Small Business Today Magazine APR 2015 POSSIBLE MISSIONS | Page 12

COVER STORY Photo by Gwen Juarez. nos to pursue their potential and achieve success. Now serving on the Board of Directors of the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council, Paula has come full circle with them! She also has served on the Board of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Paula feels very honored, blessed, and humbled to have been appointed by Governor Perry and Lt. Governor Dewhurst to serve on the CPA Board at a state level on the Texas Ethics Commission for six years and again appointed by Governor Perry to serve on the UH Board of Regents. As the first in her family to graduate college and become an outstanding entrepreneur, Paula’s mission is to help more Latinas in business. She explained, “I think a lot of us have learned the hard way but I have been fortunate to have so many role models along the way including my mom, Lolita Guerrero, Yolanda Navarro Black, and Gracie Saenz. I’m also so blessed to have the ongoing support and encouragement from my parents and husband, Bobby who has been by my side through all my endeavors.” Paula continues to succeed in business while keeping her desire to help others a priority. Her integrity and actions demonstrate how it’s possible to accomplish the impossible by focusing on customer service and being passionate about making possibilities a reality for others. Most of all, Paula is truly making a difference as a role model and mentor to so many. SBT Paula’s best Words of advice 1. Be financially prepared. That doesn’t mean you need to have $100,000 in the bank; just prepare yourself for not getting a paycheck the first year. 2. Don’t expect work to fall in your lap. Business development is very difficult. You