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About CA‑MBA

The California Multicultural Business Alliance (CA‑MBA) was created in response to the urgent needs of underserved business communities—especially in low-income cities across California. We advance equitable business and economic opportunity for minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, and LGBTQ+ businesses through customized programming, practical resources, and results-driven advocacy.

CA‑MBA stands apart through a highly tailored, needs-based approach. We deliver personalized business assessments, strategic guidance, and technical assistance that help entrepreneurs and organizational leaders strengthen operations, access opportunities, and scale with intention. With a growing statewide footprint, CA‑MBA is committed to building a stronger, more connected small business ecosystem—grounded in community, accountability, and measurable impact.

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    Roberto C. Arnold

    Founder & Chairman

    A distinguished U.S. Army veteran with 16 years of service (2004–2020), Roberto C. Arnold brings valor and vision as Founder & Chairman of the California Multicultural Business Alliance (CA-MBA). A U.S. Army Ranger and recipient of the Bronze Star with Valor and Purple Heart, he leads with a service-first, results-driven approach. Roberto holds an MBA from USC and a B.A.S. in Business Management from the University of La Verne. He serves as BizFed Strategic Leadership Council Co-Chair, helping advance policies and partnerships that strengthen small businesses statewide. He founded CA-MBA in 2020 to expand equitable access to education, capital, contracting, and mentorship—building a trusted platform for minority, women, veteran, and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs across California.

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    Diana Ordaz-Cherrington

    President

    Diana Ordaz-Cherrington, born and raised in the Inland Empire, is a daughter, mother, and community leader committed to advocacy and entrepreneurship. With 10+ years in healthcare at Loma Linda University Health, she blends service and business development to expand access and opportunity. In 2020 founded Alpha Prime Health Insurance Solutions and leads the APHIS Medicare agency—helping seniors navigate coverage while collaborating with Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, medical groups, and hospitals to deliver long-term community impact. Diana serves as President of the California Multicultural Business Alliance (CA-MBA), where she created and leads EmpowerHER to connect and grow women-owned businesses. She is Healthcare Co-Chair at BizFed and has helped build partnerships including the BizFed Advocacy Academy. She also helped found the West Covina Chamber (April 2024) and was recognized as the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Rising Star Empresaria of the Year (2024).

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    Brenda Quintana

    Executive Board

    Brenda Quintana brings over 25 years of experience in government, politics, and public relations across California. She has worked with senior leaders at the federal, state, and local levels and is known for her expertise in grassroots organizing, particularly within the Latino community. As the founder of Quintana-Saragosa Public Affairs, she uses her deep network and strategic insight to create tailored solutions for her clients. Brenda previously served as Senior Advisor to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and held key roles in the State Legislature, along with representing major labor organizations including SEIU, UDW, and AFSCME. She has supported campaigns at every level, from presidential to local, and led voter outreach and advocacy efforts. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Brenda continues to serve on multiple boards and has been recognized with several honors for her leadership and impact in business and the community.

MEET OUR ADVISORY BOARD

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Lizbeth Da Broy

US Bank

Assistant Vice President | Business Access Advisor

With over 13 years of diverse banking experience, Lizbeth DaBroy serves as a Business Access Advisor at U.S. Bank, where she is committed to empowering small business owners through personalized financial guidance and strategic support. Her extensive background spans roles as a teller, personal banker, and assistant branch

manager, and branch manager, each contributing to her deep understanding of client needs and her ability to build meaningful, trust-based relationships. In her current role, she focuses on streamlining access to capital and providing comprehensive financial management support to entrepreneurs. Her dedication to fostering economic empowerment is especially evident in her work with underserved communities, where she ensures business owners have access to the tools, resources, and connections needed for long-term success.

Her mission is rooted in community growth and sustainability, achieved through collaboration and strategic partnerships. Liz takes pride in helping businesses thrive—transforming ideas into impact and growth into lasting success.

Meghan Callahan

Callahan Public Affairs

With 25 years of experience in California politics, Meghan Callahan is a proven leader in public affairs and campaign strategy, with a track record of success in high-profile statewide ballot measures and legislative advocacy. Recognized for delivering results in the most challenging political environments, she is regarded as a trusted strategist and advisor.

Meghan brings deep expertise in politics, communications, and coalition management. She has designed and directed large-scale legislative and public affairs efforts, crafted persuasive messaging, and built diverse coalitions to advance client objectives. Skilled at translating complex policy issues into clear, compelling narratives, she ensures that messages reach and influence the audiences who matter most. Her leadership includes managing multifaceted campaigns requiring precise coordination, disciplined messaging, and cross-channel execution.

Over her career, Meghan has served in leadership roles on nearly two dozen California ballot initiative campaigns. Recent highlights include No on 27 (online sports betting), No on Prop 30 (Lyft ZEV tax), Yes on 31 (tobacco referendum), No on 21 and No on 10 (rent control), and No on 61 (prescription drug pricing).

Our Ambassadors

  • Luz Veronica

    Palmera Media

    Luz Veronica is a marketing and public relations strategist and the founder of Palmera Media, a creative agency focused on helping small and emerging businesses increase visibility, strengthen their brand presence, and grow through intentional digital strategy.

    She specializes in translating business goals into clear, actionable marketing systems, guiding clients on what to communicate, how to show up, and how to leverage social media and storytelling as tools for growth.

    Through her work, Luz supports entrepreneurs, particularly within diverse and underserved communities, in building sustainable, visible, and competitive brands.

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    Edwin E. Rivera-Cortez

    Positive Alliances

    Edwin is a visionary healthcare executive with over two decades of experience advancing health equity and social justice across hospitals, medical groups, health plans, and nonprofit organizations. Currently serving as Chief Development and Communications Officer for Radiant Health Centers, he leads strategic partnerships and fundraising initiatives to expand LGBTQ+ health services throughout Orange County. As Founder and CEO of Positive Alliances LLC, Edwin specializes in building transformative partnerships and high-impact campaigns that drive meaningful change. His extensive leadership experience includes senior roles at Latino Health Access, Western Dental, Molina Health Care, and Health Net of California. Deeply engaged with the Hispanic business community as Co-Chair of the Health and Wellness Committee at the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Edwin brings authentic relationship-building skills enhanced by his Neuro-Linguistic Programming training.

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    Rickie Lee Mota

    Rickie Lee Mota is a multidimensional leader whose career bridges aerospace, entertainment, and community impact. As a Supplier Performance Developer at Ontic, she collaborates with  cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery and financial performance of complex aerospace systems. With over two decades of experience, her background includes executive roles in FAA-regulated environments, where she led large teams and implemented continuous improvement strategies that earned industry recognition, including Supplier of the Year from Honeywell Aerospace.

    Outside of aerospace, Rickie is a Founder at Rose City Sound, an entertainment and production company known for high-profile events with clients such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, the National Wildlife Federation, and Vans. She was also a producer and co-host of On This Frequency, a podcast focused on vulnerability, identity, and emotional growth—providing a platform for genuine dialogue and collective healing.

    Fluent in Spanish and passionate about mentorship, Rickie’s strength lies in blending operational excellence with cultural storytelling. She holds credentials in Music Business and Communications and has contributed as a speaker and mentor in programs supporting youth, women in aviation, and underserved communities. Whether leading a team or holding space behind a mic, Rickie’s work reflects purpose, resilience, and transformation.

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    Alejandro Garcia

    Alejandro Garcia is a passionate advocate for community empowerment and economic equity with nearly a decade of experience in public service and business development. As a first-generation college graduate and small business founder, he brings both lived experience and strategic insight to helping entrepreneurs access resources, navigate systems, and bring their visions to life. Alejandro is committed to uplifting underrepresented voices and building bridges between communities and opportunity through people-driven change and meaningful collaboration. When not supporting fellow entrepreneurs, he can be found hosting community events, mentoring young leaders, and exploring innovative ways to give back through culture, storytelling, and connection. As an MBA Ambassador, Alejandro supports our mission to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion by leveraging his passion for community empowerment to help multicultural businesses thrive.

  • Stephanie Munson

    Moxie Creative Solutions

    Stephanie Munson is the founder of Moxie Creative Solutions, a Southern California marketing agency helping small businesses and solo entrepreneurs build clear brands, professional websites, and marketing that makes sense.

    With a focus on branding, local SEO, social media, and digital visibility, Stephanie helps business owners bridge the gap between word-of-mouth referrals and what people find when they search for a business online.

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    Michael Mota

    Vice President of Strategic Origination, Cebron Group | Founder, Mota Trade Management LLC

    Michael Mota is an entrepreneurial finance professional who serves as Vice President of Strategic Origination at Cebron Group and founder of Mota Trade Management LLC, where he provides alternative capital solutions to small businesses through partnerships with leading funding platforms. With extensive experience in banking, capital markets, M&A, and options trading, Michael is passionate about helping minority-owned and underserved businesses access the capital and strategies they need to grow. Currently pursuing his Series 65 license to expand into investment advisory services, Michael is honored to serve as an MBA Ambassador, supporting our mission to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion by bridging the capital gap for multicultural entrepreneurs.

  • Stephanie Garcia

    Stephanie Garcia

    G-West Express LLC

    Stephanie Garcia is the owner of G-West Express LLC, a trucking and logistics company, and a California state civil servant with the Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), where she supports small businesses and entrepreneurs across the state. Her career has focused on advancing small business growth, workforce development, and economic opportunity by connecting communities to resources, programs, and strategic partnerships. As an entrepreneur, public servant, and mother of two young daughters, Stephanie brings both professional expertise and firsthand small business experience to her commitment to strengthening communities. She is passionate about creating economic opportunities and pathways for the next generation of business and community leaders.

  • Ashley Cole

    Ashley is a visionary entrepreneur who helps small businesses and entrepreneurs stand out by transforming ideas into actionable strategies for growth. With a background in psychology and finance from the University of La Verne, she spent a decade as a financial advisor before launching Business Success Services, where she specializes in creative consulting and business buddy support. As a leader serving on the boards of three nonprofits, Ashley is dedicated to fostering strong networks, empowering business owners, and driving lasting success.