Latina Women Redefining the Business Industry Across Michigan

The official release of the book Mujeres in Business: Michigan Edition 2025 was held  last Thursday, October 23 at Wayne State University’s Student Center Building. It was not just a book release, but a showcase of Latina resilience, strength, and leadership. The contributors to the creation of this book, and their supporters, gathered for a night of celebrating their success and experiences. Guests of the event were first greeted with goodie bags filled with merchandise by the entrepreneurs’ businesses, as well as refreshments and welcoming smiles that set the tone for the evening. There was laughter and familiarity in the room as people hugged, took photos, and shared their excitement for the launch of the second edition of Mujeres in Business.

From Mexico City, anthologist of Mujeres in Business Isabel Flores greeted guests to kickoff the event. With a mix of passions that led her to be a journalist, businesswoman, and technology enthusiast, she curated Mujeres in Business with the objective of documenting the success stories of women who are revolutionizing the world through entrepreneurship. Along with other achievements, she is also the owner of Guía Consultiva, a digital marketing firm that is part of HispanoUSA. The event was proudly sponsored by the Consulate of Mexico in Detroit and the Office of International Programs at Wayne State University, a collaboration of academic and diplomatic institutions. 

Dr. Reyna Esquivel-King, a Professor of History at Wayne State University’s Center for Latino and Latin American Studies, presented remarks emphasizing the need to capture these stories that are significant to Michigan’s cultural and economic history. Mexican Consul Roberto Nicolás Vazquez and Colombia Consul Diego Alexander Angula Martínez (based in Chicago), both in attendance, delivered warm messages also emphasizing the importance of empowering women and Latina entrepreneurs.

Everyone took their seats and a video presentation featuring this year’s celebrated women was played, which set the stage for individual and personal reflections afterwards.

Spotlighting the businesswomen

Mujeres in Business: Michigan Edition 2025 features the story of 15 inspiring Latina entrepreneurs and leaders across Michigan:

Evangelina Abundis Ruvalcaba – Founder of El Globo Restaurant
Jennifer Aparicio – Real Estate Professional
Nancy Arredondo – Founder of A&R Consulting Group, PLLC
Rosalba Ayala Pantoja – Founder of R’ Rosa’s Cleaning Company

Jacqueline Cuevas – Owner of Junction Party Store

Judith Díaz – Owner of Supermercado La Victoria

Marian Esnoval – Owner of Cafetal Coffee
Yolanda Franco – Direct Sales Leader

Scarlett Idema – Founder of Medicina Scarlett
Clarivel Martínez – Founder of Tata’s Day Care

Anakarina Piña – Founder of Be Fit Runners

Brenda Ponce – Financial Services Professional

Carolina Puerta-Estevez – Founder of HR-BIS and Owner of Puerta Tours

Alma Valenzuela – Founder of Almassage Therapy

Brenda Karina Yañez – Owner of KNE Beauty & Spa

One of the featured authors Jennifer Aparicio stated “I realized you do not have to wait for the perfect moment to do something. Do it with fear, but do it.” 

Each one of their stories create a motivational collection, proving how Latina women work diligently to build Michigan’s business environment with passion and creativity. 

Scarlett Idema also reflected “When I began writing my chapter, it was healing for me. Immigrant women are not just surviving—we are thriving and creating. It reminds us that dreams have no borders.” 

As the evening came to an end, entrepreneurs conversed with attendees during the book signing portion of the event. They posed for photos and celebrated, as they created opportunities for networking relationships.

The launch of Mujeres in Business: Michigan Edition 2025 was a celebration for the highlighted entrepreneurs, and a powerful confirmation of the resilience and strength of Latina women who are reshaping leadership and success in Michigan, and beyond.