Executive Bio - Ms. Sheila Guarderas, President

Sheila Guarderas is the driving force behind Superior Services Inc. (SSI), a multi-million dollar company which she formed in 1986. SSI administers numerous service contracts and employs over 650 people throughout the western United States. In recognition of the tremendous success and growth of SSI, Ms. Guarderas has received many prestigious commendations. These include the Administrator's Award for Excellence from the US Small Business Administration, and awards from the Latin Business Association, Central California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Most recently, Ms. Guarderas was the recipient of the 2001 Working Women's Entrepreneurial Excellence Award, presented by Working Women's Magazine, for her commitment to business excellence and leadership.

The Essence of Ms. Guarderas' corporate vision is to maintain a presence in the community and to actively advocate and represent the interests of her community on all regional and national fronts.

As such, Ms. Guarderas has been actively involved with various local, regional and national civic and business organizations, serving as a board member and chairperson. She has acted as a strong business advocate for opportunities, partnerships, and market development. Ms. Guarderas was a board member of the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, representing member constituents in the states of Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. Other memberships include the Contractors Service Association based in Washington, DC., The National Association of Women Business Owners and Central California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

In support of this vision, her company employees are encouraged to participate in a wide range of community activities, including the Make A Wish Foundation, National Hispanic Scholarship Fund, Operation Christmas Child through Samaritan's Purse, Hispanic Business Student Association, S.T.O.P. the HUNGER Foundation, HEEF (Orange County Hispanic Endowment Fund, Fresno Chaffee Zoo, Children's Hospital, and many other groups and foundations.

"People can make a difference in raising the quality of one's community, if they commit to a personal investment of time, energy, and resources as a true community partner."