Imperial Valley People

05/28/2025

MEET: Odile

"Hi, my name is Odile of I have been living in the valley for three years now. I am a farmer and Iam working diligently toward establishing the first sustainable farm open to the public. Seeing firsthand the amount of toxic chemicals that are used in conventional and organic growing operations scared me enough to want to grow my own plants differently. That is why I chose to study agriculture and learned to combine what my mom and her mom taught her as self-sufficient people of the land, with my learning and experiences. This farm will not only be one of the first to open directly to the community but it will also help those who want to learn how to grow fruits and vegetables for themselves as well.
My parents inspire me, they are very hardworking, noble, and honest people. They’re not free of mistakes like all of us but they are positive people that have taught me resiliency, not because of where we come from but because you need it to confront life.

I love to dance, do Pilates, to create, paint, learn, explore, and stay active. I’m a curious person and I’m open to the opportunities life has to offer.

I consider the valley my home because this is where I grew up, I’m from Heber and Mexicali. I have family on both sides and although most of it is in Mexicali, the Imperial Valley is home to me. I’m very grateful for all the experiences I’ve been able to be a part of here, from being in Project ABEL at Heber School to graduating from Southwest. My first job was at the Forever 21 in Calexico when I was 16. This place has shaped my work ethic, my drive, my personality, and it will always have a very special place in my heart."
Nominated by:

05/05/2025

MEET: Victoria

“Hello everyone, my name is Victoria A. Fernandez DeSoto of I was born and raised here in the Imperial Valley, and this community will always have a piece of my heart. I’m a passionate Esthetician who specializes in acne treatments, and I truly love helping people feel confident in their skin. My approach is all about getting real results by finding the root cause—because I believe healing starts from the inside out.
What inspires me most are the people who don’t give up on themselves—especially those navigating tough skin journeys. I understand how deeply it can affect your self-esteem. That experience is what pushed me into this career and is the reason I pour my heart into every facial, every consultation, every client.
Outside of skincare, I love connecting with others, learning new things, and embracing wellness in all areas of life. Whether it’s through food, mindset, or self-care, I’m always looking for ways to grow and help others do the same.

I consider Imperial Valley my home not just because I grew up here, but because of the sense of community. There’s something so comforting about familiar faces, small-town support, and people who genuinely want to see each other thrive. I’m proud to be part of that and excited to continue growing here—both personally and professionally.”

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05/02/2025

04/16/2025

MEET: Julie
"Hi, my name is Julie, and I was born and raised in Southern California. My family and I moved to the Imperial Valley two and a half years ago, and I love the strong sense of community here. It’s nice to call the Imperial Valley my home—it’s quiet, peaceful, and a great place to live. In my free time, I enjoy traveling and spending quality time with my family.

I’m inspired by many things—my family, the children I have the opportunity to coach, and the resilience of those who push through challenges and overcome obstacles. Watching others grow, persevere, and succeed is truly motivating.

Last year, I opened All Star Cheer in the city of Imperial, where we train athletes ages 6-18 in all aspects of cheerleading and compete across Southern California and Arizona. As we prepare to kick off our second season in May, I’m excited to continue watching our athletes grow, gain confidence, and master new skills—seeing their progress is truly rewarding."

04/07/2025

MEET: Susel

"Hi, my name is Susel Ramos.
I’ve lived in the Imperial Valley for 12 years. I’ve currently been in the beauty of hand and foot care world for three years.
I’m the owner of .
There, I offer opportunities for growth. We’re a duo of beauty entrepreneurs.
I thank God for all of this.

My inspiration is my family. My husband and my three children. All of this is for them.

I consider the Imperial Valley my home, where it has given me so many opportunities. I enjoy and love this place."



Nominated by

04/02/2025

MEET: Tomas

"My name is Tomas Renteria
I was born in Mexicali 49 years ago. I studied Food engineering, later on, and I got a B.A. in business administration.
My inspiration has always been to become a successful business entrepreneur and start my own business. I started my own water and ice plant and distribution business as well as a family boutique in Mexicali, nowadays I own Tommy's Party Rentals , a successful party rental business.
We serve the entire Imperial Valley with a capacity to tend to over 3000 people many of which include schools, government offices, businesses, banquet halls,and parks just to name a few.My passion in life is business. I would like to create brands to serve my clients and offer the best service possible.
I love the imperial valley because it is a great place to live and perfect for my business."

03/06/2025

MEET: Brianna

"Hi! I'm Brianna! I was born and raised here in the Valley! I’m the Media & Communications Officer for (Imperial CBD extraction), the first fully licensed seed-to-shelf CBD extraction facility in Southern California, and its sister company, (Golden State CBD), the Valley’s only handcrafted, CBD-only retail store. My job is all about making sure both thrive—not just locally, but someday on an international scale.

I’m inspired by people who lead with empathy and kindness, no matter our differences. In a world that can feel divided, I admire those who choose understanding over judgment.

I’ve always been drawn to the arts—whether it’s fashion, music, or any form of self-expression. I love dressing up for no reason, painting, and I love my work because I am constantly designing!"

03/04/2025

MEET: Juan
"Hi! I'm Juan Carlos Tovar. It's been 21 years I've lived here in the valley. I graduated with a bachelor's in accounting. Yet today, I find myself owning my catering business, Tacos Alex IV. My parents are the people who inspire me mostly since they are the ones who gave me the legacy of this business, which, thank God I was able to pursue and grow as well.
My hobbies are to spend some quality time with my family doing things like watching movies. Along with playing the guitar, car restoration, camping, and traveling. The Imperial Valley is home to me because this is the place where not only my wife and I were able to live our lives but the place in where my family began as both of my kids were born here. My family began in the Imperial Valley, and where my family is, that is where home is."

03/03/2025

MEET: Melissa

"Hi, my name is Melissa. I was born and raised in the Imperial Valley. I’m the owner of and also work part-time at an elementary school. From a young age, I’ve always been drawn to arts and crafts. I spent my time after school at the community center, creating art there, and that’s where my love for creativity began. For me, every purchase means so much, as the proceeds help cover travel expenses, therapies, equipment, and other essential needs for my youngest son, who has epilepsy and cerebral palsy. My family is my greatest inspiration. I have a passion for creating items that people will love to use and gift. My hobbies include arts and crafts, going for walks, watching TV shows, traveling, love coffee and Pilates. The Imperial Valley is home—it’s where I grew up, and it’s where my kids are now growing up. It’s incredibly heartwarming to see our products around the valley. It truly shows the power of supporting and uplifting one another."

02/21/2025

MEET: Monica

"Hello Imperial Valley!
My name is Mónica López, I’m from Mexicali, and I’ve lived here in the Imperial Valley for 19 years.
I have been a cosmetologist colorist for 25 years. I love my profession, and I can say that my work doesn’t feel like work to me,
currently, I am the owner of , where I provide opportunities for four young women to have their independent business. We are a team of dedicated entrepreneurs in the beauty field in El Centro.
My biggest inspiration is my family. My husband and my two children are my pride and my greatest loves.
The Imperial Valley is our home, and we are grateful for the opportunities It has given us through hard work and dedication.
I love gathering, enjoying, and sharing time with all my family. As they are the most valuable gift in my life, traveling is another passion of mine, disconnecting from the routine renews me and fills me with energy."

Nominated by:

02/10/2025

MEET: Claudia

“Hello there! I am Claudia Pineda Cobian, of
Even though I was born in Mexicali BC, I have lived most of my life in the United States. I grew up in Mendota CA and Fresno CA where I have amazing childhood memories and stories. I moved to the Imperial Valley in my teens.
I have been living in the Imperial Valley for more than 30 years now, and I love it! I’m an entrepreneur. I am the CEO of Cafecito Bar, owner of Mi Casita Food, and owner of , an all-exclusive women's gym. Having my own business has always been my passion and dream.
I truly believe that by putting God first, with the right plan and the right mindset, dreams do come true. My biggest motivation it’s to live a meaningful and fulfilling life by positively impacting each person. I love creating local events that support other small businesses and bring the community together. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, reading, cycling, running anything that involves nature and personal development.
My favorite thing is listening to my kid's stories at family gatherings. They are loud, haha.
I loved being part of the Imperial Valley, our community is strong and united. My current personal goal is to complete my certification in Specialized Woman Fitness. My inspiration is my story. When I came to the United States, I came only with a backpack. However, the desire to accomplish big goals has always been in my heart and mind. Dreams do come true! Si Se Puede!”

01/27/2025

MEET: Bella

"Hi, I'm Bella Serrano of . I have lived in Imperial my whole life and I was born and raised in Imperial Valley. I started my own baking business in 2023 but I've been baking for fun since 2021. I aspire to own my bakery someday. I grew up watching my mom bake, and that inspired me to start baking. My whole family helps support my business as well as a very important family friend who was once my teacher Mrs.Escalante. Imperial Valley is my home because this is where I was born and raised and I love the community."