Danette Nguyen

Managing Director

Danette Nguyen was appointed Managing Director of the Maryland Women’s Business Center (MWBC) effective November 2022. In her new role as Managing Director, Danette is looking forward to empowering women entrepreneurs as they start, grow, and expand their business in Maryland’s Capital Region.

Prior to joining MWBC, Danette served as the Deputy Director/Programs Manager for Fairfax City’s Office of Economic Development. In that role, Danette was responsible for overseeing program management, community engagement, grant administration, an extensive portfolio of placemaking programs, and various small business support initiatives. In 2020 and following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Danette assisted with the development and implementation of small business support programs and led the Fairfax City’s Seasonal Outdoor Dining Pilot Permit Program in response to the need for active outdoor public spaces following the pandemic.

Danette has served on community development boards throughout her career and has earned prestigious awards and certifications for her work in the economic and community development field. These include the Jack Wood Town-Gown Award from George Mason University and an Emerging Leader Fellow certificate administered by the International Downtown Association.

Danette graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Information Systems and Marketing from George Mason University.

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MARTHA JIMENEZ

Program Manager for Montgomery County

A native of Colombia with more than 30 years of experience in business administration, Martha has earned a reputation as an independent international consultant for various companies in Latin America and the Caribbean. She is passionate about helping others move toward the realization of their goals. Her open and energetic approach engages internal and external clients in proactive learning and stimulates their drive for growth and the team’s positive outcomes

Martha is bilingual and she holds a B.S. in Business Administration and an MBA in Management, and she is also certified in Project Management. She has a special interest in the literature about strategies, competencies, and strategic thinking skills.

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RONEKA SAMALENGE

Associate Business Consultant for Montgomery County

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Zeinna Estrada

Training and Events Coordinator

Zeinna is a born and raised Montgomery County local. Starting off in the restaurant industry at a young age, she learned the importance of curating exceptional experiences for her guests. After gaining customer service and hospitality skills, she switched gears and used that expertise to pursue an Administrative Assistant position, where she worked at a coworking space for small businesses. She was responsible for creating a community catering to entrepreneurs and providing a quality working environment for the members. During her time as an Admin, Zeinna evolved her graphic design skills by taking online courses at University of Maryland University College. With a few years of industry knowledge under her belt plus her passion for creativity, she was eventually offered a position in the marketing department. Zeinna learned valuable skills and tools that would eventually inspire her to begin freelance brand identity and design on the side. She has worked with many different types of small businesses, creating print and digital design assets. Zeinna is dedicated to using her aptitude to help other businesses thrive.

Outside of work, Zeinna’s hobbies include music, art, and spending time with her little family made up of two cats, a rescue dog, and her boyfriend (who is also a small business owner!).

Zeinna joined the MWBC team in March 2023. As a freelancer herself, she looks forward to contributing to the growth and success of women-owned businesses by organizing memorable training and events.

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