JULISSA: Thank you so, so, so much!

I am incredibly honored to receive the entrepreneurship award today.

I never thought that in launching a brand to help me care for my own curls, that I'd be able to touch so many people and help them feel seen, beautiful, and represented.

Rizos Curls is much more than hair products.

It's about embracing your truest self, honoring your roots, and redefining beauty standards.

I started Rizos Curls with my brother that ya'll saw his awkward self, he's in the video, eight years ago, 100% self-funded.

And by self-funded, like you saw in the video, I mean we had zero marketing dollars and had to get creative.

But luckily, as ya'll heard, I had something money can't buy, and that's 100 Mexican cousins in LA.

(audience laughter and applause).

But literally, my little cousins packed orders, my tío Juan off of Washington and Crenshaw, let me take over his entire garage to as our first headquarters, and as ya'll saw, the models were also my cousins.

It was a family effort, and we all made this happen together.

(audience cheering and applause).

The success of my business is a testament to the creativity, raw talent, and hard work that exists in the working-class immigrant neighborhoods where I grew up.

(audience cheering and applause).

I was blessed to witness everyday entrepreneurs who taught me the true meaning of making the most with what you have.

I saw the pupusa lady who grew her business from her front yard, the flower vendors who showed up rain or shine, (gasps) and my dad, who came to this country at 15, starting as a field worker picking oranges... oh my gosh... (audience cheering and applause).

I'm a Pisces so like I don't wanna cry, I don't want to perpetuate my sign, okay... Um, then as a dishwasher, and eventually fulfilling his dream of opening his own small restaurant, La Maria, which he has proudly runs for 22 years.

Shout out to my dad.

I don't want to look at him too long because I start crying.

He may not have had a formal education, but his work ethic, kindness, and passion for food are unmatched.

Through my father's journey of becoming a small business owner, he was unknowingly training me to be the passionate entrepreneur I am today.

I am so proud to be the daughter of immigrants, and to... (audience cheering and applause).

And to transform the very things others might see as barriers into my greatest strengths.

So, today I dedicate this award not only to my parents, but to every immigrant parent and child who comes to this country with big dreams.

We are not who "they" say we are.

My immigrant community... You are loved, you are worthy, and I stand here as proof that, despite the odds, you can accomplish your wildest dreams.

(audience cheering and applause).

Thank you to the Hispanic Heritage Foundation for this incredible honor.

And a huge thank you to my parents, who are in the audience with their phones out right now... (audience cheering and applause).

And my amazing community that, after eight years, still continues to support Rizos Curls.

Thank you so much, mucisimas gracias.

(audience cheering and applause).