By Alison Flangel

Fulfilling a dream while providing livable wages is the driving force behind Christina Paz, owner of Siller Preferred Services. Growing up in South Texas with her six siblings, Paz watched her mom struggle to meet her monthly obligations as a migrant worker, often relying on social services and government assistance. Wanting to break the cycle of poverty, Paz dreamed of a future of stability. While living in Minnesota, she worked for an employment agency. Working her way up from receptionist to regional manager, she realized how she could help individuals, like her mother, provide for their families with honest work. Moving back to Texas prompted Paz to open her employment agency in 2014. Today, Siller provides over 200 individuals throughout Austin with livable wages. A mom of three, Paz stresses the importance of hard work and giving back to your community. She is an active member of her church and enjoys Pilates.

Christina Paz shares her experience as a client and supporter of EGBI.

To get started, would you mind telling us a fun fact about yourself?
Within the EGBI community, I am known as the person who kicked Al Lopez, the previous Executive Director of EGBI, out of his office.

Why do you support EGBI?
I met Al Lopez and Barbra Boeta in 2014 when I had just opened my business. My attorney Ana is the one who introduced me, and that is where everything started.

EGBI cultivates a culture where entrepreneurs are built up with attention to detail. The services that I received are not easy to find, and when something is very rare you take care of it and protect it. For all of these reasons, I chose to support, as a way to give back and contribute to others.

Why is it important to support EGBI?
As an individual who took courses through EGBI, I created a relationship with the staff that was incredibly unique. The one-on-one guidance given to me by mentors helped me understand topics I did not have experience with as a business owner. Nobody made me feel unintelligent just because I didn’t know something, everyone was very understanding through the process.

Why did you decide to support EGBI for Celebrating Success?
Similar to above, I chose to support this organization because of the amazing experience that I have with it. I have witnessed the passion that is ingrained into what EGBI offers. There is still a relationship where people will check-up on me, there are areas that I still don’t have knowledge in and they do. I continue supporting because of the support that I was given as an entrepreneur.

How has EGBI helped you and your business?
I think that one of the most important things I learned at EGBI were the organizational parts of opening a business. EGBI teaches you everything you need to know from business partner etiquette, agreements, and contracts. Above all else, EGBI gave me the support I needed during hard times which I don’t think I would’ve gotten anywhere else.

In 2021, EGBI supporters like Christina 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.