By Diana Garcia

Meet Marieli Cestari Flores, an amazing volunteer and EGBI supporter. Originally, from Venezuela, Marieli moved to the US in 2000 and has been living here ever since. In 1999, Marieli graduated as an Industrial Engineer, and in 2005, she decided to become a Farmers Insurance Agent and develop her career in the insurance and financial services industries. In 2013, Marieli passion of advocating for others and helping entrepreneurs achieve their dream, led her to complete the Minority Business Executive program from Washingon University, Foster School of Business. In 2014, she got certified as the Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow designation “LUTCF” with the American College Institute, and recently- in 2018- complete the certification for the Hispanic Austin Leadership Program (HAL). Marieli volunteers at local Texas non-profits as a mentor and speaker. Marieli’s vision is to provide advice and lead the insurance market based on experience, trust, respect, values, and commitment to encouraging the peace of mind. She pursues her dreams and goals through hard work and attitude.

Marieli shares her experience as a volunteer and supporter of EGBI and how you can get involved too.

Hi Marieli! To get started, would you mind telling us another fun fact about yourself? I love dancing and listening to classical music. I enjoy watching movies, doing sports and outdoors activities with my two beautiful children and husband as well as having friends over for entertainment. 

What does being a volunteer and giving back to a community mean to you? Volunteering and giving back to my community means giving back the knowledge that can help others that are just getting started. I would not have done it without having mentors in my life, so I feel that I should also pass it along to others.

“You should support EGBI because they are helping small business that in turn help grow our community.” – Marieli Cestari Flores

Why is it important to volunteer and donate to EGBI? What do you wish everyone knew about EGBI?
EGBI is a great organization. They provide the tools and resources to aspiring and established small business owners. EGBI helps minorities and vulnerable entrepreneurs, that in most cases face the same challenges, so it’s a little easier when you have a community to help you. By volunteering and/or donating at EGBI you can directly impact the local economy and increase local small business opportunity.

Do you have a favorite volunteer experience?
Volunteering at EGBI’s classes and being able to see individuals “aha” moments.

What would you say to someone thinking of volunteering or donating to EGBI?
Volunteering and donating is a great opportunity to give back to the community.  Doing either or both to EGBI helps out the local economy by helping entrepreneurs build their businesses.

In 2020, EGBI volunteers put in more than 130 hours to help EGBI support and serve over 400 small businesses. Volunteers like Marieli make this possible and continue to help EGBI pursue their mission of training, coaching, and supporting aspiring and existing business owners who face barriers to growing a successful business.

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