NW Valley Times

In a recent DREAMing of Careers business workshop at Grand Canyon University (GCU), alumna Melisa Gomez shared a poignant memory from her high school days, recalling, "My own teacher from high school, one of them in particular, told me she didn’t see the point in me graduating from school. That I might as well drop out." Despite facing discouragement, Gomez persevered and went on to achieve academic success, earning both a bachelor’s degree in health care administration and a master’s degree in business administration from GCU.

Gomez, now the owner of M&M Envision home improvement company and Zion Latin Delights, joined fellow GCU alums Luis Peña Espinoza and Evelyn Gomez-Robles on a panel at the workshop. Peña emphasized that "Dreamers can succeed," highlighting the importance of determination and hard work in entrepreneurial endeavors.

During the event, attendees were guided on practical steps to establish their own businesses by Robert Vera, the founding director of GCU’s Canyon Ventures center. Vera clarified misconceptions, stating, "It’s wrong. You can have a company. I recommend to all students they set up an LLC."

Peña shared insights on the significance of thorough research in starting a business, advising, "Do your research." He also stressed the importance of partnerships, cautioning, "Getting into business with someone else is a very serious matter. Do your research."

Evelyn Gomez-Robles, co-owner of Juanderful Tacos, reminded students that consistency is key in the face of challenges, stating, "That’s OK, as long as you keep moving forward and remain consistent with your work." The panelists also underscored the role of community support in business success, with Peña expressing, "For my business, I was supporting immigrants in the local community, and I felt being a part of that allowed me to be successful."

The workshop not only provided practical guidance on entrepreneurship but also served as a source of inspiration for DACA recipients aspiring to achieve their business goals. The panelists' journeys exemplified resilience, determination, and the transformative power of education and community support.

For more information, contact GCU News Senior Writer Mark Gonzales at [email protected]