Media Naranja was born out of Judith Hernandez Diaz desire to create a space for Latinos in the dating scene, which often lacked representation at social events. Starting as a hobby in July 2023, her first speed dating event saw 20 attendees, despite minimal promotion. Judith, inspired by her own experiences and setbacks, decided to formalize the business in July 2024. She realized the potential of creating a dedicated platform for Latino speed dating events, especially after facing personal and financial challenges that highlighted the need for a supportive community.

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Wanting to gain credibility and develop a better understanding of the intricacies of running a business, Judith sought the help of the IL SBDC @ WBDC. There, she met Yesenia Valencia, who provided invaluable advice on forming an LLC. This guidance helped her see the LLC as a flexible tool rather than a permanent commitment, giving her the confidence to make Media Naranja official. The WBDC’s support network became a crucial resource, as other advisors such as Francisco Ramirez offered advice on marketing, financials, and business strategy. “Having someone neutral and knows what they’re doing to give advice was a big win,” Judith explained. She was also able to build connections through the IL SBDC @ WBDC, such as at a Women’s Seminar at Malcolm X College, allowing her to build her network. The support from the WBDC has been instrumental in Judith’s entrepreneurial journey, providing a solid foundation and a network of opportunities that continue to drive Media Naranja’s growth. “Any questions that I have, I know I can bring to the WBDC,”