Bank of America Hosts Inaugural "Celebrating the American Dream" Event at Latino-Owned Honrama Cellars

June 03, 2024

Bank of America's Hispanic-Latino Business Council (HLBC) recently hosted its first client-centric event, celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit and achievements of local professionals, entrepreneurs, and business leaders. Held at the esteemed Latino-owned Honrama Cellars, the "Celebrating the American Dream" event fostered a warm and inviting atmosphere reminiscent of a family fiesta.

Oscar Robles, Senior Advisor and Resident Director for Merrill Lynch Wealth Management (MLWM) in the area, a member of Bank of America's HLBC for the San Francisco Bay region, and an Advisory Board member of Silicon Valley Latino, opened the event with a heartfelt welcome. He acknowledged the Executive Sponsors—Mark Mokelke, Dan Wink, Azer Manashir, and Lindsay Romig—for their leadership and support, as well as Juan and Miriam Puentes and HC for hosting and soon sharing their inspiring story.

"Our purpose has been to develop a local strategy that can deliver all the capabilities of our bank as a team to our community," said Robles. Highlighting the diverse representation within the HLBC, he emphasized the collective strength of leaders from Private Banking, Business Banking, Middle Markets, the Consumer Bank, and Merrill.

The event celebrated the achievements of local businesses, underscoring Bank of America's commitment to supporting companies at every stage—from inception to maturity, wealth planning, and succession. Carmen Sanchez, SVP - Senior Relationship Manager at Bank of America Merrill Lynch moderated the panel discussion where Salvador Chavez, Cofounder of Prosperos, Elba Gonzalez-Mares, Executive Director of Community Health Initiative, and Miguel Galarza, President of Yerba Buena Engineering and Construction, Inc. shared their personal and professional journeys as well as key lessons learned to over 60 local business and community leaders. Robles emphasized that as partners, Bank of America values and recognizes the hard-fought journeys of their clients, often standing with them in the trenches.

"As your businesses grow, your families and our communities are strengthened, and younger generations are inspired to explore what's possible," Robles stated. He toasted to the building of enduring enterprises and the success of the community.

Jason Foster, Market President for the North Bay Area, followed Robles with brief remarks, reinforcing the bank's dedication to fostering success and building new connections within the community.

The "Celebrating the American Dream" event at Honrama Cellars was a testament to Bank of America's ongoing efforts to support and celebrate the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit within the San Francisco Bay Area. Together, we rise.

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