Our BOARD and AMBASSADOR
Our perspectives are diverse, each shaped by the unique lens of our own experiences, yet our purpose is singular. As advocates for small businesses and stewards of community growth, we’re united by a devotion to meaningful work and genuine connection. We bring our individual strengths, stories, and passions to the table, channeling them into one shared mission: empowering the entrepreneurs who keep our community thriving. Together, we turn our lived experiences into collective impact.
Dr. Maria Morales, EMBA’s founder and President, has deep roots in the San Gabriel Valley, raised in Irwindale and a proud resident of El Monte for more than twenty years. A USC graduate with both a Master’s and a Doctorate in Business Administration, she has long been devoted to public service, earning distinction during her time on the City Council and championing initiatives like El Monte Cares. After recognizing the need for stronger support for local entrepreneurs, she created EMBA and quickly mobilized her team to meet community needs, including feeding thousands during the ICE raids. Today, she leads EMBA with a renewed focus on empowering small‑business owners, especially the underserved, with the digital tools, guidance, and advocacy they need to grow and thrive.
Dr Maria Romero Morales - Founder and President
Tatiana Pochecho - Secretary
Tatiana Pacheco, our Board Secretary, is the award‑winning founder of Andrea’s Healthy Kitchen, named after her daughter and grown from her garage into a beloved community staple. Her journey in wellness, her entrepreneurial grit, and her commitment to accessible, natural nutrition have made her a standout leader in El Monte. With her vision, creativity, and social media savvy, Tatiana brings a vibrant, community driven energy to the EMBA board.
Edgardo Lacona - Treasurer
Edgardo Lecona, one of EMBA’s first members and now our Treasurer, brings both precision and heart to everything he touches. As a partner at Rootline Studios Inc., he pairs sharp business acumen with a meticulous eye for detail. Edgardo is known for his ingenuity, his love of streamlined systems, and his genuine desire to lift others up through shared ideas and collaboration. His community, driven energy makes him a natural fit for EMBA’s mission.
Laura Anaya Jurado, ACSW
Laura Anaya Jurado, joins the EMBA board with a spirit of warmth, empathy, and cultural sensitivity. As a bilingual therapist, she is dedicated to helping people feel understood and supported, reflecting EMBA’s mission of inclusion and amplifying the voices of those often overlooked. Her positivity and community centered approach bring a meaningful new dimension to our leadership.