2006Community Advocate of the Year NomineeMilagros “Millie” Gonzalez-ScottUnited Latino Business CoalitionMilagros “Millie” Gonzalez-Scott is co-owner of <strong>The</strong> Scott Business Group, the current ActingChairperson of the United Latino Business Coalition (ULBC) and Secretary of the Grand CanyonMinority Supplier Development Council (GCMSDC) Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee(MBEIC). Millie is originally from the Dominican Republic and has resided in Arizona since 1989. Sheholds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Carnegie-Mellon University, and is aCertified Project Manager.Millie has over 25 years of engineering, information technology, and staffing experience. As a reflectionof that experience, she was nominated Supplier of the Year at American Express Corporation after onlyone year in a staff supplier relationship, while managing an, IT Staffing branch for an MBE.As the Chairperson for the ULBC, Millie has had exceptional success in promoting and fulfilling themission of the organization, which is to develop and foster positive relationships with community,government and business organizations. She is recognized as an avid promoter of minority’s businessowners in an effort to increase their vendor supplier opportunities. Her commitment and dedication inthis regard has resulted in more opportunities for the ULBC membership since its inception.Millie is passionate about her advocacy, and the community truly appreciates her resolve. Millie hasbeen recognized by; MEDWeek, Advocate of the year in 2004 and Small Business, Advocate of theyear in 2003 by the ULBC.She has partnered and worked with diverse groups from the business community, Black, HispanicChambers, Native American organizations, NAWBO, GCMSDC, and others to bring about procurementchange, within municipal, county and state governments. Millie has been an active participant on anumber of committees and boards (i.e. METRO Outreach Committee, APS Diversity AdvisoryCommittee, Perini Diversity Outreach Committee, ULBC/GCMSDC.In addition, Millie has participated and organized committees to bring about changes in the businesscommunity. Her involvement, by activism standards has been well above and beyond the call of duty.This has not deterred her from spending the time necessary to organize and implement action plans tofacilitate positive business outcomes that benefit, minority own businesses.Millie, in conjunction with others has worked with the Governor’s Office through a committee process toimprove supplier diversity, to establish an accountable and verifiable process for State Procurement.She has participated on panels to educate buyers and procurement officers representing differentagencies.Under her leadership, the ULBC, was instrumental in convincing APS to modify their method ofprocurement allocation and improve business opportunities for minorities own businesses.Her tenacity, direct and focused approached has at times made some decision makers, feeluncomfortable. However, the business community at large has come to respect her commitment andmotivation.She is seen as a true champion and a positive force that has made a significant difference in the lives ofpeople in the Valley of the Sun and other parts of Arizona.GPBCC 8th Annual Dinner and Business Celebration: GPBCC Poised and Ready for Growth
2006Community Advocate of the Year NomineeSantos J. RodriguezArizona Department of Economic SecuritySantos J. Rodriguez, was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico and came to the USMainland at the age of 10. He grew up in South Bronx, New York. and cameto Arizona at the age of 17. Just before his 18th birthday, Santos joined theMarines and served three tours in Viet-Nam as a “recon man.” After 4 years inthe Marines, he enlisted in the US Air Force and was stationed at WilliamsAFB, Chandler AZ. As part of his duties in the Air Force he worked on thespace shuttle and other highly advanced vehicles. He retired from Davis-Monthan AFB, Tucson as a certified master aircraft technician/inspector thatcan repair any aircraft.A world traveler, Santos is a life member of the American Veterans Post 15,and member of the American Legion Post 65. He graduated from theUniversity of Phoenix with a Bachelors Degree in Business Management andBachelors Degree in Business Administration.Santos is currently employed by the Arizona Department of EconomicSecurity as an employment service coordinator. Though this position he hasthe opportunity to work with the minority business community including theGreater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce. He the father of twodaughters, Celestia and Belen and has two grandchildren.GPBCC 8th Annual Dinner and Business Celebration: GPBCC Poised and Ready for Growth
Change language