Coleman, Elizabeth (Merced)
Elizabeth Merced is the Project Manager for the Small Business Transportation Resource Center (SBTRC) Southwest Region, where she supports the development and expansion of SBTRC program offerings. In her current role, Elizabeth engages with disadvantaged business enterprises and minority business enterprises to increase their participation in public procurement opportunities. Elizabeth leverages her skills in problem solving, communication, and office administration to coordinate, organize and execute the delivery of technical assistance services and resources to the disadvantaged business community. She has a passion for empowering small and minority businesses, values collaboration, inclusion, innovation, and brings diverse perspectives and experiences to the team. Prior to this role, Elizabeth served as the Program Manager of the Small Business Utilization Center (SBUC) at the California and Sacramento Asian Pacific Chambers of Commerce, supporting the development and expansion of the Chamber’s supplier diversity program and initiatives. Elizabeth also assisted with the Chamber's Minority Business Assistance Recovery Kickstart (MBARK) program which focuses on critical small business owner needs: business planning; financial infrastructure and planning; marketing and digital presence; and communications. She was also responsible for leading the in-depth intake process for the Diversity Procure platform, working with the technology development team to maximize its use, and providing one-on-one consulting to determine the company’s needs and solutions related to supplier diversity. She is currently enrolled at the University of Arizona to expand her skills in Project Management.
Navarro, Sonia Dueñas
Sonia is the Director of the Small Business Transportation Resource Center (SBTRC) Southwest Region. Her role includes overseeing the strategic direction and management of activities to ensure the effective implementation of the SBTRC program. Prior to this role, Sonia served as a Program Development Officer with the Sacramento MBDA Export Center to develop project activities, initiatives, and partnerships with organizations and subject matter experts to help Minority Business Enterprises succeed in both trade, and exports to foreign markets. Prior to working with the small business community, Sonia worked in a civic leadership nonprofit supporting strategies within economic development and the 21st Century Workforce. Sonia is a graduate of Columbia University with a Master of Public Health in Sociomedical Sciences, and a certificate concentration in Health Policy and Practice. Sonia earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from California State University, Sacramento.
Tate, Stacey
Stacey is an MBDA Business Development Specialist for the CalAsian Chamber of Commerce. Her experience includes industries from legal, real estate and business and economic development. Prior to joining the Chamber, Stacey worked for the Northern California Small Business Development Center where she helped lead the Regional programs for small businesses. Stacey is passionate about making a positive impact and cultivating meaningful relationships in her AAPI and small business communities and one way is through volunteer work as a Board Member of the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) – Greater Sacramento Chapter.