White House Highlights Pablo Fuentes as an Entrepreneurial Mentor and “Champion of Change”
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of Communications
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 5, 2012
Washington, DC – On Wednesday, March 7th, the White House will honor Pablo Fuentes as one of eleven local leaders being recognized as Champions of Change for outstanding leadership in entrepreneurial mentoring, counseling and training. These exceptional leaders support small business owners by helping them accelerate their path to growth.
”Entrepreneurial mentors help American business owners fulfill their dreams every day,” said U.S. Small Business Administration Deputy Administrator Marie Johns. “Mentors volunteer their time to provide the counseling and expertise that small business owners need to succeed and create jobs. In turn, entrepreneurs and small businesses support their local economy and provide goods and services to their neighbors. These mentors are true Champions of Change, and I am pleased to have the opportunity to celebrate their success."
The Champions of Change program was created as a part of President Obama’s Winning the Future initiative. Each week, a different sector is highlighted and groups of Champions, ranging from educators to entrepreneurs to community leaders, are recognized for the work they are doing to serve and strengthen their communities.
Small businesses create two out of every three new jobs, and half the people who work in America own or work for a small business. Many of these entrepreneurs would not be where they are today without the help of a mentor to provide them with expert advice. Small business owners make up the fabric of our daily lives – from the shops on main streets to the high-growth innovative companies – and they are creating an economy built to last.
To learn more about our Champions go to www.whitehouse.gov/champions and to watch the event live, go to www.whitehouse.gov/live at 12:00pm ET on March 7th.
Pablo Fuentes is a first-generation immigrant from Chile and is currently Founder and CEO of Proven (www.Proven.com). Proven makes it easy for local businesses to hire candidates and for candidates to showcase their skills. He is currently involved with the Springworks Scholars program and the NewMe Accelerator, where he mentors minority entrepreneurs. Pablo holds a B.A. from UCLA and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.