DETROIT — In a recent installment of the automaker's Faces of GM blog, General Motors spotlighted one of its Denver dealers, sharing the story of Ivette Dominguez, owner and president of Alpine Buick Pontiac GMC.

In her post, she shared some of her history in the auto business, best-selling vehicles, favorite models and personal passions.

For Dominguez, who said she was born and grew up in California after her parents left Cuba, it was a summer job that kick-started her career in the industry.

"I was getting my car serviced and saw a posting at the dealership for a summer sales job," she wrote in the blog. "When I told my dad I was going into car sales, he didn't see it as the best career path for me, but it has turned out to be a very rewarding career, so I convinced him otherwise!"

She went on to add that she purchased her store in 2005, and in November, she was appointed to the automaker's Minority Dealer's Advisory Council. In her role on the council, she represents Hispanic GM dealers.

"I hope to provide a strong voice for a growing minority population within GM. I'd like to help create an inclusive environment that attracts new customers to the GM brands," Dominguez noted.

"We've already had success serving minority customers at Alpine. In some years, as much as 50 percent of our sales have been to the Hispanic community," she continued. "The general marketplace has become so diverse that dealers and GM as a corporation need to continue their efforts to build and sell products that reach a wide, diverse audience."

Continuing on, Dominguez also shared some of her personal favorite vehicles, as well as some of the more popular models at her store.

As far as her favorite models to drive, she pointed to crossovers and full-size SUVs.

"I have a daughter in second grade, so I often have mom duties, driving her to dance recitals and play dates. I like a vehicle with a little more room," Dominguez stated. "I typically drive something along the lines of a crossover or full-size sports utility vehicle — Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia or GMC Yukon Denali."

Meanwhile, some of the models at her store that have shown favorable results among customers have been the GMC Sierra, as well as the Buick and GMC crossovers.

"Our customers love the GMC Sierra, and the crossovers in both the Buick and GMC lines have been great sellers too," Dominguez shared. "We think the new GMC Terrain will also be a high-volume vehicle for us."

Next, Dominguez talked about some of her personal interests, which include volunteering. She said she has worked with a few area nonprofit organizations aimed at helping out women and families.

"For example, each year our staff and colleagues volunteer at the call center for the Children's Miracle Network radio-thon, which benefits Children's Hospital," Dominguez pointed out. "I think it's our responsibility to be involved in the community and give back. I've tried to teach that to my daughter at an early age."

Looking back at 2009 and forward to the coming year, Dominguez realizes the challenges the industry faced, but she remains optimistic about 2010.

"This past year has been challenging for the auto industry, but I am hopeful for the year ahead," she noted. "We're retooling our advertising plan, inventory and personnel for higher sales in 2010."