Lozafina Shines at Hy-Vee OpportUNITY Inclusive Business Summit

The University of Nebraska at Omaha's Scott Conference Center was abuzz with energy at the Hy-Vee OpportUNITY Inclusive Business Summit on Wednesday. As the summit unfolded, Hy-Vee reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing local talent and business innovation by pledging $50,000 to support minority- and women-owned businesses across Nebraska and surrounding states.

In a highly anticipated segment of the event, a pitch competition was held, inviting entrepreneurs representing minority or woman-owned businesses to present their innovative products or services. The competition saw selected businesses vying for the chance to win up to $30,000. Beyond the monetary awards, select finalists were given the unique opportunity to engage in a roundtable meeting with Hy-Vee post-summit, further opening doors to invaluable industry connections and potential partnerships.

The event, which aimed to foster inclusivity and opportunity in the business sector, also featured a stellar lineup of speakers and panelists, including our very own CEO Josefina Loza, the woman behind Lozafina, a trailblazing Latina-owned branding, marketing, and public relations firm.

Loza took the stage as a marketing panelist, sharing her insights and experiences alongside an impressive roster of Marketing and PR professionals. The panel was enriched by the diverse perspectives of Monique Farmer of Avant Solutions, known for her strategic communication prowess; Armando Salgado of LingoDocs, a luminary in bridging language and cultural barriers in marketing; and Stephanie Clark of GMP Pros, whose expertise in regulatory compliance and marketing strategies is unparalleled.

The summit also featured inspiring keynotes from John Cook, the revered Head Coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers Women's Volleyball Team, and Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, the Chancellor of the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Their thought-provoking speeches set a high bar for the day, creating an environment ripe for learning and collaboration.

Loza’s participation in the branding and marketing panel was a highlight of the summit, showcasing her dedication to driving growth and innovation in the industry. Her contributions to the discussion shed light on the importance of embracing diversity, thinking creatively, and leveraging unique strategies to connect with audiences in today's dynamic market.

The presence of such influential figures as Farmer, Salgado, and Clark further elevated the discourse, providing attendees with a comprehensive view of the current marketing landscape and the strategies shaping its future.

Here are a few snapshots from the event…