Business group seeks Latina members

By Elena Ferrarin
Reflejos Staff Writer

Businesswoman and community leader Nelly Venecia, the guest speaker at the June meeting of the Aurora chapter of Women in Management, spent two months preparing her presentation.

The result was a well-documented and visually compelling mix of historical facts, U.S. census data, literary quotes and interviews with Hispanic women on the topic of “the strengths of Latina businesswomen.”

“We have perseverance, passion, a gift for nurturing and the ability to help each other out,” said Venecia, 34, who is originally from Mexico City.

Latinas who live in the United States have to balance assimilating into the local culture with retaining their identity, Venecia said.  As an immigrant, “nobody knows who you are, or your story, or your dreams. So you have to introduce yourself and work hard and, most importantly, deliver results,” she said.

A crowd of about 20 people attended the luncheon, open to both members and guests, which was held at the Aurora Country Club.

“(The presentation) was very, very good. She should definitely give this presentation to other people,” said Nora Ten Broeck, who serves as treasurer of the Aurora women’s group. The organization has about 15 members.

“We don’t have any Hispanic members, but we would definitely like to have them. We are looking at our city, and we are not representative of it,” Ten Broeck said.

The organization’s monthly meetings feature topics such as “reinventing yourself” and “utilizing volunteer opportunities for professional development.” Annual membership $85.

Venecia said women must be  encouraged to be active members of society.

“Diversity is good for business. It broadens the customer base, increases productivity and encourages cooperation,” she said.

Venecia is the president of Venecia Group, a consulting and translation firm that employs college students, which she called an “untapped market in need of training.”

She also serves on nine boards, including the Aurora YWCA, the Aurora Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Provena Mercy Center Auxiliary.