Caption: Angelica Urquijo with the late Angel Carrera Jr. at the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s 2017 Economic Summit in Los Angeles. At the time, Urquijo operated as Angelica Urquijo, DBA The Imagen Group, and was hired to lead public relations and media relations for the event.

Sometimes the next chapter in our professional lives begins in ways we never anticipated.

Before founding The Imagen Group, I spent years leading marketing and communications departments, including director-level positions at a financial institution and in higher education, where my work focused on health-related programs and initiatives. I had built a career developing strategies, managing teams, and helping institutions connect with the audiences and communities they served.

Then an economic downturn and an organizational merger affected my career path. Like many professionals navigating an unexpected transition, I began thinking about what might come next. I had experience, relationships, and a genuine passion for communications. What I had not yet done was build a business of my own.

A Little Encouragement Can Go a Long Way

I still remember attending the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Convention in San Diego while preparing to launch my business as a sole proprietor.

It was there that Angel Carrera Jr., then Chief of the Certification and Outreach Branch for the California Department of General Services (DGS), encouraged me to sign up for the business matchmaking sessions. I decided to give it a try.

I created my business cards and had them printed at Kinko's. I didn't have an established company or an extensive client portfolio under my new business name. But I brought years of professional experience, enthusiasm, and a vision for the kind of communications firm I wanted to build.

When it was my turn to introduce myself, I spoke from the heart. I talked about my passion for bridging the gap between organizations and the communities they wanted to reach. I believed that effective communications began with understanding people, building trust, and creating meaningful connections.

I didn't know where that introduction would lead. But I believed in the work I wanted to do. For someone accustomed to representing established institutions, introducing myself as an entrepreneur was a different experience. I had stepped into an unfamiliar business environment and given myself the opportunity to be heard.

A Full-Circle Moment in Los Angeles

During those early years, I operated as Angelica Urquijo, DBA The Imagen Group, a sole proprietorship. I built on my previous executive experience to pursue paid opportunities in strategic communications, public relations, media relations, and community engagement.

In 2017, I was hired to lead public relations and media relations for the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's Economic Summit in Los Angeles. My responsibilities included supporting media coverage and helping connect journalists with people and stories from the event.

And there was Angel.

Years after he had encouraged me to sign up for that first matchmaking session in San Diego, we had an opportunity to reconnect at the Economic Summit. I recently rediscovered a photograph of us together, along with images of an attendee being interviewed by the media and the welcome sign at the conference.

That photograph brought back memories of how far the journey had come. I was no longer simply imagining the business I wanted to build. I was delivering professional communications services through it.

It is important to me to recognize that Angel's encouragement did not guarantee a contract or remove the work involved in establishing my business. What it did was encourage me to step forward at a time when I was beginning a new chapter.

Remembering Angel Carrera Jr.

Angel passed away in 2019. The California Department of General Services subsequently established the Angel Carrera Leadership Award in his memory, recognizing leadership in support of small businesses and disabled veteran business enterprises in state procurement.

I think about the encouragement he offered during that first convention. What may have seemed like a simple suggestion made a lasting impression on me.

Sometimes we don't realize what an introduction, a conversation, or an encouraging word can mean to someone exploring a new opportunity.

From Sole Proprietorship to The Imagen Group, Inc.

Over time, the business grew from Angelica Urquijo, DBA The Imagen Group, into The Imagen Group, Inc., an incorporated strategic communications firm serving public, private, and nonprofit-sector clients.

Our experience includes work with the City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, the State of California, higher education institutions, healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations, and established small and midsized businesses.

Our work spans strategic communications, public relations, public affairs, media relations, and multicultural community engagement, with particular expertise in reaching Hispanic and Latino communities.

The Imagen Group has earned Small Business Enterprise (SBE), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Woman Business Enterprise (WBE), and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certifications.

The journey has not been a straight line. There have been challenges, lessons learned, and opportunities that didn't materialize. Building a business requires preparation, persistence, and a willingness to keep learning. But the principle that inspired me in the beginning remains the same: helping organizations connect with the people and communities they want to serve.

An Invitation to Fellow Latino Entrepreneurs

As Los Angeles welcomes the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) Annual Conference & Exchange, October 25–28, 2026, I find myself thinking about that first matchmaking session.

There may be talented Latino entrepreneurs who are hesitant to attend a national business conference, meet a corporate procurement professional, or explore opportunities with larger organizations. Perhaps you're just starting out. Perhaps you're asking whether your business is ready or whether you belong in that room.

I understand. Even with years of executive experience, introducing myself as a new business owner was unfamiliar.

My encouragement is simple: Show up.

Attend an event if you can. Introduce yourself. Ask questions. Learn how corporations and government agencies identify suppliers, what qualifications matter, and how to prepare for future opportunities. Take time to meet other entrepreneurs; their experiences and perspectives may prove just as valuable as a formal matchmaking appointment.

You may not walk away with a contract. But you may leave with insight, relationships, and a clearer understanding of the next step for your business.

Building Connections Through SCMSDC

Today, I'm proud to serve on the Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee (MBEIC) for the Southern California Minority Supplier Development Council (SCMSDC). The committee serves as a link between minority business owners and the council's corporate members, supporting communication, engagement, and stronger relationships.

My involvement offers an opportunity to contribute beyond my own business and encourage other entrepreneurs to explore what's possible.

If you're unfamiliar with SCMSDC, I encourage you to learn more about its programs and regional network. For eligible businesses, Minority Business Enterprise certification may be worth exploring. Certification does not guarantee contracts, but it can help qualified suppliers connect with corporate networks and business-development resources.Whether or not you attend the national conference this year, becoming familiar with your regional council and participating in its activities can be a meaningful starting point.

Sometimes the First Step Is Simply Showing Up

I still think about the business cards I printed at Kinko's, the enthusiasm I brought to that first matchmaking session, and the encouragement I received from Angel Carrera Jr.

Years later, reconnecting with him while delivering paid media-relations services for the Chamber's 2017 Economic Summit reminded me that growth happens through a series of steps, conversations, relationships, and opportunities.

Today, through The Imagen Group and my involvement with SCMSDC's MBEIC, I value the opportunity to encourage others as Angel once encouraged me.

To fellow Latino entrepreneurs, especially those beginning a new chapter: Don't underestimate the experience, perspective, and value you bring. Be willing to enter unfamiliar spaces, introduce yourself, and keep learning.

Sometimes growth begins with a little encouragement, the courage to step outside your comfort zone, and simply showing up.

I hope to see many of you in Los Angeles.

About the Author

Angelica Urquijo is Founder and President of The Imagen Group, Inc., a strategic communications firm serving public agencies, businesses, universities, healthcare organizations, and nonprofits. She serves on the Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee for the Southern California Minority Supplier Development Council.

The Imagen Group: https://theimagengroup.com | SCMSDC: https://www.scmsdc.org/ | NMSDC: https://nmsdc.org/