Maria de Lourdes Sobrino is the author of Thriving Latina Entrepreneurs in America and Founder of Lulu’s Dessert. Established in 1982, Lulu’s Dessert®, is ranked among the fastest growing Hispanic owned businesses in the United States.

As Jim Hopkins from USA Today wrote she is “the queen of ready-to-eat gelatin and a force in the surging number of Hispanic entrepreneurs.” Ms. Sobrino’s leadership also gained her recognition and an invitation to be part of President George W. Bush’s, Economic Forum in Waco, Texas to represent “Small Businesses”. She lent her expertise to identify obstacles to increase jobs and the economy in America. Ms. Sobrino’s business, leadership, community efforts and dedication to supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses have won her much recognition by many corporations and the media

The Schlesinger Library at Harvard University honored Ms. Sobrino in a national traveling exhibit that reinterprets the History of American Women and Business. “Enterprising Women, the Businesswomen of America: 1750-2000” She was among 40 intriguing women who helped shape the landscape of American Business such as: Meg Whitman, Martha Stewart and Oprah Winfrey among others. www.enterprisingwomenexhibit.org

Currently, she is on the advisory board for Nawbo-LA, Co-Chair for the (CWBR) Center for Women’s Business Research National Symposium, Rancho Santiago Community College Foundation and NHBWA as well as NAFIN (Nacional Financiera an investment bank in Mexico). Ms. Sobrino is also a founding member of the Working Families for Wal-Mart (WFMM) steering committee. And is the California Chair for Femmes Leaders D’Amerique.