Connie Alvarez was born into an entrepreneurial family in San Jose. Her father founded Plaza jewelers in the 1970’s and taught her how to run a business. After attending Foothill College Connie purchased a franchise location of Plaza Jewelers and has been growing the business alongside her husband. She launched Plaza Garibaldi restaurant- (now catering) in 2010 and purchased a 15k ft facility, Friendship Hall where she facilitates events and incubates small businesses. Connie is a philanthropist and local business leaders. She always makes time to serve in civic committees, develop her professional skills and mentor women starting their self-sufficiency journey.