Ambassadors
Eloisa Alvarez
Cleaning Company Owner
Eloisa Alvarez is the owner of her family-owned and operated business, It’s Cleaning Time, an Austin-based “green clean” business that has been serving the metroplex for over 20 years. The full-service cleaning company now serves over 275 regular clients. With her husband, Mario, managing the finances, and more family members in different roles, business is truly a family affair. Eloisa is now hoping to pay it forward by telling her story to other small business owners. Eloisa states, “I’ve been very blessed with the business which continues to grow, and I want to share my story as an inspirational speaker for others”. Eloisa and Mario have three children whom they enjoy spending quality family time with on their time off.
Juan Carlos Barcena
Financial Advisor
Miranda Barcena
Financial Advisor
Miranda Collins
Owner of I Am Ready Swim
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.
Debra Gaines
Owner of Gaines Royal Transport
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.
Her dedication to helping these communities is at the heart of her business, where she strives to provide safe, reliable, and compassionate transportation with a royal-like touch. Through the support of EGBI, Debra has expanded her business acumen, gaining valuable insights that have fueled her passion for community service and further strengthened her resolve as a small business advocate. Debra is committed to empowering others in entrepreneurial spaces, particularly those with a shared commitment to making a positive impact on vulnerable populations.
Ivan Garcia
VP of Lending
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 Nevarez
Financial Center Manager
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
Owner of Yolis Salon
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.
Alina Tapia Romero
Owner of Eazy Start Insurance Agency
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.
Jorge Soto
Owner of S&G Builds
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
Partner of S&G Builds
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.
Alexander Williams
Sustainable Visionary
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!
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