Ambassadors

Eloisa Álvarez is the owner of her family business, It’s Cleaning Time, an Austin-based “green” cleaning business that has been serving the metro area for over 20 years. The full-service cleaning company now serves more than 275 regular customers.

With her husband, Mario, in charge of finances, and other family members playing different roles, the business is truly a family affair. Eloisa hopes to give back by sharing her story with other small business owners. Eloisa says: “I have been very blessed with the business, which continues to grow, and I want to share my story as an inspirational speaker to others.” Eloisa and Mario have three children with whom they enjoy spending time as a family during their free time.

Kitty was born in Orlando and into an artistic family. Her dad was a commercial photographer and creativity was part of daily family life. She studied at SCAD, got married, moved to Austin in 2004, and had a dynamic career in non profit, fair trade retail.  Fun fact—she was born Kitty and married the Bird. Yes, that’s her real name!

Now, she’s a solopreneur, grinning and smiling as she clicks the moments away as an event photographer. Optimistic by nature, Kitty is casual, approachable and ready to laugh. Drop her into the middle of the action with her camera and she’s here for it. Connection and fun are at the heart of everything she does. The self appointed social director is always on duty. For Kitty, photography is not just a business—it’s what she loves. That sense of joy not only inspires creativity but also helps everyone around her relax and enjoy the moment as well as the event.

 Miranda Collins is the owner of ‘I Am Ready Swim,’ a commercial aquatics company servicing pools all over Austin and surrounding areas. The company offers lifeguards, pool monitors, and pool maintenance. Miranda is married to her high school sweetheart, Dajour Collins, who is now a co-owner and runs most of the pool monitors and all the pool maintenance.

They have over 40 different locations and are expanding to the San Antonio area as well. They love mentoring and helping others and currently have over 235 employees, whom they absolutely adore. During the off-season, Miranda and Dajour love to travel, attend as many football games as possible, and explore other business ventures, including their recent endeavor into commercial real estate. In the future, they would like to franchise their business and start a non-profit to help and mentor the youth.

Devon Darden is a dedicated financial professional and business owner committed to helping entrepreneurs and families build lasting financial security. With extensive experience in wealth management, Devon specializes in risk mitigation, financial planning, and business strategies that protect both personal and professional legacies.

His passion for this work stems from a very personal experience—witnessing firsthand how unexpected events can cripple someone financially. His father died suddenly at the age of 43.  What was discovered between him dying and the funeral was that there was no life insurance, except for a small policy that through his job that was just enough to cover the burial cost.  There were no savings, nothing that mom had to support a home with three kids.  She revealed later that she tried to talk to him about having enough life insurance on them both so that the family and the home would be protected. Because he didn’t take care of responsibilities, she spent the next 25 years having to work 2, sometimes 3 jobs so that she could finally pay for the home in full.   This insight drives their mission to educate small business owners on safeguarding their businesses, assets, and families from financial risk.

 Debra is a resilient entrepreneur who has built a diverse portfolio of businesses. She is the owner of Gaines Royal Transport (GRT), a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) business built on hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to improving access to healthcare. Her journey as a business owner has shaped her into both a self-motivator and a source of inspiration for others navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. Through her work, Debra is especially passionate about serving the elderly and individuals with driving disabilities, recognizing the vital role transportation plays in their ability to access medical care, attend appointments, and maintain independence.

 Ivan Garcia is the Vice President of Lending and Community Manager at SouthStar Bank, bringing 15 years of expertise in mortgage lending. He is committed to expanding SouthStar Bank’s presence in Austin’s Eastern Crescent and is passionate about creating homeownership opportunities in historically underserved communities. Ivan also serves as the Government Affairs Chair for the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) Austin Chapter and was recognized as a NAHREP Top 100 Regional Loan Officer in 2021.

Jesus is a AVP Branch Manager at Keystone Bank, where he manages the retail side for the Austin location. He is responsible for the day-to-day operation, expanding the business of the branch and small business development.

He has been working in banking for over ten years across the state of Texas. Jesus focuses on developing deep ties in the communities he works, and helping persons reach their financial goals. He has worked on a variety of entrepreneurship programs and financial literacy classes, delivering them in person and virtual platforms.

Yolis Rodríguez was born in Mexico, she is a mother of three and has been married for 31 years. She graduated from the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León with a degree in Public Relations and became a licensed Cosmetology Instructor in Texas in 2018, starting her own beauty business 19 years ago.

She currently leads a team of three and serves as an ambassador for a major haircare brand. Yolis offers free classes to over 117,000 stylists and is actively involved in non-profit organizations. Her business has been recognized by Expertise and recommended by Google.

In her free time, she enjoys exercising and hiking. Her goal is to continue educating new stylists and supporting entrepreneurs in pursuing their dreams. Her story is a testament to resilience and determination, showing that limits can be broken and fears overcome on the path to success.

Jorge Soto is a partner and owner of S&G Builds, a company dedicated to the construction and remodeling of homes in the Austin, TX area. He is married to Yesenia Soto, who is also part of the S&G team.

Jorge has over 15 years of experience in the construction field, initially acquiring his skills while working for an employer and later starting his own business in 2019 with his partner, Miguel Gonzalez. Jorge and Yesenia have two children and two dogs, and the entire family hails from the beautiful state of Guanajuato, Mexico.

Yesenia Soto is part of the S&G Builds team, a company dedicated to the construction and remodeling of homes in the Austin, TX area. She is an immigrant woman with a strong desire to succeed in the United States. She has worn many hats in her daily life as a woman, mother, entrepreneur, and wife to Mr. Jorge Soto, a partner in the company.

Her responsibilities within the company include managing and organizing the business’s finances and handling payroll. She has been residing in the Austin, TX area for several years.

Alina Tapia Romero is a Licensed Commercial Insurance Specialist Agency Owner in Austin, TX. With 15 years of experience in the insurance industry, Alina is an independent agent committed to finding you the best rate by working with multiple carriers. Her passion extends beyond making a sale; she am dedicated to educating her clients about the coverages they purchase, ensuring they understand their policies fully. At Eazy Start Insurance Agency, personalized service and informed decision-making are at the heart of what we do.

Meet Alexander Williams, the visionary Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Aura Rainwater, where sustainability and innovation converge to catalyze transformative solutions. With over a decade of industry leadership and unwavering commitment to ethical business practices, Alexander curates a team of like-minded individuals to shape a future rooted in sustainability and environmental consciousness.

As a captivating Keynote Speaker, he enlightens nationwide audiences on sustainability, hydration, environmental justice, and rainwater harvesting, leaving lasting impacts. Alexander’s advocacy for equitable access to pristine water sources and inclusive decision-making is a hallmark of his leadership. He pioneers rainwater harvesting innovation, offering unparalleled expertise.

Alexander believes Aura Rainwater represents not only a solution to water needs but the key to true body hydration. Join him in this sustainable journey!