Katherine Cortavarria is a purpose-driven leader with a heart for service, known for her commitment to excellence and her dedication to supporting her community. From a young age, Katherine has embraced challenges and pursued her passions with determination. In 1998, she graduated in Marketing and Administration, and in 2013, she earned her credentials as a Practical Nurse. However, her entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish Manantial Cleaning Services, Inc. in 2015, marking the beginning of her journey as a business owner.
With over 20 years of experience as a Site Manager for a large cleaning contractor, Katherine recognized the need for a higher standard of service and attention to detail within the cleaning industry. This insight inspired her to create Manantial Cleaning Services, providing top-tier commercial cleaning services across Long Island and NYC. Under her leadership, Manantial Cleaning Services has grown to employ 25 dedicated staff members and offers a wide range of services, including commercial janitorial services, professional disinfection, post-construction cleaning, and floor stripping and waxing.
In 2018, Katherine and her team became IICRC Certified Carpet Technicians, further enhancing their expertise. She also achieved certification for Manantial Cleaning Services as a Certified Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) across New York State, New York City, The Port Authority of NY & NJ, and Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Additionally, Manantial is a certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) with the NYSUCP in the NYS Department of Transportation, The Port Authority of NY & NJ, and the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority.
Throughout the nine years of Manantial’s existence, Katherine has established a reputation for treating her clients and staff with the care and respect of family, building trust within her community and among her clientele. Her leadership extends beyond her business; she served as the Director of Membership for the Suffolk County Women-Owned Business Enterprise Coalition (SCWBEC) from 2019 to 2022 and is a proud gold sponsor of the organization. Katherine is also actively involved as a member of the Suffolk County Hispanic Advisory Board, the Hauppauge Industrial Association of Long Island (HIA-LI), the Peruvian American Chamber of Commerce Alliance (PACCA), and the Smithtown Chamber of Commerce.
In September 2024, Katherine became the first Latina to serve as Chair of SCWBEC, the only organization of its kind on Long Island, founded in 1990 to support and empower women-owned businesses in the region. Her leadership is marked by her passion for advocating for local women-owned and minority-owned businesses, helping them achieve their goals and thrive in a competitive marketplace.
Katherine Cortavarria’s journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication to service, her community, and her mission to elevate others to achieve their fullest potential.