Gaby Cardenas, the daughter of two immigrant entrepreneurs, always knew she would be a business owner, following the example of her parents. Noticing that there were very few women who owned digital advertising agencies, Cardenas saw her opportunity to pave the way. Fueled by entrepreneurial spirit and a dream of making a meaningful impact in advertising and marketing, she embarked on an exciting venture of founding her firm in 2017.
The Colibri Collective is a Latina-owned digital marketing firm that focuses on creating positive change through meaningful partnerships and delivering strategies that create results for a diverse set of clientele.
With more than 20 years of experience in marketing, advertising and strategic communications in the corporate world, Cardenas launched the company by operating from her kitchen table with a very small team. In the years since The Colibri Collective has grown to 14 full-time employees in downtown Phoenix.
Under Cardenas’ leadership, the firm has helped many leading progressive advocacy groups and community organizations to secure critical victories at the state and local levels. The company became the official multicultural public relations firm for the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee and the NFL for Super Bowl LVII. The Colibri Collective boasts a diverse portfolio, including K-12 and higher education institutions, human rights advocacy organizations, political, healthcare services, transit, foundations and nonprofits.
“Her multifaceted impact underscores not only her prowess in the business arena but also her dedication to fostering change on a broader scale,” said her staff. Cardenas was recognized as a business leader to watch in 2024 and with the Arizona Minority Small Business champion of the year award from the Small Business Administration.
Beyond her professional achievement, Cardenas serves as a board member of the International Women’s Forum Arizona, the Arizona Donors Alliance, and ALL in Education. She also donates her time to the Consulado de Mexico Entrepreneurship Program for Mexican Women Abroad.
Exceptional leadership requires the courage to forgo immediate gratification for the sake of long-term success, said Cardenas. She said that’s why her leadership superpower lies in her ability to inspire and empower those around her.
“I excel at articulating a compelling vision and setting clear, achievable goals for the team,” she said. “Authenticity is at the heart of my leadership, fostering respect and trust through integrity and transparency. My commitment to these values, deeply rooted in the lessons taught by my parents, guides my actions every day.”
