Leadership Looks Like This: Gaby Wins Outstanding Latina Female Entrepreneur of the Year Award

PHOENIX, AZ - May 6th, 2026 - The Colibri Collective is proud to announce that its CEO & Founder, Gaby Cardenas, has been named Outstanding Latina Female Entrepreneur of the Year by Premios Nosotros. This recognition continues a season of well-earned accolades and celebrates Gaby’s unwavering commitment to leadership, innovation, and community impact.

Presented by Premios Nosotros—an organization celebrating its 10th anniversary and dedicated to elevating Latino entrepreneurs and strengthening small business ecosystems—this award recognizes women who demonstrate exceptional executive vision and resilience. Through advocacy and visibility, Premios Nosotros helps spotlight small business owners and create pathways for growth, ensuring their contributions are recognized as essential to the economic and cultural vitality of their communities. 

This recognition comes during National Small Business Week, a nationwide moment honoring the resilience and impact of small businesses. At a time when small businesses across the country are facing increasing uncertainty, tighter resources, and shifting systems of support, Gaby’s leadership reflects the importance of adaptability, courage, and community. Her journey serves as a reminder that meaningful progress often requires moving forward with resilience, even when the path ahead is less certain. 

“This award is not just about my journey. It represents every entrepreneur who continues to show up, innovate, and invest in the people they serve, despite the challenges. Our greatest strength has always been our ability to build together,” says Cardenas.

In her acceptance, Gaby reflected on her journey as the daughter of immigrant parents, sharing how their sacrifices and lessons continue to guide her work today, particularly in supporting Latino micro-business owners. As she approached the stage, she was reminded of her younger self, a visionary shaped by the example of her entrepreneurial parents. With her father in the room, the moment carried even deeper meaning, grounding her success in the family and foundation that made it possible.

That perspective continues to shape how she leads today. For Gaby, leadership requires courage and a deep commitment to community, especially in moments of uncertainty. She believes impactful leadership is rooted in balancing empathy with strength and resilience with direction, creating space for others to grow while moving purposefully toward what comes next. 

Like the spirit of the colibri, Gaby is defined by movement, the ability to evolve, and fearlessness. She fosters a culture where her team can thrive, grounded in collaboration and meaningful change. This honor reflects not only her personal journey but also her aspirations for The Colibri Collective—to create work that resonates deeply, inspires action, and opens doors for future generations.

Through her leadership, Gaby continues to shape a path forward for aspiring entrepreneurs, demonstrating what it means to lead with authenticity, purpose, and impact.

Check out her win here

About The Colibri Collective

The Colibri Collective is a full-service marketing agency. Serving a wide range of clients from the political, non-profit, and education sectors, The Colibri Collective delivers elevated strategies for memorable data-driven campaigns that ignite emotion and amplify a brand. Our creative bandwidth spans digital marketing, brand identity and development, media strategy, creative services, media buying and planning, multicultural strategy, public relations, and communications. Learn more: www.thecolibricollective.com

About Premios Nosotros

Premios Nosotros is an organization dedicated to celebrating and uplifting Latino excellence across business, leadership, and community impact. Through its annual awards, Premios Nosotros recognizes individuals who demonstrate innovation, resilience, and a deep commitment to empowering their communities. The Outstanding Female Entrepreneur of the Year honors leaders who are not only building successful businesses but also creating meaningful opportunities and driving lasting change for future generations.