MBN USA

April 21, 2023

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Velesitois has been a certified MBE for over 15 years

Austin, TX - During its recent Annual Stakeholders' Meeting, Nicole Navarro Velesiotis was elected as the Southwest Minority Supplier Development Council's (SMSDC's) new MBEIC chair. Velesiotis has been a certified MBE for over 15 years. She is president of Oveana, a Santana Group Company,  and vice president of Santana Group. 

With five certified MBE companies, Velesiotis demonstrates leadership and commitment towards SMSDC and its certified MBEs, said Karen Box, president, SMSDC.

"For over 15 years, our companies have directly benefited, not only from certification but also from direct involvement and participation with regional and national council events. As a result, we have experienced substantial growth," Velesiotis said. "Minority-certified businesses are eager to grow and deserve proper representation from experienced business leaders who can continue leading the way to certification, connections and business growth. I believe this is the right time for me to represent minority business enterprises in our region." 

Nicole's short-term goals include engaging in person (via town halls) with MBEs throughout the council region and partnering with council staff to ensure MBEs and members feel represented and engaged. Her long-term goals include driving the concept of a business ecosystem to include MBEs, corporations and other stakeholders through continuous communication, intentional participation, connection and business opportunity generation. 

"SMSDC believes Nicole is the ideal MBEIC Chair to lead our certified MBEs in their growth and success," Box said. "We are all impressed with her company's strong track record of innovation, operational excellence, development and continuous growth."

Velesiotis said she is ready to get SMSDC's certified MBEs engaged in the MBEIC community. "I have already had many MBEs reach out about serving on committees and potentially serving as a representative in their geographic region. If you are interested in such opportunities, please get in touch with me," Velesiotis said.