Alonso – Sol Design
Biography - Using her passion for strategic design to help brands connect with their identity, Valentina Valdes is the owner and director of strategy at Sol Design.
Presentation “The Modern Jefa Ecosystem: Redefining Success within patriarchal structures”