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-Editorial
The 2025 edition of the Mexicana Emprende program (PCEME) concluded successfully in Imperial Valley, marking another step in supporting Mexican women abroad in developing or strengthening their businesses and advancing economic independence. Five women entrepreneurs across Imperial County showcased their business ideas Aug. 28 at the 2025 Mexicana Emprende program finale, highlighting the growing role of women-led businesses in the region.
The initiative was carried out through the joint efforts of the Mexican Consulate, the Imperial Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Calipatria Chamber of Commerce, and several sponsors, including First Foundation Bank, Energy Source Minerals, Imperial Valley College, First Imperial Credit Union, Sun Community Federal Credit Union, BHE Renewables, and Grupo Educativo 16 de Septiembre.
Over the course of five months, participants engaged in training and mentorship designed to build entrepreneurial skills and expand opportunities. The program also featured the “Mujer Resiliente Awards,” honoring regional women entrepreneurs for their perseverance and resilience.
Honorees for this year’s Women Resilience Awards were nominated by local chambers of commerce, with one entrepreneur chosen from each Imperial Valley city. The recipients were Connie Zendejas of Zendejas Hardware in Calipatria, Dainelle Lopez of Deelicious Smoothies in Brawley, Dalia Rodriguez of Fitness Oasis in Imperial, Teresa Galeana of D’Poly in El Centro, Judy Barajas of Barajas Cleaning Service in Holtville, and Beatriz Serrano of Pollos Mis Pollos in Calexico.
The event featured a pitch competition where participants Daisy Cervantes, Maria Salazar, Karla Pacheco, Angelica Valdez, and Karina Ruelas presented five-minute pitches and detailed business plans to a panel of judges that included Fidel Gonzalez, Jennifer Rodriguez, and Jasmin Rodriguez.
At the conclusion, Valdez was named the winner for her business Golden Rides, a non-emergency medical transportation service designed to serve Imperial Valley’s aging population. She received a $6,000 start-up grant to help launch her venture. The four remaining finalists were each awarded $1,000 in seed funding. In total, $10,000 in grants were distributed, made possible through sponsorships raised by the Mexican Consulate in Calexico and the Imperial Valley Small Business Development Center.
The Consular Entrepreneurship Program for Mexicans Abroad, launched by the Institute of Mexicans Abroad (IME), is aimed at empowering Mexican women entrepreneurs living outside the country. The initiative provides training, resources, and mentorship opportunities to help participants start and grow businesses, while also fostering women’s empowerment and economic development in Mexican communities abroad.
The program is carried out with support from government institutions, nonprofit organizations, and private companies. Initially launched through consulates in the United States and Canada, the PCEME has expanded across several editions to reach women in multiple countries, strengthening the role of Mexican women entrepreneurs worldwide.