#United States #Orlando #Prospera #Don Quijote Awards #Hispanic Chamber

Celebrating Excellence: The 27th Don Quijote Awards Gala

On December 14, 2024, a remarkable celebration took place at Epcot's World Showplace Pavilion in Orlando, Florida, marking the 27th annual Don Quijote Awards Gala. This prestigious event was co-hosted by the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando and Prospera, with a focus on honoring the outstanding contributions of Hispanic business leaders and entrepreneurs across Central Florida.

The gala not only recognizes but also celebrates the spirit of resilience and determination, drawing inspiration from the legendary literary character Don Quijote de La Mancha. The evening was a vibrant affair, attended by over 800 guests, including prominent industry leaders and community representatives, all gathered to acknowledge the drive and innovation prevalent in the Hispanic business community.

An Evening of Recognition

Major sponsors including Walt Disney World Resort, Duke Energy, and Orlando Health supported the event, paving the way for a night of excitement and inspiration. Key leaders from the Hispanic Chamber, such as board chair Elisha Gonzalez, and Prospera’s chair, Quibulah Graham, played significant roles in the festivities, underscoring the importance of such celebrations in fostering community and professional growth.

The gala's program featured esteemed hosts, Telemundo Orlando’s Emmy Award-winning journalist Iris Delgado and Lourdes Stephen, host of Telemundo Al Rojo Vivo. Throughout the event, the significance of the awards was highlighted, particularly by the remarks of Yovannie Rodriguez, the executive vice president of Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, who served as the chair for this year's event. Rodriguez emphasized the enduring impact of the awards, noting their role as a guiding light for the Hispanic community since 1998.

Honoring Excellence

The awards ceremony recognized several exemplary individuals and organizations:

• - HISPANIC MICRO-ENTERPRISE OF THE YEAR: Kids Language Academy, LLC, led by Helen Rojas
• - HISPANIC ENTERPRISE OF THE YEAR: Mecatos Bakery Café, represented by Edwin Lurduy
• - PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR: Dr. Joseph Lopez, Chief of Pediatric Head & Neck Surgery at Advent Health
• - EXCELLENCE AWARD: Maritza Martinez-Guerrero, Vice President of External Affairs Philanthropy at Orlando Magic
• - HISPANIC COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARD: Dr. Laura Chilcutt, Medical Director of Medical-Social Impact at Nemours Children's Health
• - LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Maritza Beltran, Executive Director of La Prensa Newspaper Orlando

Pedro Turushina, President and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando, articulated the essence of the awards, stating, "This evening is more than just a celebration; it is a reflection of the legacy and extraordinary impact of our business community in Central Florida."

A Night of Celebration

The gala's theme this year took cues from Antoni Gaudí, the famous Spanish architect, with creative elements inspired by his renowned masterpiece, Casa Batlló. Guests were treated to a feast designed by celebrated chefs including Disney’s own Luis Ruiz Guerra and Pastry Chef Danielle Carr. The culinary experience was complemented by live music and performances, featuring flamenco dancers and a sensational guitar performance by Nicholas Marks.

After the awards ceremony, the energy transitioned to an exhilarating dance party with vibrant Latin rhythms, courtesy of La Calle Band and a Disney DJ, allowing guests to celebrate into the night.

Conclusion

The Don Quijote Awards Gala represents more than just an evening of accolades; it symbolizes the growth and perseverance of the Hispanic business community in Central Florida. Thanks to the collaboration of organizations such as the Hispanic Chamber and Prospera, these awards continue to foster a culture of excellence that supports talented entrepreneurs and professionals. The event showcases the potential that exists within the Hispanic community while inspiring future generations to strive for success and inclusivity in all industries.

To learn more about the Don Quijote Awards and their impact, visit www.donquijoteawards.com.