ELLA
The Entrepreneur Latina Leaders of America (E.L.L.A.) was launched in 2015 to serve Latina entrepreneurs who are achieving their American dream of owning and growing a business.
Through collaborations with the Pathway Women’s Business Center and SCORE, ELLA participants learn topics relevant to business development, including bootstrap marketing, accounting, financial literacy, and more.
To learn more about ELLA, visit ellaprogram.org
E.L.L.A. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Cathy Lively,
Board Chair
Ellyn Jansen,
Vice President, Area Executive, First Citizens Bank
Brynn Plummer,
Secretary
Amy Paz,
EA, MACC, Founder of Paz Tax, Treasurer
Eva Angelina Romero,
Realtor, EvaCo.
Jeff Cohu,
Executive Director of the Center for Entrepreneurshipand Innovation at Lipscomb University
Victor Berrios,
TLACC Liaison, CEO, JaniKing
Bianka Valbrun,
Legal Counsel, Attorney, Dickinson-Wright
Jessie Garcia Knowles,
Acting Executive Director
Joaquina Martinez,
ELLA Coordinator
OUR MISSION
To serve Latina entrepreneurs as they advance in business or start a business. With the mentorship of industry experts and leaders, the program guides participants step-by-step to achieve their individual annual business goals.
HOW E.L.L.A. WORKS
E.L.L.A. participants meet with their mentors once a month as a group and individually during the eleven-month class.
The program is possible thanks to our sponsors and partnerships with SCORE and Pathway Landing in Nashville.
To learn more or to be considered for the program, please send an email to chamber@tlacc.org.
Participants who complete the mentorship program including the final reports, attend meetings regularly and participate in the Chamber’s networking events qualify to be the recipient of a cash award sponsored by HCA TriStar Health, Dollar General, and El Jefe Radio.
Winners of the E.L.L.A. cash award includes Itzel Gonzalez, Alejandra Patiño, Rachel Rodriguez, and Julia Vallejos Browne.
Graduates of the program are also eligible to apply for a micro-loan funded by First Citizens Bank.
Although the E.L.L.A. program has no cost to the participants, all participants and mentors must be members in good standing of the Tennessee Latin American Chamber of Commerce.
Networking & Connections
E.L.L.A. participants represent an array of industries, from food manufacturing, musicians, commercial cleaning, photography, construction, and more. Participants are encouraged to participate in all TLACC events, and other networking events in Middle Tennessee to expand their footprint.
E.L.L.A. Annual Luncheon
In its second year, the E.L.L.A. annual luncheon is organized with the intention of increasing networking opportunities for the participants, increase program awareness, and develop a fundraising avenue for the program.
WORKSHOPS
E.L.L.A. offers the following workshops:
- How to write your business plan
- Financial planning
- QuickBooks
- Creating and managing a website
- Social media
- Networking
- Time management
- Microsoft office tools
- How to become certified as a Minority Business Enterprise
We want to acknowledge the contributions of ELLA founder, and TLACC Board of Governors member, Marcela Gomez, for her leadership in creating the ELLA program to help Latinas in Middle Tennessee strengthen their entrepreneurial efforts; as well as former TLACC Board member, Claudia Barajas for continuing the program into 2020.
Become a member and enjoy all the benefits, from our Job Postings to the Relationship Building Events. For more information on how to join, click the button below.
