Congratulations to IEWBC Graduates

By: Dee Ann Chandler

Community Writer

Photo Courtesy of:

Dee Ann Chandler

Photo Description:

All graduates: Linda Armstrong, Andrea Barber, Raniyah Bey, Stacey Bolton, Mariatu Browne, Erica Cross, Mohara Devi, Jennifer Fischer, Lilin Gabriel, Elisa La Salle, Marlene Lyall, La Tara Romero, and Susan Vanderburgh.
On Jan. 21 the Inland Empire Women's Business Center (IEWBC) honored 13 entrepreneurs who graduated from the "It's Your Time: Entrepreneurial Training Program for Women," sponsored by Citibank. To complete the program, the participants had to take at least 12 workshops through the Inland Empire Women's Business Center and write a business plan. The business plans were then scored by a panel of judges, and the highest scores determined the writers of the top three plans. Lilin Gabriel was the first place winner, and a first-ever tie resulted in two second place winners: Mariatu Browne and Mohara Devi. The winners received prize packages cumulatively valued at more than $18,000 to help them start their businesses. Mariatu Browne was also recognized as the winner of both the Perseverance Award for her dedication to finishing the program in the face of obstacles, and with the Buckner Award, which honors the participant who most embodies the spirit of IYT. Lilin Gabriel's husband and business partner, Roderigo, was named Best Supporting Player for his support to Lilin during the program. Keynote speaker for the event was C.C. Vest, owner of Midpoint Bearing, who shared her experiences of owning and growing a business and the special challenges she faces as a woman in a male-dominated industry. Many thanks to Citibank for their continued sponsorship and support of the It's Your Time program and women's entrepreneurship.