Meet Cecelia Moreno (CeCe), co-owner of Moreno Steel Fab. and Sunflower Building Solutions LLC, founder of Jefita Status, a long-time amiga, and an all-around badass.
CeCe is a warrior who dons her battle armor of faith and love daily. She’s walked through fire and now rises with the flames—and she’s determined to bring women like me with her.
In 2018, CeCe gave up a beloved job with benefits and job security when her parents called on her to help save the family business, Moreno Welding in South Phoenix. It had been a part of the community since 1979 but was on the brink of closure.
“I had no idea what I was doing,” CeCe said. “I didn’t know the first thing about budget reconciliation. But I learned. I was there day and night fighting to get things under control. I Googled everything and asked people questions—asked for help.”
Not only did she pull the company back from the brink, but she also learned how to maneuver and thrive in a male-dominated space: the construction industry.
Then came the unthinkable. In September 2020, CeCe lost her husband to gun violence. In December 2021, her beloved daughter Sandra lost her battle with COVID-19. And just five months later, in May 2022, CeCe laid her mother to rest after a stroke took her life.
Instead of crumbling in grief and raging at the injustices that followed, CeCe fought through and carried forth her daughter’s dream of making the world a better place. She launched Jefita Status, a movement for women in underserved communities to rise, fight for independence, and rewrite our narratives.
After I lost my job in December, CeCe gave me the courage to launch The Write Storytelling. I’d always dreamed of owning my own business—but fear of the unknown kept me frozen in my comfort zone.
CeCe changed that. She hired me to elevate the marketing and branding for Sunflower Building Solutions. Through her, I found more clients, new friendships—and a safe living space for me and my dog.
She does for others not for recognition, but out of faith. In God. In humanity. I’m honored to share her story and proud to walk beside her. And I’m determined to help carry her legacy of love, hope, and empowerment even further.
