Los Angeles, CA – The National Latina Business Women Association, Los Angeles Chapter (NLBWA-LA) recently presented Gaby Alban, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Conexión with its ‘Latinas in Business Award’ for her success and accomplishments in the field of Public Relations at the organization’s 6th Annual Honoring Latinas in Business Awards ceremony. 
“I am honored and humbled to receive this award from an organization made up of a group of dynamic Latinas in business that I admire, many of whom have paved the way for other Latina entrepreneurs,” said Alban. “I feel very fortunate to have had mentors in my life that have played vital roles in my success and I commend the NLBWA for their work in fostering Latina entrepreneurship.”
The NLBWA’s mission is to encourage Latinas to develop their business and professional skills and to meet their career goals through education, business referrals and networking. The NLBWA-LA creates nationwide representation, visibility and business opportunities for Latinas in the business world and at the executive level and each year, recognizes outstanding Latina businesswoman in the Los Angeles Metropolitan area who demonstrate financial success and a commitment to the betterment of the Latino community.
“We are pleased to present this award to Gaby Alban, whose success extends beyond her business and into the community through her personal contributions, dedication and participation,’’ Said Claudia Bodan, President of NLBWA-LA.
More than 6 million Latinas live and work in California, representing 17 percent of California’s total population. Latinas are the fastest growing segment of small business owners in the U.S. with a phenomenal growth rate of 114 percent over the last five years. Latinas have the largest number of businesses in the U.S., owning an estimated 747,108 firms and generating revenues of nearly $62 billion as of 2008, according to the Center for Business Women’s Research. More than one-third of all Hispanic businesses are owned by women, with Los Angeles leading the way.
“As the nation’s leading Latina Business Organization, the NLBWA-LA Awards is an opportunity to commend the successes and contributions of Latina entrepreneurs, executives and professionals,” stated Claudia Bodan. “Each year the judges have a difficult time in the selection process as they review each applicant’s personal challenges and triumphs. These women are phenomenal. Every one of them is an inspiration and a winner. Their success extends beyond their business and into the community through personal contributions, dedication and participation.’’
In 2006 and 2007 Alban was named to Latin Business magazine’s Latin Business 100 list.