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2025 Don Quijote Awards Reveal Finalists, Community Champion, and Lifetime Achievement Winners

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando and Prospera, two leading organizations supporting Hispanic business and professional success across Central Florida, unveiled the finalists for the 2025 Don Quijote Awards, along with this year’s Hispanic Community Champion and Lifetime Achievement Award recipients.

The announcement took place at the Center for Health and Wellbeing—space provided by the Winter Park Health Foundation—and featured remarks from Juan Amo, Chair of the 28th Don Quijote Awards Gala and Senior Vice President, Marketing Executive at Bank of America.

Amo emphasized the enduring spirit behind the awards. “What I hope our community takes away from this year’s Don Quijote Awards is a renewed belief in the power of perseverance and purpose. The stories of our finalists and honorees show that success isn’t defined by circumstance, but by the courage to lead, to serve, and to dream beyond limits,” he said.

The Don Quijote Awards honor individuals and businesses demonstrating excellence, innovation, leadership, and meaningful contributions to the Hispanic business sector. Winners will be announced at the 28th Don Quijote Awards Gala on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Epcot’s World Showplace Pavilion, from 6:00 p.m. to midnight.

2025 Gala Theme — “Legacy in Motion”

This year’s theme pays tribute to Hispanic American trailblazers whose leadership and vision helped shape opportunities across the United States.

“Every one of us carries a thread that was first placed by a mentor or someone who believed in us before we believed in ourselves,” said Pedro Turushina, President and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando. “This year’s theme, Legacy in Motion, reminds us that while a single strand can break under pressure, braided together we form a rope strong enough to pull the future forward.”

Prospera Central & Northeast Florida Regional Vice President Katia Medina added, “Leadership is not only about achievement—it’s also about the legacy we leave. We proudly celebrate those whose courage and determination have paved the way for others and continue to inspire new generations.”

2025 Finalists Announced

Hispanic Micro-Enterprise of the Year Finalists

  • Dr. Bling by Bling Aesthetics – Owners: Dr. Ariel Casillas & Javier Hernandez

  • Graceful Paws Pet Clinic – Owner: Dr. Lynette Reyes

  • Mia, Mia Brand – Owners: Juan Ceballos & Maria Tapias

Hispanic Enterprise of the Year Finalists

  • Angel For Kids and Families – Owners: Elizabeth & John Valencia

  • Taino’s Bakery – Owners: Nicolas Fuste & Liza Padilla

  • Coffee For The Soul – Owner: Paola Bornacelli

Professional of the Year Finalists

  • Dr. Andrea Guzman – Vice President for Access and Community Engagement, UCF

  • Rafael Caamaño – Director, UCF Innovation Districts & Business Incubation Program

  • Jeff Villanueva – CEO, AdventHealth Seminole Market

Excellence Award Finalists

  • Ana L. Cruz – HOLA Coordinator, City of Orlando

  • Dr. Valeria Baldivieso – Geriatric Medicine Medical Director, AdventHealth

  • Carlos Torres – Chief Deputy, Orange County Sheriff’s Office

2025 Community Champion & Lifetime Achievement Honorees

Hispanic Community Champion Award

The 2025 honoree is Jennifer Evins, President and CEO of United Arts of Central Florida.
Evins has expanded Hispanic representation on the United Arts board to 20% and launched the Diverse Leadership Pipeline program, connecting multicultural leaders with nonprofit board opportunities. She has supported more than 100 organizations and artists through grants, residencies, and visibility initiatives such as DTO Live and Artistry Magazine. Her leadership continues to strengthen cultural access and representation across Central Florida.

Lifetime Achievement Award

This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Ramon Ojeda, Executive Director of the National Mango Board.
Ojeda, the first President of the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando, transformed the organization into a nationally recognized leader for economic inclusion—doubling membership, tripling revenue, and earning national honors including “Chamber of the Year.” His continued work supports small business growth and promotes innovation and healthy lifestyles nationwide.

The Don Quijote Awards are supported by Walt Disney World Resort, Duke Energy, Wells Fargo, Orlando Health, Bank of America, Universal Destinations and Experiences, AdventHealth, Travel + Leisure, Hard Rock, OUC The Reliable One, Florida Blue, JPMorgan Chase, JCQ Services, and other partners.

For more information, visit donquijoteawards.com.

Business

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson Listed as Speaker for Global AI, Supply Chain Summit

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Organizers say the Oct. 26–27 conference will bring together business leaders, policymakers and technology professionals for discussions on global commerce, digital transformation and industry innovation.

DALLAS, TX (FNN) — Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson is listed as an invited speaker for the Global Procurement, Supply Chain, AI & Logistics Summit and Global Recognition Awards 2026, scheduled for Oct. 26–27 in Dallas, according to an announcement from the event’s organizer.

The American Association of Procurement, Supply Chain and Tourism Management, known as AAPSCM, said the two-day summit will take place at the AC Hotel & Residence Inn Dallas by the Galleria, 5460 James Temple Drive.

The conference will focus on artificial intelligence, supply chain resilience, innovation and the future of global commerce.

Mayor listed among international speakers

Organizers identified Johnson among the invited speakers joining executives, policymakers, academics, consultants and professionals in procurement, supply chain management, technology and logistics.

The announcement describes participants as coming “from the United States and around the world.”

According to the release, Johnson is listed among speakers participating in the Oct. 27 program. The announcement does not specify the subject or time of his remarks.

AI, forecasting and digital transformation

The second day’s agenda includes a session on artificial intelligence and machine learning in inventory management, forecasting, and sales and operations planning.

An executive leadership session titled “Driving Innovation & Digital Transformation” is scheduled to follow.

The program will examine technology’s role in procurement, logistics and supply chain operations, with an emphasis on how leaders respond to changing business conditions.

Awards to recognize industry achievement

The summit will also include procurement and supply chain awards, followed by Global Excellence Awards recognizing individuals, organizations and industry leaders.

Organizers said the awards program includes more than 35 categories spanning procurement, supply chain management, artificial intelligence and logistics.

The announcement describes the awards as recognizing “achievement, innovation and leadership.”

Executives and decision-makers expected

AAPSCM said it expects attendees to include chief executives, chief procurement officers, chief supply chain officers, chief operating officers and technology leaders.

The anticipated audience also includes procurement directors, logistics professionals, government representatives and specialists in AI and digital transformation.

About the organizer

AAPSCM describes itself as a U.S.-based nonprofit professional organization that supports professional development through certification, education, training, membership, conferences and international collaboration.

Event and registration information

  • Event: 2nd Global Procurement, Supply Chain, AI & Logistics Summit & Global Recognition Awards 2026
  • Dates: Oct. 26–27, 2026
  • Venue: AC Hotel & Residence Inn Dallas by the Galleria
  • Address: 5460 James Temple Drive, Dallas, Texas 75240
  • Organizer: American Association of Procurement, Supply Chain and Tourism Management
  • Registration: aapscm-conferences.org
  • Organization: aapscm.org

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Hola at the Park Set for Oct. 3 in Altamonte Springs; Admission Free

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Florida National News and FNN News en Español will provide on-site coverage of the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at Cranes Roost Park.

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. (FNN) — Hola at the Park will bring Hispanic culture, local businesses and live entertainment to Cranes Roost Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 2 to 6 p.m.

Hosted by the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando and presented by AdventHealth, the event celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month through food, entertainment, entrepreneurship and community connections.

According to the chamber’s event announcement, admission is free, the celebration is open to the community and no registration is required.

FNN to Spotlight Businesses and Community Voices

Florida National News and FNN News en Español, official media sponsors, will be on location covering the festivities.

The FNN team will spotlight chamber representatives, sponsors, participating businesses and community leaders, while sharing attendees’ perspectives throughout the afternoon.

Coverage will highlight the people, businesses and cultural traditions contributing to the celebration.

Photo: Florida National News

Food, Entertainment and Family Activities

The chamber’s announcement lists authentic cuisine, live entertainment, local businesses, wellness experiences, community resources, networking and family-friendly activities among the event’s offerings.

Attendees will have opportunities to explore Hispanic traditions, connect with entrepreneurs and learn about organizations serving Central Florida.

Photo: Florida National News

A Waterfront Setting in Uptown Altamonte

Cranes Roost Park, located in Uptown Altamonte, features a waterfront setting with scenic walkways around Cranes Roost Lake and the Eddie Rose Amphitheater and floating stage.

The park will serve as the gathering place for an afternoon celebrating Hispanic heritage and the connections between culture, business and community.

Event Details

  • Date: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026
  • Time: 2–6 p.m. EDT
  • Location: Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs
  • Host: Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando
  • Presenting sponsor: AdventHealth
  • Admission: Free and open to the community
  • Registration: Not required

Photo: Florida National News

Vendor Inquiries

For information about vendor opportunities, contact the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando at info@hispanicchamber.com or events@hispanicchamber.com.

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ALDI to Launch Seven Ready-Made Meals in October, With Single-Serve Dishes Under $8

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The refrigerated lineup includes five single-serve dishes and two family-size meals.

BATAVIA, Ill. (FNN) — ALDI will begin rolling out seven ready-made meals in select stores in early October, with single-serve dishes priced under $8 and family-size options under $15. The grocer expects the full lineup to be available nationwide by January 2027.

The collection includes five single-serve meals: beef Bolognese spaghetti, beef brisket with white mac and cheese, butter chicken and rice, a chicken burrito bowl, and chicken fettuccine Alfredo. The two family-size dishes are chicken and bacon mac and cheese and a meat lovers pizza bake.

“Our shoppers are looking for meals that fit into busy lives,” said Joan Kavanaugh, vice president of national buying for ALDI U.S. She said the company developed the lineup with shoppers’ budgets and demand for convenient meals in mind.

Price and preparation

ALDI said the single-serve meals contain 30 to 46 grams of protein each. The family-size dishes contain 16 to 22 grams per serving. The company announced price limits for the two sizes but did not list a price for each individual meal.

“We tested hundreds of recipes as we developed this collection,” said Terry Jackson, head of food at Kitchen Food Company, ALDI’s supplier for the meals. Jackson said the team focused on flavor and ingredients while developing the dishes.

The meals are refrigerated, not frozen. ALDI says the single-serve dishes can be heated in a microwave, while the family-size meals are prepared in an oven. Shoppers should follow the directions on each package.

2026 Hispanic Chamber Hola at the Park. Uptown Altamonte Springs, Florida at beautiful Cranes Roost Park Saturday, October 3, 2026 (2:00 PM – 6:00 PM) (EDT)

When and where to find them

The meals will be stocked in the refrigerated meals section near the front of ALDI stores. Availability will vary during the rollout, which begins in select markets in early October and expands through the fall. ALDI also plans to offer additional meals through its limited-time ALDI Finds assortment each month over the following year. corporate.aldi.us

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