In life, and especially in business, knowledge is power. Having information and experience can be the difference between a failing business and a successful business. But often times, we find that we lack an understanding of one area, or have absolutely no knowledge of it at all. So then what?
That’s why FACCOC puts on our “Secrets to Success” event every year. We assemble business experts from different areas of business, and they share some valuable insights and tips, “golden nuggets” of experience for you to take and adopt in your own business!
Anh Dang Mankiewicz started her business back in 2010, starting with CareWorks Health Services to provide professional and compassionate caregiving services in Orange County, giving peace of mind to families. She’s also the founder of BrassTacks LMS, a web app platform that lets companies select courses or create their own, and then automatically sends out lessons to employees when they work, making training completely frictionless. BrassTacks helps businesses tackle the struggle of training by keeping things simple and engaging, with no apps or logins needed. Through both businesses, Anh is all about making life better for seniors and helping companies grow with smarter, more efficient solutions.
With expertise in retail, technology, and startups, Roger Lloyd has a proven track record of driving business success. He has led multiple startups to over $200 million in revenue across retail and artificial intelligence. With 15+ years in the franchise industry, Roger played a key role in scaling one of the fastest-growing franchises in the country.
Karla brings over 15 years of expertise in business management, government procurement, and job creation. Previously with Inland Empire MBDC, she provided consulting services and excels in areas like project management, budgeting, event planning, and real estate. Committed to Southern California businesses, Karla offers invaluable counseling and training, emphasizing sound financial management for business expansion.
Bio: Ron Dizon is on a mission to elevate Filipino coffee in the specialty coffee industry. With a background in engineering and experience at Hyundai, Toyota, and SpaceX, he transitioned into entrepreneurship to spotlight Filipino coffee farmers on the global stage.
Since founding Teofilo Coffee Company in 2018, Ron has grown it from pop-ups to an award-winning specialty coffee roaster, earning recognition as Best Coffee Roaster of Orange County. As the head of Filipino Coffee Manufacturing Inc. (FCMI), he focuses on roasting and wholesale distribution, driving sustainability and economic growth for Filipino coffee producers.
Hima Nippuleti is the founder of BoozDNA, an IT solutions firm specializing in software development and staffing for government agencies. With over a decade of experience, she champions diversity and small businesses while driving innovation in the public sector.
Her leadership has earned prestigious awards, including the BBB Torch Award for Ethics and OC Business Journal Innovator of the Year. She also serves on multiple boards, contributing to workforce development and cybersecurity education.
Karla brings over 15 years of expertise in business management, government procurement, and job creation. Previously with Inland Empire MBDC, she provided consulting services and excels in areas like project management, budgeting, event planning, and real estate. Committed to Southern California businesses, Karla offers invaluable counseling and training, emphasizing sound financial management for business expansion.
Suzanna Tashiro Choi is the owner of Tashiro Choi & Associates, a leading public affairs firm specializing in multicultural engagement. A nationally recognized cultural expert, she has worked with major clients like the State of California, Microsoft, and City of Hope Orange County.
As President of the Asian Business Association of Orange County and a leader in multiple organizations, she champions diversity and inclusion. Honored with numerous awards, including “Multicultural Advocate of the Year,” Suzanna is dedicated to empowering communities of color, believing “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the table.”
CoWorq is a Filipino-American company transforming outsourcing with fair pay and ethical work practices. Founded in 2021 by a Filipina immigrant and former virtual assistants, it connects businesses with top Filipino talent while ensuring equitable treatment.
Providing skilled professionals—from executive assistants to software engineers—CoWorq helps companies scale while managing HR needs at no extra cost. More than outsourcing, it champions fair wages, benefits, and career growth.
With a mission for ethical and sustainable growth, CoWorq is redefining outsourcing—where everyone wins.
Bio coming soon!
Adrian Valdecanas is an accomplished IT professional with nearly a decade of experience in network, systems, and cloud infrastructure. After years of refining his expertise, Adrian founded his own IT company with the mission of empowering local businesses to strengthen their digital frameworks and harness the full potential of emerging technologies. Through his work, Adrian helps organizations optimize their technology infrastructure to improve efficiency, scalability, and security, ensuring they remain competitive in an increasingly digital world.
The FACCOC community – our members, sponsors and partners – did not disappoint and showed up ready to take in this valuable event experience.
FACCOC is a non-profit organization for Filipino-American entrepreneurs and professionals that is committed to promote domestic and international business interest for our members by providing a host of wide-ranging benefits, services, workshops and programs.
