Recognizing Hispanic Excellence: The 28th Don Quijote Awards Gala Highlights Remarkable Leaders
The 28th annual Don Quijote Awards Gala, co-hosted by Prospera and the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando, took place on December 13, 2025, at the World Showplace Pavilion in Epcot. This event brought together influential leaders from across Central Florida, highlighting the achievements of remarkable Hispanic entrepreneurs and professionals. Designed to honor those who have made significant contributions to the community, the gala was supported by major sponsors including Walt Disney World Resort, Duke Energy, Orlando Health, and Wells Fargo.
Walt Disney World Parks’ Director of Government and Industry Relations, Jose L. Gonzalez, expressed the company's commitment to supporting local businesses, particularly those represented by the Hispanic Chamber. He emphasized how the Don Quijote Awards epitomize the spirit of the community and recognized the vital role that over 2,300 small businesses play in the region.
The event's atmosphere was charged with empowerment, celebrating the stories of entrepreneurs who have embraced challenges with vision, resilience, and determination—traits that echo the legacy of Don Quijote de la Mancha. The gala's hosts, Oscar Cristancho of the Hispanic Chamber and Adly Santiago of Prospera, led the evening’s proceedings, underscoring the partnership between their organizations in fostering entrepreneurial growth.
Distinguished hosts, including Univision’s Emmy and Telly Award-winning Jennifer Chang and Javier Romero, contributed to the evening's success as they celebrated the finalists. The chair of this year's event, Juan Amo from Bank of America, noted the impact of the nominees, whose stories reflected courage, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to community upliftment. These themes resonate not just in terms of economic contribution, but also encapsulate the essence of the Hispanic narrative—where collective success is a shared achievement.
The gala recognized a range of award winners, including Graceful Paws Pet Clinic as the Hispanic Micro-Enterprise of the Year and Rafael Caamaño, Director of UCF's Innovation Districts, as Professional of the Year. Other notable awardees included the Excellence Award recipient Carlos Torres, and Jennifer Evins, honored as Hispanic Community Champion. The night culminated in recognizing Ramon Ojeda with the Lifetime Achievement Award, a tribute to his longstanding commitment to the community.
Pedro Turushina, President and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber, emphasized the collective effort in building a capable Hispanic business community, showcasing that each participant contributes to a larger tapestry of progress. Prospera’s Regional Vice President Katia Medina celebrated the organization’s 30-year legacy, reinforcing its role in empowering entrepreneurs and highlighting the pioneers who have shaped its mission.
The theme for the evening, "Legacy in Motion Weaving Through the Future of Tomorrow," underscored the significance of honoring past achievements while inspiring future initiatives. The gala featured ten outstanding leaders out of over 100 candidates, with special appreciation given to the Roberto Clemente Foundation, recognizing a legacy that transcends generations.
Guests relished a culinary experience curated by Disney Chef Luis Ruiz Guerra, followed by a lively dance celebration featuring vibrant Latin music provided by the band Caliente. Generous support from sponsors, including Bank of America, Universal Destinations and Experiences, and AdventHealth, ensured the event's success and outreach to the wider community.
For more insights on the awards and to learn about future events, visit www.donquijoteawards.com.
About Prospera: Founded in 1991, Prospera specializes in providing bilingual support to Hispanic entrepreneurs keen on establishing or expanding their businesses. Over the past five years, Prospera facilitated nearly $65 million in loans, aiding 17,000 entrepreneurs and creating or retaining over 18,600 jobs. Their service stretches across Florida, North Carolina, and Georgia.
About the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando: Established over three decades ago, the chamber stands as a pivotal entity for the Hispanic business community in Central Florida. It acts as a connector and advocate, supporting business growth and community empowerment, while providing invaluable resources for professional development and networking opportunities.
Walt Disney World Parks’ Director of Government and Industry Relations, Jose L. Gonzalez, expressed the company's commitment to supporting local businesses, particularly those represented by the Hispanic Chamber. He emphasized how the Don Quijote Awards epitomize the spirit of the community and recognized the vital role that over 2,300 small businesses play in the region.
The event's atmosphere was charged with empowerment, celebrating the stories of entrepreneurs who have embraced challenges with vision, resilience, and determination—traits that echo the legacy of Don Quijote de la Mancha. The gala's hosts, Oscar Cristancho of the Hispanic Chamber and Adly Santiago of Prospera, led the evening’s proceedings, underscoring the partnership between their organizations in fostering entrepreneurial growth.
Distinguished hosts, including Univision’s Emmy and Telly Award-winning Jennifer Chang and Javier Romero, contributed to the evening's success as they celebrated the finalists. The chair of this year's event, Juan Amo from Bank of America, noted the impact of the nominees, whose stories reflected courage, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to community upliftment. These themes resonate not just in terms of economic contribution, but also encapsulate the essence of the Hispanic narrative—where collective success is a shared achievement.
The gala recognized a range of award winners, including Graceful Paws Pet Clinic as the Hispanic Micro-Enterprise of the Year and Rafael Caamaño, Director of UCF's Innovation Districts, as Professional of the Year. Other notable awardees included the Excellence Award recipient Carlos Torres, and Jennifer Evins, honored as Hispanic Community Champion. The night culminated in recognizing Ramon Ojeda with the Lifetime Achievement Award, a tribute to his longstanding commitment to the community.
Pedro Turushina, President and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber, emphasized the collective effort in building a capable Hispanic business community, showcasing that each participant contributes to a larger tapestry of progress. Prospera’s Regional Vice President Katia Medina celebrated the organization’s 30-year legacy, reinforcing its role in empowering entrepreneurs and highlighting the pioneers who have shaped its mission.
The theme for the evening, "Legacy in Motion Weaving Through the Future of Tomorrow," underscored the significance of honoring past achievements while inspiring future initiatives. The gala featured ten outstanding leaders out of over 100 candidates, with special appreciation given to the Roberto Clemente Foundation, recognizing a legacy that transcends generations.
Guests relished a culinary experience curated by Disney Chef Luis Ruiz Guerra, followed by a lively dance celebration featuring vibrant Latin music provided by the band Caliente. Generous support from sponsors, including Bank of America, Universal Destinations and Experiences, and AdventHealth, ensured the event's success and outreach to the wider community.
For more insights on the awards and to learn about future events, visit www.donquijoteawards.com.
About Prospera: Founded in 1991, Prospera specializes in providing bilingual support to Hispanic entrepreneurs keen on establishing or expanding their businesses. Over the past five years, Prospera facilitated nearly $65 million in loans, aiding 17,000 entrepreneurs and creating or retaining over 18,600 jobs. Their service stretches across Florida, North Carolina, and Georgia.
About the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando: Established over three decades ago, the chamber stands as a pivotal entity for the Hispanic business community in Central Florida. It acts as a connector and advocate, supporting business growth and community empowerment, while providing invaluable resources for professional development and networking opportunities.
Topics People & Culture）
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