Minority Business Executive Program

The Minority Business Executive Program assists minority business leaders and business owners to grow their companies

Enrollment for the 2009 Minority Business Executive Program (MBEP) is now open.

In this accelerated one-week intensive program participants will learn to utilize financial tools to make more effective decisions, develop and understand long-term strategic plans for growth and sustainability, market their products and services more effectively, manage their processes and projects more efficiently and develop their leadership skills. This program will utilize interactivity through a combination of lectures, discussions, guest speakers, panels, interactive simulations, team exercises, and self-assessments. Participants will gain knowledge, tools, and a valuable network to help them achieve their business goals.

Learn more about the MBEP by attending the May 6 information session (details on website), or enroll today by visiting the MBEP homepage.

Recruit Diversity through ColorsNW

I really believe in ColorsNW and everything they've been doing over the past 6+ years to promote diversity in our workplace and our community. If you don't know them, take a look and sign up for their e-newsletter.

Through the end of April, they're offering special discounts on their recruiting services:

• 50% OFF of all job postings, job packs, upgrades, banner ads, employer profile & diversity statements, and featured employer positions. (Excludes premium sponsorship packages and extended listings.)
• 25% OFF of all May 7, 2009 Jobtini Sponsorship packages. (Excludes tickets.)

Click here to see more on these opportunities to hire the best AND create a more diverse workplace.

Great Idea for K - 5 Leaners: Day Camp en español

Why weren't there any of these when I was a kid?

Introducting Campo Risa--Summer Camp en español

OK so it's not really new, but it's new to me! Campo Risa (Camp Laughter) has been doing this since 2000, actually. This unique day camp offers games, arts & crafts, and language activities en español--with native Spanish speakers. 4 campers min.per session, snack provided.

WHEN: August 17th-21st, 2009, AM Session: 9am - 12pm or PM Session: 1 - 4pm
WHERE: Puesta del Sol Elementary, RM.403, 3810 132nd Ave SE, Bellevue 98006
COST: $ 180 per camper- sibling discounts: $100 per extra child; Scholarships available through Puesta del Sol PTA, all checks made out to PTA.

This camp is for students K-Grade 5 and is sponsored by the Puesta del Sol PTA.

For more details, please contact Señorita Maya: Camporisa_inc@yahoo.com or 425.802-1762

Venice is Sinking party raised almost $20K for Crooked Trails

Excited news--that fantastic party I went to last weekend raised nearly $20,000 for Crooked Trails and their mission to bridge cultures. Last year's raised $14,000 (which helped build a girl's school in Peru!)--next year's is sure to be even bigger.

>>Sponsorship, anyone? Seriously--it's a neat audience, a great atmosphere and a terrific cause. Get in touch with organizer Tracey Klinkroth if your business might be interested: tracy@epiphanyresearch.net.

And the costumes...check out the photo gallery to see some of our city's creativity! Note in this picture here 1) I *am* wearing a dress, you just can't see it, and 2) that mask I'm wearing is straight from my trip to Venice last fall and, 3) yes, it was a bad hair day.

Just two spots left at Bustos Media Cinco de Mayo

If you're looking to be part of the Cinco de Mayo celebration south of Seattle (not the one at the Seattle Center), call Rebecca Lambert of Bustos Media today. She has just two booths left--not sponsor booths, so no promotion included--just space. Everything closes May 1st.

Rebecca can be reached at 253-905-6552.

El Día de los Niños - April 30

Our friends at V-Me ("Intelligent Entertainment") announce special programming (on and off TV) for later this month.

We celebrate our children’s potential this month with El Día de los Niños (Children’s Day) on April 30.

Inspired by the traditional Mexican Día de los Niños, author Pat Mora helped establish El Día de los Niños/El Día de los Libros in the U.S. in 1997, giving the holiday a special emphasis on literacy. The U.S. Congress officially declared April 30 as the Day of the Child.

All over Washington state, schools, libraries and communities are marking the holiday with special events. Visit V-Me later this month for updates on an event near you.

And if you haven't yet tuned into V-Me, you really are missing some quality programming that's perfect for the whole family--en español.

Gracias a Sandra Maqueda and El Rey

Washington CASH is all about helping entrepreneurs through its FREE education and training and subsequent microlending opportunities for people starting and growing their business.

We wanted to take a moment to thank Sandra Maqueda for helping Washington CASH and Beto Yarce promote this fantastic service on her El Rey morning show through interviews with the organization.

That's on 1360AM - tune in one of our local stations that offers 24/7 Spanish-language talk and music!