Third annual summit will bring Latina entrepreneurs from across the Midwest to Des Moines on Sept. 4
DES MOINES, Iowa — JEFAS® Latinas in Business Magazine, in partnership with the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship Outreach at Drake University’s Zimpleman College of Business, will host the third annual JEFAS® Business Excellence Summit on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, in Des Moines.
The first two sold-out summits brought together more than 250 Latina entrepreneurs and business leaders from Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois and beyond. The award-winning event will return with programming focused on leadership development, business education, networking and collaboration.
The new partnership with Drake University will expand the resources, professional connections and opportunities available to Latina entrepreneurs from across the Midwest.
In 2025, JEFAS® Magazine received the Gold José Martí Award for Outstanding Event for the 2024 Latina Business Excellence Summit. Presented by the National Association of Hispanic Publications, the José Martí Awards are one of the nation’s longest-running recognition programs honoring excellence in Hispanic media.
“This partnership with Drake University gives us an incredible opportunity to expand the summit and continue creating opportunities for Latina entrepreneurs throughout the Midwest,” said Erika Macias, co-founder of the JEFAS® Business Excellence Summit and publisher of JEFAS® Magazine. “The goal has always been to empower and inspire women. Business owners can often feel isolated, and this summit creates a space where we can connect, share resources, support one another and celebrate our successes together.”
What attendees can expect
The 2026 Summit will feature nationally and regionally recognized speakers, educational workshops, leadership development sessions, networking opportunities, an exhibitor marketplace and stories from Latina entrepreneurs who are building businesses and contributing to their communities.
Previous participants have used the event to gain practical business knowledge, find resources and develop professional relationships with entrepreneurs and organizations from across the region.
Leia Baez will deliver the keynote address
Award-winning author and communications director Leia Baez will present “There’s Power in Your Story: How Authenticity Can Fuel Business Growth.”
Through personal storytelling and interactive reflection, Baez will help entrepreneurs examine how their lived experiences can strengthen connections, build trust and create new opportunities. Attendees will explore the moments that shaped them and consider how those experiences influence the way they communicate, lead and present their businesses.
Baez is the award-winning author of A Star for Stella: A Mother’s Journey to Overcome. Her professional background spans journalism, media relations and government communications.
A South Omaha native, she earned a journalism degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a master’s degree in public administration from Bellevue University. Her 2018 Bellevue commencement address has received more than six million views.
Learn more about Baez and her work at LeiaBaez.com. Additional speakers and program details will be announced as they are confirmed.
Who should attend
The JEFAS® Business Excellence Summit welcomes:
- Entrepreneurs
- Small business owners
- Corporate professionals
- Nonprofit leaders
- Students
- Aspiring entrepreneurs
- Business resource providers
- Community partners
- Anyone who considers themselves part of the entrepreneurial ecosystem
The Summit centers Latina entrepreneurs, but attendees do not need to own a business to participate. People and organizations interested in entrepreneurship, professional development, community leadership and the success of Latina-owned businesses are welcome.
Your next opportunity could begin with one conversation.
Join us September 4.
REGISTER FOR THE 2026 JEFAS® BUSINESS EXCELLENCE SUMMIT
A new partnership with Drake University
The collaboration with Drake University reflects a shared commitment to entrepreneurship, education, leadership and community engagement.
“We are proud to partner with JEFAS to host this event and provide meaningful opportunities for Latina entrepreneurs to connect and thrive in our community,” said Alanah Mitchell, dean of Drake University’s Zimpleman College of Business. “Through programs and initiatives including the Drake Business Clinic, the Pappajohn Center serves local entrepreneurs, helping them to succeed and grow through student support and faculty mentorship.”
JEFAS® Latinas in Business Magazine created the Summit as part of its mission to increase the visibility, representation and opportunities available to Latina-owned businesses. Since its launch in 2024, the event has grown into a regional gathering where Latina entrepreneurs can find mentorship, develop business collaborations and establish relationships that continue after the event.
“As more Latina entrepreneurs launch and grow businesses, investing in their success strengthens our communities, local economies and the next generation of leaders,” said Tar Macias, co-founder of the JEFAS® Business Excellence Summit and CEO of Hola America Media Group. “This summit brings together women who are changing the economic landscape of our region.”
Businesses, organizations and community partners can participate as sponsors, exhibitors or attendees.
Registration is open. General admission tickets are $100 per attendee. Reserve your ticket through Eventbrite.
About JEFAS® Latinas in Business Magazine
JEFAS® Latinas in Business Magazine is an award-winning publication produced by Hola America Media Group. The magazine celebrates, connects and supports Latina entrepreneurs across the Midwest through profiles, business resources, professional insights, networking opportunities and signature events.
Media Contact
Tar Macias
CEO, Hola America Media Group
Co-founder, JEFAS® Business Excellence Summit
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.JEFASMagazine.com
Read more profiles of Latina entrepreneurs, practical business resources and JEFAS® updates at JEFASMagazine.com.
