Tonight I attended Hispanic Business Magazine’s Woman of the Year Gala. This annual event is part of a day-long series of workshops that I was unable to attend, much as I wanted to be there. There is a part of me that’s just a conference junkie, but that compulsion to sit and absorb information wasn’t what made me want to be there today. I wanted to attend today’s event because it was a conference for and about Hispanic Women.

I always come away from these things energized, full of ideas and hope and commitment. I meet wonderful women doing wonderful things that make me proud and envious and (just a little bit) sad that I don’t measure up (in my own mind). There is something remarkable about getting a group of professional women in the same room for no other reason than to support and celebrate each other. It’s great.

The Woman of the Year is truly inspiring. Her story of overcoming adversity and working her way up, of becoming a success by anyone’s standards, is amazing. The honor she received today was certainly well-deserved.

In the evening, celebrate with our Woman of the Year, Inspector General of the U.S. Government Accountability Office, Frances Garcia. This first-generation Mexican-American worked in the fields; waited tables at a diner; and worked side by side with the white men as the first woman and Hispanic at accounting firm Arthur Andersen in Dallas. She also survived a serious car accident — one that left her with broken bones and other major injuries.

Years of hard work and personal sacrifices ultimately led her to the nation´s capital, where she has been Inspector General of the U.S. Government Accountability Office since 1996.

I met some very interesting women and men tonight. I look forward to connecting with them again later, to find out what they’re doing and how I can help. I flatter myself that I can actually help a few of them reach their goals or just put them in touch with the right tools or people. Every once in a while I’m helpful and/or effective.

Time to go to bed. I have a full day tomorrow, again.