We are pleased to welcome Thurston County’s new BIPOC Business Community Liaison, Mayra Pena! Mayra will operate out of the Thurston Economic Development Council and is available to support minority businesses (and prospective businesses!) throughout Thurston County. Her work will help us connect more BIPOC businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs connect with each other, the community and the resources they need for success. Mayra’s position and role is an integral part of the Thurston Strong Recovery and Reset Plan – building back stronger and more equitably.
Funding for the position is provided by Thurston County through its federal ARPA allocation. Mayra previously served as the Communications and Outreach Director for the Thurston Asset Building Coalition (ABC) where she helped facilitate improvements in health equity, economic advancement, social justice, housing and food security. Prior to that, Mayra held business and communications positions in Yelm and Lacey and is familiar with the broader Thurston County community.
Mayra is bilingual (Spanish/English) and tech-savvy. If your organization would like to connect with Mayra, please reach out at mpena@thurstonedc.com or via our Business Hotline at 1-888-821-6652.