Los Angeles MBDA Business Center

About This Center

The Los Angeles MBDA Business Center is managed and operated by the Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment (PACE), a non-profit 501 (C)(3) organization. PACE provides extensive business training and direct technical assistance (TA), specialized procurement assistance and partnership resources including business expansion support tools: financing, insurance, and bonding for MBEs focusing on capacity building to foster and secure new opportunities in Southern California.

What we provide:

• One on One Counseling
• Identifying Contracting Opportunities
• Guidance on Public Agencies Bidding Process
• Create Marketing Strategies and Connect with Local, State, and Federal Agencies
• Registration Instructions for Government & Private Sector Supplier Vendor Portal System
• Contract Sourcing, RFP & RSOQ Review & Analysis
• Bid Proposal & Budget Development Assistance
• Small Business Certifications Assistance
• Access to capital/funding Networking & Matchmaking Events
• Various Workshops on Government & Private Sector Contracting

Various languages

PACE offers services in several ethnic languages including Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Thai, and other audience-appropriate languages.

Visit the Los Angeles MBDA Business Center website for additional information.

Staff Information

Program Director | Diana Chung

Diana Chung, Los Angeles MBDA Business Center Director, holds an MBA with a background in business administration and marketing. She assists small businesses with a variety of business needs, including cash flow management and government contracting. Diana worked with a diverse array of clients, from local “mom & pop” shops to major corporations. She has successfully guided businesses through all stages of government contracting. In her role, she facilitates the growth of small businesses, the development of government contracts, relationships management, sourcing contract opportunities/deals, educating MBEs on the benefits of strategic growth alternatives, and promoting the interest of MBEs. Diana is also appointed to sit on the Caltrans District #7 Alternate Small Business Advisory Council representing Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.

Contact: DChung@pacela.org

Program Operator | Susie Choy

As the project operator, Susie Choy brings 14 years of experience in auditing and compliance in both the private and public sector. She ensures that all day-to-day program activities meet and exceed program performance outcomes and requirements. Additionally, she conducts internal reviews to ensure compliance, verifies the implementation of regulatory policies and procedures, and develops and administers operational procedures. She will work closely with the director and the LA MBDA Business Center team in developing and overseeing program goals, policies and activities.

Contact: SChoy@pacela.org

Procurement Relationship Manager | Andrew Barrera

Andrew Barrera is a dedicated economic development professional with 30 years of government, private sector and Community Development Corporation (CDC) experience. While working for the California State Assembly Transportation Committee, he was responsible for coordinating disaster relief efforts for the State Assembly District Office during the 1994 Northridge earthquake, including the monitoring of FEMA emergency housing, SBA small business disaster loans and freeway reconstruction with Caltrans, as well as acting as the point of contact for inter-political office holder relief coordination. Andrew currently sits as a collaborating resource partner on the US Commercial Services’ “Local to Global Initiative” and also has been appointed to sit on the Caltrans District #7 Small Business Advisory Council representing Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.

Contact: ABarrera@pacela.org

Loan Counselor | Jennifer Whelan

Jennifer Whelan, CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst, CFA® charterholder- CFA Institute) has extensive experience in consulting, access to capital, small-to-mid size business merger and acquisition M&A execution experience. She will provide pre and post borrowing technical assistance to MBEs to secure financing, capital and bonding through one-on-one assistance, webinars, etc. She will participate in various conferences (virtual and non-virtual), training workshops, networking events, etc. that will extend the reach and reputation of the MBDA Business Center.

Contact: JWhelan@pacela.org

Procurement Manger | Cristina Espirtu

Cristina Espiritu, a distinguished professional with a dual JD/MBA degree from Penn State University, brings over two decades of experience in finance, strategic consulting, contract negotiation, and business and asset valuation. She has offered her expertise to organizations ranging from startups up to publicly-traded companies, helping them develop and identify strategies to propel growth and maximize value. She has also been an entrepreneur and sold her first business in college. Since then, she has founded several companies and organizations in diverse sectors including technology, marketing, and health and wellness. She has served and held leadership roles, on the board of director positions in non-profit organizations, as well as served as a mentor for incubator programs in Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Cristina is also a trained mediator, certified by the Orange Human Relations Mediation Program.

Contact: CEspiritu@pacela.org

Procurement Manger | Lynna Ochoa

Lynna Ochoa serves as the Center’s Procurement Manager, bringing over 15 years of experience in community and economic development. Her professional journey has spanned various nonprofit, private, and governmental organizations, both locally and internationally. Her work has consistently focused on introducing additional economic and business opportunities to historically disenfranchised communities. In her role as our center’s Procurement Manager, Lynna has the opportunity to continue this work by providing Center clients with specialized training and technical assistance, one-on-one counseling, and other business-related services and resources in an effort to help Center clients secure government and private contracts, in turn boosting local economies.

Contact: LOchoa@pacela.org