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 Lorraine
Wardy
May 2006
Lorraine was born and raised in Mexico City. She came to
El Paso as a bride in 1966. Lorraine had no formal
education. The bleak employment opportunities for
Hispanic women lacking college education and three small
children to raise after her divorce prompted her to
venture out into the business world. She opened a small
retail store with her children from 1980 to 1985. The
success of this small company gave her the confidence to
go forward.
A few years later, she
started designing and manufacturing a collection of
women’s sportswear under her own label. This venture
lasted about 18 years. The company reached international
levels and at the height of the venture, was responsible
for about 150 employees. She started this company out of
her garage.
The lack of education
and knowledge of the manufacturing business, forced
Lorraine to work endless hours learning computer skills
and pattern and sewing techniques to get ahead.
During this time, she
received the prestigious award “Entrepreneur Of The
Year” for South Texas by INC Magazine. A first for El
Paso. “The Emerging 30 Award” from The Greater El Paso
Chamber of Commerce.” Lorraine received the coveted
award from The Small Business Consortium “ Woman in
Business Advocate of The Year” in 2003
During her brief
retirement, she joined SCORE as a business counselor
Lorraine acquired
Sarabia’s Portable Jons 5 years ago. Under Lorraine’s
management, Sarabia’s is rapidly becoming the premier
portable sanitation provider in the area. Recently she
developed a new division “Blue Sanitation” exclusively
to service special events. The improvements she has
made, and her involvement in the Community have rapidly
positioned her company a notch above the rest.
Lorraine is an active
member of the following organizations:
Chairwoman of the
Board, 2007, El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board
– Portable Sanitation Association International Board-
Better Business Bureau Board El Paso Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce Member Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce
Member NARI (National Association of the Remodeling
Industry) Member NAWIC (National Association of Women in
Construction) Past Board Member of The El Paso
International the Airport Past Commissioner for the
Public Arts Commission for the City of El Paso Past
Board- El Paso Association of Builders |
