MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: ALMA GONZALEZ-SANTIAGO

MAY 2022 FEATURED SPEAKER

Alma D Gonzalez–Santiago is an entrepreneur with over 25 years’ experience in small business development. 

Alma began her career in the mid-1990’s as a startup specialist for a venture capitalist.  As the internet investment market expanded, she then worked with an angel investor as an internet startup specialist.  Prior to 9-11, Alma helped developed nearly 50 small businesses.  Post 9-11, Alma switched gears and began focusing on small business development.

Within the small business arena, Alma has a owned and operated a successful catering/event space in New York City for over a decade as well as performance dance company for 15 years.  Additionally, as a business advisor, she helped develop several small businesses through their launch dates and ran efficiency analyses for several local businesses which led to growth and expansion.

In response to a family crisis, Alma moved to Washingtonville, NY and began a craft store to help realize her mother’s dream.  Since 2019, Mamba’s Creations opened and showed steady growth despite a global pandemic.  In 2021, Mamba’s Creations expanded to a larger location and Mamba’s Fiesta, a flower shop was added.   In 2022, a new venture has been started – Mamba’s Moves, a dance school focused on teaching social dances to children.

Alma has a Bachelor in Business Arts from Baruch College and an MBA from Mercy College.  She is currently pursuing a doctorate at Northcentral University.  In addition to the BGCC Executive Board,  Alma is SVP for the VFW Auxiliary and a member of Kiwanis International.