National Latina Women Business Association Honors Verizon's Elva Lima With Corporate Leadership Award

The National Latina Women Business Association has presented its Corporate Leader of the Year Award to Elva Lima, Verizon's vice president of strategic programs, for her dedication to advancing the professional development and business leadership of Latinas.

The award honors outstanding Latina business women in the Los Angeles metropolitan area who have demonstrated success in business and a commitment to the betterment of the Latino community.

"As the nation's leading Latina business organization, the Los Angeles chapter of the National Latina Women Business Association recognizes through its Latina in Business Awards the successes and contributions of Latina entrepreneurs, executives and professionals," said Claudia Bodan, the chapter's president.  "Elva Lima's success extends beyond her work in business, reaching into the community through personal contributions, dedication and participation."

Alberto G. Alvarado, district director of the United States Small Business Administration's Los Angeles office, said: "The NLWBA's recognition of Ms. Lima is a testament to her tireless advocacy for the women-owned, minority- and small-business community. She serves as a role model for many."

Lima said many of her leadership skills are the result of watching the work ethic of her parents as she grew up and the advice she received from her grandmother, and she has further developed those skills throughout her career with Verizon.

"I am honored to be recognized by a leading business organization that serves as a resource for Latinas to meet their career goals through education, leadership and community service," said Lima. "I hope my leadership experience serves as an example of the many ways leadership skills can be attained and used to realize goals."

About NLBWA-LA
National Latina Business Women Association, Los Angeles Chapter (NLBWA-LA), a 501(c) 3 non-profit, non-partisan organization was established in July of 2003 to meet the needs of the growing ranks of Latina entrepreneurs, executives and professionals from the greater Los Angeles area.  The mission of NLBWA-LA is to encourage Latinas to develop their business and professional skills and to meet their career goals through education, business referrals and networking. Its vision is to create nationwide representation, visibility and business opportunities for Latinas in the business world and at the executive level.  For more information about NLBWA-LA visit www.nlbwa-la.org.

About Verizon
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving more than 86 million customers nationwide.  Verizon's Wireline operations provide converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network.  Wireline also includes Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 237,000 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of more than $97 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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