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’re
going to have to work hard to earn your work, the projects, or whatever you do.
3. Believe in yourself and think positive. If you have a mission, go for it.
4. Don’t overcommit yourself. Don’t take everything that comes along. It’s difficult to do but choose as wisely as you can.
5. Be firm with your clients about your pricing. Don’t give your business away.
6. Education is always the key. Learn a little about everything. Whether it’s
QuickBooks, contract law, H