Big Conversation Today. Big Opportunity Ahead. Today I sat down with The San Diego Foundation—specifically with Hector Borjas, who leads the El Camino Fund. And something important clicked. We aligned on a core truth: 👉 Mindset is everything. Not just skills. Not just capital. Not just access. If we don’t shape how founders think, decide, and act—nothing else scales. Where the Capital is Moving The Foundation is actively looking to fund solutions in three areas: - Childcare - Trades - Elder care Why? Because these are massive, underserved, and growing sectors—and Latino entrepreneurs are already deeply present in all three. But presence ≠ scale. That’s where the opportunity is. The Insight That Hit Me I shared something I’ve been thinking about: There are thousands of Latino-owned trade businesses—construction, electrical, plumbing, landscaping… They’re strong. They generate real revenue. They serve real customers. But many are hitting the same wall: - No clear path to scale - No systems or operational structure - No transition plan to the next generation - No exit strategy And in many cases… 👉 The business dies with the founder. This is Not a Small Problem This is about: - Lost generational wealth - Missed economic expansion - Talent that never fully compounds - We don’t have a startup problem. We have a scaling and transfer problem. The Opportunity What if we built something specifically for this? A focused effort to help Latino-owned trade businesses: - Systematize operations - Build leadership beyond the founder - Create scalable models - Transition to the next generation (or new ownership) - Unlock real enterprise value This isn’t theory. This is already happening informally—just without structure, tools, or support. Call to Action: Let’s Build a Subteam I don’t want this to stay as a conversation. I want to explore this with you. If this resonates, I’m looking to form a small working group to:

Today, the tears are different. They aren’t tears of frustration or exhaustion—they are tears of pure joy and gratitude. I am thrilled to announce that Well-Able Platforms LLC is officially filed! 🚀 As a 61-year-old Mexican-American woman, my journey hasn't been a straight line. I’ve faced the systems that try to overlook us, and I’ve navigated life from a different vantage point, rolling through challenges that many can't imagine. But today, I’m not just a dreamer; I’m a CEO. Well-Able Platforms isn't just a business, it’s my 'baby' and my mission. We're here to build infrastructure and technology that ensures accessibility isn't an afterthought, but a foundation. To each of you, my fellow Latino founders: Our age, our physical journeys, and our heritage are not barriers, there're our superpowers. We carry the resilience of our ancestors and the vision of a future where everyone has a seat at the table. This is only the beginning. The fortress is built, the shield is up, and we are ready to scale. 🕊️💪🏽 Teresa A. Valenzuela Founder | CEO: Well-Able Platforms LLC, Engineering The Future Of Micro-Mobility. #LatinoStartups #RepresentationMatters #WellAblePlatforms #WomenInTech #SanDiegoFounders #CEO

Hello community! I am working with the team that is trying to make this event one of the premier Latino pitch event in the US. I meet with them tomorrow, and the event is in May. We need to up our collective game so we can get one or more of our startups featured at this event!!! David Here is breakdown; The Derby Pitch is a high-profile startup pitch competition and networking experience held in Louisville during Derby Week, aligning with the energy of the Kentucky Derby. Hosted By • Angeles Investors • Louisville Hispanic Chamber of Commerce What It’s About A curated showcase of top Latino/Hispanic founders pitching high-growth ventures to accredited investors — while celebrating culture, community, and the entrepreneurial spirit surrounding the Derby. Why It Matters • Access to active Latino angel investors • National visibility during Derby Week • High-level networking with founders, funders, and ecosystem leaders • Cultural recognition, including honoring Hispanic jockeys and community impact Timing Held annually in Louisville around early May during events leading up to the Kentucky Derby

You’re Invited: Pitch Party 🎤🚀 This isn’t Shark Tank. It’s our community of practice. Join us for a Pitch Party where founders come together to practice their pitch, sharpen their story, and get real feedback in a supportive, high-energy environment. Special guest Chef Jorge providing a three tasting experience! We’ll focus on: • The problem you’re tackling • Why it matters • How to say it clearly, confidently, and with purpose Whether you’re early, evolving, or refining—this is a space to test ideas, learn from each other, and build momentum together. Come pitch. Come listen. Come support. Because strong founders are built in community. No slides, No prizes, No speaker notes, just speak from the heart! David