6th Annual World IP Day Celebration 04-27-2026

This webinar was recorded on April 27, 2026; the information contained is current as of that date. Celebrate World IP Day with us! Hear directly from the USPTO and U.S. Copyright Office as they break down patents, trademarks, and copyrights—and learn how to protect and strengthen your ideas. Featured Speakers Estefanita Rawlings Center Director, Technology Commercialization Accelerator (TCA) New Mexico Small Business Development Center Network Estefanita Rawlings leads the Technology Commercialization Accelerator (TCA) at New Mexico Tech in Socorro. She provides expert guidance on intellectual property strategy, helping innovators protect and commercialize their ideas. She also promotes cybersecurity awareness across New Mexico, supporting small businesses in safeguarding their digital assets. A proud alumna of New Mexico Tech, Estefanita holds degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics and previously worked as a Senior Data Analyst and Programmer Analyst. Hope Shimabuku Regional Director, Southwest Regional Outreach Office United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Hope Shimabuku oversees USPTO initiatives across the Southwest, bringing nearly 30 years of experience as both an engineer and IP attorney. She has held leadership roles at Xerox and BlackBerry, as well as engineering positions at Procter & Gamble and Dell. An active leader in the legal and business community, she has received honors including the Justice David Wellington Chew Award and the Women’s Leadership Award from the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association. George Thuronyi Deputy Director, Office of Public Information and Education U.S. Copyright Office George Thuronyi has been with the U.S. Copyright Office since 1999 and currently helps lead public education and outreach efforts. He plays a key role in making copyright law accessible and understandable to the public. He previously contributed to early digital accessibility tools at the National Library Service and holds a journalism degree from the University of Maryland. Reynaldo D. Vasquez Southwest Regional Outreach Officer United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Reynaldo Vasquez leads USPTO stakeholder engagement across eight states. His background includes work with the U.S. Small Business Administration in economic development and international trade, as well as service with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He also serves in the U.S. Army National Guard and brings expertise in entrepreneurship, real estate management, and trade financing. Judy Hendricks Project Manager New Mexico Small Business Assistance Program Judy Hendricks connects small businesses with scientists and engineers to solve technical challenges. With experience in biotechnology firms and startups, she understands firsthand the needs of growing businesses and innovation-driven companies. Contact Information New Mexico Small Business Assistance Program Phone: (505) 362-8944 Email: [email protected] Website: www.nmsbaprogram.org