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Esperanza Guerrero-Anderson, President & CEO of Milestone Growth Fund, Inc., to be Honored as the First Time Recipient of the International Leadership Institute’s Immigrant Achievement Award at the 2003 Twin Cities International Citizen Awards Minneapolis, MN – April 8, 2003 – Esperanza Guerrero-Anderson, President & CEO of Milestone Growth Fund, Inc., a Minneapolis-based non-profit, venture capital fund, is pleased to announce Ms. Guerrero-Anderson will be honored as the first time recipient of the International Leadership Institute’s Immigrant Achievement Award for her accomplishments in funding and fostering minority businesses at the 2003 Twin Cities International Citizen Awards on Thursday, April 24th at the Minneapolis Club. The Twin Cities International Citizen Awards honor Twin Citians whose work has contributed significantly to international understanding, cooperation, friendship, and development. Esperanza Guerrero-Anderson is the founder, President and CEO of Milestone Growth Fund, Inc., a non-profit, venture capital fund she started to provide capital to minority entrepreneurs. Under her leadership, Milestone has grown from $1.3 million in assets to nearly $21 million. Since inception, Milestone has invested close to $19 million in 58 minority-owned companies and has a current outstanding portfolio of over $7 million invested in 26 companies. Ms. Guerrero-Anderson serves as a member on the boards of M&I Bank Minnesota, Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation and Milestone Growth Fund, Inc. She also serves on the community boards of the Bush Foundation, Walker Art Center, Center for Ethical Business Cultures, and Chicanos Latinos Unidos En Servicio (CLUES). In addition, she represents Milestone on some of its portfolio companies’ boards of directors. As a native of Nicaragua, the concept of “minorities” was not familiar to her. “I never heard that because you were from a different race or different color you were a second-class citizen. That was news to me,” says Ms. Guerrero-Anderson. “I was very familiar with business consulting, and when I found MEDA, I found a passion I never know I had in my life. I just know I could make a difference in the lives of [minorities].” Esperanza Guerrero-Anderson has been “an exceptional leader of MEDA and Milestone,” says John Stout, an attorney at Fredrikson & Byron in Minneapolis, a founder of MEDA, chairman of Milestone’s board of directors, and Ms. Guerrero-Anderson’s nominator. “She’s very articulate, very bright, and very persistent. You don’t say no to Esperanza. She mentors people and really helps them achieve their capabilities.” About Milestone Growth Fund, Inc. Milestone Growth Fund, Inc. is a non-profit venture capital firm licensed by the Small Business Association (SBA) to operate as a Small Business Investment Company (SBIC). It is the only Minnesota based SBIC that provides equity-type financing and management assistance to minority entrepreneurs that belong to the African American, Asian, Hispanic or Native American Communities. Milestone’s mission is to promote capital formation in minority businesses. Milestone’s vision is to foster greater economic success for ethnic minorities in a more inclusive and prosperous society. About the Twin Cities International Citizen Awards The Twin Cities International Citizens Awards honor individuals and corporations, whose work has contributed significantly to international understanding, cooperation, friendship and development. The Awards were first given in 1992, hosted by the Mayor of Minneapolis. In 1996, the Mayor of St. Paul joined and in 1997 the Commissioners of Hennepin and Ramsey Counties also became hosts. Today, the International Leadership Institute in conjunction with the Twin Cities Business Monthly is hosting this annual recognition event. The Awards recognize the depth and breadth of the Twin Cities’ international connections, concerns and commitments - in business and trade, research and human rights, agriculture and technology, the arts and medicine, education and journalism, and in hospitality and humanitarian relief. The Awards event will be held Thursday, April 24, 2003 at the Minneapolis Club. About the International Leadership Institute The International Leadership Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing and strengthening international exchange and understanding between Minnesota and the world, with the goal of empowering communities of color by promoting leadership, justice, peace and democracy. The International Leadership Institute (ILI) facilitates interaction in world affairs and fosters intercultural communication between Minnesotans, U.S. residents, international organizations, governments and people in other countries. For additional information, please contact: |
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