De Sobreviviente a Emprendedora: Cómo Monarch Cleaning Services Despegó con WBC 

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Al igual que la mariposa monarca, conocida por su fortaleza y capacidad de transformación, la historia de Monarch Cleaning Services es un ejemplo de perseverancia, valentía y nuevos comienzos. 

Lourdes ya conocía los recursos ofrecidos por Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC). Desde 2019 había aprovechado programas disponibles para la comunidad, los mismos que le brindaron apoyo cuando decidió divorciarse de su entonces esposo. Estos programas le ofrecieron guía, apoyo y conocimientos, pero el verdadero reto llegó cuando tuvo que tomar decisiones valientes para reconstruir su vida y sacar adelante a sus hijos. 

Fue esa determinación, junto con su conexión con CPLC, lo que eventualmente la llevó al Centro de Negocios Para Mujeres de Préstamos (WBC). 

Dudas, Divorcio y Sueños Atrevidos 

Tras pasar por un divorcio difícil, Lourdes sabía que debía encontrar la manera de generar ingresos y sostener a sus dos hijos. Con experiencia en limpieza residencial y algunos clientes que ya confiaban en ella, tomó la decisión de dar el siguiente gran paso: lanzar y registrar su propio negocio. 

“Tenía dudas si iba a poder. Mi autoestima estaba muy baja en ese tiempo y no sabía cómo iniciar, cómo dar el primer paso.” 

Aunque la incertidumbre y el miedo la acompañaban, Lourdes decidió enfrentar sus temores y hacer lo que pensaba que no podía. En 2022, con el apoyo del Programa de Empoderamiento Económico del Centro del WBC, se atrevió a dar el salto y nació Monarch Cleaning Services. 

El Programa de Empoderamiento Económico es una capacitación de siete semanas ofrecida en colaboración con De Colores de CPLC. Esta serie brinda a mujeres resilientes como Lourdes las herramientas, recursos y conocimientos necesarios para explorar, lanzar y hacer crecer sus ideas de negocio. Lourdes aprovechó al máximo cada lección. 

“Cada clase tiene tanta información que ni te imaginas lo mucho que necesitas aprender. Es un proceso paso a paso de lo que realmente implica manejar un negocio.” 

Una Jefa de Corazón 

En marzo de 2025, Monarch Cleaning Services fue uno de los 22 negocios liderados por mujeres que participaron en el evento inaugural Jefas Mercado, un mercado al aire libre que celebra a las emprendedoras y muestra a las graduadas del Programa de Empoderamiento Económico. Para Lourdes, este evento fue más que un mercado: fue una oportunidad de conectar directamente con su comunidad. 

“Muchos asistentes conocieron mi negocio, y yo también aprendí de ellos — cuáles eran sus necesidades. Conversar con la comunidad me ayudó a descubrir que mi negocio no solo tiene que girar en torno a la limpieza, sino que también puede ofrecer organización y mejorar la eficiencia.” 

La experiencia también le enseñó que aún tenía mucho por aprender, como el manejo de redes sociales, la promoción y la difusión de sus servicios. Hoy sigue trabajando en estas áreas con el apoyo del WBC. 

Resiliencia y Redefiniendo el Éxito 

Desafortunadamente, apenas un mes después de participar en Jefas Mercado, Lourdes se enfermó gravemente con una infección pulmonar que la dejó en cama e incapaz de trabajar durante varios meses. Esa crisis de salud la obligó a apoyarse en su fe en Dios y en la fuerza de sus dos hijos. 

“Ellos fueron quienes me dieron la fuerza para luchar y salir adelante.” 

Esa motivación la llevó a buscar ayuda. Contrató a su primera empleada para atender los trabajos que ella ya no podía realizar personalmente. Así pudo darle tiempo a su cuerpo para sanar sin dejar de atender a sus clientes. 

La experiencia le recordó que en la vida hay cosas más importantes que el trabajo: que el éxito no se mide por un título o la experiencia, sino por la salud. 

“Esta enfermedad me enseñó que uno debe reflexionar en lo que realmente quiere y cómo puede lograrlo. Porque la salud lo es todo. Si tienes salud, ya eres exitoso.” 

Hoy, apenas unos meses después de esa difícil etapa, Lourdes se siente bendecida de volver poco a poco a su negocio. Está aplicando todas las lecciones aprendidas para servir mejor a sus clientes, a sus hijos, a su comunidad y a ella misma. 

Transforma tu Espacio con Monarch Cleaning Services 

A pesar de las adversidades, Monarch Cleaning Services está floreciendo con un equipo en crecimiento, más servicios y paquetes personalizados. El negocio ofrece limpieza residencial, organización, limpieza de ventanas y retiro de basura. ¿Su especialidad? Un enfoque personalizado para cada cliente. 

“Los servicios que ofrecemos se adaptan a las preferencias del cliente. No podemos hacer las cosas solo a nuestra manera, porque todo depende de lo que el cliente quiera. Si un cliente necesita algo especial o diferente, somos profesionales en hacerlo realidad. Nuestra meta es ahorrarles tiempo — porque el tiempo vale oro.” 

Así como la mariposa monarca simboliza la transformación y la resiliencia, Monarch Cleaning Services está comprometida en ayudar a transformar espacios con cuidado y atención. Al contratar sus servicios, no solo disfrutas de un hogar u oficina impecables, sino que también apoyas la inspiradora historia de una mujer emprendedora que convirtió los retos en nuevos comienzos. 

Contacta a Monarch Cleaning Services hoy al 623-299-1691 para solicitar una cotización o agendar tu próxima limpieza en el área de Phoenix. 

From Survivor to Entrepreneur: How Monarch Cleaning Services Took Flight with WBC

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Like the monarch butterfly, known for its resilience and transformation, the story of Monarch Cleaning Services is one of strength, perseverance and new beginnings. 

Lourdes was no stranger to the resources offered by Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC). Since 2019, she had leveraged programs available to the community — resources she relied on when filing for divorce from her then-husband. These programs provided guidance, support, and knowledge, but the real challenge came when she needed to take bold steps to rebuild her life and provide for her children.  

It was this determination, paired with her connection to CPLC, that eventually led her to the Prestamos Women’s Business Center 

Doubt, Divorce and Daring Dreams  

After going through a difficult divorce, Lourdes knew she had to figure out a way to make ends meet and provide for her two children. With experience in residential cleaning and a few clients already trusting her, she decided to take the next big step – launching and registering her business.  

“I had doubts about whether I could do it. My self-esteem was very low at that time, and I didn’t know how to get started or take the first step.” 

Battling doubt and fear of whether she would be able to make it as an entrepreneur, she faced those fears and did what she didn’t think she could. In 2022, with the help of the Women’s Business Center’s Economic Empowerment Program, Lourdes took the leap and launched her business. Monarch Cleaning Services morphed from an idea to a business.  

The Economic Empowerment program is a cohort offered in partnership with CPLC’s De Colores. The 7-week entrepreneur series equips resilient women like Lourdes with the tools, resources and knowledge to explore, launch and grow their business ideas. Lourdes embraced every lesson the program offered. 

“Each class has so much information that one couldn’t even imagine that they would need to learn. A step-by-step process of what it takes to run a business.”  

A Jefa at Heart 

In March 2025, Monarch Cleaning Services became one of the 22 women-owned businesses to participate in the inaugural Jefas Mercado, an outdoor market celebrating women entrepreneurs and showcasing graduates of the Economic Empowerment Program. For Lourdes, the event was more than a marketplace — it was a chance to connect directly with her community. 

“A lot of attendees learned about my business, and I was able to learn from them – what their needs were. Talking to the community helped me discover that my business doesn’t just have to revolve around cleaning – it can also help organize and improve efficiency.”  

The experience also taught her that she still had so much left to learn, including social media marketing, promotions and getting the word out about her services. Something she’s currently working on with the help of WBC.  

Resilience and Redefining Success  

Unfortunately, just one month after the Jefas Mercado event, Lourdes fell seriously ill with a lung infection, which left her bedridden and unable to work for months. The health scare forced Lourdes to lean into and find strength in her relationship with God and her two kids.  

“They’re the ones who gave me the strength to fight and push through.” 

That motivation inspired Lourdes to enlist help. She hired her first employee to handle all the jobs she was no longer able to attend to herself. This allowed her to give her body time to heal while still serving her clients. 

The humbling experience taught her that there’s more to life than work – and that success isn’t defined by your title or experience, but rather your health.  

“This illness taught me that you must really reflect on what you want and how you can achieve it. Because health is everything. If you have health, you are already successful.” 

Today, only months after her health scare, Lourdes feels blessed to ease back into her business. She’s taking all the lessons learned using them to better show up for her clients, her children, her community and herself.  

Transform Your Space with Monarch Cleaning Services 

In the face of adversity, Monarch Cleaning Services is flourishing – with a growing team, offerings and customized packages. The team offers residential cleaning, organizing, window cleaning and trash removal. Their specialty? A personalized approach to meet the needs of each individual client.  

“The services we offer are tailored to the client’s preferences. We can’t just do things our own way, because it truly comes down to what the client wants. If a client needs something special or different, we are professionals in making it happen. Our goal is to save our clients time – because time is worth its weight in gold.”  

Just as the monarch butterfly symbolizes transformation and resilience, Monarch Cleaning Services is dedicated to helping clients transform their spaces with care and attention. By hiring Monarch Cleaning Services, you’re not only enjoying a spotless home or office — you’re also supporting the inspiring journey of a woman entrepreneur who turned challenges into new beginnings.  

Contact Monarch Cleaning Services today at 623-299-1691 to request a quote or book your next Phoenix-area cleaning. 

Corazon de Mujer Pitch Competition

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Corazon de Mujer Pitch Competition is back!

Last year, Prestamos Women’s Business Center awarded $10,000 in prizes to remarkable Phoenix entrepreneurs, amplifying their businesses and their impact on our community. Our inaugural competition showcased the entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and innovation of local small businesses, and we are excited to continue this tradition in 2025.

Why Sponsor?

By sponsoring the Corazon de Mujer Pitch Competition, you will:

  • Support Entrepreneurs: Help provide financial support and resources to small business owners who are driving change in their communities.
  • Increase Brand Visibility: Your business will be showcased to a growing network of entrepreneurs, community leaders, and media outlets.
  • Create Impact: Align your brand with a movement that fosters economic stability and independence for individuals through entrepreneurship.

Last Year’s Highlights

In 2024, we awarded $10,000 in prizes to four inspiring entrepreneurs:

🌟 First place prize: $5,000—Valentia Leonett, New Tempo Family Dental

🌟 Second place prize: $3,000— Karem Ruiz, Meraki Natural Balance LLC

🌟 Third place prize: $1,500— Azucena Blanco, Clothes Care

🌟 Fourth place prize: $500— Yedhane Pineda Carrasco, Ti Cafe

These business owners embody the entrepreneurial drive and passion that define the Corazon de Mujer competition. Join us in celebrating their success and paving the way for the next wave of local innovators.

Sponsorship Opportunities

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We offer a variety of sponsorship packages designed to provide maximum exposure for your brand. Whether you’re looking to support the competition’s prize fund, offer in-kind services, or contribute to event production, we have opportunities tailored to meet your goals.

Help us make this year’s competition even bigger and better by becoming a sponsor. Together, we can empower the next generation of entrepreneurs to achieve their dreams and create lasting change in our community.

Contact Us For more information on sponsorship opportunities. Let’s build a brighter future for entrepreneurs, one pitch at a time!

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Gender Gap

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This Women’s History Month, we turn our focus to an issue that reverberates through the corridors of entrepreneurship – the gender pay gap and its profound impact on women-owned businesses. Let’s shed light on how gender inequality isn’t just a buzzword; it’s influencing women’s decisions in a big way.

We’re all familiar with the gender wage gap, right? One study (you can find all the nitty-gritty details HERE) suggests that the gender wage gap is a driver, motivating women to kick-start their own businesses. Studies consistently show that women, on average, earn less than their male counterparts and women from under-represented communities earn on average even less. This wage discrepancy not only limits personal financial resources but also presents a substantial hurdle for women entrepreneurs seeking capital to start or grow their businesses. Access to funding is a crucial factor in the success of any venture, and the gender pay gap compounds the challenges women face in securing the necessary resources. 

Women are also facing other opportunity costs- essentially, weighing the pros and cons of their options when it comes to financial security. Research has found that when there’s more socioeconomic gender inequality, the perceived opportunity cost of entrepreneurship for women actually goes down. Translation? The barriers seem a bit lower, making entrepreneurship a more attractive path. Especially, when factoring in other decision points such as increased flexibility in one’s schedule or the ability to involve their family in their business. 

This type of women’s economic resilience doesn’t just impact women on an individual level; it has ripple effects on the broader community’s entrepreneurship scene. Despite the challenges income inequality creates, it also in many cases fuels women’s initiative to start their own businesses. 

It’s not just about breaking glass ceilings; it’s about creating an environment where women can confidently chase their entrepreneurial dreams, juggle all that comes with life, and find equitable upward economic mobility.

SOURCES: 

Collectively, we show that women choose to be more entrepreneurial when their status is lower, which reflects women’s economic resiliency.

  • The more entrepreneurship activity the greater the employment level is (Doran, McCarthy, and O’Connor, 2016). A lower wage for women reduces the cost of doing business at the state level. This result establishes a strong correlation between the gender wage gap and the economy, showing that women’s status is an economically significant cost factor in the economy. We next demonstrate a connection between the gender wage gap and the state-level cost of business and entrepreneurship. We show that both business costs and the gender wage gap are directly related to the aggregate entrepreneurship index; lower business costs and a greater gender wage gap increase the aggregate entrepreneurship index in the state. The introduction of business cost reduces the magnitude and significance of the gender wage gap variable coefficient, confirming that business cost is a channel between the gender wage gap and aggregate entrepreneurship in the economy.
  • A greater gender wage gap reduces women’s opportunity cost for entrepreneurship activities because a lower wage reduces the value of continuing as an employee of others, thereby encouraging more entrepreneurship by women in states where the gender wage gap is greater
  • Financial necessity is the main motivation for 10% (e Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM))
    • In countries where jobs for women are scarce, women’s opportunity cost of entrepreneurship is very low and, hence, women’s entrepreneurship participation is high
  • When women have low access to such socio-economic benefits in a day job as an employee working for others, then their opportunity cost of entrepreneurship is lower.
    • Familial factors are important in the entrepreneurship decision of women to start their businesses, independent of financial factors (Bonaforte, 2022) such as the gender wage gap. These results support prior literature that shows that the motivation of women entrepreneurs is often strongly motivated by socioeconomic factors related to family
  • Women’s entrepreneurship decision, we argue that gender inequality is related to women’s opportunity cost for entrepreneurship, both for financial channels such as the gender wage gap, and for socio-economic channels such as access to childcare and political engagement. We confirm that financial factors such as the gender wage gap motivate women to be entrepreneurial (Bonaforte, 2022). But we also show that other socio-economic factors connected to familial issues and family/work balance matter, too, over the above financial factor. We view our hypotheses as a demonstration of women’s resiliency in the labor market, and this resiliency has implications for state entrepreneurship activity. 

From the perspective of women, a greater degree of financial or socioeconomic gender inequality reduces women’s opportunity cost of entrepreneurship. The opportunity cost of a decision is a fundamental concept in the field of economics, with opportunity cost considered a driving determinant in an economic decision-making process. Opportunity cost is the value of the next best alternative, that is, the cost of what else one could choose to do. In labor economics, opportunity cost is the key parameter in many models of employment choice 

Bonaparte, Yosef, The Gender Wage Gap and its Effect on Women’s Entrepreneurship (March 17, 2022). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4483412 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4483412

Shalisa L. Wall – Shalisa’s Sisters

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Shalisa’s Sisters is a supportive community for women and children who have triumphed over domestic violence, initiated by Shalisa L. Wall. Stemming from her journey of recovery after experiencing domestic abuse, Shalisa joined the Prestamos CDFI Social Enterprise program and began receiving business advising to assist with her Business. She aimed to create a safe space for survivors to connect, share experiences, and rebuild their lives. Through this initiative, she aims to provide a haven where individuals can engage in recreational activities, networking, resource-sharing, and building friendships. Shalisa’s Sisters extends its services to include educational resources, support groups, and social events for family, friends, and community members impacted by domestic violence.

As the Founder & CEO, Shalisa Wall passionately advocates for domestic violence survivors, leveraging her own experiences from the Prestamos CDFI program to support others on their healing journey. She emphasizes empowerment, financial independence, and the significance of safe, supportive environments for women and children. Through social media and community engagement, Shalisa raises awareness about domestic violence while fostering resilience and camaraderie among survivors within the Sisterhood of Survivors at Shalisa’s Sisters.