Salt Lake City (Jan. 7, 2025) — The Suazo Business Center proudly announces the appointment of six distinguished professionals to its Board of Directors: Juanita Damon, Reyes Florez, Leo Gutierrez, Eli Madrigal, Marlon Morales, and Marcia White. These new board members bring a wealth of experience and passion, strengthening Suazo’s mission to empower minority entrepreneurs and foster economic growth across Utah.
The new board members are:
- Juanita Damon (Strategy & Process Improvement Expert, American Express): With over 15 years of leadership in strategic initiatives, Juanita’s expertise will enhance Suazo’s operational and organizational impact.
- Reyes Florez (Founder & CEO, Platform Accounting Group): A third-generation Latino entrepreneur with extensive venture capital and multi-state business operations expertise.
- Leo Gutierrez (Utah Market Executive, Commercial Banking, JP Morgan Chase): A seasoned banking professional with over 20 years of experience dedicated to supporting businesses and enhancing community development. Known for his leadership and community involvement, he has held significant roles and contributed to various boards.
- Eli Madrigal (Owner, Rancho Markets): A former Suazo client turned successful business owner, Eli represents the entrepreneurial community Suazo serves and understands the transformative impact of the center’s support.
- Marlon Morales (Small Business Lender, US Bank): An expert in SBA lending, Marlon has collaborated closely with Suazo’s advisors and taught financial literacy classes for entrepreneurs.
- Marcia White (Ogden City Councilmember, Wasatch Front Regional Council): A committed public policy advocate and community leader representing Northern Utah, Marcia brings deep insights into government relations and community development.
“We are thrilled to welcome these outstanding leaders to our board,” said Silvia Castro, President & CEO of Suazo Business Center. “Each of them brings a unique perspective and a deep commitment to our mission. Reyes, Leo, Marlon, Juanita, Marcia, and Eli will play a crucial role in helping us deepen our impact for underserved entrepreneurs in Utah.”
The new board members join existing board members Blaine D. Bagley, R. Bruce Bowman, Cheryle Caplinger, Pete Codella, Gladys M. Gonzalez, Howard M. Headlee, Ted Peterson, Lorena Riffo-Jenson, Alicia Suazo, Jennifer Tarazon and JR Vera to comprise the 17-member board.
For over two decades, Suazo Business Center has been a vital resource for Utah’s underserved communities, providing business advising, mentoring, access to capital, and educational programs tailored to the unique challenges minority entrepreneurs face. The center’s services have helped launch and grow hundreds of businesses, breaking down barriers and creating pathways to economic self-reliance.
For more information about Suazo Business Center and its programs, visit suazocenter.org.
About Suazo Business Center
The Suazo Business Center empowers Latino/Hispanic and other underserved entrepreneurs, providing resources to help them succeed and build wealth. For more information, visit suazocenter.org or contact Silvia Castro, president and CEO, at silvia@suazocenter.org or 801-520-3749.
