LOS ANGELES (January 10, 2024) - Curacao, the largest Hispanic-serving retailer on the West Coast, announced that the Curacao Foundation in partnership with the Consulate General of Mexico in Los Angeles proudly celebrated the completion of the 4th Edition of the Consular Entrepreneurship Program for Mexican Women Abroad (PCEME) with a grand finale event on Friday, December 8, 2023. This program provides educational tools, mentorship, and training in entrepreneurship to Mexican women, ending with a presentation of business plans before an esteemed panel of judges. Watch video of highlights from the event here.

Highlighting the event, two of Curacao's marketing executives, Teylez Perez, VP of Marketing, and Reyna Marquez, Media and Marketing Operations Director, attended as judge panelists. By bringing their insights to the forefront, they were able to express Curacao's commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent within the Hispanic community.

“Witnessing the journey of these talented and driven women has been inspiring,” said Teylez Perez, VP of Marketing, Curacao. “The PCEME not only equips women with the necessary tools to improve the lives of their families, but also instills a sense of confidence and capability that is invaluable to any community. Curacao is so very proud to be a part of this empowering initiative.”

Participants in the PCEME completed the DreamBuilder program, developed by the Thunderbird School of Global Management of Arizona State University (ASU), covering practical business concepts, marketing, sales, finance, and human resources over 13 chapters. The five-month program consisted of virtual conferences with experts, a mentoring program, and the opportunity to develop a personalized competitive business plan that would then be critiqued by real-world business leaders and experts.

A special in-person event was held to celebrate the achievements of these aspiring entrepreneurs. Fully equipped to contribute significantly to their communities and the broader business landscape upon completion of the curriculum, graduates received certificates from Thunderbird School of Global Management and the Freeport-McMoRan company. The graduation celebration also provided an opportunity for networking and recognition of the hard work invested by the participants over the past five months.

“The collaboration with The Curacao Foundation marks a significant step towards nurturing and elevating the entrepreneurial spirit within Los Angeles' Hispanic community,” said Jazmín Galván, Tourism Promotion Consul at the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles. “By combining our efforts, we aim to unlock new opportunities, offering essential support and resources to these aspiring women entrepreneurs. Our vision is not just to stimulate economic growth but also to amplify the voices and representation of young, driven Hispanic entrepreneurs who are poised to make a meaningful impact in our vibrant city.”

About Curacao and its Curacao Foundation

Since its founding in 1978, Curacao has been guided by its mission to improve customers’ lives by extending credit options to hardworking, low-to-moderate-income individuals needing high-quality home and tech products, travel, export, and money transfer services at low monthly payments. At Curacao, customers can buy price-protected top brands and services on interest-protected credit while supporting the community. In addition, Curacao allocates a percentage of every purchase to support the advancement of its local communities through the Curacao Foundation. Curacao is an omnichannel retailer and lender serving customers online, over the phone, and in person in English and Spanish in Arizona, California and Nevada.

For more information, visit iCuracao.com.

Established in 2002, The Curacao Foundation is a private foundation dedicated to building a future in which communities are financially strong, socially empowered, respected and included. The Curacao Foundation has worked with over 100 charities, organizations and institutions focusing on financial literacy, health, well-being, education and immigration all within a 10-mile radius of a Curacao retail location. In addition, the foundation supports community partner organizations through general operation and program grants.

For more information, visit iCuracao.com, iCuracao.com/beat, and foundation.iCuracao.com

Media Contact:

Andrew Laszacs

Bob Gold & Associates

310-320-2010

[email protected]