RAW INTERNATIONAL
Roland Wiley (www.rawinternational.com) was a top architectural designer at an established firm in Los Angeles. However, he realized there would not be anymore growth opportunities for him in the company. This convinced him to leave the prestigious position to become an entrepreneur. He formed a partnership with Steven Lott and created an architectural company called RAW INTERNATIONAL, INC. in 1984. And later, a third partner also joined the firm. Roland was filled with passion for the business but needed more capital in order to succeed. He secured a $250,000 loan from Bank of America, which significantly strengthened the company’s financial position and enabled it to grow. Over the next decade, Raw International would design for clients such as Dreamworks Studios and Compton Community College. However, one of his partners, Steve Lewis, left the company to pursue a government career in 2004. To aggravate the situation, Raw International lost 50% of its business in the same year when its biggest client, Los Angeles International Airport, did not renew their contract. Nonetheless, Roland is committed to overcoming these obstacles. He is currently working with Bank of America to help Raw International rebound financially.

LATINO MUSEUM
THE LATINO MUSEUM opened its doors 13 years ago. Its objective is to educate people about the Hispanic culture through art exhibition. Helping the non-profit organization to fulfill its mission was Bank of America; they leased and later donated a building to house the displays. In 2004, the city of Los Angeles invoked imminent domain and seized the structure. This was a mixed blessing because the museum was given $5,000,000. Stan Sosa (323-780-7231), a managing board, is strategizing to revive The Latino Museum. He is teaming up with Bank of America to acquire a new building. Stan is also planning to open satellite museums in regions with a dense Hispanic population over the next five years.