Sahith Yamani is an Intern at EGBI in Austin. He has lived his whole life in Austin and is a rising senior. His many career interests so far are finances, data analysis, or business. He likes to spend his free time swimming, gaming, or going out with friends.
Share a fun fact about yourself
I really enjoy playing games with my friends, it doesn’t matter if it’s a video game or a sport, all things are fun. I also swim for my high school varsity swim team with my friends.
Why did you get involved with EGBI?
I first got involved with EGBI through the City of Austin’s high school internship program. EGBI’s mission and values perfectly aligned with my own interests.
How does EGBI align with your personal and professional goals?
EGBI aligns with my goals such as wanting to learn through real life experiences and learn more about contributing to community prosperity. Participating in EGBI’s programs allow me to enhance my knowledge and skills in data analysing, business development, and communication skills.
How would you describe your experience with EGBI?
My experience at EGBI is something I call fulfilling. It is so much more different than I would have thought it to be and it’s different in a good way. From the outset, the onboarding process was seamless, and the team was welcoming and supportive. Participating in EGBI’s workshops on business planning, financial management, and marketing strategies greatly enhanced my entrepreneurial skills. The mentorship program provided invaluable guidance, helping me navigate challenges and boosting my confidence.
How have you grown since the beginning of your internship?
Since the beginning of my internship, I have experienced substantial growth both personally and professionally. I’ve enhanced my technical skills in Salesforce, improved my project management abilities, and become more confident in my decision-making. My adaptability has increased as I’ve navigated various challenges and my problem-solving abilities have been sharpened by tackling complex tasks and projects.
When anyone first meets Kiki Roman, they can’t help but notice her positive energy with a wonderful vibe of love. When Kiki talks about her work she does it passionately and with a lot of care. Kiki has a hair salon that specializes in color named “Kiki Roman Hair Designer”. She expresses herself through her work by always looking at what people want and how to match her clients’ personality with their skin and energy.
She got started almost 15 years ago in her business and has lived in Austin for almost 30 years now. Kiki was born in a part of Mexico named Chihuahua and moved to Austin. She got into coloring hair because of her passion for hair as well as colors. Since she was little she always loved hair, yet she never imagined herself being a hairstylist. As a mother of two kids she was kept busy, but when they entered high-school they learned how to drive. This led Kiki to be able to have a lot of free time and that’s when she decided to go to beauty school. Then there was image design that fueled her passion . She is creative with color, but now she is dedicated to giving advice to her clients about what will suit them with their skin color and what colors suit them best. The socials you can best reach her in is by Facebook, Instagram, or Linked. On face-book she is known as “Kiki Roman Hair Designer” (https://www.facebook.com/kikiroman/), on Instagram she is known as “@kikiroman”(https://www.instagram.com/kikiroman/), and on linked she is known as “Kiki Márquez Roman” (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiki-m%C3%A1rquez-roman-667478144/).
Here are some details of my conversation with Kiki-
What persuaded you to start your business? Well I love hair and to play with it. I like to mix things around but overall I just love hair.
How did you find EGBI? And what do you like about them? I found them on social media, specifically Facebook. They helped me create my business and they help others start the business they want.
What do you do with your community at your salon? I love to listen to my clients; because sometimes you don’t know what is going on in their personal life. When I talk to my clients I hope to make their day better. I like to have a conversation so that they can feel welcomed and let me know what they want to do with their hair. I am also a talkative person and I like to be active so it helps me not get stressed. I love to give them what they want and to leave with a happy face.
What do you like to do during your free time? The thing I love to do during my free time is mostly yoga. I love to read, too.
How has EGBI helped your business? EGBI has helped me understand how great social networks are. They also taught me that I have to stay in contact with my clients through messages or emails, and reminding them that I am at their service whenever they need me, which is a great way to network.
How have you been involved with EGBI? I am very happy to belong to this organization as I volunteer where I have an opportunity to help, but I also learn a lot from being surrounded by excellent people and leaders. I am also very happy to be a volunteer to this great organization of leaders who teach and motivate people to own their own business.
What would you say to other business owners needing help for their business? To any business owners who have questions, I recommend that they approach an EGBI coach. They are all very good people.
If you need help with your business, please connect with EGBI. For more information on our business coaching services, please click on this link https://egbi.org/coach/ . Our team also offers help in Spanish to those who need it.
Ivan Garcia is the Vice President of Lending and Community Manager at SouthStar Bank, with 15 years of mortgage experience. In his role, Ivan focuses on expanding SouthStar Bank’s presence along Austin’s Eastern Crescent. Moreover, Ivan prides himself on being able to provide opportunities for home ownership in historically underserved communities. He is also the Government Affairs Chair for the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals Austin Chapter and was named a NAHREP Top 100 Regional Loan Officer in 2021.
What is a fun fact about you?
I am a foster parent.
How has working at EGBI benefited you professionally and personally?
Working with EGBI has helped me better understand clients. Being able to hear their stories and what their business plans are makes me a better banker. It helps me gain insight on how I can better help my clients.
What motivated you to become involved with EGBI, and how has your role evolved over time since you started volunteering?
I love seeing how excited and passionate new entrepreneurs are about their business. I am motivated by the resourcefulness and resiliency of EGBI clients.
What personally resonates with you about EGBI’s mission and work?
I see my dad in EGBI entrepreneurs. My dad worked so hard at his job and still did side jobs to earn extra money. I see how some EGBI entrepreneurs are taking the next step in turning their side jobs into a full business. EGBI empowers people to make a way for themselves in this economy and equips them to prosper.
In what ways have you utilized your experiences and knowledge base to enhance the learning experiences of participants in your role as an instructor at EGBI?
I have been in the mortgage business for 15 years and have helped so many first time homeowners go from unsure to confident buyers by planning and education. Using this experience of planning and education helps me as I engage participants in the workshops.
What would you say to someone considering volunteering with EGBI?
Do you love that rewarding feeling? Invest time in EGBI entrepreneurs!
What was the most rewarding experience you’ve had in your role as an instructor for EGBI?
Inviting coworkers to volunteer for the Marketing Research night and seeing the joy they had engaging with participants.
Pamela Chow, a Houston-based entrepreneur-in-training with roots in Tampico, Mexico, is currently pursuing a double major in Business Honors and Finance at the University of Texas at Austin. Inspired by her family’s entrepreneurial legacy, Pamela is actively involved in The Undergraduate Real Estate Society and the Hispanic Finance Association as she works towards her dream of launching a Real Estate company with her two sisters. Outside of her studies, Pamela finds joy in sports, photography, and adventure. As a volunteer at EGBI, Pamela channels her passion for community engagement by making a meaningful impact through her contributions to events and blog writing.
Pamela Chow shares her experience as a volunteer with EGBI.
What is a fun fact about you?
I have an identical twin sister.
How has working at EGBI benefited you professionally and personally?
As a student at UT Austin, EGBI has helped me keep in touch with the world outside of the classroom. Since I am studying business, volunteering at EGBI has helped me learn from business owners in Austin and learn from their unique experiences in starting a business. It has helped me see the reality of entrepreneurship and learn that all you need is an idea and some support to be successful. Also, I have grown as a public speaker by being part of the Toastmasters club on Wednesdays where I learn the critical skill of public speaking alongside business owners in Austin.
What motivated you to volunteer with EGBI?
One of my older friends volunteered here during her time in college and recommended me to volunteer. She told me it was a great way to gain experience while helping my community.
Are there specific aspects of your volunteer work with EGBI that you find particularly rewarding, and why?
One of the most rewarding work I have done is being able to meet some successful business owners to see how they have succeeded. I find it incredible to find out how they took a leap of faith and with the help of EGBI were able to grow their businesses and succeed.
What personally resonates with you about EGBI’s mission and work?
EGBI prides itself in removing barriers and I personally resonate with this because I find it so important to help those in our community that English isn’t their first language. Coming from Mexico myself, I see how difficult it is to communicate your ideas and message if you can’t speak the country’s native language. EGBI helps remove that barrier by connecting entrepreneurs with workshops and people that speak Spanish are willing to support their growth.
What would you say to someone considering volunteering with EGBI?
The people that work here are amazing and truly care about the work they do. Also, helping small businesses in your community is truly rewarding, and seeing them succeed makes you feel incredible!
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/ or email hello@egbi.org to discuss volunteer opportunities.
Carlos Nazario, CPA, JD, is more than just a seasoned business and tax consultant – he’s a catalyst for entrepreneurial success. With over 20 years of experience, Carlos has dedicated his career to helping businesses thrive, from small mom-and-pop shops to Fortune 500 companies. Additionally, his dual expertise in finance and law equips him with a unique perspective, which allows him to offer comprehensive insights to his clients.
Now, beyond his professional endeavors, Carlos is deeply committed to giving back to the community. As a volunteer instructor at EGBI he leverages his expertise to empower aspiring entrepreneurs. “I feel a need to give back to our community,” Carlos explains, highlighting his dedication to making a difference in the lives of others.
At EGBI, Carlos integrates real-world accounting experiences into his instructional approach, enriching the learning experience for participants. Drawing from his extensive background, he shares common pitfalls and practical insights, equipping entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed.
Moreover, working at EGBI has not only benefited Carlos professionally but also personally. “It helps keep me updated on current trends and needs of entrepreneurs, and I have added new friends,” he reflects. This dual impact underscores the symbiotic relationship between Carlos and EGBI, where both parties grow and thrive together.
Furthermore, Carlos’s journey with EGBI resonates deeply with the organization’s mission. “The barriers to growing a successful business are real, also the needed help to overcome them,” he acknowledges. Through his work, Carlos actively contributes to dismantling these barriers, paving the way for aspiring entrepreneurs to realize their dreams.
When asked to reflect on his most rewarding experiences as an instructor, Carlos shares “It has been great to see an idea become a profitable business which serves our community.”. These moments of success fuel Carlos’s passion for his role at EGBI, reinforcing his commitment to empowering entrepreneurs on their journey to success.
Lastly, to those considering volunteering or working with EGBI, Carlos offers a compelling testament to the organization’s transformative potential. “You will be amazed by how much you can positively impact the lives of the students,” he affirms. These words by him echo the sentiment shared by many who have been touched by EGBI’s mission and work.
Carlos Nazario is one of the many volunteers who embody the EGBI’s mission. Through his contributions, he exemplifies the profound impact that mentorship and support can have on aspiring business owners.
Begoña Calderón Lozano, originally from Cádiz, Spain, graduated in Journalism from the University of Seville just two months ago and also embarked on a course called MasterClass at the School of Reporters of Andalusia in Seville. When she’s not immersed in the world of news, she shows her passion for volleyball and fashion and even takes thrilling motorcycle rides through the Sierra de Cádiz with her father. She’s no stranger to adrenaline, having parachuted from an airplane at an astounding 4,600 meters high. Her journey to EGBI in Austin began as a result of an online volunteer search, and since then, she has been enjoying the satisfaction of helping others while expanding her professional and personal horizons. The most exciting experience for her so far has been recording a podcast, something she will surely remember forever.
Share a fun fact with us:
A fun fact about me is that I enjoy extreme sports. A year ago, I parachuted from an airplane at 4,600 meters high. I also consider myself a very adventurous person, always eager to explore new things.
How did you first get involved with EGBI? I’ve only been in Austin for 2 months, and I found EGBI on a volunteer website. My first contact with EGBI was at an event, and I felt so comfortable that I didn’t hesitate to help them for these 2 months.
Why are you a volunteer for EGBI? Helping people is a very satisfying feeling. It’s a way to make yourself happy because you’re helping others, and others are helping you. You grow as a person and create a unique experience. I’ve met wonderful people.
How has your collaboration with EGBI helped you grow professionally and personally? I couldn’t have chosen a better volunteer opportunity with EGBI. In terms of professional growth, I’ve been doing translations and writing for the blog, which has helped me learn new vocabulary in English. I’ve had the opportunity to host the La Incubadora Podcast and conduct interviews in both Spanish and English. Personally, I’ve been able to grow as a person, face new situations, and that has made me mature in other ways.
What was the most rewarding experience you had while working as a volunteer at EGBI? The opportunity to record the podcast has been the most fulfilling experience. I am immensely grateful to EGBI for having me and giving me this opportunity that I will never forget. I couldn’t be happier with this experience.
Why do you think others should volunteer or support EGBI? Being a volunteer for EGBI is a way to help others. You grow as a person, and it’s beautiful to see how EGBI gets involved with you to make you feel comfortable. I thank them for everything; they are wonderful people, and in no time, they made me feel at home.
