Meet EGBI Volunteer – Maria Hoffman

By Bego Calderon

Born in Venezuela, Maria holds a bachelor’s in architecture and a marketing certificate. As a new degree holder, she had the opportunity to work in trade shows’ booth design and production, translating into more than ten years of work in the field of trade shows and corporate image. Later, she moved to the United States and worked in higher education administration spearheading the student services department in a private university. For more than a decade she worked developing student services procedures and training with a particular concentration on students’ non-academic matters assistance, regulations compliance, campus safety, handbook revision and update, student onboarding, and major university events.

Her responsibilities as a student services administrator also provided her with an open door for community service, getting involved in organizing fundraising and awareness events to support national and local organizations, overseeing, and advising students’ clubs and associations, and mentoring the Student Government Association.

Her volunteer work led her to act as a mentor for a non-profit organization, Youth and Democracy in the Americas. Being its Mission to raise awareness regarding the situation of democracy in Latin America, it successfully progressed attaining the support of the Secretary-General of the Organization of American States Luis Almagro, several US Senators and Representatives, national and foreign student organizations, and various other non-profit organizations.

More recently, Maria has been involved in e-commerce and logistics having among her duties the translation and interpretation of meetings, training, and documents for limited English proficient team members. In her spare time, she volunteers as an assistant instructor for an early literacy for adults’ program, and as an English-Spanish translator and interpreter for non-profit organizations.

Maria shares her experience as a volunteer with EGBI.

Share a fun fact with us.

I love to swim in cold waters but not on the beach or rivers. I prefer to swim by jumping off of a boat, in the clear shallow blue waters of the open sea.

“It is an exciting opportunity to learn about EGBI’s work and mission” – Maria Hoffman

-How did you first get involved with EGBI?

I was looking for opportunities to volunteer and got involved with EGBI through Volunteer Match.

-Why do you volunteer for EGBI?

It’s an opportunity that allows me to give back to the community. On the other hand, I have the chance to put into practice my translation skills, which is something I highly enjoy.

-How has your involvement with EGBI helped you grow professionally and personally?

Professionally I believe it is an exciting opportunity to learn about EGBI’s work and mission. Personally, EGBI provides me with the rewarding feeling of being of help for a good cause.

– What was the most rewarding experience you had while volunteering for EGBI?

I’m new to EGBI, yet I appreciate the opportunity to collaborate to spread the voice about the resources available for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

– Why do you think others should volunteer or support EGBI?

Helping small businesses and entrepreneurs to succeed is very important, and volunteering with EGBI increases the opportunities to accomplish that goal.

EGBI provides training, coaching, and support to aspiring and existing business owners who face barriers to growing a successful business. If you would like to support our efforts, please visit our website https://egbi.org/donate/.

Meet EGBI Intern – Giuliana Karolina Noboa Castañeda

By Bego Calderon

I am from Ecuador and am presently pursuing a career in business administration. However, my actual love is marketing, which I am very passionate about. Originally, I planned to become a Biotechnology engineer, but I am glad that I discovered my true calling in marketing and business. Despite this change, I still have an intense interest for the realm of science.

My dream is to work on effective marketing strategies that are closely related to corporate sustainability. In my spare time, I like to go hiking and weightlifting. I also enjoy experimenting with new recipes that I see on Instagram; the more challenging, the better.

Giuliana shares her experience as an EGBI volunteer.

Share a fun fact with us.

I love creating scrapbooks with doodles and paintings, even though I’m not particularly skilled at drawing or painting. I challenge myself to improve, and occasionally, I plan out how I want it to look and then trace it from my phone. Additionally, I take pleasure in gathering mementos from outings and dates, such as tickets and tiny flowers, and incorporating them into my scrapbook.

“If you can do something for others, life brings that positivity back to you” giuliana karolina Noboa castañeda

-How did you first get involved with EGBI?

I was searching for volunteer programs near me, and EGBI looks like a promising opportunity to assist business owners. I truly appreciate their focus on the Hispanic community and the attention they give to language. This was especially meaningful to me, as I am aware of the challenges that new business owners face when they don’t speak English fluently or feel more comfortable with Spanish. Translating is a perfect way for me to contribute and provide help.

-Why do you volunteer for EGBI?

That question takes my mind back to that phrase that goes: “Nadie puede hacerlo todo, pero todos podemos hacer algo.” (Meaning: “Although no one can accomplish everything, each of us can contribute in our own way.”)


Being part of the solution and offering relief to others are fundamental aspects of community involvement. I believe EGBI offers a volunteering opportunity that helps maintain the connection between fellowship and knowledge management, as it enables people to learn from others and share their own experiences.

-How has your involvement with EGBI helped you grow professionally and personally?

Engaging in translations keeps me attuned to the demands of business owners, utilizing language that can influence rephrasing while retaining the essence to create the impactful meaning present in all the blogs. This has been a valuable learning experience. On the other hand, I have also been involved in marketing efforts recently. Observing the sharing of resources and knowledge, and exploring ways to contribute with creativity and innovation, has been a significant enrichment for me.

– What was the most rewarding experience you had while volunteering for EGBI?

Translating the interns’ blogs allows me to witness the enthusiasm and eagerness of fresh minds to contribute. The proactive approach evident in every word is truly invigorating.

– Why do you think others should volunteer or support EGBI?

If you can do something for others, life brings that positivity back to you. At EGBI, you have a wonderful reciprocal opportunity, surrounded by the perfect environment, tools, and people who are equally willing to support you.

EGBI provides training, coaching, and support to aspiring and existing business owners who face barriers to growing a successful business. If you would like to support our efforts, please visit our website https://egbi.org/donate/.

Meet EGBI Client – Patricia Correa

By Josephine Sun

Born in Mexico and raised in Escondido, California, Patricia Correa eventually moved to Texas and has lived there for 27 years. She has owned her welding business, Cornerstone Welding, for 15 years. She has always had a entrepreneur spirit – after owning several businesses in the past like a food truck, bridal store, wedding planner/decor and even e-commerce, her welding business has been her number one priority. Patricia is married to her husband, Juan Correa, and currently run the business together. She is the mother of 6 (2 boys and 4 girls). As a family, they not only work for our family business, but also have a passion for serving in God’s ministry. Together they lead a church group in Bastrop TX. Patricia says that her purpose is helping anywhere she can be of service.

Patricia shares her experience as a client at EGBI.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

My story as an immigrant was issued in a book called “The Truth in our Stories”. 

“The business knowledge EGBI provided helped me build a better structured business.” Patricia Correa

Tell us about your business.

My business offers mobile welding services. We have a shop in Bastrop where we fabricate and do custom work from fencing, railing, to structural steel. 

Website https://www.bastropweldingcompany.com/

How did you first find out about EGBI?

I found out about EGBi through a friend who is also a EGBI client.

How did EGBI help your business? What service did you benefit from?

I took all the business courses. My business was lacking the fundamentals of business management. The business knowledge EGBI provided helped me build a better structured business. It helped me understand financial accounting and EGBI also helped me set up my own Quickbooks account. I  learned about business entities which led me to create the best one for my business. This has helped me with lowering taxes. 

Why should people consider supporting an organization like EGBI?

They are very informative and the instructors are very knowledgeable and helpful. They cared for my unique needs and concerns, and helped me develop the skills necessary to be even more successful. My biggest victory is an increase of 40% gross revenue and my profit margins went up at the same level. The business coaching workshops have been incredibly valuable in helping me grow as a business woman managing my business and also helped bridge my knowledge deficit. I highly recommend EGBI to any small business owner.

EGBI provides training, coaching, and support to aspiring and existing business owners who face barriers to growing a successful business. If you would like to support our efforts, please visit our website https://egbi.org/donate/.

Meet EGBI Intern – Ava Dasari

By: Neel Kakkad

Meet Ava Dasari, a summer program intern at EGBI. Ava is very passionate about business, especially in the realm of small businesses. Ava was born in Austin, Texas, and has lived there ever since. In her free time, she likes to listen to music, spend time with her friends, and bake for her friends and family.  

Ava shares her experience at EGBI with you.

Share a fun fact with us.

I am really passionate about debate, and I’ve been debating in school for almost 4 years now. Debate allows me to express myself, while also traveling, and bonding with my teammates. 

How did you first get involved with EGBI?

I first got involved with EGBI because I wanted to get hands-on experience with the business world, and learn about consulting. After researching, I came across the city of Austin Internship program, where I was paired with EGBI as my site for this internship. 

Why do you intern for EGBI?

EGBI heavily aligns with my values as an intern. I love helping small businesses kickstart, and I love giving back to my community. I intern for EGBI because it provides me with valuable insight into the business world, while also helping me gain hands-on experience. Through my experiences at EGBI, I know I have expanded my knowledge about small businesses, but also gained skills in marketing, pricing, entrepreneurship, and graphic design. 

How has your involvement with EGBI helped you grow professionally and personally?

Professionally, EGBI has helped me by teaching me important skills about marketing, investment, and small business consulting. I have made connections within the business world, and I know these skills will last me a lifetime. Personally, EGBI has helped me by growing my communication skills. By communicating with different clients, I am able to learn how to understand many different types of people, and provide solutions to their unique problems.  

Want to get involved ? Contact us to find out how you can volunteer or donate.

Meet EGBI Intern – Neel Kakkad

By : Ava Dasari

Meet Neel Kakkad, an intern at EGBI . He’s going into his senior year in Austin, Texas. Neel was born in Boston, and moved to Austin before middle school. In his free time, he likes to watch TV, meet his friends, and go to the gym.

Neel shares his experiences at EGBI.

Share a fun fact with us.

I really enjoy playing sports, and I especially love soccer. I have been playing soccer for 13 years now and currently play for my high school’s team.

How did you first get involved with EGBI?

I first got involved with EGBI through the City of Austin’s high school internship program. EGBI’s practices and values intersected with my own and I am glad that I got placed as an intern here.

Why do you intern for EGBI?

Participating in the internship program at EGBI presents a valuable chance for me to acquire practical knowledge, enhance my professional skills, and gain real-world experience that will have a significant positive impact on my future. I have thoroughly enjoyed engaging with the diverse range of services EGBI offers to business owners, and this internship provides me with an exciting opportunity to further explore and develop my interests in this field. Through my experiences at EGBI, I not only expand my knowledge but also gain valuable insights about myself and cultivate my long-term goals.

How has your involvement with EGBI helped you grow professionally and personally?

EGBI has provided me with the opportunity to pursue my passion for business, develop skills, and also make a meaningful impact on small businesses. I have not only gained knowledge, but my involvement with EGBI has allowed me to interact with many clients and new people, developing my interpersonal skills as well.

Want to get involved ? Contact us to find out how you can volunteer or donate.

Meet EGBI Intern – Josephine Sun

By Ava Dasari

Josephine is an incoming sophomore in Central Texas. While she was born in Florida, Josephine has lived in Texas for almost her entire life and considers herself to be a seasoned Austinite (despite never having attended ACL). At school, she is the sophomore class president and participates in DECA, extemporaneous speaking, and pole vaulting. She enjoys photography, hiking, painting, and watching movies in empty theaters.

Josephine shares a little bit of her experience at EGBI.



Share a fun fact with us.
I am an avid crystal collector. Currently, my obsessions are with citrine and rainbow amethyst. My favorite thing about crystals is taking great pictures and sharing them with everyone.

How did you first get involved with EGBI?
I first became involved with EGBI through the City of Austin’s youth internship program. The program essentially matched me with an organization that aligned with my professional goals, and I was matched with this non-profit.

Why do you intern for EGBI?
My passion in business and desire to gain experience in marketing has led me to interning here for EGBI. EGBI’s mission to empower both aspiring and established small-business owners resonates with my personal philosophy and this internship allows me to make an impact on the surrounding community.

How has your involvement with EGBI helped you grow professionally and personally?
My involvement as a marketing intern has helped me grow in ways I previously could not have imagined. This experience has given me first-hand experience in the professional world and has taught me life-long skills in communication, organization, and problem-solving. I am more than grateful for this opportunity and am excited to pursue my development in business.
EGBI provides training, coaching, and support to aspiring and existing business owners who face barriers to growing a successful business.

Want to get involved ? Contact us to find out how you can volunteer or donate.